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Howa

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Category: Firearms, Bows, and Ammunition
Forum Name: Firearms
Forum Description: All makes, models and uses
URL: http://www.opticstalk.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14080
Printed Date: March/28/2024 at 08:37
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Topic: Howa
Posted By: Monster
Subject: Howa
Date Posted: December/16/2008 at 23:35
Just purchased a Howa M-1500 package deal with the green Hogue stock. The gun also comes with a Nikko Sterling 3.5-10X42 Nighteater. Wondering your opinions on this setup?



Replies:
Posted By: Big Squeeze
Date Posted: December/17/2008 at 01:54
For the bucks, the Howa is a darn good rifle. It`s basically a Weatherby Vanguard with a free floating barrel and is very accurate from the box. The Hogue stock which I have on one of my two rifles, is very grippy, is solvent and oil proof, is very rugged and weatherproof, and there are no wood nicks, dings or scratching to ever worry about while in the field. 
 
I personally, am not a big fan of the Nikko Sterling scopes. Their looks are bulky with more weight and their angled objective bells look funny imo.
 
Usually when lesser expensive package rifle and scope deals are offered at a good price, there is always cutting of the corners somewhere!
 
Maybe for your use, the Nikko scope may serve you well.
 
 


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300 WSM/375 Ruger....."All science, is truly the study of God`s wonderful work!"..."Bad news for liberals, is good news for America!".."What liberals hate, I love!".."What liberals like, I despise!"


Posted By: trigger29
Date Posted: December/17/2008 at 06:41
Originally posted by Big Squeeze Big Squeeze wrote:

For the bucks, the Howa is a darn good rifle. It`s basically a Weatherby Vanguard with a free floating barrel and is very accurate from the box. The Hogue stock which I have on one of my two rifles, is very grippy, is solvent and oil proof, is very rugged and weatherproof, and there are no wood nicks, dings or scratching to ever worry about while in the field. 
 
I personally, am not a big fan of the Nikko Sterling scopes. Their looks are bulky with more weight and their angled objective bells look funny imo.
 
Usually when lesser expensive package rifle and scope deals are offered at a good price, there is always cutting of the corners somewhere!
 
Maybe for your use, the Nikko scope may serve you well.
 
 
 
I agree with squeezer 100% Like the Howa, and the hogue. Not so much the Nikko.


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"A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed."


Posted By: martin3175
Date Posted: December/17/2008 at 07:16
it's certainly a bulky unit and optically a little lacking ( though not terrible)... Do you have a budget in mind to replace it ...or just looking for an opinion ?? Honestly-there are worse scopes out there , and better ...do you like the scope?


Posted By: geezer
Date Posted: December/17/2008 at 08:33
The most important thing that all of the Howa 1500/Weatherby Vangards that I have shot had in common - they are grouped well.  Most shot sub-inch groups @ 100 yds.  The worst shot 1 1/2 ".  Granted that this experience is gathered from only 8-10 rifles and with handloaded ammo.  The only modification that I made was to replace the factory trigger with a Timney.  Although I have no personal experience with the Nikko-Sterling line of scopes, my intuition tells me not to expect even mid-level performance from a scope that is offered in a package and the price difference is not significantly higher than purchasing the rifle alone.  The old adage is definitely true - you get what you pay for.   


Posted By: Monster
Date Posted: December/17/2008 at 14:04
Thanks for the replies. I agree 100% that you get what you pay for. Being that I am a full time student I don't have that much money to spend on my shooting and hunting hobby at this time. Maybe down the road I will put a better scope on my Howa. I think that the scope is okay but I haven't had much time behind a really good scope so I don't have much to compare it to. My other rifle has a Nikon Buckmasters scope so right now I have mostly low to mid grade optics so I haven't been spoiled by quality ones haha I'm glad everyone at least has a positive review of the Howa. I will probably put a new trigger on it in the near future


Posted By: RifleDude
Date Posted: December/17/2008 at 14:12
Welcome to OT, Monster.  A buddy of mine bought the same basic Howa / Nikko Stirling outfit in .243 for his son.  I zeroed the rifle for him before he gave it to his son.  I like the rifle a lot, and it shot pretty well, but the scope left a lot to be desired.  It had pretty poor quality optics.  It would probably be a serviceable scope for awhile if money is tight, but there are plenty of good quality, reasonably priced scopes available that I would eventually replace it with something else providing better image quality.
 


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Ted


Money can't buy happiness... but it's much more comfortable to cry in a Porsche than on a bicycle.


Posted By: Monster
Date Posted: December/17/2008 at 14:16
What are you talking reasonably priced that would be better than the Nikko?

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"Get Busy Livin' or get busy dyin'" -Red (Shawshank Redemption)


Posted By: Big Squeeze
Date Posted: December/17/2008 at 14:17
Monster!.................What part of So Cal are you in? I`m in the Yorba Linda/East Anaheim area. What ranges do you go to?

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300 WSM/375 Ruger....."All science, is truly the study of God`s wonderful work!"..."Bad news for liberals, is good news for America!".."What liberals hate, I love!".."What liberals like, I despise!"


Posted By: pyro6999
Date Posted: December/17/2008 at 14:19
Originally posted by Monster Monster wrote:

What are you talking reasonably priced that would be better than the Nikko?


thats correct


-------------
They call me "Boots"
375H&H Mag: Yeah, it kills stuff "extra dead"

343 we will never forget

God Bless Chris Ledoux
"good ride cowboy"


Posted By: supertool73
Date Posted: December/17/2008 at 14:20
$200 to $300 range will get you a real nice scope.

-------------
Lifetime warranty and excellent customer service don't mean a thing when your gun fails during a zombie attack.

"A Liberal is a person who will give away everything they don't own."


Posted By: pyro6999
Date Posted: December/17/2008 at 14:21
no doubt there team primos at $199 comes to my mind right away

-------------
They call me "Boots"
375H&H Mag: Yeah, it kills stuff "extra dead"

343 we will never forget

God Bless Chris Ledoux
"good ride cowboy"


Posted By: Monster
Date Posted: December/17/2008 at 14:22
Originally posted by Big Squeeze Big Squeeze wrote:

Monster!.................What part of So Cal are you in? I`m in the Yorba Linda/East Anaheim area. What ranges do you go to?


I live in Whittier. I usually go to Burro Canyon and I've been to Lydle Creek a couple of times. Neither one I really like but I have to go somewhere.


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"Get Busy Livin' or get busy dyin'" -Red (Shawshank Redemption)


Posted By: Monster
Date Posted: December/17/2008 at 14:25
Well like I said I got a Nikon Buckmasters 3-9X40 from this site. Spent about $200 off the sample list. Is that a good optic for the money?

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"Get Busy Livin' or get busy dyin'" -Red (Shawshank Redemption)


Posted By: pyro6999
Date Posted: December/17/2008 at 14:26
the nikon team primos for $199 on sale is even better i have a 3x9 buckmaster and the primos is way better!

-------------
They call me "Boots"
375H&H Mag: Yeah, it kills stuff "extra dead"

343 we will never forget

God Bless Chris Ledoux
"good ride cowboy"


Posted By: Monster
Date Posted: December/17/2008 at 14:30
ok ill put that in the memory banks for the next time I'm in the market for a scope thanks any other recommendations?

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"Get Busy Livin' or get busy dyin'" -Red (Shawshank Redemption)


Posted By: pyro6999
Date Posted: December/17/2008 at 14:32
bushnell elite 4200 for $289 is another excellent choice under $300, for more than $300 the sightron sII big sky is a great choice too its $355 from swfa

-------------
They call me "Boots"
375H&H Mag: Yeah, it kills stuff "extra dead"

343 we will never forget

God Bless Chris Ledoux
"good ride cowboy"


Posted By: Monster
Date Posted: December/17/2008 at 14:46
Cool thanks I'll remember next time I'm in the market for a scope 

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"Get Busy Livin' or get busy dyin'" -Red (Shawshank Redemption)


Posted By: Big Squeeze
Date Posted: December/17/2008 at 15:17
Originally posted by Monster Monster wrote:

Originally posted by Big Squeeze Big Squeeze wrote:

Monster!.................What part of So Cal are you in? I`m in the Yorba Linda/East Anaheim area. What ranges do you go to?


I live in Whittier. I usually go to Burro Canyon and I've been to Lydle Creek a couple of times. Neither one I really like but I have to go somewhere.
................Well! Well!....... Out of everyone here on this forum, you live the nearest to me. I also go to Burro and Lydle Creek. Was up at Lydle Creek last week and like Burro Canyon, they have nice metal canopys over the benches now. Not too bad! Burro still has the better benches though.
 
Last time I was at Burro, someone fired a round above the pistol targets into the brush to the right of the rifle range and damn near the whole hill went up in flames!!.....Laugh......Fire trucks, water dropping choppers soon showed up. Stuck around to watch the show! With all those units coming up, I wasn`t going down!.... 
 


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300 WSM/375 Ruger....."All science, is truly the study of God`s wonderful work!"..."Bad news for liberals, is good news for America!".."What liberals hate, I love!".."What liberals like, I despise!"


Posted By: RifleDude
Date Posted: December/17/2008 at 15:46
Originally posted by Monster Monster wrote:

What are you talking reasonably priced that would be better than the Nikko?
 
Most any name brand scope in the $150 - $300 price range would be noticeably better.  What I would call "reasonably priced" might be different from your definition, but I think the Nikon Team Primos 3-9X40 @ $200 or the Bushnell Elite 4200 3-9X40 @ $290 are both about the best values going in rifle scopes.  Both would thoroughly spank the Nikko. 
 
http://www.swfa.com/pc-9244-2119-nikon-3-9x40-team-primos-riflescope.aspx - http://www.swfa.com/pc-9244-2119-nikon-3-9x40-team-primos-riflescope.aspx
http://www.swfa.com/pc-7280-185-bushnell-3-9x40-elite-4200-rifle-scope.aspx - http://www.swfa.com/pc-7280-185-bushnell-3-9x40-elite-4200-rifle-scope.aspx
 
For that matter, the Sightron SII 3-9X42 is reportedly very good for the price as well.  I just don't happen to have any first hand experience with Sightron scopes.  However, others on this forum whose opinions I respect immensely speak highly of them, which is enough for me.
http://www.swfa.com/pc-10603-1514-sightron-3-9x42-sii-riflescope.aspx - http://www.swfa.com/pc-10603-1514-sightron-3-9x42-sii-riflescope.aspx
 
Edited to add:  As I was responding to your question, I now see that others answered the question on the following page.  Sorry to be redundant.


-------------
Ted


Money can't buy happiness... but it's much more comfortable to cry in a Porsche than on a bicycle.


Posted By: pyro6999
Date Posted: December/17/2008 at 16:07
if you had one of those special edition fat fingered key boards like i have ted, it really speeds up your ability to type faster!! i will send you one for a late christmas present!

-------------
They call me "Boots"
375H&H Mag: Yeah, it kills stuff "extra dead"

343 we will never forget

God Bless Chris Ledoux
"good ride cowboy"


Posted By: Monster
Date Posted: December/17/2008 at 16:11
Thanks for the responses guys! Big Squeeze I think I heard about that at burro canyon. DO you do any hunting?

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"Get Busy Livin' or get busy dyin'" -Red (Shawshank Redemption)


Posted By: Big Squeeze
Date Posted: December/17/2008 at 17:11
Originally posted by Monster Monster wrote:

Thanks for the responses guys! Big Squeeze I think I heard about that at burro canyon. DO you do any hunting?
.............Not as much hunting now as I have in the past. Two years ago, I nailed my last elk. I mostly do hog hunting now, but I do plan on some big bear and bison hunts in the future with maybe an African trip too (business permitting??), so that I can put my .375 Ruger to some real good use!.......
 
What cartridge did you get in the Howa?


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300 WSM/375 Ruger....."All science, is truly the study of God`s wonderful work!"..."Bad news for liberals, is good news for America!".."What liberals hate, I love!".."What liberals like, I despise!"


Posted By: Monster
Date Posted: December/17/2008 at 17:17
I got it in good ol' 308. I just got into Deer hunting and I figured it was a good cartridge for my first big game rifle.  

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"Get Busy Livin' or get busy dyin'" -Red (Shawshank Redemption)


Posted By: lucytuma
Date Posted: December/17/2008 at 17:28
Nothing wrong with the .308, it may be the most proficient round we have.

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"The democracy will cease to exist when you take away from those who are willing to work and give to those who would not." - Thomas Jefferson


Posted By: Big Squeeze
Date Posted: December/17/2008 at 17:30
Originally posted by Monster Monster wrote:

I got it in good ol' 308. I just got into Deer hunting and I figured it was a good cartridge for my first big game rifle.  
...........Did you get the 308 Howa M1500 w/22" barrel or the more compact 308 Ranchland w/20" barrel? They both have the green Hogue stocks........Yep! That`ll do just fine for some big hogs too!

-------------
300 WSM/375 Ruger....."All science, is truly the study of God`s wonderful work!"..."Bad news for liberals, is good news for America!".."What liberals hate, I love!".."What liberals like, I despise!"


Posted By: supertool73
Date Posted: December/17/2008 at 17:31
.308 is good for virtually any non-dangerous game in North America and would probably work just fine on most of them.  It is a great round.

-------------
Lifetime warranty and excellent customer service don't mean a thing when your gun fails during a zombie attack.

"A Liberal is a person who will give away everything they don't own."


Posted By: Monster
Date Posted: December/17/2008 at 17:33
It has the M-1500 with the 22" barrel. Yea hog hunting is on my list of things to do but everywhere is pretty steep if you want to go on a ranch (ex. tejon). I have thought about going to Hunter Liggett but just have not found the time.

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"Get Busy Livin' or get busy dyin'" -Red (Shawshank Redemption)


Posted By: Duce
Date Posted: December/17/2008 at 17:41
I have a Howa .308 and it is accurate out of the box, trigger is heavy and I replaced it with a Big SmileTimmey trigger.  I like the rifle and it is sub moa out of the box.
 
Duce


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Duce


Posted By: Monster
Date Posted: December/17/2008 at 17:44
Sounds like I have a lot to look forward to in this rifle minus the optic

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"Get Busy Livin' or get busy dyin'" -Red (Shawshank Redemption)


Posted By: Big Squeeze
Date Posted: December/17/2008 at 17:45
Originally posted by Monster Monster wrote:

It has the M-1500 with the 22" barrel. Yea hog hunting is on my list of things to do but everywhere is pretty steep if you want to go on a ranch (ex. tejon). I have thought about going to Hunter Liggett but just have not found the time.
.......That`s a great rifle for the bucks! You`ll enjoy it...... I go hog hunting on a super secret and restrictive 250 acre private ranch about a 90 minute drive from here. The owner and I are good friends. I just make a call and can go at anytime!
 
I will try the Grand Tejon Ranch sometime!
 
 
 
 


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300 WSM/375 Ruger....."All science, is truly the study of God`s wonderful work!"..."Bad news for liberals, is good news for America!".."What liberals hate, I love!".."What liberals like, I despise!"


Posted By: jackh
Date Posted: December/17/2008 at 17:53
i just found this package deal online today and it looks really intruiging. wish i had a grand to blow on a rifle right now, but i already did on my 6.8 :(. ill start saving though, id really like to get into tactical bolt guns


Posted By: Monster
Date Posted: December/17/2008 at 17:53
haha don't bother if you have a good spot. Im jealous of your set up. Eventually I hope to find my own secretive spot. 

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"Get Busy Livin' or get busy dyin'" -Red (Shawshank Redemption)


Posted By: jackh
Date Posted: December/17/2008 at 17:54
yall have hogs in cali?? i didn't even know anyone hunted in cali lol


Posted By: Monster
Date Posted: December/17/2008 at 18:07
haha yea we do not have much to hunt (at least the places in so cal that I have been) but its better than nothing. Jackh what part of Texas you live in?

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"Get Busy Livin' or get busy dyin'" -Red (Shawshank Redemption)


Posted By: rifle looney
Date Posted: December/17/2008 at 18:39
Hey monster, hi I live pretty close to you there in whit. just wanted to say thats a nice rig you got .308 all you need.save up some $$$ and go hunting dude.CoolCoolCoolCool

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Posted By: Monster
Date Posted: December/17/2008 at 18:42
Thanks Looney you live close huh? Do I know you?Bucky

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"Get Busy Livin' or get busy dyin'" -Red (Shawshank Redemption)


Posted By: rifle looney
Date Posted: December/17/2008 at 18:48
dont know your your pic is not real clear, and the sunglasses cover your face,but the terrain you are in looks real familiar .

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Posted By: Monster
Date Posted: December/17/2008 at 18:49
Want directions?

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"Get Busy Livin' or get busy dyin'" -Red (Shawshank Redemption)


Posted By: rifle looney
Date Posted: December/17/2008 at 18:55
Well wouldnt want you to give away your secret spot . heaven knows I gave away all mine.
 really I did no joking. burro canyon yuk!Thumbs Down


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Posted By: Monster
Date Posted: December/17/2008 at 20:25
Well the pic is from the most infamous desert in California heck its even a National Preserve how more famous can you get (sarcastic by the way).


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"Get Busy Livin' or get busy dyin'" -Red (Shawshank Redemption)


Posted By: Steelbenz
Date Posted: December/17/2008 at 20:29
Is the San Gabriel valley gun club still in operation out there?
By the way, I was born at Whittier Presbyterian hospital. Don't know if that's still there either.   


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"Don't argue with a fool! From a distance you can't really tell who's who!"


Posted By: Steelbenz
Date Posted: December/17/2008 at 20:30
I remember what we used to call Lydle Creek when I lived out there.   Viet Nam Creek on the weekends.

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"Don't argue with a fool! From a distance you can't really tell who's who!"


Posted By: rifle looney
Date Posted: December/17/2008 at 20:32
You want sarcastic, why are you hunting in DIANNE FEINSTEINS BACK YARD?Loco

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Posted By: Monster
Date Posted: December/17/2008 at 20:35
No the San Gabriel Valley gun club is not open anymore. Whittier Pres. is still here. 

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"Get Busy Livin' or get busy dyin'" -Red (Shawshank Redemption)


Posted By: Steelbenz
Date Posted: December/17/2008 at 20:35
Learned to shoot at that gun club

edited for spelling police.



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"Don't argue with a fool! From a distance you can't really tell who's who!"


Posted By: Steelbenz
Date Posted: December/17/2008 at 20:36
used to road race motorcycles on turnbull canyon.  Don't tell my son though!!!

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"Don't argue with a fool! From a distance you can't really tell who's who!"


Posted By: Monster
Date Posted: December/17/2008 at 20:40
Haha yep good ol' turnbull many creepy stories about that place

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"Get Busy Livin' or get busy dyin'" -Red (Shawshank Redemption)


Posted By: Steelbenz
Date Posted: December/17/2008 at 20:44
It hasn't changed much then!!!   LOL

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"Don't argue with a fool! From a distance you can't really tell who's who!"


Posted By: Steelbenz
Date Posted: December/17/2008 at 20:45
It's been 30 years!!!

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"Don't argue with a fool! From a distance you can't really tell who's who!"


Posted By: pyro6999
Date Posted: December/17/2008 at 20:47
what did dinosaurs look like?

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They call me "Boots"
375H&H Mag: Yeah, it kills stuff "extra dead"

343 we will never forget

God Bless Chris Ledoux
"good ride cowboy"


Posted By: Steelbenz
Date Posted: December/17/2008 at 20:48
I'm not that old Hunter, we have to ask ED!!!   Roll on Floor Laughing

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"Don't argue with a fool! From a distance you can't really tell who's who!"


Posted By: pyro6999
Date Posted: December/17/2008 at 20:55
your older than i am, so technically i am bound by the contract i signed earlier this year to harass people who are older than me whenever they need it. and it just so happens that you qualify CONGRATS!!!

so what did dirt look like when it was new??
were adam and eve cool to hang out with?
you are old enough to be my dad, so yeah that makes you old!


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They call me "Boots"
375H&H Mag: Yeah, it kills stuff "extra dead"

343 we will never forget

God Bless Chris Ledoux
"good ride cowboy"


Posted By: Steelbenz
Date Posted: December/17/2008 at 20:57
Eve was a Looker.  But Adam was as sharp as a bowling ball.  Alas he should have asked for a dog!!!   LOL 

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"Don't argue with a fool! From a distance you can't really tell who's who!"


Posted By: pyro6999
Date Posted: December/17/2008 at 20:59
Roll on Floor Laughing


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They call me "Boots"
375H&H Mag: Yeah, it kills stuff "extra dead"

343 we will never forget

God Bless Chris Ledoux
"good ride cowboy"


Posted By: Monster
Date Posted: December/17/2008 at 21:09
Get Your Popcorn Ready


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"Get Busy Livin' or get busy dyin'" -Red (Shawshank Redemption)


Posted By: Steelbenz
Date Posted: December/17/2008 at 21:11
Sorry for the High Jack!!! Monster

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"Don't argue with a fool! From a distance you can't really tell who's who!"


Posted By: Monster
Date Posted: December/17/2008 at 21:13
haha no I was entertained at that conversation no worries

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"Get Busy Livin' or get busy dyin'" -Red (Shawshank Redemption)


Posted By: pyro6999
Date Posted: December/17/2008 at 21:13
i thought it was funny!

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They call me "Boots"
375H&H Mag: Yeah, it kills stuff "extra dead"

343 we will never forget

God Bless Chris Ledoux
"good ride cowboy"


Posted By: jackh
Date Posted: December/17/2008 at 21:21
Originally posted by rifle looney rifle looney wrote:

Hey monster, hi I live pretty close to you there in whit. just wanted to say thats a nice rig you got .308 all you need.save up some $$$ and go hunting dude.CoolCoolCoolCool
 
live in houston, got a ranch in central texas. pretty good deer and hogs when theres water. its been a pretty dry like 10 yrs lol


Posted By: Monster
Date Posted: December/17/2008 at 21:27
Originally posted by jackh jackh wrote:

live in houston, got a ranch in central texas. pretty good deer and hogs when theres water. its been a pretty dry like 10 yrs lol


I have family that lives in Magnolia and the Woodlands. I plan on moving out there in a couple of years after I finish school. Look forward to hunting out there.


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"Get Busy Livin' or get busy dyin'" -Red (Shawshank Redemption)


Posted By: rifle looney
Date Posted: December/17/2008 at 21:57
Monster what are studying in school? and where? TEXAS


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Posted By: jackh
Date Posted: December/17/2008 at 22:26
Originally posted by Monster Monster wrote:

Originally posted by jackh jackh wrote:

live in houston, got a ranch in central texas. pretty good deer and hogs when theres water. its been a pretty dry like 10 yrs lol


I have family that lives in Magnolia and the Woodlands. I plan on moving out there in a couple of years after I finish school. Look forward to hunting out there.
 
when you do get out here, dont miss out on a chance to take some south texas whitetail


Posted By: pyro6999
Date Posted: December/17/2008 at 22:28
i wanna shoot hogs and coyotes and bobcats

-------------
They call me "Boots"
375H&H Mag: Yeah, it kills stuff "extra dead"

343 we will never forget

God Bless Chris Ledoux
"good ride cowboy"


Posted By: rifle looney
Date Posted: December/17/2008 at 22:32
If you are just going to go and shoot things I would like to tag along..Yippee

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Posted By: pyro6999
Date Posted: December/17/2008 at 22:33
thats what i would do, i want action and lots of it, i could kill hogs every day all year long

-------------
They call me "Boots"
375H&H Mag: Yeah, it kills stuff "extra dead"

343 we will never forget

God Bless Chris Ledoux
"good ride cowboy"


Posted By: jackh
Date Posted: December/17/2008 at 23:05
please come down here then. there on our neighboors place, only a matter of time before they start tearin the sh*t out of our place


Posted By: rifle looney
Date Posted: December/17/2008 at 23:07
address please.

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Posted By: Monster
Date Posted: December/17/2008 at 23:09
jackh any bird hunting out there? Visited my family a couple times but never met up with any hunters to discuss hunting.

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"Get Busy Livin' or get busy dyin'" -Red (Shawshank Redemption)



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