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penguin6 View Drop Down
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    Posted: May/11/2011 at 05:14
Had a chance to shoot some pigs north of Nacogdoches yesterday and last night and took three different rifle/scope combos.
 
1)  Trijicon 5-20 on a 7.62 auto--  Previously, I was concerned the amber dot might be too dim for practical use.  That proved not to be the case.  It was just about perfect, crisp and easy to pick up but not even approaching overpowering.  I was able to use 9-10x on the magnification under a half moon and pretty clearly see a non-lighted feeder at 146 yds, and the full range of magnification with the addition of a red light.  As an aside, I used 168gr TAP for a low shoulder shot on a sow (maybe 150 pds) at 80 yards, and she dropped in place.  There was no exit wound and the chest cavity was pretty shredded.  If anyone's shot something  bigger with one of the TAP rounds, I'd like to know how it performed.  Seemed to work pretty well on a normal-sized pig.
 
2)  Bushnell 6-24 FFP ilum mildot--  I was going to use this on a .300 Whisper single shot, but the illum at the lowest setting was overpowering in darkness and I was unable to see what I was looking at.  I could look through the scope and see a target dimly, then turn on the illum and be completely unable to see anything.  It might be okay in low light or with a red light, but I didn't want to take a chance on not being able to use the Whisper, so I left it at home.  I'll be looking for a replacement.  If anyone on this board wants it, let me know before I put it up online or trade it, and I'll make you a really good deal.  Just make sure you understand I'm getting rid of it because I don't like it.  Not trying to pass on a problem to someone else, just don't like the illum and need something I can use at night;  your requirements may be different.
 
3)  Nitrex TR2 3-15 illum on .300 Whisper--  This is the scope I had so much trouble with and had to send back in to be replaced/rebuilt several times.  It's not my favorite, but it's found a temporary home on the Whisper, which has no recoil to speak of.  I mounted a long distance red light on the scope tube, and the setup actually worked pretty well.  The red and green dots are crisp and low enough at setting 1 for night use.  With the red light, I was able to use 15X and clearly see a pig at the feeder (146 yards by rangefinder), but the animal and other things looked strangely transparent, like ghosts, an effect I don't see with my other scopes used with the same light.  It will work for now,  but I'll be looking for a replacement.  I think I'll go with just the center illuminated (unless anyone knows of a model that illuminates more of the reticle and is dim enough to use at night), FFP would be preferable but not essential, target turrets pretty much a requirement.  Another aside--this rifle is built on a TC Contender, and is incredibly quiet with the AAC 762SD I moved over from my P308.  I shot a medium-sized pig, maybe 80-90 pounds, at the feeder, and the impact of the bullet was much louder than the shot.  The pig didn't flinch, just looked around a few times and trotted into the woods.  I thought I'd missed and hit a tree behind him.  Several hours later when it was light, I followed the direction he'd gone, still thinking I'd missed, but looking for other pigs.  I found him dead about 50 yds into the woods, not a drop of blood anywhere, and I was unable to even find the entry wound until I cut out a rectangle of hide and peeled it back.  There was no exit, and I wasn't inclined to cut open a swollen, stinky hog 7 hours after the fact, so I don't know what the bullet did inside or where it ended up.
 
4)  Bushnell 4200 2.5-10 illum on Stag 8L 5.56--  I didn't have the opportunity to shoot a third time, and this one was last in line because I've used this combo at night with good results before, but I wanted to be able to see how it stacked up against the other two under the same conditions at the same time.  I really like the illum on this scope;  the graduations are great for no up to low light, but don't do much for you in daylight, which is fine.  The #4 reticle is thick, which is fine for hunting.  At the relatively close distance I was working with (146 yds)  I really couldn't tell much difference between the Trijicon and the Bushnell, except I had to stop at about 8x on the mag ring for the same view I got at 9-10x on the Trijicon, both 50mm objective.  Given the choice, I would always go with a 3-9 Accupoint over this scope, but it works fine and has been utterly reliable up to this point, both in holding zero after bouncing around in a golf cart and a tractor, and in having the illum work every time I turn it on.  I probably won't get rid of this scope, but if I have to replace it, I'll cough up a little more and get a Trijicon (or something else if my experience leads me there).
 
Questions, comments, and especially recommendations welcome and appreciated.
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lucytuma View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote lucytuma Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: May/11/2011 at 08:25
Good review, thanks!
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Kickboxer Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: May/11/2011 at 08:51
Moved to Members Reviews
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote venatic Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: May/11/2011 at 23:45
Enjoyed the review. I have the Trijicon 5-20X50 as well with the green dot CH and I found it to be an excellent day and night predator/hog scope. I found myself as the season rolled on moving it from gun to gun due to the reticle. I had mine in a LaRue AR mount and have 6 AR's of varied calibers so I think it got used on three AR's this past season. I have already decided like you that I need a 3-9X40 for my CZ that I always use at night for predator hunting due to its lightweight.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote REP Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: May/12/2011 at 01:09
Good review; you seem to have a since of uncorrupted value in your deductions. I would really like to here your opinion if you were to get a chance to field one of Leupold's new VX-R offering in like conditions as you have described.
Thanks; I enjoyed you writing.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote stickbow46 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: May/12/2011 at 09:43
Good reviews,keep us updated....Thanks
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote penguin6 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: May/12/2011 at 19:46
I'm interested in checking out one of the VX-R models.  I've read some good things about them.  I'm waiting to see some updates from Bill Wilson and some others on this board to see how they're working out.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote tejas Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: May/12/2011 at 21:45
    I use a Trijicon for hog hunting too, but mine is a 2.5-10X56, also on a .308 auto. (AR-10). I haven't tried the TAP ammo. I have used Berger VLD's though and the damage you described matches what the Bergers do. Barnes new Vortex ammo is very good for hog hunting as well.
    I've never hog hunted East Texas. If you have lots of fire breaks and roads you might try the method we use in South Texas. Throw corn on the roads and hunt them from your ATV. I think that big boars grow cautious of going to feeders over time. A dark colored pig on a light covered road stands out like a sore thumb under the full moon. You won't need any other light. Go after the lone pigs instead of the groups. The single pigs are usually boars. Good luck.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote penguin6 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: May/13/2011 at 01:21

There are some areas I could try that, sans ATV;  I'd have to walk the roads.  I've put corn out on portions of roads I could see from a treestand, but never long stretches.  Do you put piles at intervals, or run a line of corn down the middle for a long distance?  How do you avoid scaring them off with the ATV?  I'll give a walking version of your method a try;  sounds interesting.  And I'll take a look at the Barnes Vortex.  I've had good luck with the 62gr DPX in .223, so I'd be happy to try some of their stuff in .308.

Thanks.

 

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote tejas Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: May/13/2011 at 19:59
    Long straight roads are best. I just put the sack of corn on my lap and start slinging it. That way, they have to zig zag in the road to get it. Four way intersections are good too, you can sit in the middle and watch four directions. Ride you're ATV slowly and glass (use binocs) every couple hundred yards. You'll usually spot them before they hear your ATV, especially if you have some wind.  Be careful not to corn the curves or blind spots in the road or you'll spook a hog if he's in one. Also keep in mind that hogs have a great sense of smell, especially the boars. When you come to large groups of pigs avoid the temptation to shoot, unless you know one is a boar. Look for big, single pigs, or one pig thats considerably larger than the others if in a group. If you come at them from upwind, they will probably spook. When you spot one, climb off and start stalking. With a good scope, full moon and a light colored road, 200 yd shots are possible. A hundred is probably better though. Good luck, and post some pics when you get a good boar.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote penguin6 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: May/16/2011 at 12:43
Sorry, been offline for a few days and just saw your last post.  I'll give that method a try when I get a chance in the right setting.  Not in a situation where I can work with an ATV right now, but I might be able to score a golfcart for an evening and spread some corn along a road.  Sounds fun.  I appreciate the recommendation.
 
My biggest test will be to see if I can pass on a group of hogs.  Curious to see what a group will do if I shoot one with the Whisper.  Maybe they'll hang out if I get a clean drop.  The chance at a big boar sounds tempting, though, and if I can get one and figure out how to post a photo, I'll do it.  My biggest boar has been about 150 pounds so far (although I've gotten a sow that was probably double that), but I'd love to get a big one to see how the TAP and/or Accubonds perform.  I think I'll stick with the .308 for the big ones until I get a better handle on my capabilities with the Whisper.
 
Wish me luck.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Kickboxer Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: May/16/2011 at 13:34
Where north of Nacogdoches?  I grew up not far from there, attended Stephen F. Austin for a while, still pass through whenever I drive to Texas...
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote penguin6 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: May/16/2011 at 19:23
A few miles outside of Garrison.  Guy I used to work with decided to raise chickens for Tyson and bought a little farm out there.  Doing well so far and in a good hunting area.  Any other place in that area you can recommend for hogs?
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Kickboxer Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: May/16/2011 at 19:40
Diboll area is overrun with them.  If you can get in a club or find some open land around there, there are tons...
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Bigdave Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: May/16/2011 at 20:54
Either of you ever hunt near Tyler?
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote penguin6 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: May/16/2011 at 22:55
I think I remember seeing signs for Diboll on 59 on the way up.  I'll check into that.  Thanks.
 
Never been around Tyler.  Montgomery, Coldspring, Centerville, College Station, and Madisonville area.  Lots of pigs in Tyler?
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Kickboxer Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: May/18/2011 at 13:48
My sister and brother-in-law live there.  They hunt the pigs quite successfully in the area. 
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Bigdave Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: May/18/2011 at 21:13
Yeah, I have a lot of family in that area, I go up their to pig hunt. I usually get 4-5 leads on people wanting someone to kill them out of their gardens at night on any given weekend that I head that way. Town named Maydell, between Rusk and Palastine on 84.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Kickboxer Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: May/18/2011 at 21:31
Know the area well.  I used to drive to Tyler after school, from Lufkin to visit my sister then drive home and go to school the next day. 
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Bigdave Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: May/18/2011 at 22:07
How old are you Kick? if it's ok to ask. I grew up hunting the Angelina National Forest and fishing Rayburn. I lived in Baytown growing up, but I knew some guys from Lufkin back in the day from fishing, and around the "neighborhood" wear our lake cabin was.
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