Hunting cottontail without scope
- Thread starter Asgf
- Start date
depending on where you are hunting irons may even be better than a scope. If im in thick bush which is usually the case, a scope may be a hindrance. But in open field the scope gets the nod. bunnies are quick its easier getting on target with the irons im my opinion.
erikyaremkewich
Member
- Location
- Squamish, BC
I’ve used a savage 29 pump action in .22 short that I borrowed from my uncle quite successfully as a kid. It also took its fair share of rats
Small game is where I get to play.
So I routinely use firearms without optics.
The older and or weirder the better.
I have a near 100 yr old cooey 39 that hammers rabbits (vancouver island is overrun with eastern cottontail, no season, no bag limit) and my new-to-me 9mm flobert is 8 for 8 on grouse this season.
Would love a small bore flint lock for small game. .32 maybe.
So I routinely use firearms without optics.
The older and or weirder the better.
I have a near 100 yr old cooey 39 that hammers rabbits (vancouver island is overrun with eastern cottontail, no season, no bag limit) and my new-to-me 9mm flobert is 8 for 8 on grouse this season.
Would love a small bore flint lock for small game. .32 maybe.
sillymike
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
Beat me to it... I've shot my share of hare and grouse using a 22lr with open sights... but nowadays, if the sun is bright I'll knock down empty hulls at 20y... but to do so in the forest, I'd need glasses to see the sights, which means I'd lose the target...
Oh hellya ,
My start was with a brand new Cooey 600 and about 10yr later my go - to , ( and still is today ) , a Stevens 87C both iron sighted.
I've since retired my Cooey , scoped it for the range and that's the only time where I liked the scope .
Scopes will useful for those who hunt in more open areas for squirrel , groundhog , thats a whole different hunt .
. A scope restricts your overall view of that quick moment when they bust out if thier hideyhole . Especially in that denser brush 'n tangle where those critters like to hang out , your really going to need to see that bigger picture. so to speak.
Worried about accuracy ? Start plinking more , have some fun ...that's all there is to it.
My start was with a brand new Cooey 600 and about 10yr later my go - to , ( and still is today ) , a Stevens 87C both iron sighted.
I've since retired my Cooey , scoped it for the range and that's the only time where I liked the scope .
Scopes will useful for those who hunt in more open areas for squirrel , groundhog , thats a whole different hunt .
. A scope restricts your overall view of that quick moment when they bust out if thier hideyhole . Especially in that denser brush 'n tangle where those critters like to hang out , your really going to need to see that bigger picture. so to speak.
Worried about accuracy ? Start plinking more , have some fun ...that's all there is to it.
Attachments
I used to do it all the time as a youngster with my cooey model 75 single shot. I can't recall having to take very far shots at all. Like 10 yards typically. Harder to hit exactly where you want at 50 yards, but you can sure hit them at 50.
