Got some money to burn, what would you chose? New bow or new rifle?

Sbarkowski

Sbarkowski

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Got some money saved up for "something". I've been wanting a Marlin 336BL in .30-30 for a while now to use as a bush gun. This deer season I found myself in thick forest more than open fields and the scoped T3 would have been less than adequate if something had actually come out. The Marlin 336BL looked to be the perfect gun for this but a friend of mine has me seriously considering a compound bow. I've never shot one but I've always been interested in them especially because it greatly extends my hunting season. For those of you who picked up bow hunting do you think it was worth it? Or do you normally stick to your guns?
 
I use both... The way the seasons work here, I am able to get out in the early archery season with my Excalibur ExoMax crossbow & I switch to a rifle during the rifle season. I can then switch back to bow for the late season.

So, for me, having a bow simply extends the amount of time I can be in the field...

As for which one you buy, it sounds like you need both!

Cheers
Jay
 
I've got time. Hunting season is done for me. I won't be using either to take an animal until next year. Just target shooting until then. The problem is I'm not entirely sure I'm going to like bow hunting. I'd hate to waste money on something and have to turn around and sell it at a loss. I'd like to try it out first but from what I understand bows need to be setup for the user, so borrowing one to use really isn't an option. Plus I do love my guns lol.. decisions decisions.
 
blasted_saber said:
I wouldnt get a bow unless you have significant time to put into practicing, and the patience to wait for the perfect shot.
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Agreed, unless you're able/willing to use a crossbow. Then you can sight it in & do 'some' practising and go hunting.

But I agree, if you pick up either a long bow or a compound bow, you will have to practice a bunch!

Cheers
Jay
 
blasted_saber said:
I wouldnt get a bow unless you have significant time to put into practicing, and the patience to wait for the perfect shot.
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Putting in time to practice won't be an issue. I won't shoot at an animal unless I'm confident in my ability to take it cleanly. Patience on the other hand, is in short supply lol. I get buck, doe, grouse, rabbit, goose fever pretty easily. Probablly one of the reasons I enjoy hunting in the first place.
 
Hmm.. haven't really considered a crossbow. They always looked cumbersome to try and maneuver through the bush with but that should be a fairly smooth transition from rifle. Thanks for the suggestion.
 
Screw the bow stick with the rifles, shotguns and muzzleloaders. I was pondering the idea too but I just don't like the idea of being in the field and seeing the buck of my dreams stroll by at 100 yards and I can't do nothing about it ( happened to my dad, he spent all rifle season looking for that deer). At least with a rifle I can reach out and touch it. To each his own though.
Cheers
Geoff
 
It really depends on what part of the country your from and what your tag allotments are. Here in Manitoba we were able to purchase a tag for each season up until this year when they cut it back to one general tag. When you could hunt each season seperately I bowhunted, but now that it's one tag only I'd hate to shoot a deer with my bow in September and then sit out the rest of the season. Don't get me wrong it's not that I'm a game hog, I couldn't care less if I fill all my tags I just like to hunt and spend time in the woods. Bowhunting will make you a far better hunter by it's nature. I find myself setting up all my rifle stands as if I was bowhunting. So to answer your question, save some more and buy them both!
 
Like I said, I have time. Both may be the option then I'll have the choice and extend the season if rifle does not work out. Just need to convince the wife of that :). Ontario is the same, 1 tag. With the purchase of a license you can take a buck. You have to enter the draw for the doe tag but then you have the option of taking 1 of either. Not to concerned about tagging out early. I'd be ok with that, leaves me the rest of the year to focus on small game. Lately around here it's still pretty warm by opening of bow season. I think I'd use it more for if I don't tag out during rifle. At least that means it's not a complete loss and gives me a second chance. Hunting gets expensive and as much I enjoy the experience I don't enjoy coming away empty handed. Thanks for all the suggestions.
 
the spank said:
For me it has to go BANG!!! ;):cool:.......not TWANG :bump:

That's why it's called Canadiangunnutz........not canadiantwangthang........more BANG....less TWANG :p
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lol yeah, I was expecting some bias opinions considering its a GUN forum but I dont like the other forum I use too much. Every time you ask a question you just end up with a smart ass reply. The majority of the people here don't seem to be like that.
 
Sbarkowski said:
lol yeah, I was expecting some bias opinions considering its a GUN forum but I dont like the other forum I use too much. Every time you ask a question you just end up with a smart ass reply. The majority of the people here don't seem to be like that.
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I sure didn't mean for it to be a bias or smart ass comment, just having a bit of a laugh........:)
 
I do need to look into reloading. Buying factory ammo is costing me a fortune. I've also been looking into the Marlin 1895SBL in 45-70, but it's about 400 more than the 336BL. Beautiful gun though and should be more than enough for anything I'll ever be hunting.

This isn't working out as planned. I started off looking to get either a bow or a 30-30 lever. Now I've come to the conclusion I should probablly get the .30-30 and a crossbow. Now its a 45-70 and a crossbow. My wife is going to divorce me.. oh well, at least she can't take my guns :p
 
Sbarkowski said:
I do need to look into reloading. Buying factory ammo is costing me a fortune. I've also been looking into the Marlin 1895SBL in 45-70, but it's about 400 more than the 336BL. Beautiful gun though and should be more than enough for anything I'll ever be hunting.

This isn't working out as planned. I started off looking to get either a bow or a 30-30 lever. Now I've come to the conclusion I should probablly get the .30-30 and a crossbow. Now its a 45-70 and a crossbow. My wife is going to divorce me.. oh well, at least she can't take my guns :p
Click to expand...

I started reloading for my 22-250 this past fall. I gave up! It is so time consuming compared to shotshell reloading that I felt the savings were not worth the time I was putting in......just my .02 worth!
 
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