Wiley
Well-Known Member
I'm going to post a couple of videos in the "Rifles" forum concerning a rifle sling that I have been using for 20 years or so that eliminates your issue with bolt gun carry.
Pros & Cons of using an AR-15 for Deer Hunting
- Thread starter pastorofgrace
- Start date
backyardtndeer
Well-Known Member
Think Noreen makes or made these.
FLTENNHUNTER1
Well-Known Member
Not all AR's have forward assists.
LY
Well-Known Member
Mine has an 18" 6.8 ARP barrel and weighs 6.9 something pounds, I can't really remember. It really surprised me as I also weighed my Model 7 7-08 at the same time and it weighed 6.9 even I think. I didn't put any ammo in them, but this would only matter if put in a bunch of rounds. I typically only put 3 in my bolt guns and carry 2 extras, with the AR I do carry 6 just so I don't have to keep up with the spares.
As mentioned above, adjustable stock is really nice. Makes it easier to swap off with my daughter, wear layers or when hunting certain stands it comes in handy. It's also nice when carrying across your chest, you can keep the gun higher up overall and keep your hands free. With a typical sling I find myself holding the sling on my shoulder almost constantly to keep it from slipping off.
Quick follow up shots not really an issue for me until several pigs come in at once so I don't consider it a real asset.
Almost entire gun is all but rust proof and/or aluminum.
Another plus not mentioned, is that if you have multiple uppers you can easily swap uppers and thereby change calibers. You can get a .22 upper for plinking and/or small game hunting, switch for some deer hunting and switch again for varmint hunting.
Closing the bolt quietly is a pain.
As mentioned above, adjustable stock is really nice. Makes it easier to swap off with my daughter, wear layers or when hunting certain stands it comes in handy. It's also nice when carrying across your chest, you can keep the gun higher up overall and keep your hands free. With a typical sling I find myself holding the sling on my shoulder almost constantly to keep it from slipping off.
Quick follow up shots not really an issue for me until several pigs come in at once so I don't consider it a real asset.
Almost entire gun is all but rust proof and/or aluminum.
Another plus not mentioned, is that if you have multiple uppers you can easily swap uppers and thereby change calibers. You can get a .22 upper for plinking and/or small game hunting, switch for some deer hunting and switch again for varmint hunting.
Closing the bolt quietly is a pain.
I don't like those ARs. I only own them with forward assist and dust covers.
I just ease the charging handle and use the forward assist gently in the woods. Not much louder than a bolt action rifle.
Holy old thread Batman
Hunter 257W
Well-Known Member
What Ruger said plus I'm not using ANY danged semi auto, brass-scattering gun for anything except self defense.
Being a reloader I can't imagine hunting with a semi and losing my brass.
Being a reloader I can't imagine hunting with a semi and losing my brass.
Hunt 365
Well-Known Member
Yes, you CAN kill a deer with a .223. But I shot a hog and 2 deer with one and never found them. Next deer, a doe, shot perfectly, no blood trail and only found her grid searching. The .223 (5.56 NATO) was made to wound a man, not kill him. I was using expanded ammo. But I lost faith in it. And the reality is you are shooting a .22 caliber bullet. So, more power to you, but I don't like the caliber. If you're shooting an AR-10 or a larger caliber, more power to you. I have nothing against black rifles. I just don't like the .223 and think TN should've never allowed them for deer.
FLTENNHUNTER1
Well-Known Member
223 was developed in the 50's for varmint sized game.
Carlos
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- Dec 5, 2014
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Resurrected post from 2017, yet still applicable points being added.
jag1
Well-Known Member
Never shot one. I like my 35 and if I circumstances dictate my 270. I like the look and feel of the wood stock. I put off buying a synthetic stock for my duck gun but bit the bullet some years back...don't regret it. I don't like vinyl fences either
Seen a lot of deer lost with a lot of different calibers and arrows, deer are always hit perfect so it has to be the caliber or the ammo or the broad head 
, every deer we have shot with the AR has went less than 50y, had heart shot with 300wm deer run over 100y
, every deer we have shot with the AR has went less than 50y, had heart shot with 300wm deer run over 100y
It is not really a comfortable thing using an ar after using a bolt action for close to 50 years. I've had success hunting with an ar. It's alot like when I switched to using left handed guns. It's going to take a while before everything feels like it is in the right place
m.Creek
Well-Known Member
Pros .. you can get fast follow up shots. Cons ..If your using 223/556, you might lose a deer or so due to that small of a bullet.
I've used serval in the past and currently use one for calling in coyotes. Fun platform for calling predators.
I've used serval in the past and currently use one for calling in coyotes. Fun platform for calling predators.
LanceS4803
Well-Known Member
It kills me when people claim the AR is not suitable for hunting. At my last count, it comes in approximately 52 different calibers.
infoman jr.
Well-Known Member
Well i dont use them for deer hunting, but what would keep me from it is the feel. They dont feel right. I have a superbly accurate byron south r-15 expertly customized by our very own Plateau Hunter. Maybe the most accurate gun i own. It has presided over many a coyote funeral but i just prefer the feel and balance of a wood stocked bolt action for deer and coyotes
An AR is about all I hunt with anymore for rifle deer. 350 Legend is a dandy in the AR platform for deer.
