Hunting chucks with military surplus arms.

[Adam Helmer]

I have been hunting chucks on local farms with favorite arms like the SMLEs, 98ks, Swedes and other arms with accurate handloads. I live in one of the most rural counties of PA and getting permission to hunt chucks is not a problem. Today an old farmer with 525 acres stopped by, sat on the porch and visited, and asked me to come "thin out" his chucks. Nuff said. Gil, if you read this, please come help your twin brother with all these here chucks. Forget paper targets as this farmer desires fewer chucks. "Load up" and head North before the hay gets too high.

Adam

[Gil Martin]

Adam,
As you know we started out using military surplus arms for chucks. I recall hitting one with a 215 grain .303 British round. On another occasion, I got one with an M1 Garand and softpoint bullets. Take care. All the best...
Gil

[earschplitinloudenboomer]

...chucks, rabbits, squirrels, chipmonks, 1 turkey,snakes, a rabid racoon(tested positive by state ME)...Romanian 69 .22. Don't want to start an old rant...but man if I could get it to shoot those Aguila 60 grainers!!!!!!!!!

[Cal Sibley]

I don't know about this one. It seems like a bit of overkill for a woodchuck. Most of our surplus rifles wear iron sights. I doubt that most of them are accurate enough for varmint shooting. Just one mans opinion. Best wishes.

Cal - Montreal

[Adam Helmer]

Cal,

Good to hear from you. You are correct about iron sights on old military arms. The SMLE Mk III or 98k is fine for 100 yard or less target acquisition on chucks; as is the M1911 Swiss 7.5 and Garand. I have had a few shots that connected beyond 100 yards with my Garand or Match M14. The little critters give us sport and, yes, I have missed many times to get a shot another day. Be well.

Adam