Howdy from Southeast Georgia
Greetings. I am a Paramedic by profession. I have been in the public safety field (Fire, EMS, Corrections) for 30+ years, been a Paramedic for 24 of them. I am also a veteran of the United States Air Force, where I was a Fire Protection Specialist. I am a moderate to avid shooter/hunter. I had gotten out of hunting for a few years due to having to sell of hunting rifles due to financial problems, but came back. I had build my first 5.56/.223. I was then invited to begin deer hunting again. I had only the AR to hunt with. Was gonna give it a go this season. I had 2 deer walk out, but no shot, due to being in some briar-type bushes. I know a .223 needs a completely clear field of fire, free from any possible deflections to have any attempt at harvesting deer. When these 2 animals didn't present that clear shot, I knew something had to give. I then traded even, that 16" AR15 with .223 Wylde 1:8 twist HBAR (that cost me only $484 to build) to a buddy of mine for a Model 10 .308, with AccuTrigger and 24" Sporter barrel, that included a bipod and 6-24X44 scope. He was looking for another AR to get his 10 year old son into AR shooting. I may be looking at inaccurate data, but, it appears that my buddy and I both broke about even on this trade, financially. My buddy said it was zeroed at 300 yards. 4 days later, took it hunting. Got in the woods at 5:45 am, sunrise was at 7:03, pulled the trigger on a doe at about 75 yards, put a 150 grain BTHP in her chest. She ran about 50 yards, then went down.
This is my first Savage, but it won't be my last. I'm wanting to go with a 7mm-08 next, or .338 Lapua. But, I'm looking at a threaded barrel, in the event that the HPA passes and I can add a suppressor without jumping through all those expensive hoops.
That's about all I got. If there's more that any of you would like to know, feel free to ask away.
