noob52

Went and got it today. Ended up being $379 after tax at Dick's. My initial impression is that it seems solid. doesn't rattle nearly as much as i expected for a "discount" gun. The camo pattern looks good and the overall lines of the gun are nice. I'm curious about how the securely the scope will lock up on the integrated rail, but overall i'm really happy. Now, i need to find out what it likes to eat. Any suggestions ?

It seemed like a decent idea because I'm stuck with either state land in 3p, 3m or family farm in schenectady county and the only "hunting" rifle i have is in 30 06. What kind of range is it good for ?

Dick's has a sale on for a Mossberg Trophy Hunter 500 Slug Gun in 12 gauge. $349. [table][tr][td] 12 gauge24" barrel with integral scope baseFully rifled boreDual combRealtree AP camo[/t] Any thoughts on this model?[/td][/tr][/table]

i recently got a TC Venture in 30 06, and it flat out shoots. Zeroed the scope in 6 rounds, and the first 3 shot group was .75" off of a sandbag (150gr remington corelok ammo from wally world). I'm sure it would have been tighter if not for the shooter. For $425, it can't be beat. Light weight, handles well and looks good. I could not be happier.

Thanks for the replies. West point would be cool, but I'm no longer on active duty. Still not comfortable with calling myself "former" Marine (once, always). Public land seems to be my best option. I figure that if I stay within 3p or 3m I have a better shot because I can take a doe or buck.

I was hoping that you guys and gals can give me some advice and direction regarding the upcoming season. This will be my first deer season, and I want to be certain that i do it right, not only for myself, but for all of you as well. I took the hunter ed course, got my sportsman's license, and dmp's for 3p and 3m. Now I really need some advice on the things that were not covered in the hunter ed course. While safety was stressed in the class, it was not something that I really needed, being a Marine and competitive shooter. What I really need more info on, is the actual etiquette of hunting on public land. How and when to enter the woods. What to look for, so that I don't stumble upon someone's spot, and spook the deer. Basically, I don't want to do anything stupid and ruin someone's day. Unfortunately, I don't come from a hunting family, and none of my friends hunt, so I'm going to be doing this on my own. Any help that you guys can give would really be helpful. Thanks, noob52