Originally Posted by
Adrian J Hare
Well, the first thing I have to say is that you have set your expectations very high for a starter in the sport. To advise you or direct you in gear is going to be very hard as everything you say your going to hunt and the areas tend to change and so will your hunting gear.
Your firearm of choice is fine the 270WSM is a great calibur but as said the ammo is not cheap. With that being said since I've owned one my shooting as changed a great deal and one shot kills tend to be more frequent. I would have to agree also with the change in levels of such gun, seems someone has directed you to ther highest price level and for what its worth the lower levels will shoot every bit if not better then that high priced gun.
Scopes are the same as guns, some are high priced in which they work great, but other low level scopes in the Middle of the field will work just fine. Up grading down the road is part of the fun of hunting and shooting.
Being from Canada myself and a hunter that hunts all sorts of different game from Moose to bear to turkeys and predators, one of the tools of the trade I use alot is Binoculars and I will say that a good set is the best way to go, as I have gone through a lot of pairs and settled with a higher priced pair that has saved the replacement buying of them.
Clothing is another field that needs to be touched but we have hot weather and darn well cold weather and the same clothing is just not going to be cutting it. You will need light camo, and some warmer stuff for the cold mornings.
There is so much to try and explain I would be hear all day. I would just do alot of reading and unstand the different situations the guys here and other types of hunting get into and what they have and use. Another great way is to visit sporting shows and talk to some of the guys that work booths and do seminars, they have been there and can also give you ideas of what may and may and may not work for you...
Hope that helps a little
Thanks it does help, but again price isnt a big deal and I've always been a fan of browning's guns its not my first time shooting I've been shooting quite a while with friends and family but I am new to hunting im going to stick with the xbolt it feels nice in my hands and its nice and light. the action is short and quick and because of the new trigger and the cartridge is fed in direct alignment with the bolt rather than offset, therefor making a lighter and more reliable gun due to less moving parts. It has what I am looking for I'm not set on the model though, its between the stainless stalker and the white gold medallion I figured I could go with the white gold medallion because I like the look and I take good care of everything I own so I could make it last if I was a little more careless then the stainless stalker would be my best bet.
As far as scopes go I did a little bit of research and I like the leupold vx-3. I was interested in the vx-r but the fact that it is battery operated and all you get is a little red dot, doesnt do it for me its something I dont need so I will stick with the regular vx-3.
And for clothes I dont think I'm going to need any winter camo here in Manitoba we have the highest temperature fluctuations between -40C and 40C chances are if it drops below -20C im not going hunting and seeing as deer season is more towards fall I will need light and waterproof gear.
But I thank you all for the advice and I will be sure to go to some local retailers and ask some of the experts and get some more opinions from friends and family.