I have a 54 cal. Thompson System 1. The max. I would shoot at game (coyote or paper) would be 300yds. Would you use a 1.75-6x35 or 2.5-8x36 scope? Thanks in advance.

Unless you' ve got a quality rangefinder and have spent a lot of time on the range there is no way you should attempt a 300 yard shot with a ML at any type of game. A typical ML can handle ranges out to 150yards without suffering from significant drop (zeroed at 100 yards).

As for the scope - I really couldn' t say.

I would go to the 2.5 - 8x36. That is some long distance shooting you want to do. Good luck.

A friend of mine has a Thompson Encore 50 x 209 with a 3.5-10 X 40 scope, and we hit a 12" X 18" steel gong at 300 yds. all day. We make a contest of it and have a blast. Try it it' s alot of fun. We have cleanly killed coyotes at that distance.

I do think his scope is a little to big that' s why I want to go with a smaller scope. Good shooting!!

Use 1.75-6X. You need short-range wide field capability MORE than long-range magnification!! 300 yards? At coyotes? Bon Chance!!

Eldeguello:

We use a 180 gr. Knight Red-Hot Bullet with 150 gr. Pyrodex Pellets @ 2300 f/s 2114 ft/lb. We are about 8.3" high at 100 yds., and about -5.8" at 300 yds. @ 1283 f/s 658 ft/lb. If you aim about 2" above of the back of a coyote you will hit it as long as you do your part. Good shooting!!

300 yds is streching it with a ML. I won' t shoot over 180 or so.
Check the T/C website for a good scope. They always have something new and can answer any questions you have.

1.5X5 would be plenty! You don' t need big magnification to hunt deer or bigger game!! AND BY ALL MEANS GET A RANGEFINDER!! Once you see what the drop is at 300 yards, I' ll bet you' ll rethink trying to shoot game that far away. If you want to do that, get a Whitworth!!

Eldeguello:

I have two range finders a Leica LRF 800 and 1200 Rangemaster, and I use them almost every weekend at the range or in the field.

I know exterior ballistics and know how to use them. Did you not see the ballistic curve I posted for you. I am very capable of taking coyotes at 300 yds. with the load I posted for you.

If you are so concerened about me shooting at coyotes at 300 yds., please send me a Whitworth Express Rifle in 458. Win Mag. Make sure it has the three leaf open sight calibrated for 100, 200, 300 yards, and don' t forget the removable front sight hood. When you plan to send it to me let me know, and I will let you know who is my favorite FFL Dealer is. Thank you, and good luck.

handloader-just a little dry humor, but did you by any chance have traing in the infantry for mortars??????the trajectory of anything powered by 150 grns. of pyrodex or equivilent at 300 yds would be awesome!!!!!!!! []