Do you remember the first centerfire rifle you fired and do you reload for that caliber today?

[Mike D Texas]

30.06 and no.

 

[QuietTexan]

30-30, I can but don't anymore.

 

[LongWalker]

M-16 A1 in basic training Army. Don't have it but I have several ARs that I reload for.

 

[Bret GRAVELINE Graveline]

Sako 222 Mag I was 5 or 6 six years old, graduated in 76 got a full time job out of high school, first rifle I bought was my own sako vixen in 222 Mag, the original barrel is gone but that rifle and caliber is still a favorite.

 

[KMLampson]

25-06, great cartridge, but don't own one.

 

[8x68s]

First year my Dad took me and my younger brothers hunting with him I was probably 14. He hadn't hunted himself for a number of years when we were little because the $$ just weren't there. I got to carry a rifle for myself on that trip and it was Dad's old (early 50's) sporterized Japanese something or other that I'm still not able to define, chambered in 300 Savage. Somewhere over the ensuing years that rifle disappeared.

My initiation to killing my first deer was on that trip and it wasn't an initiation I would wish on anyone. I came across a doe that had been shot thru the spine and was left to die. I was horrified to see her trying to crawl away from me, pulling herself by her front legs. My first deer kill was at 5' and wasn't even legal. but to me, even at that age, it was the right thing to do.

 

[C-130 Dude]

Pretty much the same here except I did it all on my own as my father was not a big hunter but a 30 ought six was my first centerfire rifle purchased and fired and yes I still reload for that same rifle today

Very cool. You gotta like the ought 6. Sweet.

 

[C-130 Dude]

Savage 99 300 Savage. Rifle was stolen out of my dads pickup 40 plus years ago. Never loaded for it.

That sucks

 

[C-130 Dude]

7mm Mauser cock on closing Fabrique Nationale, and I don't, but also feel that the 7mm Mauser might be the most underated cartridge still produced.

Great caliber. Very under rated

 

[C-130 Dude]

25-06, great cartridge, but don't own one.

Why not?

 

[C-130 Dude]

The first centerfire rifle I shot was a surplus Lee Enfield in .303 British. Military type stock and it had no recoil pad, and it still had a LOP that was too long for me. It had open sights because there was no uncomplicated way to mount a scope. That rifle left bruises every time I shot it. I did manage to kill a small, (and I mean microscopically small), whitetail buck with it at about 125yds. I could get the first shot I took with it on target, but I think my best group at 100 yards was 3". My dad started freaking out because he thought I took a doe, then he saw the tiny unicorn antler on the side that was on the ground and started laughing. I still have the rifle but I don't reload for it as the barrel is totally shot out and the Enfield action doesn't inspire confidence. I haven't shot it in years and inspired by this thread I went downstairs and dry fired it and the trigger is just terrible.

The 303 was the first rifle I hunted white tail with in ND. Kicked like a mule. Borrowed it from a friend

 

[C-130 Dude]

30/30 Win model 94 ( circa 1965) and I load for one now. By the way having a 10 year old shoot a 375 H&H just isn't wise.

I lived in Ethiopia back in 65-67. Dad was military. Got to go on hunting trip with my best friend. Pestered his dad mercifully until he caved. (My buddy's dad had asked my dad if I could shoot one of the big guns prior to the trip.) I had 3 years of experience shooting .22 so I had a dim idea of what to expect and my dad knew my experience level. But I agree, it was a calculated move and not suggesting anyone do this.

 

[buckrub30-378]

Model 600 Remington in .243 still own the gun, have dies for it, but it just sits in the safe

 

[Casimirblue]

11 or 12 yo.
303 British. I still have it. My Dad bought at Western Auto before I was on this Earth.
Shot my first deer with it. Peep Sights...................(Just a Doe)