Deer hunting, shotgun or M44

[Mike]

I will be deer hunting later this year, I do not have a modern hunting rifle and I won't be buying one this year. So, my options are my M44 or my Browning BPS 12 gauge with slugs.

The lack of decent safety on the M44 is a definite issue but the extra range is very appealing. Given this choice, what would you take?

[desdem12]

Where is this hunt and what kind of deer? If it is in the west and it is muley then i would take the M44.

[Mike]

Where is this hunt and what kind of deer? If it is in the west and it is muley then i would take the M44.

Missouri white- tail.

[desdem12]

In that case i would be tempted to use a shotgun. I am not to familiar with whiteys but i use a .54 bp rifle for mule deer so a shotgun should be just as good as that. I figure i am deadly out to 150 yds but i like to keep it at 120 and under. A rifled slug would do 150 i think. The M44 would do a nice job too i think but be sure and use a copper jacketed lead bullet for some good knock down power. The M44 with open sights would be good to 250-300 if your eyes are good enough.

[mogunner]

Where at in Missouri? If it's the southern half, I'd say the shotgun for sure, you're talking a max shot of 100 yards if that in most places. For the centerfire portion my buddy and I go down by Lake Wappapello, blackpowder is closer to home down near Washington State park.
If you aren't stalking, the M44 would be fine as well.

[Junk Yard Dog]

I would love to use the M44 on deer, however in this part of NY you want a rifle and it will have to be a front stuffer, otherwise shotgun only. That's why I get so many good deals on shotguns, from all the one hit wonder hunters .

[Junk Yard Dog]

Not true, I would not use the M44, I would use the M38, or M91/59 same thing but unencumbered by a bayonet.

[Rongo]

Not true, I would not use the M44, I would use the M38, or M91/59 same thing but unencumbered by a bayonet.

Another thing to consider is if the bayonet is legal to have for hunting. Around here you may not have a bayonet attached to your hunting gun. Check local regulations to ensure your compliant.

[Junk Yard Dog]

The bayonet requirement has caused more than one M44 to have it's bayonet and lug removed.

[Mike]

Where at in Missouri? If it's the southern half, I'd say the shotgun for sure, you're talking a max shot of 100 yards if that in most places. For the centerfire portion my buddy and I go down by Lake Wappapello, blackpowder is closer to home down near Washington State park.
If you aren't stalking, the M44 would be fine as well.

Farmington area, I'm hoping to do the regular season and the anterless, I have also applied to join a managed hunt early next year, that one required a modern firearm or shotgun though.

[Mike]

Not true, I would not use the M44, I would use the M38, or M91/59 same thing but unencumbered by a bayonet.

Another thing to consider is if the bayonet is legal to have for hunting. Around here you may not have a bayonet attached to your hunting gun. Check local regulations to ensure your compliant.

Hadn't thought about the bayonet, I'll check on that. I don't really want to use a 91/30, I guess I could though.

[Mike]

The bayonet requirement has caused more than one M44 to have it's bayonet and lug removed.

No worries about that, it won't happen here!

[Junk Yard Dog]

[mogunner]

What do they consider to be a "modern" firearm on the managed hunt? I haven't looked into those as I have no interest in going on one. As far as the standard season it's just center fire and "alternative methods" that lump a bunch together now, even some fancy "spear-chuckers".

[Jolly Green Chopper]

I have heard about the no bayonet rule in some states and hunting areas. Does anyone know what's behind this B.S.Regulation? Bayoneted Bambi look bad? I use my M44 but removing the bayonet is out. JGC

[desdem12]

I'm not sure how easy they think it is to hunt deer. You gonna hide behind a tree and then at the last second jump out with bayonet extended and "spear the deer"..? I have seen guys in the woods with SKSs with the bayo on so i don't think they care here. If it is a premanent fixture what are you supposed to do? Some people.

[Mike]

After some research if seems Missouri doesn't care about bayonets, I'm leaning strongly towards the M44. The shotgun only has the front bead and while I can put a slug very close to where I want it at 50 yards I haven't had any practise at longer ranges so would not feel comfortable shooting at a deer at longer ranges. I have considered putting rifle sights on the shotgun but haven't found anything I like the look of, especially considering it is primarily a clay gun and they would have to be easily removable.

Mogunner, I don't know what is considered a modern rifle but that doesn't matter, I double checked the hunt I applied for and it is shotgun only.

[mogunner]

Probably just a centerfire cartridge, no blackpowder.

I bought a Saiga in 7.62x39 to use for the centerfire portion, I have a couple of 91/30's but with these old eyes I like a scope and wasn't going to mess with a LER one at least at the present time. Bought a Traditions Canyon .50 inline blackpowder for the alternative season, that is if I ever get the chance to get out to my buddy's place to get the scope set on it, I haven't even fired it yet and had it almost two months! I know, I'm slipping...

[Junk Yard Dog]

After some research if seems Missouri doesn't care about bayonets, I'm leaning strongly towards the M44. The shotgun only has the front bead and while I can put a slug very close to where I want it at 50 yards I haven't had any practise at longer ranges so would not feel comfortable shooting at a deer at longer ranges. I have considered putting rifle sights on the shotgun but haven't found anything I like the look of, especially considering it is primarily a clay gun and they would have to be easily removable.

Mogunner, I don't know what is considered a modern rifle but that doesn't matter, I double checked the hunt I applied for and it is shotgun only.

Mossberg 500 pump 12 gauge and shoot slug, Mossberg has a seemingly endless selection of barrels, one of them is bound to have a rear sight of some sort

[Mike]

After some research if seems Missouri doesn't care about bayonets, I'm leaning strongly towards the M44. The shotgun only has the front bead and while I can put a slug very close to where I want it at 50 yards I haven't had any practise at longer ranges so would not feel comfortable shooting at a deer at longer ranges. I have considered putting rifle sights on the shotgun but haven't found anything I like the look of, especially considering it is primarily a clay gun and they would have to be easily removable.

Mogunner, I don't know what is considered a modern rifle but that doesn't matter, I double checked the hunt I applied for and it is shotgun only.

Mossberg 500 pump 12 gauge and shoot slug, Mossberg has a seemingly endless selection of barrels, one of them is bound to have a rear sight of some sort

Can't do it, I know the Mossberg is a very good and reliable shotgun, but compared to my BPS it is just plain industrial, its action is rough, it's like comparing a Jag(uar) to a Ford Escort, they are both very good at their jobs, but one is just smoother than the other.

However, a month or so ago I got the chance to play with a 30+ year old Remington 870, I put it down real fast because I didn't want to compare it to my BPS - it was NICE!