Daughter's rifle dilemma

[rambling raven]

First I will start by admitting my daughter out shoots me with everything other than a shotgun and I am sure that will come soon. She seems to have a natural ability a little sharper than my aging eyes. She has been shooting my wife's 30-06 for a big game rifle which was fine until they drew the same moose tag for next fall - 2 tags and one rifle - Nice dilemma to have - Better get her started on something else before her first spring bear hunt.

So we dig the old 270 out of the safe to see how she likes that - Might as well let her use it if she likes it since I haven't hunted with it in years. Happen to have a set of test reloads that have been waiting to be tried for quite some time. 40 degrees and sunny in Fairbanks, new targets printed off the internet, school is out at 2:15, sounds good to me.

While she blazes with the 22 as a stress reliever after a day of school I make sure the old gun still shoots and test the reloads. I shoot from a lead sled and am happy with my performance and determine that the mid powder charge is the one the rifle likes the best. Lots of fun to shoot again.

Now it my daughters turn - I remove the lead sled with the explanation I want to be sure she can handle the recoil since this rifle has no muzzle brake like the 30-06 she has been shooting (She barely breaks 100 pounds). She uses a sleeping bag for a rest and shoots a 3 shot group with the reloads of choice - She looks at me and smiles with that what's your problem smile she has. OK - I know it wasn't sighted in right - 1 click to the left ad I think I have lost another rifle.

[akpolaris]

So how did she do with the 53 gr load which looks the tightest from your shooting??

[AKArcher]

Awesome...

That is.... A proud dad moment right there!

[LuJon]

And a welcome delima no doubt. I still have a couple years before my little rifle collection gets pilfered I think but it won't be long I am sure.

[rambling raven]

So how did she do with the 53 gr load which looks the tightest from your shooting??

The 53 grain load is what I had her shoot with since it was my best group. She confirmed my choice of loads.
Bullets were Speer #1465 - 130 Grain Grand Slam SP-Soft Point

[Ak River Rat]

That is just wrong

I feel old. You could have done us a favor and coughed or something so at least one bullet was off the mark. I'm not sure I could shoot that good from 25 yards.
Good job to both of you.
ARR

[Toddler]

What I think all of you are failing to realize is the OP's dilemma.

It is not about loosing a rifle or his daughter shooting better than him. The problem is very clear ... He is now going to have to physically carry more game out of the woods, and like most guys (me included) the prospect of strapping another moose to your back has a limited appeal. roud: I clearly recognize the work comes with a huge upside and I like all of you would be proud. That is why he called it a dilemma.

Just my nickel
Drew

[Smokey]

Nice to have the kids interested in what Dad enjoys for sure. She is a very good shot and I wish you many years of companionship afield with your "gals"
Thanks for sharing....

[Bill S.]

I FULLY understand your dilemma! Congratulations on having a daughter that is obvioiusly an excellent shot. Mine was on the high school rifle team all four years, graduating this May. Needless to say, she also shoots well. And I agree with Drew, now the dilemma is having to haul more game out fo the field, both your dilemmas are good ones to have!

[stid2677]

RR, Congrats to you both on some fine shooting. I can't think of a much better way to lose a rifle than to have it claimed by the next generation. The way that young lady is shooting I'm sure your meat house will get a lot of use this fall. I can commiserate with you on your lost rifle as Flor has laid claim to a couple of mine as well. Cherish these days that you get to spend time with her, they pass us by oh so fast Sir.

Steve

[strangerinastrangeland]

Way cool for your daughter!! Most excellent father "Skills" too

I actually gave up a nice Polytec in 7.62X39 to the 11th B-day daughter Mary last night.......3 girls down, 2 to go, and thank God the boys are buying their own now

[rambling raven]

I FULLY understand your dilemma! Congratulations on having a daughter that is obvioiusly an excellent shot. Mine was on the high school rifle team all four years, graduating this May. Needless to say, she also shoots well. And I agree with Drew, now the dilemma is having to haul more game out fo the field, both your dilemmas are good ones to have!

I have 2 shooting on the high school rifle team - They shoot both small bore and air in Fairbanks - Those were some cool guns we "had" to buy. What a great sport - it has been a lot of fun for us.

[rambling raven]

Thanks for the replies - She is one cool kid and I catch myself bragging about her now and then! What do you think - does this gun match the kid? (That's important for a girl you know) Started out as Grandpa's hunting rifle - Pre 64 Winchester Mod 70 - 270 featherweight which I beat to death in the Alaska bushes. Sold the old beat up wood stock for enough to put a new glass stock on, refinished with a weather resistant finish. Leupold Vari X III 3.5x10x50 scope, new sling and as good as new. Seems to still shoot ok. I know- I ruined the "collectors value" but this one will never leave the family.

[Snowwolfe]

And people think there is not an art to shooting off the bench Your daughter has mastered something I been trying to do for years. Congrats to her!

[.338WM]

I think that rifle is a lousy match for your girl and I would gladly take it off your hands !

Seriously though, I cannot imagine a more appropriate and good looking rifle for her to use. It would appear you may not be pulling a trigger this fall if/when both of your ladies score on moose, unless you want to pack three moose.

Well done !