Red dot for rifle hunting?

hollowbase · Sep 25, 2020

I acquired a Model 1908 Mauser in 7x57. The bore is terrible and the barrel will be replaced and chambered in 7x57. I don't want to alter or replace the safety and I will keep the original stock. The fore end was shortened and reshaped and the stock feels good to me. Since the stock and safety won't work with a scope the gunsmith threw out the suggestion of mounting a red dot on the front receiver ring. Having used red dots I'm not against the idea, but I would like to get some input on it. Hunting conditions are typical of the west side of Oregon, I don't encounter long shots. Is this sight a viable option?

Velzey · Sep 25, 2020

They make a picatinny rail that mounts to the rear sight base. No drilling required.
they seem to work pretty well.

hollowbase · Sep 25, 2020

Velzey said:
They make a picatinny rail that mounts to the rear sight base. No drilling required.
they seem to work pretty well.

He suggested mounting with a picatinny rail, this rifle doesn't have a rear sight base so he suggested the front receiver ring. I think another option would be to mount a peep sight.

drstrangelove · Sep 25, 2020

I have a buddy with a Winchester Model 70 Safari Grade in 458 WinMag with an RMR mounted. Incredibly effective. Kicks like a ferkin mule.

hollowbase · Sep 25, 2020

drstrangelove said:
I have a buddy with a Winchester Model 70 Safari Grade in 458 WinMag with an RMR mounted. Incredibly effective. Kicks like a ferkin mule.

That's good information. That's what I'm familiar with and am leaning that way.

HaveGun · Sep 25, 2020

When I built a camping/hiking carbine for defense against threats inside of 100 yards, I mounted a red dot and it is entirely adequate for fast and accurate shots at 100 yards and under.

I tend to think a red dot is much better than a scope for a lot of hunting situations. But over here, you can go from hunting in thick dark woods with shots limited to 30 yards or less, to having to take a shot in a clear cut at 500 yards within a few minutes of walking.

2gr8dgs · Sep 25, 2020

I put a burris FF3 on my marlin 30-30. What a slick setup that was! Sadly, I stole the red dot for another project before I got a chance to hunt with it, but, I will get around to purchasing another one soon enough. I highly recommend It!

No_Regerts · Sep 25, 2020

I can routinely hit an 8 inch plate at 300 yards with a RDS with 2 MOA dot. They have a place.

Greenbug · Sep 25, 2020

I hunt coyotes with the rifle in my avatar. It is a Tikka T3 in 223 shortened to 16", I use it suppressed. I have a Trijicon RMR on it and have killed coyotes out to 200 yards with it. Very fast and effective in tight quarters, and useful out to a little farther with practice. No complaints here, I say go for it!