I’m not new to airguns, but I know nothing about big bore airguns. In Louisiana they finally made it legal to hunt deer with airguns, so I’m considering getting a .457 cal, but I’m looking for recommendations. If I do purchase something, I want it to be accurate and durable. What would be some recommendations that would fit the bill?
N/A .457 options
- Thread starter Lecompte
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Bulldog 457. Cheplicki does a great review on it. I actually have that exact one due at my house tomorrow. 3 solid shots and a magazine to do so with.
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Make a list of desirable attributes such as manufacturer's accuracy history, power level, magazine feed or single load, semi auto, overall length, loaded weight, style, State laws regarding use and power levels, etc. Look around forum for negative feedback and "required" upgrades and "fixes" to certain manufacturer's. With a narrowed list, don't forget to look at YouTube videos to see how each stack up too. Also on that list, that most don't think too much about until the rabbit hole happens is "buy once, cry once."
The newest 45 to the show is the semi auto Western Rattler 45 and Rattler Long Strike. The Rattler 45 has been getting good reviews, and very little issues with the semi-auto function in any Rattler caliber. I put another 50+ slugs through mine tonight. My Rattler Long Strike is a consistent 2 moa shooter at 405-420 pfe. The twist rate likes a decent weight and longer length of slug.
The newest 45 to the show is the semi auto Western Rattler 45 and Rattler Long Strike. The Rattler 45 has been getting good reviews, and very little issues with the semi-auto function in any Rattler caliber. I put another 50+ slugs through mine tonight. My Rattler Long Strike is a consistent 2 moa shooter at 405-420 pfe. The twist rate likes a decent weight and longer length of slug.
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I second the Netvor! I like shooting lighter slugs faster. Changed the reg and up the 285gr zans at 850fps now. You won’t be disappointed. Tony @Talon Tunes can set you up!
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Depends on where and how you hunt. Where I live it is primarily mule deer country and sitting in Tree stand is not so productive.
I would prefer a light gun that allows me to cover some ground and do some spot and stalking. That eliminates many fo the multi shot guns. The Bushbucks are great and very accurate but are veritable boat anchors. I cannot speak to the Western 45 version of the Rattler, but I had a 357 and it was pretty danged heavy.
I am reconsidering a big bore and the Texan seems the next roll of the dice.
I would prefer a light gun that allows me to cover some ground and do some spot and stalking. That eliminates many fo the multi shot guns. The Bushbucks are great and very accurate but are veritable boat anchors. I cannot speak to the Western 45 version of the Rattler, but I had a 357 and it was pretty danged heavy.
I am reconsidering a big bore and the Texan seems the next roll of the dice.
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i've got a texan CF TX2 .457 carbine, topped with a 4-14 athlon scope, it is my go to gun for carrying around the missouri bluffs. it is a little heavy, but ultra dependable. i have a sam yang 909s .457 as well, and its a bit lighter, but more of a 50y gun, where the texan is plenty accurate and powerful enough to reach 100-150y for a whitetail, for me, easily.
the newer multi shots would be tempting if i was buying a new gun today, but the old single shots are still great - plenty of deer harvested with a texan or sam yang over the years!
the newer multi shots would be tempting if i was buying a new gun today, but the old single shots are still great - plenty of deer harvested with a texan or sam yang over the years!
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How about an AEA Element Max in .457? This is mine in .510, but the .457 is identical. Weighs just under 7# as it sits with the Leupold VX3 1.5x5, 36.5" long, shoots in the 475 - 500 ft-lb range (.457 may be slightly less FPE), and after sighting in will shoot 3 untethered shots less than 1" at 50 yards (lower right 50 yard target is three 310 grain slugs after sighting in).
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I had only these... Now i have more options, but I have no Netovor at the moment
I ordered some and maybe end of January I will have againUpvote 0
@Lecompte Off of the top of my head: the Western Airguns Rattler .45, Benjamin Bulldog .457, Airforce Texan .457, Hatsan Piledriver .457, Western Airguns Bushbuck .45, and Seneca 909 can be looked up and you can all of them used in various videos of taking deer online. I’m not sure that the Western Airguns are .457. I think they may be chambered in .452 caliber. I think the Bushbuck and Bulldog would be the most durable of the bunch. That’s based on my experience with the Bulldog platform and what I’ve read of the Bushbuck (there is a long and carbine version).
The AGT Netvor is new and I’ve been waiting to see someone hunt with it. In my opinion it hasn’t been around long enough to know how it performs, what issues it has, or how it will hold up in the field.
Which gun would be right for you depends upon how you hunt deer. I like to be on the ground walking and posting up. So for me lighter and moderately short rifles work well. If you’re in a stand then you may not mind the long guns like the Bushbuck, Piledriver, Rattler Longstrike, or standard Texan.
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Serpent Arms has a nice 45, I have the shotgun, but considering the 45 as a not so long or heavy option to my pole vaulting length Piledriver.
Made in USA even. https://www.serpentarms.com/product-page/model-550l-45-cal-air-rifle
Made in USA even. https://www.serpentarms.com/product-page/model-550l-45-cal-air-rifle
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