GUNS
The Right Firepower for Your Hunt
Precision and Reliability in the Wild
We understand that many hunters are curious about the firearms we use on our hunts. At Bitterroot Outfitters, we believe that having the right gun is crucial for a successful and ethical hunt. Our expert guides use a selection of top-quality rifles, chosen for their precision, reliability, and suitability for the rugged terrains of Idaho’s wilderness. Whether you’re hunting elk, mule deer, or predators, we ensure that both our guides and our clients are equipped with firearms that maximize accuracy and effectiveness.
Rifles
We typically use high-caliber rifles, such as .300 Win Mag and .30-06, which are ideal for the larger game found in our hunting areas.
Optics
Quality scopes are essential, especially in the varied and often challenging visibility conditions of the mountains. We recommend and use scopes with strong magnification and durability.
Ammunition
We emphasize the use of premium-grade ammunition that ensures consistent performance, which is critical for making clean, ethical shots.
Feel free to ask any specific questions about the firearms and equipment we recommend or use on our hunts. We’re here to ensure you’re fully prepared for your adventure in the wilderness.
Sighting in Rifles
First of all, the object here is not to assume that everyone knows how to sight in their rifles. There are many new hunters and shooters every day. When we go to the rifle range, we all want to be able to hit the paper target at least. Whenever you buy a rifle or a new scope, at least have it bore-sighted. This is the first step to properly getting the bullet to hit the paper.
Now you will have to decide at what distance you want it sighted in at. Most hunters use the 1 1/2" high at 100 yards, which will put you roughly at the zero at 200 yards. But with the 200-yard zero, you will still have to estimate distances in unfamiliar terrain. A much better way is to sight your rifle in to give you the longest point-blank or dead-on hold that is possible without shooting too high at the mid-range point. With most high powered rifles and bullets, this means 3" high at 100 yards.
Unlike a target shooter who knows exactly how far his target is, you do not have to be too concerned about the distance or hitting the center of the bullseye on a target. Your concern is to hit the vitals of the game you are hunting. You do not have to be concerned if it is a little high at a short distance, so long as you can connect with the vital area. Unlike the target shooter, you will not have to hit exactly at your point of aim because the vitals on a bull elk are rather large.
The method that I prefer is simple. This method is to use a good sturdy rifle rest, one that can be used hands-free, a sighting rest, and after your three-shot group, look through the scope, place crosshairs on the bullseye again, and now move crosshairs to the center of the three-shot group. I have used this method with a one-shot sight-in and moved the crosshairs to meet the bullet hole. It is helpful if a friend adjusts the crosshairs while you watch through the scope.
Your crosshairs are now where your bullet is hitting. Now that you have it sighted in at 25 yards, move to a 100-yard target and repeat this procedure. Your goal should be for 3" high in a 1" or less grouping.
EXAMPLE FOR MOST HIGH POWERED RIFLES
Sighted in at 3" high at 100 yards, the bullet will hit about 3-4" high at 200 yards, almost dead on at 300-350 yards, and less than 10" inches low at 400 yards. This is a range that we all know as "pretty darned far."
Most weapons have capability out to 600 yards in the right hand with lots and lots of practice. Shoot your rifle at 400, and 500, and 600 yards to calculate your bullet drop at all three distances just in case.
To practice at 400-600 yards, you should invest in a high-quality Range Finder and a good rifle rest, you may need to go to a rifle range.
With the 3" high at the 100-yard sight in, you can hold dead center on the game out to 400 yards with no figuring at all. With a 100 yard zero, you would be undershooting the vital area at less than 300 yards. This 3" high at 100 yards will bring out the cartridge's full potential. Use clear tape to stick your 400, 500 and 600-yard bullet drop chart to your scope or rifle stock.
