renagde
WKR
Well, opening day of the PA rifle season I had the opportunity to harvest a beautiful 9 point. I was toting my Weatherby Vanguard 7mm rem mag that I have had for the past 12 years. I've shot this rifle a good bit, and had just gone through 2 boxes of ammo 2 weeks ago to ensure my zero was still good. Never had a problem with it. As the deer stepped out at 100 yards, I tried to pull the trigger. It felt like the safety was on, as the trigger wouldn't budge. I knew I had taken my safety off, but I pulled the safety back again and then front to ensure it was off. Still the same. So I squeezed the trigger as hard as I could, gripping the gun as hard as I could. The gun finally fired, but I wasn't even on target as I was trying so hard to figure out what the problem was and why it wasn't firing. The buck stood there, not knowing where the shot came from or what to do. I quickly chambered another round, hoping that the problem had worked itself out. Tried to squeeze off another round and the same thing happened. I cycled another round, hoping that maybe something wasn't seated right. Same thing. So I carefully lowered my rifle into my lap, muzzle down range and cycled another round. This time, as soon as I cycled a round and closed the bolt it fired. My hand was nowhere near the trigger. Of course the deer ran off unharmed and I was left cursing myself and my equipment. I emptied my gun and started dry firing, try to replicate the problem. I managed to replicate the firing pin firing once again just by closing the bolt.
I have no idea what the cause of the problem is. One thing is for certain, I will never again trust that rifle out in the woods. I've been itching to upgrade to a different rifle anyways, so now seems to be as good of a time as any. A couple rifles on my shortlist are the Seekins PH2, Christensen Ridgeline, possibly the Mesa, and the Barrett Fieldcraft. Anything else I should add to this list to checkout? I will most likely be going with another 7mm or a 6.5 PRC. I want something lightweight, but not necessarily 5lb lightweight. I'll be mounting a SWFA 3-9x42 scope on it, so something in the 6-7lb range is what I'm looking for.
I have no idea what the cause of the problem is. One thing is for certain, I will never again trust that rifle out in the woods. I've been itching to upgrade to a different rifle anyways, so now seems to be as good of a time as any. A couple rifles on my shortlist are the Seekins PH2, Christensen Ridgeline, possibly the Mesa, and the Barrett Fieldcraft. Anything else I should add to this list to checkout? I will most likely be going with another 7mm or a 6.5 PRC. I want something lightweight, but not necessarily 5lb lightweight. I'll be mounting a SWFA 3-9x42 scope on it, so something in the 6-7lb range is what I'm looking for.