Blocker Outdoors pro, Fred Eichler, shares some shooting fundamentals that work for his clients, and will improve your performance as well.
Blocker Outdoors Elite and Pro Fred Eichler has decades of rifle shooting experience under his belt, especially in the western states as a hunter and guide. Based in Colorado, his company Fulldraw Outfitters has an astoundingly high client success rate and Eichler regularly shares his wisdom and experiences through TV (Predator Nation, Easton Bowhunting TV, Everything Eichler) and the Everything Eichler podcast.
The rugged terrain of the Rocky Mountain Region is hard on equipment and if anybody wants to know which rifle calibers and rifles work best, this is the guy. Recently Eichler offered some expert advice on hunting rifle related topics.
Question: There are lots of versatile rifle rounds, and of course countless opinions on what is best. If you had to pick an exceptionally reliable rifle caliber that would cover whitetails up through reasonable bigger game, what would your choice be? What is your favorite ammo and configuration of said rifle?
Eichler: My favorite caliber for whitetail and elk is the 6.5 Creedmoor with a 143 grain Hornady ELD-X bullet (Eichler uses the 147 grain ELD Match for targets). I’ve had great luck with this round and have not lost an elk with it, nor have any of my clients.
I am rough on my equipment and always looking for something reasonably priced that is tough and practical. I really like the bolt action Mossberg Patriot with a synthetic stock, and I have used the blue, and the stainless barrel, and like both. This rifle is 6.5lbs, reasonably priced, and accurate. It’s also tough. Mine has taken a beating on horses and has even been dropped on rocks. So far, no issues.
Question: As far as scopes go, what magnification and configuration would you recommend?
Eichler: I hunt all over but primarily in the west, so longer shots are often the norm. I really like the Leupold VX-6 with variable 3-18 power with a custom dial system, so I can dial-in the range and hold dead on no matter what it is. The only adjustment I need to make is for the windage. This scope allows me to see clearly even in low light, and the lifetime warranty is just a comfort as I have never had to replace one in yet.
Question: Whether sighting-in or in a real time hunting situation, any suggestion for better shooting? Also, what is your preferred sling?
Eichler: I use Wheeler’s scope mounting kit to make sure my scope is level with my rifle. Even a slight cant may cause major issues at longer ranges. When shooting I prefer a tripod and the BOG Death Grip is my go-to when I take kids or for clients, because you can adjust the legs individually for a stable level rest, and you can tighten the gun in the tripod for additional support and reduce felt recoil. Also, I like the Viking tactics sling that my buddy Kyle designed.
Question: In your experience what is the best spot on a deer or elk for shot placement?
Eichler: I am a huge proponent of the double lung shot on everything. Large leg bones or shoulder joints, such as where the scapula meets the leg bone, can cause any bullet to deviate from its intended target. Unless for some reason I need to drop an animal instantly, I prefer a broadside shot right at the crease of the shoulder.
Question: Besides a general wipe down, how often do you give a rifle a thorough cleaning? Related to this, barrel wear is a real thing with fast shooting rifles – Is that something you pay attention to?
Eichler: I tend to steer away from the super-hot rounds and wildcat cartridges, as rifling degradation and wear is a real thing, and some rifles will start to see larger groups at range. Rounds like the 6.5 Creedmoor are consistent and is usually good for several lifetimes of normal shooting and hunting. As far as maintenance, I just wipe the outside of my barrel down with an oily rag and don’t usually do a deep clean until after season.
Question: How often do you shoot your rifles and is there anything you do to hone real time shooting scenarios?
Eichler: I feel the best realistic hunting practice is to fire just one or two shots, and when possible, from a cold barrel and do it from realistic hunting positions. I may use a lead sled to sight-in, but I like to practice lying my gun on a backpack, leaning on a tree, or shooting from my Death Grip tripod from a variety of positions – from prone to standing, to simulate real world hunting situations.
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