Now that I have had a little time to hunt with and shoot my 450 carbine, the time has come to turn the black rifle into an ideal hunting rifle, while not breaking the bank (sub $500 investment). This thread will document some of the modifications I have made to improve its "huntability". First my likes and dislikes of the gun as it comes, as they relate to my types of hunting.
What I like
1. The cartridge. It kills stuff..dead....right there... right now. Tracking skills not required
2. Very accurate
3. Light, manueverable, easy to carry, quick to shoulder.
4. Short, fits in blinds, well balanced.
5. Excellent recovery for follow up shots (if ever needed)
6. Weatherability, I hunted in the rain for 2 days, and never saw any ill effects.
What I don't like
1. Solid black. People see me coming, and think I'm coming to take over, not hunt. Needs some camo.
2. That free floating aluminum hanguard is cold, and noisy
3. The play between the upper and lower is another source of noise.
4. The trigger, although not terrible, could be improved for hunting.
5. Needs a little more comfortable sling.
So it begins:
My first addition was a Leupold Ultimateslam scope. for around $250, it seemed to fit the bill, and the multiple reticle might be helpful on long range shots.
http://www.leupold.com/_pdfs/ultimatesl ... csheet.pdf After my rain hunting event, I determined some butler creek flip up scope covers would finish it of nicely. I have these on my 7 rem mag and love them ($15). http://www.butler-creek.com/products/sc ... _open.html