Professional Deer Stalker Peter S Jones reveals his new rifle set up and choice of ammunition.
Whilst as a professional deer stalker I get to handle a lot of deer stalking equipment, it has been a while since I have actually gone out and purchased a new rifle set up.
First, I needed my local constabulary to grant a variation to my existing firearms certificate that would allow me to purchase a new rifle and moderator.
For those that do not have an existing firearms license, this would have involved a new application. However, as an existing firearms license holder, it was a relatively straight forward process that required that I submit an application to my local police force for a ‘slot’ for a new ‘deer-legal’ calibre.
Once granted, and this I am pleased to say, only took a couple of months, pretty good by today’s standards, the next decision was what equipment to buy.
Firstly, there was the rifle itself.
After much deliberation, I chose a Blaser K95 Ultimate Carbon. For those of you unfamiliar with the Blaser K95, it is, what is referred to as, a ‘Kipplauf’ rifle. That is to say, that it is a break-barrel single-shot rifle.
Granted, it is an unusual choice, however, I admire the ‘One Shot’ philosophy that comes with a single shot rifle. One shot is usually all you get on deer, and you should make it count. Unlike a repeating bolt action rifle, where you are able to achieve a fast second shot, a single shot rifle certainly focuses your attention. Added to which, Blaser reckon that their K95 is their most accurate ‘lock-up’ system, with a stella reputation for being blisteringly accurate.
For the stock design and material, I went with a thumbhole stock in carbon. Personally, I love the way that the traditional Kipplauf style of the rifle contrasts with the contemporary materials and design, providing a contrast that is an amalgamation of tradition and contemporary modern materials, a coupling which to my eye, is exquisitely beautiful.
As for the calibre, well, in a lightweight rifle, I wanted a moderately recoiling calibre, but with a bit more oomph than you get with a .243 or 6.5 Swedish, so decided upon the 6.5 Creedmoor. More on that another day.
The scope was the next decision, but something that for me, was a bit of a ‘no-brainer’. At County Deer Stalking & Capreolus Club we are proud to be supported by ‘Swarovski Optik’, and we are glad of it. There is no finer producer of rifle optics anywhere in the world.
I went with a Swarovski Z6i BT 3-18x50 which complimented the rifle perfectly, and with it, went the standard detachable Blaser mounts, that allow me to remove the scope, pack it away and re-apply it, quickly and easily without any fear of losing zero. I have put this to the test and can attest to the quality of the engineering, which has proven to be 100% reliable.
So that leaves the moderator.
Initially, I felt it would be a shame to add a moderator to such a lightweight, beautiful rifle. That was until I saw the sleek design from Fryer & Devik, an aluminium and titanium moderator that is both effective and beautiful in design and weighs just 269 grams.
Pop on a ‘Monza’ leather sling with red baseball stitching and the only decision left was the ammunition.
A new rifle for a new beginning. I was certainly going to think to the future here, so lead, would not be an option.
Having scrutinised various options, I chose the RWS Evolution Green with 93 grain ammunition. It’s not conclusive yet, but so far, having shot both Fallow and Sika, (Sika being renowned for being extremely hardy beasts), I have been ‘struck’ - and so have several deer for that matter - by both the ‘flat-shooting’ nature of this round and also its astonishing knock down power.
Buyers’ remorse? No chance, I am absolutely delighted with the set-up, and jealously guard it for those occasions when I am able to ‘go-it-alone’.
One such occasion was during the making of our recent film ‘One Shot - A Deer Hunters Testimony” which, I am pleased to say, is due to be released shortly on our County Deer Stalking Youtube channel.
The film itself, is perhaps our best to date, and along with some stunning footage, show cases the K95 and ammunition in action, during the harvesting of a Fallow Buck.
In spectacular slow-motion footage, we capture the shockwave created by the 93grain RWS bullet in flight and the deer’s reaction to the shot. I hope that you’ll find time to watch the film and let us know in the comments below, what you think of my choice! Oh, and if you haven’t done so already, please Subscribe to our Youtube channel. youtube.com/user/countydeerstalking
If you'd like to apply for your own rifle and become a 'trained hunter' a great place to start is by taking the 'Proficient Deer Stalking Certificate Level 1' (PDS1). Follow this link to enrol and get started on the course: deer-stalking-course
For more on the 6.5 Creedmoor follow this link: 6-5-creedmoor-calibre-review
For other rifle reviews please click here: rifle-reviews
