Guns and Gear for a Mule Deer Hunt

by
posted on September 28, 2017
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
browning_mule_deer_hunt.jpg

Editor's Note: Contributor Brad Fenson recently had the opportunity to put the following gear to the test on a Colorado mule deer hunt. You can catch up on that story here.

Browning X-Bolt
In Colorado, I used a Browning X-Bolt Long Range Hunter rifle that has since been replaced with the Hell’s Canyon Long Range. The new-for-2017 bolt-action features a fluted, heavy-sporter barrel that is free-floated, hand-chambered and finished with a target crown and threaded muzzle brake. Additional selling points include: a short-throw, 60-degree bolt lift; detachable rotary magazine with inline cartridge feed; an A-TACS AU (Arid/Urban) camouflage-covered stock; Cerakote Burnt Bronze metal finish; Inflex recoil pad; and an adjustable Feather trigger. The grip and feel of Hell’s Canyon rifles gets your mind racing with adventure. They are durable and weatherproof, making them ideal for any weather and the toughest terrain.

Browning Ammo
The Leupold VX-6HD scope used on the hunt had two turrets burned, giving me the option to use Browning’s 155-grain BXR or 190-grain Big Game bullet. The BXR rapid-expansion bullets have a matrix tip designed specifically for all kinds of deer hunting, which made the choice easy. The tip allows for high downrange velocities and energy retention while providing rapid expansion on impact. The massive expansion means quick knockdown power, so deer go nowhere after the shot. My buck collapsed in his tracks, making retrieval easy.

Latest

Lederuger And Beretta
Lederuger And Beretta

Ruger and Beretta Reach Agreement

Ruger and Beretta Holding—two of the most beloved names in the hunting industry—reached a strategic cooperation agreement last week. Officials from both companies said the terms were mutually beneficial. Read on for the details.

Hardware Review: Taurus Raging Hunter 350 Legend

Check out Frank Melloni's Hardware review of this dedicated hunting handgun from Taurus.

Vortex Optics Strike Eagle 1-10x24mm FFP

The latest Strike Eagle 1–10x24mm FFP from Vortex Optics plants a stake in the middle ground between close-range speed and long range performance, delivering more reach and a compact footprint that saves space for rail-mounted accessories. Deerwoods hunters and predator hunters, take serious note.

Review: Leupold BX-3 Alpine HD 12x50mm

Contributor Phil Massaro reviews the Leupold BX-3 Alpine HD 12x50 binocular, which offers a stellar image at an attractive price.

New for 2026: Browning Trail Cameras' Defender Vision Pro LSF

The Defender Vision Pro LSF is Browning Trail Cameras' 2026 livestream cellular trail camera, built for users seeking immediate visibility and real-time awareness from the field. It is designed for both property and game monitoring.

Texas, Hogs and Thermals

Follow along as Brian McCombie indulges in his favorite trio: Texas, hogs and thermals.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.