The Hunting Rifle Has Changed

I remember growing up, hunting rifles were blued steel and walnut and handcrafted one at a time by skilled American gun builders. I also remember my dad spending hours carefully bedding actions, floating barrels, tuning triggers, and developing handloaded ammo that would meet his demand of a 3-shot sub-one inch group at 100 yards. While that type of accuracy expectation hasn’t changed in the last few decades, the rifles certainly have.

Most of today’s modern bolt action rifles wear some type of synthetic stock, with barrels that are coated instead of blued. While most may not exhibit the rich grain of American walnut, most modern production bolt action hunting rifles can generally achieve that 3-shot sub-one inch group, with the right optic and ammunition.

Triggers have gotten better, most stocks have some type of bedding system, and most barrels are free floated from the factory. Most of the popular firearm’s manufacturers have developed methods of production that have allowed them to build mass produced, and accurate rifles that formerly required hours of painstaking labor.

Just as our fathers and grandfathers gravitated to bolt action rifles in the hunting scene after returning from World War II, the current generation of young hunters are heavily influencing the definition of what a hunting rifle is.

Enter the “Modern Sporting Rifle”, or “MSR”. Many of today’s hunters served our country proudly in the global war on terrorism. Their familiarity and skill on the battlefield with the M16 and M4 translated to the development of the AR15 and AR10 style hunting rifles that are rapidly becoming popular in the hunting world. These Modern Sporting Rifles are highly customizable, capable of extreme accuracy, and the caliber options seem to get better every year. The capability of these modern hunting rifles is very impressive.

Regardless of whether you are a blued steel and walnut stocked traditionalist, a tactical-minded precision hunter, or wanting the familiar feel of a modern sporting rifle, the experienced staff at Buck & Doe’s Mercantile can help you out. Our selection of hunting rifles, ammunition, and optics is sure to satisfy your hunting rifle needs.

Texas Public Hunting Land

PUBLIC HUNTING OPPORTUNITIES IN TEXAS

I think that we can all agree that hunting in Texas has become very expensive. A lot of what drives the cost, compared to most states, is that Texas has significantly less National Forests, Bureau of Land Management, and other public land.

Texas is also known as a quality and quantity state when it comes to wildlife. This is due to lack of hunting pressure. To many people, there’s a feeling that there is no affordable opportunity to hunt in their home state.

What if I told you that you could access over a million acres of public hunting land in Texas, where you can hunt hogs, deer, dove, squirrel, and most other game animals for $48 per year? Yea right, what’s the catch you ask? There isn’t one.

Texas Parks and Wildlife Department

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department manages, through a cooperative agreement with the National Forest Service, several wildlife management areas that total hundreds of thousands of acres in our east Texas forests with no lottery draw and no special access permission. Just buy your $48 Public Hunting Permit when you get your hunting license, and you will receive a detailed map booklet showing the available hunting land, the wildlife species available to hunt, and any weapon restrictions.

Many of these areas are leased by the State from private landowners and timber corporations. It’s some of the most exceptionally beautiful country, and there are some truly huge whitetail bucks that are harvested every year. You’ll also be surprised that your permit will allow you to dove hunt on state leased private lands around most of the large metropolitan areas.

Texas Public Hunt Drawing System

Other great and inexpensive hunting opportunities exist through the Texas Public Hunt Drawing System, which is also administered by the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department. Around mid-summer every year, you can go online and submit your entries to hunt on some of the most premier wildlife areas in the country, right here in the state of Texas.

If drawn, you stand a great chance of harvesting a trophy Mule Deer, Whitetail Deer, Desert Bighorn Sheep, Alligator, Axis, Oryx, Aoudad, or Pronghorn Antelope. The draw system also has a category for youth only hunting opportunities.

Within this system, you submit your application every year, based on what you want to hunt, and if you don’t get drawn for that hunt, you will accrue a “preference point”, which TPWD refers to as a loyalty point. The more loyalty points that you accrue, the higher your chances of getting drawn. Each entry only costs $3 per hunter, and if you are drawn you will pay around $80 to $130 fee for a 3- or 4-day hunt.

National Wildlife Refuges

Another great opportunity is hunting on one of the National Wildlife Refuges in Texas. These are drawn hunts and are administered by the US Fish & Wildlife Service. Texas is blessed to have over a dozen of these properties, and most of them are large acreage, with generous bag limits on deer. The USFWS also administers youth only hunts, which are a fantastic opportunity to spend time in the outdoors with your kids or grandchildren.

So, the next time that you are feeling bummed out because the cost of hunting has outpaced your budget, take a hard look at these awesome hunting opportunities available. Remember, we are all PUBLIC LANDOWNERS.

Texas Hunting Season

The start of the Texas hunting season is always very exciting around the store. We can outfit you for whatever game you’re hunting for. Make sure to stop by Buck & Doe’s Mercantile for all your hunting, firearms and archery needs. Our experts will be happy to help you.

The Hunting Rifle Has Changed

Cheap Guns

The phrase “Cheap Guns” gets thrown around a lot by some firearms aficionados. To others, the phrase gives visions of the chrome plated “Saturday Night Specials” that were so often sold in pawn shops in the 1980’s. Fortunately, those days are behind us.

The reality is the firearms industry has brought us some pretty decent quality price point firearms in the last several years. Let’s face it, not everyone has the disposable income to be packing a $2500 custom 1911, and that’s okay.

It’s time that we unite as firearms owners and accept the fact that everyone legally qualified and who wants to own a firearm should have the opportunity to own a handgun, regardless of their economic ability, and without passing judgement on what gun they choose to own.

There have been some surprisingly well built and dependable handguns that have entered the market in the last few years that just about anyone can afford. As with any firearm, they all come with pros and cons.

The benefits of a quality price point firearm is obviously that you can get into the shooting sports without a huge investment. They also allow you to build your shooting skills at the gun range until such time you are ready to invest in a more feature rich firearm.

The downside to owning a price point firearm is that they generally don’t retain much of their value when you want to trade up. Another negative aspect is that they probably won’t have much aftermarket accessory support, other than holsters, sights, and spare magazines.

Don’t let these things keep you from considering an inexpensive pistol for your first firearm. The experienced staff at Buck & Doe’s Mercantile is more than willing to show you how to get started with a pistol that fits your budget and your experience level. We can also get you on the pathway to mastering your shooting abilities and will be here to assist you when that day comes that you’re ready to move up with your firearms needs.

Fun Things to Do as a Family Near Me

When inflation is on the rise, what are some fun options for healthy entertainment? I get asked this question by friends quite often especially over the last couple of months. Most people think that shooting sports are an expensive hobby but let’s take a closer look into this.

Archery

I purchased a Mathews bow back in 1997 with a dozen arrows and shot target and 3D for 18 years with that same bow. I probably spent $1300 back then but if you break that cost down on an annual basis, it averaged about $72.00 per year. That is cheap entertainment!! I now shoot a PSE I purchased in 2016 and plan on shooting it for another 10 years or so. I have added a really nice recurve bow to my line up just because I enjoy shooting it. It will last me a lifetime, so do the math on that!

The neat thing about archery is you can shoot it in your back yard if you have a proper set up and the real estate to do it safely. Archery ranges are very inexpensive to shoot at ($10 AT Buck & Doe’s Mercantile) and memberships are very inexpensive. 3D courses are located all over and tournaments, if you like competition, occur often and are widespread.

Archery is a great sport to participate in because it teaches you discipline and is a good form of exercise. It is also for all ages; we have members shooting archery from 5 years old up into their 80’s!

Firearms

No way this could be an affordable sport, right??? Well guess again. The neat thing about firearms is they tend to hold their value. Especially if you start out with a high quality, reputable firearm. I try to shoot once per week so let’s do the math. A membership costs about $39 per month which for me is about $10 per trip to the gun range. A box of shells is anywhere from $4.50 to $24.99 depending on which caliber you choose.

I shoot .22 rimfire, 9mm, and 38 special most of the time. So, if I spend an hour on the range once per week, I spend less than $80 per month. I also save a significant amount on ammunition because I get member pricing.

The firearm you choose to buy may cost anywhere between $300 and up. Don’t be too concerned about the cost of the firearm because you can always sell it and recoup a large portion of your initial cost. Sometimes you can make more on it than what you purchased it for. Ask one of our sales associates on a recommendation for a firearm that typically holds their value better than others.

Another great family option at the gun range is gun rentals. You don’t have to own your own firearms and safety equipment to come out as a family and enjoy time on the shooting range. You can rent a handgun at Buck & Doe’s Mercantile for just $15.00.

For real excitement try shooting a machine gun under the supervision of our Range Safety officer. It’s a rush your family members won’t soon forget.

Again, affordable entertainment the entire family can participate in. The benefits are decreased levels of stress, firearm familiarity for safety reasons, and proficiency.

If you are into competitions, many events are available weekly in different formats, and some form of league is always taking place. Surprisingly, organized shooting sports is a very social oriented sport. It’s a great place to meet like-minded people, who are a wealth of knowledge, and seem to always be willing to help an “up and coming” shooter.

Starting A Firearm Collection

What to do with all the guns I’ve accumulated

It is amazing what we accumulate! I’m talking about all of the inexpensive firearms I have picked up since I was 7 years old. I looked in my safe one day a few years ago and thought, boy, I have a lot of guns!!

Collecting firearms as a legacy

Then I started to notice not one of them was a “collector” or a “safe queen”. I decided then I would start to sell off the many firearms I had owned over the years and replace them with works of art. Yes, I would consign 4 or 5 of them just to pay for 1 but over the past couple of years, my firearm quantity has extremely dwindled, and in their place are a few, beautiful, works of art.

I simply wanted my grandkids to open that safe door one day and think they were in gun collector heaven! If you have a similar interest, get with me or our staff and I can share how I made the change and what I pursued. We can even help with Federal Firearms License transfers.

Who Needs Gun Classes?

I’ve had plenty of experience shooting firearms

I have been shooting firearms since I was 4 ½ years old. Dad had a 22 Browning semi auto rifle and would take us to the country where no tin can, rabbit, or squirrel was safe. And yes, we did clean and eat the rabbits and squirrels. Not saying I like them much in my older age, they seemed to taste better as a kid.

Fast forward 50 years and I have always believed I was pretty good at handguns, rifles, and shotguns. I had a couple of well trained and experienced employees take me into bay 3 of our indoor shooting range to evaluate my skills and to do a little coaching. Obviously, I felt I didn’t need it, like I said, I have been shooting for 50 years now.

Was I ready for a high-pressure scenario?

Both employees had retired from an active military career and were extensively trained in the use of firearms. Well, they dummy loaded my magazines, “raised” their voices at me, and put me through a shooting sequence I had only seen in the Matrix. I failed miserably. I lost my fine motor skills looking like a bumbling idiot, dropping my mags on the floor, couldn’t clear a jam (they created), etc. Wow, 50 years of practice and that was my debut.

Regroup and Re-evaluate

The next day, instead of selling my guns and picking up cross stitch needle work, I realized I have been carrying the wrong firearm for a person used to shooting at stationary targets not firing back. I needed a firearm comfortable to conceal carry (my choice no matter what the laws say I can do; I don’t really like open carry) so I bought a Smith &Wesson 351C, which is a 7 shot 22 mag revolver with no hammer. After a few weeks of practice, I had the guys run me through their stress test again. Guess what? Perfection!! No jams!! No misfires!! No mags to drop!! And I shot a perfect score!

Chose a concealed carry gun that’s right for you

Now many of you may not like this because it paints your semi auto in bad light. The truth is, a semi auto handgun, larger caliber, is by far the first choice, hands down. Thing is, I don’t have the time to commit at this stage in life to be proficient under duress with a semi auto, so I found a firearm that would work for me.

If I was younger, I would have stuck with my semi auto handguns and simply trained with instructors more often. Will I sell my semi auto’s? No way, I enjoy shooting them and do so often, but at a stationary target, not shooting back at me, and in a peaceful, harmonious environment (bay 3 on a Tuesday morning) ….

Handgun Safety 101: How To Operate a Handgun

Treat all guns as if they are loaded

Handgun safety is something that every gun owner should take seriously. Treating all guns as if they are loaded is one of the most important rules of gun safety. This rule applies to both revolvers and pistols. It is important to always assume that a gun is loaded, even if you know for sure that it is not.

If you are not sure whether or not a gun is loaded, always check the chamber and magazine. If there is any doubt, do not handle the gun. Only handle a gun if you are certain that it is unloaded. When in doubt, always err on the side of caution.

Always keep the gun pointed in a safe direction

One of the most important is to always keep the gun pointed in a safe direction. This means that the gun should never be pointing at anything you don’t intend to shoot. A gun that is not pointed in a safe direction can easily be knocked over or bumped, causing it to discharge and injure someone. Never point a gun at someone, including yourself, unless you intend to shoot. Finally, never pull the trigger unless your sights are on a target.

Keep fingers off the trigger until you are ready to fire

One of the most important handgun safety rules is to keep your finger off the trigger until you are aiming at a target and ready to fire. When your finger is on the trigger, there is a significant risk that you could accidentally discharge the weapon, which could lead to serious injury or even death.

By keeping your finger off the trigger until you are ready to shoot, you can help to prevent an accidental discharge. Additionally, it is important to make sure that your handgun is properly holstered when not in use. If your handgun is not properly secured, there is a risk that it could be discharged unintentionally. By following these simple safety rules, you can help to prevent accidents and keep yourself and others safe.

Be sure of your target and anything beyond it

When handling a handgun, always be sure of your target and anything beyond it. This means being aware of your surroundings and knowing what is behind your target. A bullet can travel through or ricochet off surfaces, so it is important to consider what might be behind your target before taking a shot.

Be sure to always keep the safety on until you are ready to fire. Treat every gun as if it is loaded, even if you know it isn’t. Never point the gun at anything you aren’t willing to shoot. These are just a few basic handgun safety rules that should always be followed.

Know how to properly load and unload the gun

Being confident in knowing how to load and unload your gun is crucial to your safety and those around you.

First, make sure your gun is NOT loaded before loading a new magazine. Check the chamber and magazine to make sure there are no rounds present. Next, load the gun slowly and carefully, making sure to insert each round into the chamber correctly. Keep your finger off the trigger until you’re ready to shoot.

There are couple ways to unload depending on your handgun. Most commonly, your handgun will have a magazine button that you will push to release the magazine. Push this button slowly, making sure your gun is still pointed down and away from you or others. Once the magazine is released, check the chamber to ensure there is not a round loaded!

Are you ready to be a handgun expert?

Here at Buck & Does, we know the importance of gun safety. We offer private lessons and handgun classes that aim to make you comfortable behind a gun of any sort. Book a lesson here!

A Texas LTC Comes With Personal Responsibility

A couple of years ago I was pulled over by a county sheriff’s deputy just off IH-35 down around Lytle for “rolling through a stop sign”. Yes, I was guilty and paid the fine. No argument there. He asked for my ID, and I gave him my driver’s license, insurance card, and my License to Carry.

Before he could look at it, I politely stated that I was not carrying, nor did I have a firearm in the vehicle. I thought my response would be welcomed and put him at ease. Surprisingly, I evoked an entirely different response. For the next 10 minutes, I received a “lecture” on the importance of having an LTC, training, training, training, and always concealed carry when legal.

He stated that statistically, law enforcement cannot help victims in a timely manner, and they expect our help if they are in trouble themselves. He referred to several statistics and percentages pertaining to Texas LTC whereby the odds of someone being in the area with a concealed carry permit holder are good.

I drove away with a new take on carrying a firearm. If you have an LTC, you have voluntarily / involuntarily obligated yourself to practicing often and always carrying your firearm when legal. I also gathered from his “lecture”, if you choose to carry and not practice, please let your Texas LTC status expire.

No one needs your help if you have not stayed current with shooting classes, self-defense classes, and practice (he referred to it as being a liability on the scene). I made a choice that evening to always carry, when legal, and practice at least two to three times per month and have been doing so for 2 ½ years.

ABOUT REX MAJORS

The love Rex Majors has for the outdoors began with his twin brother Russ, when at the young age of three they were found fishing in the water meter box outside their home in Oklahoma. Rex’s passion and genuine love for outdoor sports has only deepened over the past 50 years.

Rex spent a few years in the corporate world before becoming a small business owner, working side by side with his wife of 26 years. His experience includes management positions at Academy Sports & Outdoors, as well as the convenience store and retail gas industry.

In 2015, he had the opportunity to chase his dream of owning and operating a sporting goods retail store. The Rex Majors family and the Rick Grayson family partnered up to create and build Buck & Doe’s Mercantile for the purpose of sharing their passion for shooting sports with other families here in San Antonio, Texas.

He and his wife Jennifer raised their three kids around shooting sports, hunting, fishing, and camping. When his family gathers for the holidays, you can usually find them competing in one of the ranges at Buck & Doe’s Mercantile or out shooting sporting clays at one of the several locations around San Antonio.

Why You Should Get Your License To Carry

Owning and carrying a firearm can provide you with a sense of safety and security

Although some people may feel uneasy about the idea of owning a firearm, there are many benefits to carrying one. First and foremost, having a firearm gives you a sense of safety and security. If you find yourself in a dangerous situation, you will have the ability to defend yourself and your loved ones.

Additionally, if you obtain a Texas license to carry permit, you will be able to lawfully carry your handgun with you wherever you go. This can provide an extra layer of protection when you are out and about, especially in unfamiliar or dangerous areas. Ultimately, owning and carrying a firearm is a personal decision, but for many people, it is an incredibly empowering choice.

A license to carry allows you to protect yourself and your loved one

A license to carry permit gives you the ability to protect yourself and your loved ones in the event of an emergency. It provides you with the peace of mind that comes with knowing you have the training and resources to defend yourself against an attacker.

In addition, a Texas license to carry permit ensures that you can always have a gun with you, where legally allowed, providing a level of protection that is not possible with other methods of self-defense. Carrying a gun on you also offers the potential to deter an attacker. For these reasons, a handgun license is an important tool for keeping yourself and your loved ones safe.

Training is available so you feel prepared and comfortable

Most people who carry a gun for self-defense will never have to use it. But the time may come when you must defend yourself or your family with lethal force. The first step in being prepared for that possibility is to get a license to carry.

You also need to receive training so that you feel confident and comfortable using your firearm in a self-defense situation. Thankfully, there are plenty of training courses available when it comes to handgun safety.

You can take classes at a local shooting range, participate in online courses, or even hire a personal instructor. Whichever route you choose, make sure you put in the time and effort to learn proper gun safety and self-defense techniques.

It’s important to be familiar with the laws in your state related to firearms and self defense

In the state of Texas, it is legal to openly carry a handgun. However, there are some restrictions on where firearms can be carried, such as in schools and government buildings. It is also important to note that the law regarding the use of deadly force in self-defense situations can vary from state to state.

In Texas, an individual is allowed to use deadly force in self-defense if they believe their life is in danger, but other states have different standards. As a gun owner, it’s important to be familiar with the laws in your state before carrying a firearm.

How to get your license to carry

A license to carry (LTC) is required for concealed carry a handgun in Texas. A Texas LTC also allows you to conceal carry in reciprocating states as you travel. The process of getting your LTC can seem daunting, but it’s relatively simple if you meet the requirements and follow the steps.

To be eligible for an LTC in Texas, you must be 21 years of age or older, a U.S. citizen or legal resident, and not ineligible to possess a firearm under state or federal law. You must also have completed a firearms training course that is approved by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS).

Once you have completed the training course and gathered all the required documents, you will need to submit an application to DPS.

Buck & Doe’s offers private lessons and LTC classes with trusted LTC instructors. In addition to offering in-person LTC classes, here is a reputable website for an online LTC course.