Customer Reviews

The Big Game Rifle

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This book is notable in that Jack O'Connor covers many topics under one cover, and for his fans that is quite a treat. Although this work was originally published in 1952, his recommendations and advice are still sound today.

The reader is cautioned, however, that much of the material is quite dated. For example, the 7mm Remington Magnum and .338 Winchester Magnums are nowhere discussed, as they didn't exist at the time of the writing. In addition, the factory rifle weighing less than 8 pounds apparently hadn't been invented yet. Especially amusing is the discussion that pops up throughout the book of the relative merits of the 2-3/4x Cub scope versus the 4x Stith scope, with some reference to the "high-powered" 6x scope being used by a few brave souls in the western states! And the insights into hunting practices of 75 years ago are almost unbelievable by current attitudes.

Given the modest price for this hardcover, however, it is well worth it. The chapters on shooting and use of the rifle in the field are timeless gems, as are O'Connors descriptions of the effect of various cartridges on game. And his loading data is an eye-popping reminder of how watered-down today's reloading manuals are.

All in all, it's a nice book, well-written in O'Connor's classic style, and a reminder of why his writings were so well-received by so many, and how they still ring true over twenty years after his passing.

I had always read that Jack O'Connor was a one calibre hunter, namely the .270. I suppose rumor of the O'Connor/ Keith debate had lead me to this view. I was wrong. On reading this book I found a balanced coverage of many calibres still popular today which makes the advice provided as good now as it was then.

O'Connor was a very sensible guy who wrote very sensible advice. For me the book contained a number of great insights which were a real pleasure to find. Strongly recommended to any one interested in hunting.

Long time author of fiction and non-fiction O'Connor is an outstanding writer. His material is interesting, practical, and backed up with years of experience. I find anything O'Connor wrote enjoyable, readable and valuable to those who hunt or like to read about hunting and weapons.