This buck came into view at about 6:15 this morning at the far end of the field I was hunting. I didn't range him, but he was probably about 120 yards away. He wasn't coming any closer, so I tried to coax him into range of my Optima with my grunt tube. Although he turned toward me aggressively, he didn't come any closer, and he eventually ran off.

You know, after seeing him in person, I don't think I'll pass on him with my 300 Encore if I see him again.

2-3" over his back and he's yours.

I had a marginal shooter at 100 this morning. Big enough to saddle but not a lot up top. I was worried he wouldn't make club minimum.

That's a nice buck! I hope you get another chance at him.

Good luck getting him next time!

I don't think 120 is out of range for that load, Chance.

True, but I haven't practiced with it beyond 50 yards.

So, he lives another day, the hunt is on, go get him, good luck Chance!

I agree with wvhitman. You could have made that shot.

He is a nice one.
I have been shooting at 50 some, but 100 mostly. I like to be on at 100, then you can just hold a hair low at 50. That 120 yard shot should be doable with your equipment from a good rest.
You will get another chance on him.

Good Luck
Bob

If that load (a 240 @ 1480 fps) is sighted in 2" high @ 50 yards it will be about 2" - 3" low @ 125.

Good for you for not taking a shot you were not comfortable taking.
Just hang in there and you will get another shot.I'd rather let them walk any day than try to force a shot I don't feel good about.

X2!

What he said.

I agree, but I didn't want Chance to underestimate the potential of his handgun. The gun and load is quite capable if the shooter is up to the task.

TN,
I won't pretend to tell you what you should have done.
Armchair QB'ing can be fun, but it is your call to make.
Hopefully, you will see him again soon!

Everything everyone has said is true at one time or another. I have made some tough shots that looking back I even wonder how I connected but it felt good at the time and I took the shot. At other times I have passed on shots that were not that tough but it did not feel right.

In the end you have to make that decision and you have to live with it so if it seemed right at the time do not let anything any of us have said make you regulate your decision because you did what felt right to you.