sitate re-checkering the fore-end and, of course, refinishing the stock. Learn where and how to hold the fore-end of your rifle by shooting it offhand. SAFETY I wonder how many hunters have a deer slip by simply because they don't know the safety on their rifle well enough to move it to FIRE without looking at it, or they fumble with it because they are wearing thick gloves and have to remove their glove to operate the safety or trigger. I also wonder how many who are used to another safety design forget what gun they are using and lose seconds because of the mix-up. Know your gun's safety well. Make sure it operates easily and quietly. SLING Many deer make it by a hunter unscathed because the hunter has the This Remington Model 700 was restocked in the classic style with a sleek pistol grip that allows for quick handling. 62 rifle slung over a shoulder. I don't use a sling as a shooting aid, so I remove when I reach my deer stand or if I spend the day still-hunting. Unslinging a rifle from your shoulder is a big, visual move that's easily spotted. And unless it's practiced, it robs the shot sequence of precious seconds. If you become arm-weary from holding your rifle, consider a gun caddy buttstock holster that holds the rifle butt and most of your rifle's weight, and keeps your rifle in the ready position. TRIGGER I like a trigger that breaks crisply between 2 ½ and 3 ½ pounds. Many new rifles have wonderful triggers that can be adjusted by the shooter. I've opted to replace some old factory triggers with custom triggers. Heavy, mushy triggers have saved a lot of deer.