Posted on 01/06/2006 1:15:15 PM PST by Junior_G
I am trying to save up money for my first hunting rifle and I'm hoping to tap into the vast reserves of Freeper knowledge for some advice on what to go for. I am going to get my hunter's certification this year and am looking forward to my first deer hunt, as well as hours upon hours of shooting at the range. I currently own a Mossberg 12-gauge shotgun and a 9mm Glock, but am absolutely clueless about which rifles offer the best accuracy and value (or whatever qualities it is in a rifle that I should be looking for). Any suggestions?
get a 30-06 in bolt action and that you can afford and you will have a weopon that will last you the rest of your life. You can get used if you are comfortable with your dealer or new if you can afford it. Ruger, Remington, Savage all make decent bolt action rifles. But for 300.00 you are looking at used maybe a Handy Rifle (single shot but accurate)made by New England Firearms would do the trick. You can always trade up later.
I got my Moose on Union Pass in Wyoming back in the 70s using a FN 30-06.
Boy, now you're in for it. Everyone has his own idea about what makes the best deer rifle.
A 308 is not to bad in the kick dept either.
Makes sense. Slugs cut through brush that would deflect the energetic but squirrely rifle bullet.
That article looks really useful. Thanks for the resource.
Every deer (except the ones I hit with a car) I took with a 12 Gauge Mossberg 500. I think it's much more of a chalenge than dropping a deer from 400 yds. away. Not to take away from that 'cause that takes a great deal of skill as well. I guess it's what you're used to. I hunted in Ohio where shotguns were mandatory. Now that I live in Pennsylvania where I can hunt with a rifle I no longer have the urge.
True...I have a Mexican Mauser short action in .306 and other than heavy, it is great to shoot.
I'm in western Washington state. As for what deer I will be hunting-----well, that goes a bit beyond my level of expertise right now. Just...deer.
Luv them Swedes......one original still.. one "sporterized".....But what the heck, my name is Gunnar..
I said elk only to appear folksy. I meant moose.
.308...sorry about that...don't nobody start looking in their reloading manuals for a .306! :-)
I have a different question...my brother lives not far from where that family was murdered New Years Day in Richmond ,Va. and for the first time in his life is now considering purchasing home protection. What should he get that's relatively safe,efficient asnd cost effective?
Remington 700.
Savage 110FP.
high price and low price. I have both and they are both good!
.308 Win or 30-06.
Don't get "overgunned".
I have an M38 with a bent bolt that I love and I want to get another to sporterize and cut down for my 13-year old son. I can build some light loads for him to get used to firing it and work up to a 140 grain deer load.
It is of course, totally subjective, but for the money you can't beat a remington 700 bolt action. The caliber probably depends on where you hunt and if you plan to do other kinds of hunting with it in the future, but a 30.06 is always a safe choice. Don't skimp on the scope either. Stick with a good brand like Leupold. Get good mounts, too.
These were Remington's least expensive rifles and the story was that the production manager was fired for spending too much money to manufacture them. Production ended around the early 80's.
You can find these in estate sales, classified adds and gun shows. If you don't talk about the firearm much, they are inexpensive. Look for one that appears to be in very good condition.
Accuracy could be expected in the sub one inch and with the right diet, even better. My 78 in 30-06 will put three holes touching each other at 100 yards with handloads. Varmints aren't safe out to 400yds.
I use a hand made Virginian Long Rifle, Flint 50 cal, patch and ball with 75gr. seems to do the job with out mess.. and it evens the odds. no telling how many times the powder (ffff) in the pan got blown out from the wind...
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