Hunters and gunsman, lend me your ears!

[El Jefe]

I know there is a thread on guns in general, but I need to know some info regarding a good hunting rifle. Mind you, my knowledge on the models is extremely limited, so throwing around model numbers only would confuse me a bit.

I am looking to get a good general purpose hunting rifle and I want to get a good economy scope. I am not planning on hunting until I get my own land, but would like to start growing my collection. I am looking for a deer gun, nothing big game, just a good deer gun.

Price range, I would say around or under $500 (ideally). Any knowledge is appreciated, thanks!

[ghak99]

Originally Posted by Bwana

On a side note, my second choice would be a 7mm. I can drill nails with that thing as well. I have never been a 30-06 fan and I have owned a few of them. With that being said, some guys love it.

You couldn't give me a 30-06. If you ask me, it's one of the most over rated rifles of all time.

[demonhero]

Go with a .30-06 for first rifle then .308

Shop places online.. as wally world, Dicks, and similar stores get crapped down versions sent by the manufactures and that's why they are cheap (cheap sometimes..deals are online).

[Exoter175]

Originally Posted by Bwana

That's cool, that's why gun manufactures make numerous calibers. All I can say is I have pulled off some 700 yard plus shots with the 300 and I love it.

My only issue with .300 ultra mag is the cost really, in my opinion there are better calibers out there for the money in terms of ammunition, like a 7MM RUM. But it all boils down to distance. If I've got to take something down at anything past 300 yards, I'd definitely opt for a .300 Ultra Mag over the .30-06 for sure, but I don't do much shooting past 300 yards to be honest.

Someone had some guns listed prior to this point, and I'd advise against the second one posted. You don't want to go hunting with a .223/5.56

[LiveSteam]

243,25-06,270. I like rifles that you can make up or buy loads for whacking anything from P-dogs on up to Elk.

Dnt sell your self short either with the good old trusty American lever actions. Today's new lever action ammo in 30/30 has changed the game quite a bit





I seen this ammo take a 40lbs coyote & turn it inside out I bet the gut shot dog weighed less than 25lbs dead

[R8RFAN]

I always liked a .270 for a good flat shooting Deer Gun

[LiveSteam]

Originally Posted by R8ers

I always liked a .270 for a good flat shooting Deer Gun

Savage is going to start necking down the 22 hornet to .177. 3600 to 4000 fps
I cant wait to own one & blowup my first Crow. POOF & a big black cloud of feathers

[R8RFAN]

Originally Posted by LiveSteam

Savage is going to start necking down the 22 hornet to .177. 3600 to 4000 fps
I cant wait to own one & blowup my first Crow. POOF & a big black cloud of feathers

isn't .177 a pellet?

[R8RFAN]

Oh and Livesteam you are 100% correct, the 30/30 is not given the respect it deserves... I may go buy me one now..

[Mizzou_8541]

Remington 700. Learn to shoot with open sights first, then purchase your scope. You will be a better shooter that way.

[Iowanian]

I think a Winchester Model 70 .243 or .270 would be something to consider.

[stonedstooge]

First high powered rifle? Can't go wrong with a .243. Unless you plan on hunting something larger than whitetail right off the bat

[rad]

You can get a decent Savage in whatever caliber suits your hunting terrain for about 350. If you live in Bwana country, shooting mountain to mountain, a 7mm Rem Mag would be the ticket. In the dense forests where most shots on game are <100 yds, 30-30 or 06 is good enough. Personally I use my Remington 700 XHR in 7mm 08 for deer.

As far as optics, I'm happy with my Nikon Prostaff that cost around 160 bucks. Leupold snobs have given props to it, if that means anything.

[Bwana]

Originally Posted by Exoter175

My only issue with .300 ultra mag is the cost really, in my opinion there are better calibers out there for the money in terms of ammunition, like a 7MM RUM. But it all boils down to distance. If I've got to take something down at anything past 300 yards, I'd definitely opt for a .300 Ultra Mag over the .30-06 for sure, but I don't do much shooting past 300 yards to be honest.

Someone had some guns listed prior to this point, and I'd advise against the second one posted. You don't want to go hunting with a .223/5.56

Yeah I hear what you're saying, but a lot of my shots have been well over 300 yards and the 300 is flat and has a lot of knock down power when it hits. As far as the cost of ammo heh, one shot one kill.

[Bwana]

Originally Posted by rad

You can get a decent Savage in whatever caliber suits your hunting terrain for about 350. If you live in Bwana country, shooting mountain to mountain, a 7mm Rem Mag would be the ticket. In the dense forests where most shots on game are <100 yds, 30-30 or 06 is good enough. Personally I use my Remington 700 XHR in 7mm 08 for deer.

As far as optics, I'm happy with my Nikon Prostaff that cost around 160 bucks. Leupold snobs have given props to it, if that means anything.

I have a Sako in a 7mm-08 and it is a good deer gun. I don't know if I would take it after elk though. If you get into a situation where you have a long shot, you could screw yourself.

I also agree with some other posts. It all depends on how far your average shot is where you're hunting. A 30-30 would work great for a 100 yard shot, but it it's a 400 yard shot, good luck.

[seclark]

30/30 for me.
i got some kinda shit that makes me shake like a whore in church...always have. so, i hunt in the thick timber, where i can hunker down and wait for something to come past me. gotta be close and big.

for just blasting shit, i got a sks w/a shitload of shells. it's fun.

have about 20 rifles and pistols handed down from my dad and grandfather. a lot of them i haven't shot in years, since they passed on. lots of stories.
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