Vanity: Looking for a good all purpose hunting rifle for Christmas

Me | 11/6/13 | Me

[bigtoona]

I know this will get a lot of replies but go for it. I just want to get some opinions on the different rifles out there to help me decide.

I grew up in PA until I was 11 so I never got to actually hunt with my brother and dad so I'm not super educated about all of the rifles out there.

I have pistols, shotguns and a couple of .22 rifles but now I would like to get a decent rifle for deer in case I get an opportunity to go hunting with a friend. Nothing too fancy or massively powerful, just good quality and dependable. Thanks all!

[scripter]

Thanks for the info.

[scripter]

Thanks, this is all very helpful.

[MeganC]

I’m pretty happy with my Remington 700 SPS in .308 and the local coyotes are very unhappy with it!

[MileHi]

Versatile yes, but cheap? Compared to what?

7 mags, 300 mags and more obscure cartridges. Around hunting season Wally World has Remington 150 gr, 165 gr or 180 gr CoreLoct ammo for about $16 a box, and those loads are suitable for any game in the US.

Hope you're good thackney.

[Resolute Conservative]

I have had my Model 94 for 35 years and have never had a scope on it and with original sights it is pretty good out to 150 yards on deer sized targets. I carry it in heavy brush country where you are lucky to shoot 75 yards and it is a quick one.

[Mat_Helm]

The best all purpose caliber for the single rifle owner is the .30-06. You have a range of bullets from 110gr to 200gr so the rifle can be used for any size varmint or larger game in the whole country all the way up to Elk and Moose and Black Bear.

Next would be the rifle and either a Remington 700, Ruger M77, Savage, or Winchester Model 70. If it was my only rifle it would be the Remington or Ruger.

[DannyTN]

Any bolt action would be fine, but I would graciously accept a gold bolt action if you manage it.

[OldMissileer]

When I started hunting at the age of 14 my Dad gave me a WWII German 8mm Mauser. When I was 16 he pitched in and paid for half of a Remington Model 760 30-06 pump rifle.

I have collected many rifles since then but my pump 30-06 has been my favorite and has taken close to 30 Whitetail deer over the years. I have taken many with others, including pistols, but that pump 30-06 is not only beautiful but deadly accurate. Also, for some reason I really like the pump action.

Your mileage may vary.

[scripter]

Pinging a few of you...

The only semi-auto rifles I've heard of are ARs. What's the largest caliber semi-auto rifle that's worth owning?

[762X51]

A good all around hunting rifle is the new Ruger American. As many have suggested the .308 is a very versatile cartridge and brass and ammo are plentiful and comparatively cheap. The two Ruger Americans I’m familiar with are incredibly accurate. Another plus for these rifles is that they are only about $339 here locally maybe a little more or less depending on your location. The American is available in 30-06, 308, 270, 243 and 22-250. Good luck in your quest.

[thackney]

I seem to find Core-Lokt $18~19. While it is cheaper than the more powerful mags, I find it typically a bit more than the non-magnum calibers often used.

I did choose the 30-06 for my first center-fire rifle due to the wide range of abilities in the available ammo.

I like buying the Golden Bear for entertainment at the range. It gives an attention getting bark and is still visibly flaming coming out of the barrel if you watch it.

Be well, God Bless

[dfwgator]

You will shoot your eye out.

Surprised it took 39 posts.

[scripter]

I once shot a single round through a 7mm rifle. Nice gun but I was just a kid and it seemed quite powerful. Considering everything, how does a 7mm compare to the .30-06?

[Resolute Conservative]

If you can find an old Remington 742 they were pretty good. If I remember they came in .270, .308, and .30-06.

[Resolute Conservative]

HK 91’s and 93’s are good if you want to go the assault way.

[mouser]

Browning BAR up to .338 WIN MAG

[antidisestablishment]

I once shot a single round through a 7mm rifle.

What did that 7mm rifle do to you?

[Recompennation]

Thanks and yeah it appears I just got in under the wire.

[Elderberry]

Barrett M82

[saganite]

I hunted with a model 94 for years and it is an excellent gun for brush country. The greatest thing about it is you can carry it all day and not even notice the weight. Wish I had that rifle now. It was my grandfathers and it went to his son when he died. The son died recently and his daughter has it now. The rifle has been in the family for over 60 years.