Best all-purpose rifle -- when I can afford only one?

self | 12/5/10 | NewJerseyJoe

[NewJerseyJoe]

Hello fellow banglisters. I know I'm going to open a can of worms with this thread -- as does every "What is the best [gun type]" thread -- but I don't know a better-informed group of people to ask.

After enduring three years of the very worst of the bad economic times (unemployment, temp jobs, etc.), I'm finally in a position to increase my personal armory, in the next few months. I need a rifle -- I have only a Henry .22 survival rifle. Not bad for what it does, but it's not the same as a "real" rifle.

The catch is that I can afford one and only one -- and I want to get the most bang for my buck. My considerations are:

1. Reliable
2. Good reputation for quality and accuracy
3. Relatively easy maintenance and cleaning
4. Widespread availability of compatible ammo
5. Durable under a number of different conditions and usage
6. Versatile -- useable for hunting, security/protection, etc.

Estimated budget is $600 to $900; might be able to go a little higher, but I should be able to find something in that range. I had been looking at some of the Remington 700 series, but I don't know if they fit the bill, as I've described above.

If, in your opinion, I can't "have it all" with only one purchase, please tell me so.

Oh, and I should mention -- I live in New Jersey. Rifles that you would pick up at the corner store are ones that I might have to jump through hoops to get. :-(

[al baby]

Remington 870

[Dick Vomer]

live in New Jersey. Rifles that you would pick up at the corner store are ones that I might have to jump through hoops to get. :-(

move

[stuartcr]

I’d go with a bolt-action 30.06

[ReverendJames]

My opinion? A Remington model 700 in 30-06. Bolt action, no hangups no worries. You could go a bit hotter and get one in 7mm ultra mag. That’s if you want to shoot elk across a three mile canyon.

[Kirkwood]

Don’t disparage a .22 as not being a real rifle. You can do a lot with it that you apparently aren’t doing now. In any case, I would recommend a 12 ga. shotgun as your next purchase instead of a rifle. Not what you wanted to hear, but I stand by that recommendation.

[NewJerseyJoe]

> Remington 870

Rifle -- not shotgun. I already have a Remington 870.

[Junior_G]

Prepare to be overwhelmed with advice.

[flowerplough]

Concur.

W/ a Henry .22 in currently hand, Joe might now need a shotgun more than another rifle.

[afnamvet]

Ruger Mini 14 in .223.

[NewJerseyJoe]

Thanks. My current "arsenal" consists of a Remington 870, a S&W 9mm, and the Henry .22 rifle.

Don't get me wrong, I wasn't disparaging the .22 -- but stating that a .22 versus, say, a 30-06 have different uses.

[NewJerseyJoe]

> Prepare to be overwhelmed with advice.

I know. I've hesitated for two months to post this message. :-)

[Ken522]

You might consider a Ruger M77 in .308 cal - an all-round reliable rifle, and the ammunition is pretty standard.

[USS Alaska]

I’d go with a bolt-action 30.06

Yep, if I could pick only one of my rifles that would be the one that I'd take.

The brand really doesn't make a big difference, and since you said money is a factor, go to Wal-Mart and buy a Savage for around $4-500.

It's not the only rifle in that range, but it's a solid gun and it will save you $3-500.

[billorites]

"hunting, security/protection, etc. durability...

Model 700 30-06 fits the bill.

Unless you find a nice old Winchester Model 70 say in .243.

[Circle_Hook]

Ruger M-77 in variuos calibers. .308 is a good all around caliber that is easy to get.

[Rappini]

Winchester 94 3030 or AR 15 in 223.

[whatexit]

You have a NJ fireams card, you can buy long guns out of state ya know. Cabella’s, Dunkelburgers... etc in Pa have pretty good selection. They’ll do the NICS check.

I’m looking at model 700’s myself - just trying to decide on caliber

[Rappini]

On second thought Post 3 had it right.

[Circle_Hook]

We think alike! And, the M-77 fits well within his budget whick leaves room for a scope!