Posted on 02/24/2018 11:08:44 AM PST by i_robot73
First, excuse if I posted incorrectly, I don't do so very often...
Non-hunter here, looking for some opinion(s) on acquiring my first hunting rifle; FIL been hounding last year or two to go out.
Least from my own research, taking into account cost of gun and of training ($/bullet), it seems to come down to two:
- .308 - 30.-06
I'd like to get some other's thoughts as well as any helpful suggestions on make/model, additions (scope, ??), etc.
Appreciate.
Get a combo-rifle scope deal, usually lots of sales. 3006 is a basic caliber. Used it for 30+ years. Deer and Pig. 243 if you want less recoil.
I advised a new-to-deer-hunting friend on the same question last summer, and then took him deer hunting this last fall. He brought in two deer with two shots and was delighted.
I don’t think there is much much practical difference between the .308 and the .30-’06. Either will handle 90% or more of big game hunting done the US. The .30-’06 will handle heavier bullets if you plan to hunt moose or elk or very large feral hogs with it. That’s the main advantage to the ought-six.
But with good bullets and careful shot placement, the .308 will do the job just about as well. Two advantages of the .308 come from having a shorter action. It is usually a bit lighter than the same model rifle in ought-six. Also, the shorter bolt may be slightly quicker to operate in a bolt action, though most people won’t notice this. Though both ought-six and .308 ammo is found just about everywhere, you may also find more bullet and brand choices available for the .308 in many stores.
Oh, my friend picked the .308 and is thrilled with it.
Really depends on what you are hunting. Popular varmint guns are often .2x Popular deer and some elk guns are often .3xx Dangerous game such as Bear or buffalo are often .4x
That being said, my opinion only:
- best lever gun - .45-70 or .45-90
- best bolt action - .308 / .30-06 / .35 Remington
- best semi-auto - AR10 (.308)
I’m old school, and like the venerable .30-06.
Both the .308 and the .270 are also excellent choices.
Any of those three will do the job if you do yours. Now, if you intend on going after grizz, or polar bear, or water buffalo, or hippo, or elephant, we are talking about a different ballgame entirely.
That would be Mossberg MVP, not Marlin
Buy a bump stock for it.
Make sure it comes with a high magazine clip
https://twitter.com/amber_athey/status/967086990738026496/video/1
What were you going to be hunting?
This is important because if you are on a budget and wish to hunt more than big game, a shotgun with slugs or buckshot then switch to bird shot for avian fair.
As others said, can’t go wrong with a 30-30 or 30.06 rifle if getting into deer hunting.(big game) Lots of people round here go with these.
I own both. They’re both fine choices. If you’re only going to own one, I recommend the ‘06 because of the wider variety of loads available.
The game you mention, are truly, different animals, altogether. In more ways than one.
There are several variations of the rifle--and you can even re-stock it with a civilian style stock, if you desire. It's such a common rifle--you don't need to worry about wrecking a valuable antique.
There are so many options out there, it’s ridiculous. And with CNC machines, etc, buyers can get some real quality stuff without emptying their pockets. There are a lot of factors to take into consideration, when buying a gun. Of course, for ‘gun guys’ those factors seem to grow, exponentially, thus giving us a reason to buy more guns. Vicious cycle, I tell ya.
I’d suggest a Savage package rifle, comes w/scope, generally 3x9x40. Get one with the adjustable trigger, you’ll be glad you did. It won’t be a high end scope, but I doubt you’ll shooting small animals at 500 yds.
308 (short action) or 30-06 (long action) are both fine. I prefer the ‘06, buy factory ammo or load from mild to wild.
The nicest Mosin versions are Finnish--gun's seized from Russia by Finland in WWII, and re-barreled and re-stocked and named the M/39. The Finns make the best rifle barrels in the world.
You can do the same thing with your belt loop.
My grand used a Japanese Arisaka Type 99 rifle Chambered in 7.7mm cartridge and with anti-aircraft sights. One of the more collectible relics but the barrel is worn badly. Don’t know how he ever brought down a deer with it(and he did) I guess if you know your weapon...
And yes, it is a “surrender” rifle. My nephew has it in his closet.
Not me, I like to shoot what I aim for and ammo is too expensive to waste.
Fun rifle but not for me.
Ping.
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