TOTAL VANITY: Need Advice on Hunting Rifles

[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?

[archy]

"In my book, anything over 100 yards is a case for artillery."

You rang, Sir?

Not always, though often a helpful consideration, particularly when the air-delivered equivalent is unavailable. Though it has been said that Artillery lends dignity and science to that which would otherwise be a vulgar brawl....

[archy]

I am trying to save up money for my first hunting rifle ... Any suggestions?

You have two tasks, acquiring a suitable hunting weapon, but also presumably similarly acquiring the skill to use it an effective centerfire weapon well. That can certainly be accomplished with a single choice, but that which might be usable for the experienced rifleman might not be most suitable for your immediate needs, though you'll certainly find the fields full of well-equipped idiots who can't shoot worth beans.

The military haslong noted the same problemin trying to turn effective marksmen out of inexperienced [usually] youngsters, who have tha additional motivation of knowing that the targets they'll be facing will very likely be shooting back. Accordingly, a military service rifle may be a better choice for you than a purpose-designed sporting rifle, also offering the blessing of particular reliability as well.

Of the easily available military rifles around that are also quite servicable for hunting purposes, I think the #4 Lee Enfield [NOT the earlier #1 Mark III SMLE version] utilizing the British .303 service rifle cartridge would be a good pick for you. The rifle is robust and reliable, is chambered for a cartridge of approximately the same power as the 7.62 NATO service round still in use by US military snipers and machinegunners, and can easily be fitted with a telescopic sight should your experience grow to the point that you can use one as a tool rather than a crutch, or if age dims your eyes and you really need that crutch.

There's a ton of available information about those Enfields, both on the net and elsewhere, including that to be found *here*, and *here*.

A .22 training version is also available, helpful in maintaining proficience once it's established, and even if you should later decide to move on to a lever-action or other telescopic-sighted bolt-action rifle, the Enfield can remain as a suitable alternate or harsh weather piece; it was designed to give suitable service under the most severe of conditions. And there's little about the Number Four that can't be comprehended by even the least motivited young recruit; you should manage a good deal better than that. You canlikely skip the bayonet drill with the rifle, however.

[Cannoneer No. 4]

[archy]

Great expectations?

[Redleg Duke]

The driver of that magnificent beast ought to be wearing crossed cannons!

[Redleg Duke]

I have one like that in my gun safe. It was my Dad's and it was what I used to get my first two Whitetail Bucks, within 2 hours of each other on opening morning back in the 60s in Wisconsin.

[Sir Francis Dashwood]

Got night vision???

Depends on where you buy the rifle and who makes the scope.

Sako also makes a nice rifle.

[VRing]

"Which was my point."

Point taken. However, you are comparing two dissimilar projectiles. The 150gr .270 is a high BC, heavy for caliber bullet and the 150gr .30 is a round ball. Plug in the BC for a 180 or 200gr .30 and re-calculate. Please don't get me wrong, the .270 is a superb antelope/deer round but as soon as the OP said "elk" the .270 has to be set aside.

[VRing]

"The star indicates that it was produced in volume by Savage during WWII"

No, the star indicates it has the later trigger assy. The early no4's had the trigger mounted on the trigger guard, later, "*" marked rifles had the trigger mounted on the frame.

[logos]

First, my bona fides.

I currently own - and use for hunting - a Winchester 30-30, a Marlin 336 lever action in .357 Mag, a Remington 725 in 30.06, a Tikka 270 WSM (Winchester Short Mag), a Ruger .22 Mag, and several .22s. Shortly, I hope to have a Ruger #1 in 25.06.

I consider the Marlin .357 Mag the best for heavy woods hunting, as it is short and light, therefore very fast for those quick shots. I have taken eight shots at deer with the 30.06 and put eight deer in the freezer. I have yet to shoot the Tikka (it was a recent Christmas present), but plan to do so next week. Every one of the rifles mentioned will take a deer (including the .22s [sshhhh!]), and have done so. NOTE: I would not recommend using a .22 for hunting deer except as a last resort in a survival situation. (coff...sometimes things "just happen...")

The prices of all the above ranged from about $100 for one of the .22s to just over $600 for the Tikka. I am fortunate to know a dealer who buys from bulk suppliers and then only applies a 15% markup.

If I could only own one rifle I would go with the 30.06. It's the most versatile in that you can load it with varying loads from 110 to 220 grain over-the-counter bullets, allowing you to shoot varmints with the 110 and even the big bears with the 220 (shots judicially placed, of course). Fortunately, I'm not restricted to only one rifle! The make and model should be to your own personal preference.

And if none of this helps, disregard the whole thing! :)

[kx9088]

I took it to me grandparents farm in DE so that I could sight it in over Thanksgiving. My uncle comes up to me and says "So, what do you need a .338 RUM for?" I said "Well, I figured if I never get to buy another rifle then I want something that can be used for anything. Great power, great speed, insane out of the box accuracy." he says "Yeah, like that will be your last..hehe, you just wanted it so you got it." I just smiled, then he said "That's the same reason I bought a .338 Win and a .300 mag.".

I've killed deer with a bow before. It's not a matter of necessity driving my decision for what some would call an "overkill" caliber, it's just that I wanted it. =D

[Lando Lincoln]

Well, I did it. I picked up my new Savage Model 10 package .30-06 from Wal-Mart yesterday. I have not fired it yet, but it is everything you said based on feel and looks. The quality is superb and the Accu-Trigger is phenomenal. I have shot many rifles with aftermarket adjustable triggers. I swear, the Savage feels superior to 'em all. Positive feel, no creep whatsoever. Amazing value.

Okay, what's your next recommendation that I have to break the news to Mrs. Lando about........

Lando

[MonroeDNA]

For your first rifle, I would stay away from anything more powerful than a .308 (.30-06 has the same balistics). Anything heavier and you might develop a flinch from the kick.

Savage has some rifles in .308/30-06 that have amazing accuracy for less than the Remington 700.

I would go for one with a rubber butt pad, too, to take some of the recoil.

[MonroeDNA]

Great choice! Getting the accutrigger was a very smart move, IMHO.

Savage makes a great rifle, right out of the box.

What kind of scope are you thinking about?

I recently picked up a (discontinued model) Fujinon 3-9X for $150 from

http://shop.sportsmansguide.com/

It was sold for $400 two years ago.

[TN4Liberty]

Since it is all opinion anyway... With either the .308, 30-06, and .270, you can cover most situations. All are powerful, but not too heavy on recoil. Most mag rifles (such as the 7 MM) can knock you around pretty well. The additional power is rarely needed, and can affect shooting accuracy. It is also easy to find ammo for these calibers, as opposed to some of the other alternatives like the .280, etc.

I have hunted with autoloaders, bolt actions, and lever actions. My problem with the lever action is (1) they are as slow to load as a bolt, and (2) when a round is chambered, the hammer is back in a "safety off" position. Historically, autoloading rifles were not as reliable as repeaters, and I steer clear of them to this day. The first shot usually knocks the animal down or it doesn't. Second shots are rarely needed, at least not in a hurry.

Bolt actions are inherently more accurate, more reliable, and don't have a big weight problem. A bolt action in a 30-06 is the "standard" big game rifle for a reason... it is so reliable and presents so many options. I personally prefer a .270, which is supposedly more accurate and has a little less kick and nice trajectory numbers. But I don't hunt elk.

You won't be happy with the 30-30, which has a lot of bullet drop (it is slow) and less energy than either of the three rounds I mentioned. The .243 or 6 mm are, in my opinion, too small for big game unless very long shots are needed. The lightweight bullets may not carry the knockdown power, and are not really suitable for brushy settings.

Like I say, just an opinion.

[Lando Lincoln]

Thanks for the link. The rifle came with a Simmons 3-9x40 scope which is serviceable. I will likely upgrade to a Leopold at some point - but I want to give this one a "shot". I see I missed a "1" in my previous post...it is a Model 110. I'm still so impressed....I took it out of my gun safe 3 or 4 times tonite. The bolt seems as strong as anything this side of a true Mauser. The trigger, the balance.... all for $440! Amazing value.

Lando

[MonroeDNA]

Nice! I know what you mean about taking it out just to handle it, several times.

Such a great piece of work.

[VRing]

"The bolt seems as strong as anything this side of a true Mauser."

Hey Lando, great choice in rifles!! That action, for what it's worth, is at least half again as strong as any mauser.

[Lando Lincoln]

I have twin sons who love to hunt. Their birthday is in the summer. I just placed on order, 2 more of these fine rifles chambered in 7mm-08. That is how impressed I have been with this rifle.

Lando

[VRing]

"2 more of these fine rifles"

Same thing happened to me. After years of spending much money and time getting factory Rems and Wins to behave like they should I took a fellow's advice and tried a Savage. I now own 3 and the only other types of bolt actions I own are a couple of Mausers I built up years ago and a Rem 700 action that lives on the coffee table.