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?

[Al Gator]

Well now, if its elk you're hunting, you may need a .06

Now your gonna spend money.

[July 4th]

You can get a surplus Swiss K-31 (caliber roughly the same power as a 308 Winchester) fpr less than $100.

The accuracy in the K-31s is great for the price. It's like you're getting a gun worth five times that amount. But the ammo ain't cheap. If one wants to also practice with the rifle, it can get a bit expensive. Plus, the bolt is a bit different. (and a b***h to take apart)

[Zavien Doombringer]

Hey RightW... I was told 120grains and a .50 cal will drop anything :)

[spunkets]

You huntin' heffalumps, or woozles?

[pgyanke]

Not what you're looking for... but fun to look at...

[kerryusama04]

My neighbor has one with a factory installed scope and synthetic stock in 30.06. $550.

I'm not big on buying "first" stuff. Just buy what you want and only buy it once.

[Blood of Tyrants]

Lots of things can affect the price. The brand name for one, the type of rifle, the caliber, the quality, the accuracy expectation.

[Junior_G]

I recommend a metal rifle.

Not sure if that's in my price range. Maybe alabaster?

[Al Gator]

should read: "can't use"

Its late.

I'm sure you'll get lots of advice.

[Zavien Doombringer]

OOOooo, love that Barret...

[kx9088]

Personally, like I said, you can get the Rem 7600 pump in a 30.06 caliber is an all around versatile gun. I would'nt go hunting grizzlies with it but it will do the trick on elk and definitely deer.

[Zavien Doombringer]

have a bamboo one... used once.

[dangerdoc]

Where are you hunting? You might be restricted in what you can carry. Back east, there are areas where you can only use slugs. Even if you can carry a rifle, there is nothing wrong with slugs if you are hunting in timber or if you will be shooting less than 100 yards.

A decent bolt action in 30-06 is good medicine for about any medium/large game in the states. Remington 700 has a good reputation.

I get most of my deer with a bumper attached to detroit steel.

[Blood of Tyrants]

He says he wants to hunt elk. He needs a bigger gun.

[300magnum]

I'd get a .308 if you want to spend hours on the range. You can get cheap, military surplus rounds for playing around, and get a box or two of high quality rounds for deer hunting. Just my 2 cents worth anyway.

[Redleg Duke]

With a slug barrel. Good idea.

[Cobra64]

What is your quarry? Squirrels or rhinos?

[RightWhale]

The object is to get something for dinner, not to decorate the woodlands.

[Junior_G]

Rule #1: the firearm should be sized for the expected game. What is good for a 300 pound deer would be inadequate for a 1000 pound elk or moose. All firearms are accurate enough if you are within the range. Long shots are frowned upon, as are shots in heavy brush.

I have a feeling I am going to learn a lot more from this thread than I expected. Thanks.

[fish hawk]

I would recommend the 243 Remington 700. I've had mine for 40 years and have killed wild pigs, goats, deer etc. If you want to hunt bigger game like Elk and moose and bear, then I would suggest a bigger rifle like the magnums. The 243 has a light kick and is good for target shooting and varmint also.