re: Decent Rifle for Deer and Hogs?

quote:

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Tikka T3
Savage Axis
Ruger American
All decent budget end rifles.

Avoid the Remington 770. It is garbage.

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I agree. I'd also add Howa to his short list to consider.

I thought the Tikka combo would cost more than the price quoted. Although the opitcs on a combo aren't usually great, they're good enough to get started. Sounds like the friend is a newbie. If he continues to hunt he can always upgrade later. In the meantime he'll have optics that are good enough to use for a number of years.

As far as calibers, I'd suggest "the usual suspects": 25-06, *260 Rem, *6.5X55, 270 Win, *7-08, *280 Remington, *7X57, 308 Win and 30-06. The * indicates guns that are good hunting calibers, but may pose a problem finding ammo.