re: Best Rifle for first timer

I love my 30-06

The recoil is not all that much for any grown man and it's packs a punch.


ETA: my suggestion:
Remington Model 700 30-06 with a Nikon Prostaff 3x9x50 scope

Remington model 700 in a 7mm-08

EDIT: It is the model 700 mountain version which is supposed to be lighter.

This was my first rifle and I recommend it to any first timer for deer in the south. I now have a 7mm mag but still take the 7-08 if I'll be doing a lot of stalking/walking around since it is so much lighter.

I killed a lot of deer with the 7-08 and never had an issue with "stopping" power. The kick is minimal (not that you would, but, you can shoot it from the hip). My wife shoots this gun and weighs like 105.

I have Leupold 3x9x50 scopes on both rifles and am pleased with them.

Was not aware. Mine is 15 years old. What do you think is wrong with them?

price range?

Squirell/Rabbit/Dove/Duck-

Remington 870 Express, can't beat the price and will be one of your'e most reliable guns ever.


Deer/Hogs- Winchester Model 70- 30-06, 270 or 308

Tikka
Remington 700
Savage


25/06, .270, .308 or 30/06

I'm relatively new to deer hunting. I've got a Remington Woodsmaster 742 in .308. I've heard of some with accuracy and jamming issues, but mine has neither. I grew up shooting and have shot quiet a few rounds at the range and I love this gun. If I ever purchase another rifle though, it will be a Marlin 30-30 lever action.

quote:

---

CZ model 452 bolt action .22 Traine

---

I have one, and IIRC, they stopped making the 452

Sportaddit68,
Glad to hear you're going to start hunting. The hunting world needs more conscientious hunters I'm going to kinda approach your problem from a backwards approach, but I thin it's reasonable.

Deer hunting season is almost over for this year; by the time you pick your gun, buy the gun and get it set up, I doubt you'll get to hunt w/ it this year. Consequently, if you don't already have one, I'd suggest you get a nice rifle in 22LR to learn basic gun handling and shooting. There are a bunch to choose from, but the Ruger 10 /22 is hard to beat. If you want a bolt action 22LR to learn w/, the Ruger 77/22, Savage and CZ are also good. Buy the 22LR now and you'll have plenty of time to learn how to shoot well (as long as you can find the ammo. ) You should still have time to buy a deer rifle in time for next fall.

If you already have a 22LR or want to go straight to a deer rifle, I'd suggest one of the following bolt actions: Ruger American, Savage, Remington Model 700 or Browning; I don't have a Tikka, but I've read good reviews and they have a strong following on the OB; I've got a Marlin that I've been very pleased w/, but not everyone's had the same experience. As far as what caliber, I'd suggest one of the following: 25-06, 260 Rem, 270 Win, 7-08, 280 Rem, 308 Win or 30-06. Nothing wrong w/ a lever for deer hunting inside 150-200 yards, but in short time you'll want to have the capability to hunt at longer distances; go ahead and buy the bolt action now. Keep in mind the availability of ammo at your local stores. If you're recoil sensitive, shoot some managed recoil loads in your deer rifle before you start using full power loads. You don't need a magnum, short, long, ultra____, or whatever. Go to some stores and handle different guns to find which one(s) handle the best for YOU. Buy a decent scope in the 3-9X range. You don't need to spend $600 on the scope. Use a one piece Weaver base and Burris Signature Z rings (the ones w/ the plastic inserts) to attach the scope. Try different types of ammo before settling on which one to hunt w/,

Good luck and keep us informed.