Need advise on first deer hunting rifle

[vortech91]

I have been researching know for a while and need some help deciding on a deer hunting rifle.

The Browning A-bolt II is on sale at cabelas for 650 then I need a scope
The ruger m77 is about the same price along with a remington 700 adl with scope.

I was also looking at the used

Remington 700, they seem to still go for 550 to 700
Remington 7400 (742) semi-auto they seem to be going for 350-600

I dont want to spend a fortune and wanted your guys opinion on what to get. The used semi auto remingtons seem like the best deal.
The bolt actions seem like its about the same price to buy new? am I wrong in thinking this

Thanks for your help

[CMR]

If price is a factor then take a look at a NEF/H&R single shot.

[ajmorell]

FWIW, I wouldn't own another Remmy semi-auto. I had a 742.....for all of 3 months. With handloads it would shoot a group the size of a basketball at 100 yards. I sold it, bought an X-Bolt and couldn't be happier. If price is a consideration look at a Tikka T3 or a Savage.

[GIDEON]

Of the ones that you mentioned, Go with the Ruger. Stronger actions, crisper feel, cleaner lines, matched steel, accurate, a real sleeper of a rifle. Besides, guess where there made

[FishinJoe]

I have a Browning A bolt with the BOSS 300WSM that I am very happy with, also have a Ruger M77 Mag that shoots quite well also. Both of these guns shoot very tight groups. It is pretty much all about personal preference I suggest going to the store and handling them all and seeing what fits you best and has the best feel to you. Also if you have any buddies with these guns ask them to go to the range with you and shoot them first hand. I also have a Remington 742 carbine in 06 but that has open sights and I use it strictly for a brush gun.

Joe

[BirdieShooter]

I have a pair of 742's in 30-06 and they both are rock solid reliable and of course they will drop a bull, but as AJ says they don't really shoot the tightest groups. I have several Ruger bolt action and after a good scope ring lapping (and don't let ANYONE tell you they don't need it) and some trigger work they all shoot very well. Between the Ruger, Browning or Remington they all have their own particular pros and cons. I would suggest that it really comes down to what you feel best about, like FishinJoe said. If you don't like it no point in shooting it. I am always watching the used gun market and I have run across several lately that I thought would make someone a GOOD deal on a deer rifle but I passed on them just because I don't need another. I hate to sound like a vulture but with the economy that way it is a lot of people are selling stuff cheap and you can get a great deal if you are patient and keep your eyes open and are flexible on caliber.

[Cpt.Chaos]

If you'd really likea deal, check your local gunshops for used rifles. I have an older Winchester Model 70 in 7mm Rem mag that I picked up for less than $400 a few years ago, you can put some good glass on top and have a rifle that will last you a lifetime of hunting.

[junkman]

If $$ are what you are watching check out the N.E.F. handy rifle many cal. to choose from and they are tack drivers

[GrtWhtHntr]

I'm a big fan of the Savage Bolt actions. They're very accurate, great, smooth actions, and one of the best triggers out there. I've never owned a semi-auto, but I've heard a lot of horror stories with the older Remmy semi-autos with jamming and poor accuracy.

[uptracker]

Originally Posted by ajmorell

FWIW, I wouldn't own another Remmy semi-auto. I had a 742.....for all of 3 months. With handloads it would shoot a group the size of a basketball at 100 yards. I sold it, bought an X-Bolt and couldn't be happier. If price is a consideration look at a Tikka T3 or a Savage.

742's were known for jamming and inaccuracy a bit...just a bit. I personally though, wouldn't say much on your experience especially since the loads were handloads. Get a 7400 or 750 and you wouldn't be saying that.

That said, I'd buy a 700 action. They can be great shooters out of the box and any gunsmith knows how to tweek them just right.

[Ron L]

The Weatherby Vanguard's starting price is advertised at $439, and that's with adjustable trigger. You'll still need a scope but that puts the base rifle in line with many others.

[inland44]

+1 for the savage, best bolt out there for the money in my opinon. The Accu-trigger takes a bit of getting used to but that and the accu-stock make for a great tack driving combo. You can go with the Classic series which comes with a very nice walnut stock and deep luster blued finish. The Weather Warrior series is stainless/synthetic and slightly better on price. The Hunter models are blued/syntheic and an even better deal. the packages come with a mounted scope but not the most rugged. The caliber options are almost limitless and if your a lefty they have the greatest number of choices around.

I personaly would reccomend the weather warrior in either .243win/7mm-08rem or.308win. All are well suited for whitetails. The .243 is very easy on the sholder but shot placement is a factor. The 7-08 splits the diffrence on recoil but will allow you to reach out a bit further with adiquate down range energy. The .308 is my personal favorite, recoil is not a problem for most unless you start feeding it 200gr+ rounds and you will have no problem finding factory ammo just about any place. I would also do some research and put the best possable (affordable) scope on it. Have it mounted and bore sighted and practice, practice, practice.... good luck

[Sib]

Originally Posted by Ron L

The Weatherby Vanguard's starting price is advertised at $439, and that's with adjustable trigger. You'll still need a scope but that puts the base rifle in line with many others.

Yeah, they're tack drivers, too. Add $400 glass and you've got a great set up for $850.

[Rustyaxecamp]

Find a gently used Remington 700 in 30-06 or 270 and never look back.

Lots of them out there for around for $450-550. Keep your eyes peeled and you will find a nice one.


http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/Vie...Item=181739419

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/Vie...Item=181212650

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/Vie...Item=181165400

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/Vie...Item=182092668

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/Vie...Item=181789960

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/Vie...Item=181212858


Brownings say Made in China right on them, Savages bolt guns are ugly, and Tikkas aren't much better. Ruger makes a great gun, however I have seen ones that weren't the most accurate out of the box with factory ammo.

Get a bolt gun, less springs and parts to break is better.

Just my $0.02.

[Mitchell Ulrich]

If it were me..(and it once was!)..I would buy a Savage with the accutrigger in the caliber that I wanted.

Then build the rest of the rifle around that.

If money is really tight, you might only be able to do this one component at a time. This season you buy the rifle mainly for the barrel, and bolt. (and in my case the trigger) and hunt with that this year.

Then replace the stock. (X-mas will be here before you know it!)
Now go for top quality optics. (summer side job or two for extra cash)

This might take a while, so do your best to be patient. Your end result is going to be a top quality, tack driving rifle set up exactly the way you want it! You'll love and cherish it for the rest of your hunting life.

Two of my target shooting buddy's have either bought, sold, swapped and or bartered about 3 or 4 rifles in the one season it took me to build mine.
They love a lot of different things about each of their rifles, but they really can't say that they love everything about just one.
I can.

I hope you strongly consider this option!

Mitch