Need advise on first deer hunting rifle

[FishinJoe]

Originally Posted by tommy-n

Personally I would go for a 300 win mag or a 7mm mag, kills all the deer you want and anything else in north America if you decide to later

That is why I went with a 300WSM when I bought my last one. I know it is overkill for Michigan Whitetails but it has the power and range to go after other species in different areas.

Joe

[PA BUCK 2]

Any of those rifles will be a great deer and much more. The 06 is a fine round and will do everything you ask it to do. The scopes on the package rifles are usually pretty much junk- so if you can get the rifle without the scope you might be better off.

[Newcub]

Originally Posted by 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

I grew up on savages. I have 3 of them 1 a model 99 .308 2 a 110 .300win mag & a 10 fp that shoot's less then a .50 cent piece @ 100 yards..Put a vx1 on it & you will spend around $750.00..But I hand load for all my guns..The 10 fp has a heavy barrel & the accutrigger took about 4 or 5 shots for me to get used too..For the $ it's just as good as all the high dollar rifles..And best of all it's made in the states..You can find shell's for the .308 everywhere & pretty cheap.It is more then enough for anything in North America except the big bears out west & in Alaska..If all ur hunting is white tail then a good ole 30-30 is all you really need..A winchester or marlin will run about $350.00 ish..

Newcub

[Sam22]

LOTS of good info here, my 2 cents, don't buy the used 7400(s), they can have real issues, some unrepairable. Go with a bolt, keep it simple. Single shots are a good option for some, but I personally feel like the single shot NEF is a started gun, and you will want something else very soon, so why not skip the intermediate step.

[Violator22]

1. Savage Bolts are not ugly, Remchester's are Ugly!
2. The Savage bolt actions are the most accurate out of the box rifles produced right now.
3. they are made in the USA

If that doesn't sway ya, then get the Ruger, I have some of each, and will use which ever is best for the situation i am hunting. My Ruger Ultra carry is awesome, ultra light, so after a day of running around on moutainsides I ain't ready to keel over and die. but for Speed Goats, I really do prefer my Heavy barrel 110 in 25-06. That thing is death on Antelope out to 400 yards, probably farther. Les

[inland44]

Ill reiterate my plug for the Savage, as another poster mentioned they are not ugly(IMHO) compared to the several AR platforms that are being hailed as the latest and greatest big game rifles. I prased the short action in .243, 7mm-08 and .308 but if you lean toward the LH thats ok too, and Magnum chamberings are offered in both LA and SA Savages.

Ill state my opinon on used as well. You will get what you pay for and many times what your getting is someone elses unwanted problems. I recall several discussions where guys will often say they will buy a rifle and shoot it if the barrel will not consitently group they sell it and buy another one. I do not subscribe to this method however this weeding out process doees seem to have some merrit.

There is something to be said for buying your first new rifle, choosing the glass carefully having it mounted and wringing it out your self. This poses the question of barrel break in and is a whole diffrent bucket of fish. If your set on a Browning or Remington and can find what your looking for used by all means its your choice. Choose carfully and dont let a rock bottom price be the determineing factor in choosing a used rifle. Again you get what you pay for.