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Need first rifle purchase advice
Iconoclast
Member Posts: 10,515 ✭✭✭
Now that the reality of my moving has sunk in a bit, my son is casting covetous eyes on my limited stock of rifles. I thought it might be a nice gesture to buy exactly what he wants, instead (the traditionalists can stop reading here [;)]).
He would prefer a synthetic stocked SS bolt. Knowing him, I agree with the choice and the reasoning behind it - he's not the most careful with his things and our perception is that such a rig would better withstand inadvertent abuse. This would be a "one size fits all" hunting rifle (he does have two .22s and two shotguns) suitable for whitetails and possibly some very casual varmint hunting. I'm thinking in terms of a .308, 7mm/.308, 6.5x55 or something along those lines; not real enthusiastic about dropping down as far as 6mm. The hunting terrain hereabouts is - usually - thickly wooded . . . 100 yards is a long shot in the woods and 200 about the max one would have on open ground (ain't much flat ground in NH - most of it is uphill!). Thus we considered and discarded the '06 derivatives (e.g., .270, .25-06).
What brand / model / caliber combinations would you recommend and why? In advance, I thank you for your suggestions / ideas!
"There is nothing lower than the human race - except the French." (Mark Twain) ". . . And DemoCraps" (me)
He would prefer a synthetic stocked SS bolt. Knowing him, I agree with the choice and the reasoning behind it - he's not the most careful with his things and our perception is that such a rig would better withstand inadvertent abuse. This would be a "one size fits all" hunting rifle (he does have two .22s and two shotguns) suitable for whitetails and possibly some very casual varmint hunting. I'm thinking in terms of a .308, 7mm/.308, 6.5x55 or something along those lines; not real enthusiastic about dropping down as far as 6mm. The hunting terrain hereabouts is - usually - thickly wooded . . . 100 yards is a long shot in the woods and 200 about the max one would have on open ground (ain't much flat ground in NH - most of it is uphill!). Thus we considered and discarded the '06 derivatives (e.g., .270, .25-06).
What brand / model / caliber combinations would you recommend and why? In advance, I thank you for your suggestions / ideas!
"There is nothing lower than the human race - except the French." (Mark Twain) ". . . And DemoCraps" (me)
Comments
Greg
Former
USMC
ANGLICO
I love the 06 and think that my 300WSM andI are going to get along great but to date 50+ years nothing I ever shot compares to the 6.5 x 55 swed coming out of the sako barrel ther are lots of great guns out there that is just my 2 cents worth.
Son if you didn't learn something today, you wasted the whole day. (Jasper N. Lee, my granddaddy)
The statistics on sanity are that one out of every four Americans is suffering from some form of mental illness. Think of your three best friends. If they're okay, then it's you.
Rita Mae Brown
Kids that fish, hunt and trap have never mugged any old ladies!
To Ride, shoot straight,and speak the truth
This was the Ancient law of Youth
Old times are past, old times are done:
But the Law runs true, O little son!
quote: Originally posted by MVP:
Take a look at the Savage 111 synthetic stainless package that comes with a scope,sling
has a detachable magazine. I think they are selling for around 375.00 for the whole
package. .243 cal would be my choice for the hunting that you mentioned.
The only thing that I would add is this,,,,, unless you've decided to NEVER use the rifle for anything bigger than deer, I would go with the 7mm/08.
otherwise, the .243 will kill any deer that walks out to 200 yds.
Those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it.
If he can do the lever gun,..the stainless marlin guide gun in 444 or 45-70 for the brush busting ability.
a 7mm-08 or 308 bolt gun in stainless is a sure thing on resale as well, not to mention their inherent accuracy.
why chase the game when the bullet can get em from here?....
Got Balistics?
But i would lean toward the 7mm08 because it has more Pop when the rifle is to be used for Deer.My choice in rifle would be a Stainless Synthetic Ruger 77 with a good Multi task scope like a 3-9 or beter yet a 4-12 Variable[:D]
Does that include the whole set up?
SS
Syn Stock
Bolt Action
Scope or No Scope?
Most shots would be under 100 yards but want ability to reach out to 200.
Use little varmit, mostly deer, Possibly bigger game sometime in future?
If force ain't work'n... Your not use'n nough of it.
I know the spelling is bad but guess what I DON'T CARE
Though I'd you with the 7mm/08 [:0]
2) 7X57
God Bless America and...
NEVER Forget WACO
NEVER, EVER Forget 911
"There is nothing lower than the human race - except the French." (Mark Twain) ". . . And DemoCraps" (me)
AlleninAlaska
Delta Firearms & Supplies
http://canadianfirearmsexchange.com
aglore@gci.net
Boomer
"Success is to be measured not so much by the position that one has reached in life as it is by the obstacles which one has overcome while trying to succeed"
. and the antithesis to this philosophy was uttered by Bill Clinton "I smoked it, but I didn't inhale."[V]
NRA Life Member
"There is nothing lower than the human race - except the French." (Mark Twain) ". . . And DemoCraps" (me)
"There is nothing lower than the human race - except the French." (Mark Twain) ". . . And DemoCraps" (me)
If he is going to reload all his ammo then any of the calibers would be fine. But if he takes off on a hunt and gets there and forgot to take the ammo, well good luck on anything mentioned besides the .308 or .243 For deer there are almost always 308 shells at most any store or gas station that sells ammo.
I like the .243 GREAT cal. but on Mule Deer it can be light on longer shots. And if someday he gets that elk or moose opportunity, well NOT with a 243.
Time tested and proved and available virtually every where you go: 308 and he will NEVER regret it.
"A strong body makes the mind strong. As to the species of exercises, I
advise the gun. While this gives moderate exercise to the body, it gives
boldness, enterprise, and independence to the mind. Games played with the
ball and others of that nature, are too violent for the body and stamp no
character on the mind. Let your gun therefore be the constant companion of
your walks." Thomas Jefferson
"If I claim to be a wise man, it surely means that I don't know"- Kansas
Not quite. The 6.5X55 has been around 1 year longer than the 30-30. The 257 Roberts and the 270 combined have been around about 30 years longer than the 30-30. The 45-70 has been around 22 years longer than the 30-30.[:)]
AlleninAlaska
Delta Firearms & Supplies
http://canadianfirearmsexchange.com
aglore@gci.net
"If I claim to be a wise man, it surely means that I don't know"- Kansas
To each his own
Craig Brosius
You have recieved much good advice on this difficult choice.
quote:We're leaning toward the Savage package deal in .308 or
7mm-08 at this point. Seems like a good deal and I've heard good things about the
Savage.
But, I see you took the very best advice![;)]
why chase the game when the bullet can get em from here?....
Got Balistics?