Deer Rifle suggestions

Lanark Sixgunner

I would like some suggestions on a deer rifle that could also be used on moose. I am in a wheelchair and would prefer something that is both short and has managable recoil.

Thanks,

Lanark Sixgunner

TWalker

I'd suggest a Marlin lever action in .35 Remington caliber as a close to medium range rifle. Short, powerful, reasonable recoil. For longer shots, I'd recommend a Remington M700, Savage 110, or Winchester M70 in either .270 or 7mm Rem. magnum caliber. They are longer and have more recoil, but will get the job done out to 300 yards. Used Marlins can be found for $200-$250. A good used Savage M110 can be bought for $250-$300. A good quality used scope can be had for around $100. I recommend used as it's 99% as good as new(sometimes better) for half or 3/4 the price.

bull300wsm

Browning BAR in 30-06 or 300 win mag....my .02...Bull[8D]

TWSLUGGUN

The Marlin Guide Gun in 45/70 would be nice and short,thats what I use for deer and really the recoil isn't that bad I don't even feel it when I'm shooting a deer.I do have a ported barrel that may help a little bit on the recoil...

TWSLUGGUN

Just wanted to add I've killed deer at just over 100 yards with the 45-70 with the Federal 300 grain bullet and dropped them on the spot.If your going for moose you may want to go with the hotter loads but you may have to put up with some nasty recoil.

nononsense

Lanark Sixgunner,

It would help us if you could explain what you have experience shooting now and what type of set up you have for your wheelchair. What level of recoil can you handle up to this point?

The 30-06 can be one of the most flexible cartridges for most situations. It's also chambered in just about every model and type of rifle available. Then again, so is the .308 Win. which will hang right there with the 30-06 until you get up to the real heavy bullets and then it loses a little bit. Depending on the style of action you choose, you can consider the 7 x 57 or 8 x 57 Mauser. The upper end of recoil could include the .376 Steyr which would be superb for any hunting when a shorter barrel is a good thing.

Here's a newer design for semi-auto rifles:

http://www.benelliusa.com/firearms/r1Rifle.tpl

The 20" barrel for the 30-06 would work nicely.

As an aside, where (what school) are you studying gunsmithing?

Best.

PC800

Ruger Compact in 308 with the limbsaver recoil pad on it and using Remington reduced recoil loads.

Lanark Sixgunner

Thanks for the info guys

I mostly shoot the .30-30 right now and have used the 8x57 in the past. I sold the Mauser to my father as it was too long and recoil was stiff with the military steel buttplate.

I mostly shoot off an ATV when hunting in what you might call an offhand position. When target shooting I shoot mostly in the wheelchair, again offhand.

I study under the American Gunsmithing Institute who have all their courses on DVD. You can look them up at www.americangunsmith.com

Thanks again,

Lanark Sixgunner

tsr1965

Lets not forget the 6.5MM calibers like the 260 Remington either. Most 6.5 bullets have amazing ballistic coefficients, and high sectional density(where penetration comes in). A 260, or 6.5x55 swede, hits the shoulder like a 243, and has 308 punch at long distance. A lot of 6.5's are used in the Scandanavian countries for moose, with great sucess. Couple the caliber with a Nosler partition, or Barnes X bullet loading, and it is an awesome combination.

bpost

TC ENCORE in 30-06. Short, handy, easy to manipulate and very accurate. I killed lots of moose with a 30-06. They really die easily.

tommygun1927

My first choice would be a lightweight carbine in7mm-08 Rem. I have used this cartridge all over the country very successfully.