FIRST BIG GAME RIFLE

jstratton

hi my name is joe
i am going to start hunting this year.i,m definately going after a pig or two and maybe a deer. I,m torn on what rifle to buy. looking at the savage 111 with the accutrigger and scope package in .270, also the weatherby vanguard in .300. and I,m still tempted to get an old savage 99 like grampa,s.
this is a big expense for me, i don't want to choose wrong as i won't be able buy another for some time.
also i was curious about ruger, i don't know anything about large ruger rifles but i have a ruger p-89 and a 10/22 they have both been great and reliable
i plan on 3 or 4 trips this year and rifle will see a few hundred rounds a year at the range
thanks for your help

savage170

You'll be surprise on price on the old 99 great rifle Marlin is coming out with new rifle XL7 that looks real nice for about 350.00
should be on shelves this spring

carbine100

Savage make a good rifle and the accutrigger is great Scope on the package rifle will be adequate for a starter, but you will want to upgrade it down the road. In your shoes it would be my choice. Welcome to the forum and the hunting community!

laogai

since money is tight, i agree and would take a look at Marlin XL7 when it comes out soon. some pre-orders are offered for around $280. rugers will be 450 or so even used, with lousy triggers. howa 1500 can sometimes be found in low 300's are have good triggers and accuracy, same gun as weatherby vanguard but less money. i have 2 270s, and love that round; great for deer and pigs, and dropped a black bear in it's tracks for me in alaska. 300 mag is much more kick than you need.

good luck!

Cubslover

If you are on a budget, I strongly suggest you take a look a the Stevens Mod 200's. Same as your model 110 without the Accu-trigger and a cheaper stock.

Look for one in 30-06 or 300Win Mag. Can be had fro $300. Money saved can be spent on the correct optics.

They are very accurate, probably the best deal in entry level rifles today.

FEENIX

Welcome to the forum. IMHO, get the Savage (not Stevens, and not the package deal) in either .30-06 or .300WM (I am a big fan and hunt from antelope to elk/moose size game with 180G). Key is still shot placement. Good luck!

Mtnlover

Assuming it fits you well, I think you're right on with the Savage in 270 Win. Unlike the 300, it's fun to shoot at the range and can easily handle pigs and deer. I also agree with Carbine100 that your first upgrade will be a better scope. Welcome to the club!

wtroper

I agree with prior post --- the 270 will do all you want it to do and will have less recoil than the 300. I also agree with the Savage bolt. I like Rugers, have owned many of them, and most required additional work on them to get them to group along with an upgraded trigger. The Savage will shoot right out of the box.

good shooting.

jstratton

thanks for all the advice guys. i think i'm gonna go for the savage in .270 accutrigger package. gun show coming in a couple of weeks think i'll try there

scubabobf

Hi,
Since cost is a factor, ammo cost is also a consideration and you may want to consider a caliber that has inexpensive ammo. That excludes the mags. The 308 Winchester and 30/06 Sp still have inexpensive ammo for practice. Either should serve you well. I would see which rifle "fits" as well as the above recommendations. Good luck

Xracer

Also, you need to consider the type of terrain & cover in which you'll be hunting.

Heavy brush? Light woods? Open forest? Open fields or plains?

And the type of game. Big or little pigs? Small southern deer or large northern whitetails?

All of these should be factored into your choice of rifle and caliber.