New Hunter questions

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Mick Jagger

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Location
Red Deer, Alberta
Hi Guys/Galls

I am going hunting this fall for the first time in my life.
I'm so excited, can’t wait till September.
But I do have many questions.

A few for you maybe you can help / update me!

Today I was at Canadian Tire and the UFA.
A guy showed me a Savage Rifle, Looked very well.
Cost $479 including a Bushnell scope.
The price was right for me.
Unfortunately I didn’t get the model number from the rifle and scope.
Does somebody maybe know the model number and or have any experience with this rifle brand?
Next question would be what calibre I should buy?
The sales clerk told me they come in many calibers all for the same price.
I am going in to reloading as I’m planning on buying handguns as well. So this has to be taken in account.
Although I assume that almost every calibre is available for reloading.
I would like to buy a calibre that would make it possible to hunt a variety of game animals.

Suggestions are more than welcome!!!

Thanks
 
Some Savage package deals come with a Simons scope. Model is 111FCXP and come in the calibres already mentioned, plus 243 Win. and 7mm Rem. Mag. The 270 Win would be a good choice of calibre, to take a variety of game.
 
Can't go wron with Savage. I own 2.

Just spend LOTS of time and the range until you are confident with your shooting to about 150 yards.

I would seriously not recommend shooting beyond 100 if you're new because your nerves will kick in. Mine still do and I've been hunting for 30 years.

To this day I line up on the animal, take a breath then relax. I never pull the trigger on the first sight in. I let the adrenaline die. Line up again, breathe then squeeze.

Now the work starts! The shot is the easy part!

Welcome to hunting and be ready to enjoy a lifelong endeavor!

Life will be different now. And don't forget to give a little reverence to the animal you just harvested, it's good ju-ju.

Oh and for a good all round first rifle I'd suggest either a .270 or 30-06. Both have ammo available anywhere. I used a .270 for moose hunting for 20 years and never lost one.
 
I would just comment on the scope... usually on package deals, the scope isn't all that good. You might consider purchasing the rifle and scope seperately.... it will probably be a little more money, but you'll likely be happier with a little bit better scope.
 
Scott_N said:
I would just comment on the scope... usually on package deals, the scope isn't all that good. You might consider purchasing the rifle and scope seperately.... it will probably be a little more money, but you'll likely be happier with a little bit better scope.
Click to expand...

I agree, unless you cannot afford to do. These scopes come up often in the EE from people that end up swapping them out, so if you can afford a little more I would do what Scott suggest.

These package deals are great for people on a small budget, and will harvest game with no problem, but if your going to end up swapping out the scope, and then as many do swapping out the trigger( I believe this model does not have the adjustable trigger), you might as well have purchased a better combination from the beginning.
 
It is most likely a Savage 111, but of course I can't say for sure. Savage makes a good rifle and they stand behind their products. I had a friend who had some problems with his clip and Savage replaced his rifle with a newer model. As for the caliber, .308, .270, and 30.06 will take almost any game. Personally, if I was to own one rifle it would be the 30.06. If you are ok buying used, you should check out the equipment exchange here on gunnutz. Savages come up all the time. You might be able to save some cash and put it towards a new scope. The package deal probably has a low-end scope. Being from Ontario I am unfamiliar with Alberta hunting but I'm sure you'll be taking some long shots and you'll want a quality scope. Whatever you decide, welcome to the sport and make sure to clock lots of time at the range practicing.
 
Scott_N said:
I would just comment on the scope... usually on package deals, the scope isn't all that good. You might consider purchasing the rifle and scope seperately.... it will probably be a little more money, but you'll likely be happier with a little bit better scope.
Click to expand...

I agree on the quality of the scopes on the package deals, but what I did, was use the scope on a .22 rifle and buy a better one for the centerfire.
 
trebor2880 said:
I agree on the quality of the scopes on the package deals, but what I did, was use the scope on a .22 rifle and buy a better one for the centerfire.
Click to expand...

I disagree. I have a Savage 111 that came with a Bushnell 3-9 scope. Sure it isn't that clear but it holds its zero.

I got my 111 to start reloading. I picked .270 win but there are alot of other good choices. 7mm rem mag would also be nice.

Mine shoots under 1" at 100 yards with hand loads and an 1" to 2" with different brands of ammo that can be found at walmart.

All in all it was a good buy. I would buy it again.
 
Good accurate rifles , although the scope may be little inadquate. It might be in your interest to upgrade the scope in the future, but the factory one should suffice for some practice, or your first season or two.

As for cartridge, what sort of shooting experience do you have? 30-06 is good for pretty well anything on the continent, but might have a little too much recoil if you are a smaller shooter or don't have much experience.

30-06, 308, 270, or 25-06 would all be good choices for a first all-around hunting rifle. Or, you could accept the inevitable (that you'll want more guns) and just get a .243 for deer and then get something bigger later on for elk/moose.
 
I'm having a deja'vu here. We just mentioned those low end Bushnell need to be pulled on those Savage package deals and put on low recoil rifles. Preferably a rimfire.
I'll say it again, my daughter's boyfriend just went through this with his package Savage 111 in 30-06. The scope dropped the reticle on about the tenth round.
Have a Bushnell Elite 3200 in the mail as we speak from a fellow nutzz.
Some have luck with the low end scopes and some don't. All I can say is I'm glad it puked when it did, not in a middle of a hunt.
Not trying to disrail your efforts, just trying to keep you well informed of our let down.
Cheers.
 
The scope isn't great but It is completely serviceable. Guys that are big into hunting often forget that guys that are new to the sport don't always have a ton of cash to drop right off the bat. I say buy the combo, use it until you decide that you want/need/can afford a better scope and then upgrade. I own two Savage rifles and they're both extremely accurate. I'd opt for a 30-06 over a 270 but I tend toward bigger bullets. There is nO reason not to choose the 270 over the 30-06 and it might be better for you if you're a new shooter as the 270 has less recoil than a 30-06. Neither are shoulder-breakers by any stretch but new shooters can be sensitive and the 30-06 can be lively with full house 180 grain loads in a light rifle like the Savage.

Welcome to the club.
 
Thank you all for your advice.
I come to the conclusion that the rifle is a good begin.
And that I should give the scope a try and put some money away for a upgrade scope.
I like the idea of a 30 06. Shooting ammo that has been around for 100 years, awesome.
I think the win mag calibre is gonna be a little to much of the good stuff.

I go in the fall with a very experienced hunter.
I think he does it for 30+ years.
I hope I pick it up quickly.
It will be a big adventure to go all the way up north in Alberta.

Thanks guys
It's much appreciated.
 
The Savage 111's are a great deal. For an all around rifle I prefer the .308, but that's just me. In praise of the Savage: Good quality, accurate right out of the box, and even though the scope with the package deal isn't the greatest, most prove adequate. The only thing I would suggest is that you stiffen the forestock. Look on here and you will find a multitude of ways to do it. The Savage is also infinately upgradeable as time and finances allow. Many companies build stocks for them. A new barrel in a different contour can be installed no problem. Upgrade the trigger? You bet. Timmey makes one, as do others. All in all: A great starter rifle that won't break the bank. A rifle that will shoot good as is or can be upgraded as time goes on. A rifle that can last a life-time and can be adapted to suit you as your tastes change.
 
You can't go wrong with a Savage these days. I agree with most of the posters, by a scope separately. Before you leave to go hunting, take out your 22 and PRACTICE position shooting. There are no concrete benches in the woods.
 
Count_x said:
You can't go wrong with a Savage these days. I agree with most of the posters, by a scope separately. Before you leave to go hunting, take out your 22 and PRACTICE position shooting. There are no concrete benches in the woods.
Click to expand...

If you like the rifle biy it you can always upgrade the scope later.
30-06 and 308 are excellent very versatile and will take down anything you can hit accurately in reasonable hunting range.
It is excellent advice you have been given about the 22 it does not have to be a expensive model. Plus nice to have a long on a hunting trip for the little stuff.
 
Mick Jagger said:
Thank you all for your advice.
I come to the conclusion that the rifle is a good begin.
And that I should give the scope a try and put some money away for a upgrade scope.
I like the idea of a 30 06. Shooting ammo that has been around for 100 years, awesome.
I think the win mag calibre is gonna be a little to much of the good stuff.

I go in the fall with a very experienced hunter.
I think he does it for 30+ years.
I hope I pick it up quickly.
It will be a big adventure to go all the way up north in Alberta.

Thanks guys
It's much appreciated.
Click to expand...

Good choice, you can always upgrade to a better scope down the road. As has been said, practice,practice,practice. And after sighting in, practice field position shooting(sitting and ESPECIALLY OFFHAND). There aren't many benchrests out in the woods and it is the best way to learn trigger control. No one can hold a rifle perfectly still in the field and you have to practice squeezing off a shot when the sight picture is good. I think you will find the .30/06 a fine choice, performance wise and recoil is manageable for a new shooter although even 20 rounds off the bench can start to get uncomfortable in a sporter weight rifle despite what some will say.
 
Savages are nice guns for the money. Those packages are good but like many have said the scopes are not all that great. Buy it use it for a year or two and upgrade the scope if you see fit. I would stick with something like .308.
Buy a .22 and shoot lots before hunting season.
 
Just got an Axis Savage in 243 for the kids, it is accurate and the bolt is smooth, it does one inch out of the box and the scope is good enough for a 243... 370.00 shipped at my door... JP
 
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