Suggestions for an-all-around rifle....

D

do15

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As I am a complete newbie as far as longer range rifles are concerned, and I have never hunted, please bear with me.

Here is what I have in mind;
-capable of hitting say, deer-sized target up to about 1000 m
-popular caliber, nothing too obscure
-co-witnessing with iron sights, in case of optics failure or short ranges - I understand there are mounts/rings allowing for that
-suitable for even largest games (moose?)
-generally, the less costly the better. But I understand you hardly ever get more than what you pay for.

I have been eyeing Parker-Hale rifles in .308 from Trade Ex, they would probably fit the bill, and the dealer has a stellar reputation.

http://www.tradeexcanada.com/content/parker-hale-commercial-m98-mauser-308-win-0


If I am off the mark, or if if my requirements don't make much sense, don't be shy to tell me.

Thanks.




Here is my response, posted on p. 8. Again, thanks.



"Thanks a bunch, much appreciate all your input.
Obviously, the wording of my post was somewhat off. I did not mean I would ever attempt to shoot a deer at 1000 yards.
I meant I would like to have a rifle capable of hitting deer sized target at about 1000 yards under ideal conditions. I guess I deserved some beating I took over it.
Still, wealth of information, and I thank you, kind Sirs."
 
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-capable of hitting say, deer-sized target up to about 1000 m

1000m is unrealistic for hunting, do you mean 100m?

-popular caliber, nothing too obscure

.308, 30-06, .270.

-co-witnessing with iron sights, in case of optics failure or short ranges - I understand there are mounts/rings allowing for that

There are set ups that allow you to flip the scope away, or see throughs, but they are impractical. Try for either a scoped rifle or irons.

-suitable for even largest games (moose?)

Calibers noted above

-generally, the less costly the better. But I understand you hardly ever get more than what you pay for.

That's correct, you do generally only get what you pay for, sometimes you get a lot less than you pay for. Do your homework on gun values, and don't be afraid to ask for values on this site, there's usually plenty of people that are willing to help out.
 
I would also take a hard look at the 300 win mag. It has a little more hitting power for large game and is a good long range cartridge. It is also available at just about any sporting goods store.
 
Just bought a Ruger American in 308 and i think this would be an all around rifle for many years, very well made rifle... JP.
 
Virtually all big game is taken at less than 300m and most far less but punching paper at long range is fun and good practice for technique at shorter ranges. As for calibers with new premium bullets magnums and large calibers have less of an edge. Some choices of caliber would be 270, 30-06 or 308 which are easy to come by and won't break the bank using factory ammunition. I wouldn't worry about a sighting arrangement that allows for irons at close range and a scope for longer, I've shot deer from 20 feet to 300m with a fixed 4x scope without issues. If you buy a quality scope the odds of it going south are very small so I'd spend my sight money on a good scope rather than quick release bases. Try handling a couple of rifles and see which feels good to you, then you can come back here and get 50 conflicting opinions on your choice :). The only rifles I'd avoid are the ultra cheap rifles like the Rem 770 ( I am a Rem 700 fan though).
 
.308 is what you need. good luck finding a deer you hit at 1000 yards though. and budget around 4000 for you optics to make that shot. and perhaps build a benchrest before you shoot the deer. and aim 200+ inches high.

id just buy a 308 if i was you. and unless you can hit a dinner plate at 1000 every time, dont shoot a deer that far.
 
I think 1000 meters is a little on the hopefully side for hunting deer but a good all around caliber would be 308 winchester , 30-06 or best choice IMO, 300 win mag. with a good recoil pad....if you buy a decent scope, in the 300-600 dollar range most likely you will not have to worry about it going south when you need it.
One of the many package guns might be a good choice for you as well to start with.
Have fun!
 
Sorry to the OP, I'm not trying to hijack your thread but I am in the same position as well.

I am currently looking at the Remington 700, and the Ruger M77 both in .308. Would this be too much for coyotes? I want the option to shot coyote up to moose.
 
Ruger (gunsight) Scout rifle seems to fit into everythig you wanted......except 600m instead of 1000m.

Check'em out, versatile rifle. .308.
 
wrinkles88 said:
Sorry to the OP, I'm not trying to hijack your thread but I am in the same position as well.

I am currently looking at the Remington 700, and the Ruger M77 both in .308. Would this be too much for coyotes? I want the option to shot coyote up to moose.
Click to expand...

What are your plans after shooting the coyote, cause a 308 will definitely kill it, but might damage the hide unless varmint bullets are used....even then....might be too much pelt damage.
 
I was just doing this a while ago.

308 and 30-06 are great. cool thing about 308 is you can pick up a bunch of cheap surplus 7.62x51 ammo for inexpensive practice(which is required to get good at stuff). cool thing about 30-06 is it is a larger case and tends to overpower the 308 once you start using 180grain bullets. From what Ive read though 308 is just fine for moose its what I went with. both will definitely take out a squirrel at 1,000 yards *snicker

Those parker hales look awesome. if thats your bag go for it I just dont like the see through scope rings. I understand wanting to have both capabilities but it a) sucks ass for scopes because the scope ends up being way too high to get a decent cheek weld. b) gives me a really crummy sight picture on the iron sights. I vote variable 2-7x scope and quick release rings so you can switch to irons any time you like. JMO
 
Drillbit said:
Ruger (gunsight) Scout rifle seems to fit into everythig you wanted......except 600m instead of 1000m.

Check'em out, versatile rifle. .308.
Click to expand...

+1. This is what I've done... but they are on the pricey side of things I guess. I'm just hoping that the extra money now saves me having to buy another rifle in a couple years.

But I freely admit that my experience is a mere fraction of what other members have, so don't take my word as gospel. I'm interested to see what you choose!
 
.308 is what you need... as posted above numerous times, forget about shooting deer at 1000 meters... if you are lucky enough to hit it, it would likely NOT be in a vital area and with very little energy left, would cause an unrecoverable wounded animal... stick to 0-300 meter shots and preferably under 200... animals are not a paper target or steel gong... they move, and you will not be shooting from a bench, there is alot that can go wrong in hunting scenarios... you want to increase your margin for error by sticking with ideal shots (not marginal or hopeless shots). Forget about "co-witnessing"... just set up a solid low mounted scope, you will likely never have a problem with it. You better jump on that Parker and Hale before one of these other guys do... it is a good gun, and that is a good price.

As for the question on hunting predators with .308... YES you can... especially if you reload... 110 grain rounds downloaded are excellent from a .308... I don't use them anymore, because I usual go with a K-Hornet, .223 or .243... but it can certainly be done.

http://www.hornady.com/store/30-Cal-.308-110-gr-V-MAX/
 
Applefarmer said:
1000 meters ? I, ya need a 59 bmg. Perfect first rifle, preferably painted Pink with Purple polka dots to camouflage for the elusive Elephant. Kills anything you can hit.
Click to expand...

Go ease on him... he admitted to being a "complete newbie"... asking questions is how you learn.
 
Drillbit said:
What are your plans after shooting the coyote, cause a 308 will definitely kill it, but might damage the hide unless varmint bullets are used....even then....might be too much pelt damage.
Click to expand...

Exactly what I needed to know. What would you recommend that wouldn't damage the hide?
 
I would say watching too many long distance shooting shows to shoot 1000m. I dont know of too many 1000m rifle ranges.

I would say the 308 would be a fine rifle with a 150-180gr bullet. Develope your shooting skills at the range with 100/200/300/400/500 yrd or metres. Get to know the ballistics of your rifle/bullet combo. Learn to use your riflescope with the crosshairs as a rangefinder.

IMO also practice your hunting skills (stalking/calling). Its alot more fun to call an animal in, such as a bull moose or bull elk, and bring them in close. Sometimes they may hang up further out and thats when your practice from spending time at the rifle range will kick in. Alot of the time you can call the animal within 100 metres.

Most important of all, have fun with your new rifle at the range and out hunting!!
 
If you're asking this question then the likelihood that you can handle a 300 Mag is just about zero. I don't care what people tell you, especially on the internet, but the 300 Magnums of any incarnation are too much rifle for 80% of shooters out there. For what you're talking about doing (excepting the 1000 yard business which I will assume is either a typo or fantasy as it's beyond the capacity of almost all shooters to perform long range hunting shots like that) there would be no reason to not use a 308 with good bullets (Nosler Partition, Trophy Bonded, Barnes TSX etc) and learn to place your shots accurately. You could step up to a 270 or a 30-06 as well. Whichever you like, really. But leave the magnums and long range shooting to those that can actually handle it. Not saying that you'll never be able to do either, but you have to learn to walk before you run.
 
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