1st Deer rifle / 1st hunt

[Lee_Enfield_Lover]

Go for a bolt action in something like 0.270, 0.308 or 3006 and you'll have plenty of chance to try out different weights of bullets without too much difficulty finding them. A Savage Axis XP with a scope can be had for around $450 and if it turns out hunting isn't your thing, someone will buy it for pretty close to what you paid for it. Then you can decide how far up the price range/quality scale you want to go after that, getting into a Browning X-Bolt, Remington 700 or my favourite for the money, a Tikka T3.

Start with something like a Savage Axis XP in 3006 or .308 and you can do deer, moose, elk or just plink at the range. Feel a few in the store and see what you like. If you've got some gun buddies that you can try these few very common ones you, all the better.

- T

 

[SuperCub]

Been deer hunting for 35 years...., a 308 is a really good choice (the best one for me), 30-30 is also a very good choice.

No need for a 30-06 or 300win, or if you want go that route, take look on a 7mm rem magnum, better choice.

Forget pump action.

Bolt action : one bullet , one kill.

The difference between a 308 and 30/06 is so small, it's puzzling to recommend one over the other. A magnum is not generally required for deer hunting but a 30/06 is no magnum.

A pump action rifle is not for everyone but there are many who do appreciate the practical advantages they offer. They are reliable, accurate, easy to scope & handle very well. I have shot many deer with mine and most were with one shot w/o having to empty the magazine.

 

[SuperCub]

Many recommend a cheaper entry level rifle. Most of these are fine shooters. I have owned and do still own them but am glad my first rifle was not a cheap plastic beater.

To the OP ..... buy yourself a nice first rifle in a std chambering for easy to find ammo. 270, 308, 30/06 is perfect depending on where you will be hunting. Buying used is OK, just get something you will have pride of ownership in and will serve you well. This rifle will be your first snd something you might like to pass on to your kids someday.

 

[big boar]

First, read the regs on caliber restrictions, I've even heard people that teach the hunting course get the caliber restrictions wrong. I'll just cover the WMU's north of you. South of Hwy 89 you cannot use a rifle of any caliber for hunting deer, shotgun and bow only. (Small game is limited to calibers 270 and under. A foolish thought when you consider the power of a 270). You're in Niagra so there are a lot of opportunities if you're going to hunt just north of you. (Pretty River Valley and a lot of Dufferin county forest is open for hunting.) North of 89 you can use a 458 Win mag if you'd like. No, you don't have to go the the French River to use a rifle. Just so you know, Hwy 89 is not far north of Orangeville right at Shelbourne. I really recommend that you spend a bit of time reviewing the Hunting regs. It's not as complex as the fishing regs. Give them a read, then read them over 2 more times, it will really pay off and they're interesting. Best of luck, you'll really enjoy hunting.