First Hunting Rifle

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wmaher2

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I am looking at buying my first hunting/target rifle. I don't want to buy something that I am going to be disappointing with in a couple of years and then want to upgrade. Something versatile, accurate and durable.

I have been looking at the Remington 700 5r Stainless in .308 anyone have any experience with it? If you had one and then upgraded to something else, why? If you have any other suggestions, I am all ears...

If you could only own one bolt action and it had to be under, $1500 before scope etc, what would you choose?

Any advice is appreciated.
 
Weatherby vanguard is a good choice. Ive always been a sucker for a nice lever action. Anyone ive ever talked to who had a 35remington seemed to love them, depends on how far you want to shoot.
 
First of all your going to get a plethora of different answers based on those firearms & calibres which people prefer. Your question is kinda like "whats the best car to get" (btw its a Aston Martin DB9 ;) )
You need to indicate what your going to hunt, hunting location (open, bush, mixed, heavy cover), calibre restrictions?, etc
Have you shot a centrefire/rimfire rifle before?
If not then most would suggest starting with a 22 and learning the basics. If you are comfortable shooting a centrefire rifle then what calibre did you shoot? Were you comfortable with it?
Do you have any "buddies" that have rifles in the calibre(s) your interested in or people will suggest? Would they be willing to take you to a range to try a few?
Also never skimp on optics. Cheap glass will burn you at the most inopportune times.
Good luck
 
Under $1500 id try and find a CZ 550 that’s still in stocK. There isn’t very many bad choices in that $1500 budget. Tikka T3X, Sako A7, Browning X-Bolt, Sauer 100, Savage 116, Winchester M70, Ruger Hawkeye, CZ 550 or CZ 557, Remington 700. You will always find someone who will talk #### about all those rifles so watch and read multiple reviews on them. .308 is a good choice for someone who wants a target rifle and a hunting rig.
 
m1978 said:
Weatherby vanguard is a good choice. Ive always been a sucker for a nice lever action. Anyone ive ever talked to who had a 35remington seemed to love them, depends on how far you want to shoot.
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The Weatherby looks like it has great bang for your buck. Do you own one?
 
Mumbles Marble Mouth said:
Under $1500 id try and find a CZ 550 that’s still in stocK. There isn’t very many bad choices in that $1500 budget. Tikka T3X, Sako A7, Browning X-Bolt, Sauer 100, Savage 116, Winchester M70, Ruger Hawkeye, CZ 550 or CZ 557, Remington 700. You will always find someone who will talk #### about all those rifles so watch and read multiple reviews on them. .308 is a good choice for someone who wants a target rifle and a hunting rig.
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The only 308 I have ever shot actually was my neighbors T3X. It shoots well from what I could tell. Though, comparing it with other rifles I have shot, it felt a little on the cheap side. I think the bolt shroud was made of plastic. For that money, I don't want any plastic. ... I have always thought a good rifle should have good a heirloom level of quality.

Thanks for all the suggestions, I will read up on all of them.
 
wmaher2 said:
The Weatherby looks like it has great bang for your buck. Do you own one?
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I have a Weatherby Vanguard in 308 and have been very happy with it. It is well made and accurate and although a bit heavier then some other comparable rifles I don't think you can go wrong with one if you like how it feels in hand. There are numerous Vanguard versions available, check them out.
 
I will throw a plug out there for Husqvarna rifles. They just got it right with them, accurate, reliable, and affordable. Get yourself a good condition 30-06 for around $600, throw a $400 scope on it and you're set for well below your budget.
 
I'm not giving you an opinion on what to buy because so many other here will.....But here is my advice 1) choose your caliber and your action based off of how you will be hunting and what you will be hunting. 2) before you buy go to a shop pick up the firearm, shoulder it multiple times eyes open, eyes closed. If its possible shoot it....When you find one that feels right you will know it.

Everything else is personal preference.
 
Lots of good advice. It will depend on what type of animal you intend to hunt. Location(open fields or dense bush). 308 is a great choice for moose, deer and bear. Not sure about variation for grains. Go to a shop, look and several and hold them. Optics also play a vital roll in firearm choice. Open sights are great in dense areas. Scopes for open large fields. Good luck and happy hunting.
Stay safe and shoot straight
 
Lots choices in that price range, you can likely get into a Sako or Kimber Montana used, for that price, always a good option,
I like Winchester M70 featherweight's, and Sako's, but fit is personal, so handle a few rifles,
308, is a great choice as are any of the moderate med cal, ie 6.5 creedmore, 6.5x55, 708, 308, 243.

I agree with the comment, of going with a sportier rifle, for your first, rather that a more target orientated with heavy barrel,
 
The Remington 700 5R in 308 is extremley accurate.
Excellent platform for a target rifle.
If you mainly hunt from a stand, will serve its purpose well.
 
wmaher2 said:
The Weatherby looks like it has great bang for your buck. Do you own one?
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i do not own one, but that may change in the near future. accuracy guarantee and fantastic looks in the deluxe model, how can you go wrong? depends on what you're hunting, but if long range deer is your game that 257 is supposed to be something else.
 
for a commercial gun I like the Browning in terms of fit and finish but discount a less expensive rifle such as the Savage model 10 or 11. I own one for no other reason than the price point and to my surprize, they have extremly good reviews and accuracy. Savages are the king of the under $1k, 1000 yard guns according to most of the reviews on youtube.
 
Din't know where you live, but if there's a gun show close by, go to it and handle new and used firearms. With your budget, you have a plethora or choices. Best to handle and see what fits you.

BTW, there's no such thing as one hunting rifle..........lol!!!!!!
 
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