First rifle

haggis95

haggis95

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I've never owned a firearm before, and this is going to be my first.

This winter I took the hunting course and would like to hunt whitetail and muledeer next season.

I'm looking for a rifle.

I'm thinking a Savage in .308.

Savage - good price, accurate, good trigger
.308 good all around cartridge

This is basically based on chuckhawks's reviews.

Any thoughts or comments or alternate suggestions.

PS. would also like to have a marlin 30-30 for many reasons (maybe that should be the first purchase?)
 
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Your best bet is to learn to shoot with a .22 first and then when your comfortable in the use of a rifle upgrade to the marlin or savage ( Id personally go for the 30-30 but thats me) .
 
First off - get a .22

It takes the same shooting skills to accurately shoot a 22lr as it does to shoot a centerfire, but it's a tiny fraction of the cost in ammo and you won't get tired or sore doing it. Buy one, then find some crown land and get out as much as you can with some tins and different sized targets and practice practice practice. You can get a very workable 22lr for quite cheap.

But for your first centerfire - there is nothing at all wrong with a savage, and 308 is a great cartridge, especially for deer. It's a pretty good cartridge for moose and bear for that matter. Loaded right, it's quite deadly without kicking you around too much, which is very important in a first rifle.

Sounds like you've done you're homework and are making some good choices.

THere's nothing WRONG per se with a 30-30 either for that matter (especially with leverevolution ammo) but a 308 bolt is probably your better choice for a 'first' rifle. Simple, easy to use, easy to clean, and the 308 is a lethal cartidge inside the ranges you're likely to be comfortable shooting in. I'd get a season or two under my belt and then think about a 30-30 personally, but that's up to you.
 
get the 22 first, practice all summer. then get your rifle. I would opt. for the 308 for my first rifle. why simple the 308 will shoot further then the 30-30. I would hate to see a post on here this fall from you telling how you came across this masive buck across a wheat field and had the 30-30 with you,but the buck was 300 yards away. been there done that.
 
Ok ok, you now know you need a .22 rifle. Other than that, you are aiming for a pretty decent rifle with your .308 Savage. It's not a show stopper but a hunting rifle. You also have a good notion with the .30-30, which is my favorite little popper. Find a rifle you like between the two and bring her on home. Just stop listening to Chuck Hawks. :)
 
I'll be the dissenter of the group and suggest that although there are advantages to starting with a .22, a rimfire is not the only solution. But if you begin with a centerfire, you should begin handloading at the same time. It would be helpful to have a knowledgeable individual as a mentor, as being self-taught has many pitfalls, and takes longer to learn the basics of either shooting or handloading without proper guidance. There are lots of CGN members in Calgary; maybe someone will step up to give you a hand.

As for the Savage brand, there are two kinds of people, those who use them and those who don't. Those who use them believe these rifles are as good as anything on the market. Those who don't have grudging admiration for a rifle that costs much less and performs equally well to their rifles. I would caution that you stay clear of any rifle/scope combination deals, as the scopes are usually poor.

My suggestion though would be to check out some of the rifles at Tradex. Very often you can find a high quality rifle on this site for peanuts, and have a better rifle than the current selection of bargain brands. Again though, it would be helpful to have a knowledgeable person guide you through the huge selection on this site.
 
Wow -thanks for the feedback.

I have been shooting 9mms and 38's at The Shooting Edge and thoroughly enjoy that!

I've also been shooting with a buddy's Ruger 10:22! Fun.

Re: the 308 - wood or laminate stock? I prefer the wood for many reasons.

Also, would I start with a "starter" scope or get the best I can afford?
 
OK did a little research - bushnell elite 3200 with 2-7 power.

I'm thinking 2-7 'cos I won't be shooting out too far, and it gives a wide field of view.

I think that and a wooden stocked Savage 308 with accu-trigger will be the bees knees!

Thanks everyone.

For 22, Ruger 10:22?
 
I started out with a .22, but thirty years ago my first new big game rifle was a Savage bolt in .308. So I think you are very wise!
The Bushnell Elite 3200 is one of the best choices for value/performance, and I am about to recommend one to a beginner hunter who I took on as "apprentice" last year.
You ask about the Ruger 10:22. It is a very good value, reliable, and enjoys an excellent reputation. But it is short ( muzzle light) , handles quite differently than your savage bolt, and the trigger is only so-so. Why not consider a Savage bolt action .22 to go with your savage bolt big game rifle? Learning to operate a bolt and safety switch that matches the set up on your big game rifle can pay dividends when things get exciting during a big game hunt.
 
Longwalker said:
I started out with a .22, but thirty years ago my first new big game rifle was a Savage bolt in .308. So I think you are very wise!
The Bushnell Elite 3200 is one of the best choices for value/performance, and I am about to recommend one to a beginner hunter who I took on as "apprentice" last year.
You ask about the Ruger 10:22. It is a very good value, reliable, and enjoys an excellent reputation. But it is short ( muzzle light) , handles quite differently than your savage bolt, and the trigger is only so-so. Why not consider a Savage bolt action .22 to go with your savage bolt big game rifle? Learning to operate a bolt and safety switch that matches the set up on your big game rifle can pay dividends when things get exciting during a big game hunt.
Click to expand...


Ya know - that's a good idea! :bigHug: I'd only handled the ruger and a lever action 22.

Just kidding about the kiss!
 
haggis95 said:
OK did a little research - bushnell elite 3200 with 2-7 power.

I'm thinking 2-7 'cos I won't be shooting out too far, and it gives a wide field of view.

I think that and a wooden stocked Savage 308 with accu-trigger will be the bees knees!

Thanks everyone.

For 22, Ruger 10:22?
Click to expand...

You don't need to ask any more questions. You have got it right.
 
OK did a little research - bushnell elite 3200 with 2-7 power.

I'm thinking 2-7 'cos I won't be shooting out too far, and it gives a wide field of view.
Click to expand...

Good choice.

You should always buy the best you can afford as a rule, but that'll be a pretty good scope.
 
lots of people like the savage as their first rifle....and .308 like you said is a great all around cartridge for big game....

however i will agree with most people that a basic .22 LR firearm will be great for pratise without breaking the bank..... $20 for 500 rounds is great for practise!!!!....
 
haggis95, you're on the right track. I only add one thing, in my opinion you should consider a 40mm objective, as well as a 4200 if you can afford it. I find the 33mm obj dim for deer hunting(first and last light). As far as 3200's, they come up on our E&E frequently, and are very good. You will have an excellent all around hunting rifle. If you're like many of us here, it'll be the first of many. Enjoy whatever you get.:D

Oh, welcome to CGN!
 
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