good starting rifle?
- Thread starter lucky7
- Start date
I would reccomend picking something that's not just a starter rifle but something that will be a keeper in the long run... Instead of upgrading spend more once on something nice. Try using some of your friends guns at the range and check out what fits you and get the feel of different bolts with different brands. Also read all you can about your choices before you decide. I'm a Winchester model 70 in .270win guy... But you might like something else.
Savage 110, Ruger m77's or maybe a browning. I'd go with .270, .308, or 30-06... All standard cartridges that are readily available and easy to shoot, deer moose and elk worthy. Throw a vortex scope on it and you'll be plenty happy I think.
There's nothing wrong with savage axis or Ruger American models, but most guys inevitably upgrade and loose money.
Savage 110, Ruger m77's or maybe a browning. I'd go with .270, .308, or 30-06... All standard cartridges that are readily available and easy to shoot, deer moose and elk worthy. Throw a vortex scope on it and you'll be plenty happy I think.
There's nothing wrong with savage axis or Ruger American models, but most guys inevitably upgrade and loose money.
I am with ^^, don't cheap out on your first gun. I you want it for the range and deer, a .243, 7MM-08 or a .308 will be plenty.
I use guns mainly for hunting, I have been tempted to get a .243 for a while, but no Deer in NL and few ranges.
Tikka T3, Winchester M70, Remington 700 or Browning X-Bolt would be my choices. All less than 1000.
I use guns mainly for hunting, I have been tempted to get a .243 for a while, but no Deer in NL and few ranges.
Tikka T3, Winchester M70, Remington 700 or Browning X-Bolt would be my choices. All less than 1000.
Bigfoot 870
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Here we go again...........taking for granted that the OP has the same amount of money to spend as "you" do.........
Rem 5R, in .308, in whichever length you prefer although the 20" model does come with a threaded muzzle for you to install brake should you want/need too.
Very solid platform that, with Match ammo, will get you into sub-moa club as long as you do your part. Keep the stock it comes with and you'll definitely be able to use it as a hunting rifle as well.
Same goes for a Tikka T3 in the Varmint, CTR or if the funds permit, their Tactical model. All proven platforms.
I bet you that by the time this thread reaches 20 posts you'll have 15 different suggestions!
Very solid platform that, with Match ammo, will get you into sub-moa club as long as you do your part. Keep the stock it comes with and you'll definitely be able to use it as a hunting rifle as well.
Same goes for a Tikka T3 in the Varmint, CTR or if the funds permit, their Tactical model. All proven platforms.
I bet you that by the time this thread reaches 20 posts you'll have 15 different suggestions!
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Ammo for the 308, including "cheap" surplus stuff is pretty easy to come by. So if you plan on doing a lot of shooting that may be the most economical choice of the calibers being tossed around - unless of course you plan on getting into reloading for yourself.
If you post up your budget I'm sure a bunch will drop by and give you some suggestions at which rifle might suit your needs AND budget.
Even some of the cheapest NEW rifles on the market will shoot more than accurately enough for deer hunting (Savage Axis, Mossberg Patriot, Remington 783) - they can be had with factory installed optics in the 400 to 500 dollar range (sometimes less on sale) and then all you need add is a box of shells and off you go.
I'm not saying they are "great" rifles, because they aren't. The optics are low end, in some cases the triggers are less than ideal - but they shoot straight and can often hold their own with rifles costing 3 times as much.
If you have the budget, DO get a rifle that you will keep for a lifetime - but don't let anyone discourage you if you are trying to start on a tight budget. A deer doesn't end up any more dead if shot with a $3000 Kimber with a $2000 Zeiss scope, than the $450 Savage Axis II bought from a big box seller.
If you post up your budget I'm sure a bunch will drop by and give you some suggestions at which rifle might suit your needs AND budget.
Even some of the cheapest NEW rifles on the market will shoot more than accurately enough for deer hunting (Savage Axis, Mossberg Patriot, Remington 783) - they can be had with factory installed optics in the 400 to 500 dollar range (sometimes less on sale) and then all you need add is a box of shells and off you go.
I'm not saying they are "great" rifles, because they aren't. The optics are low end, in some cases the triggers are less than ideal - but they shoot straight and can often hold their own with rifles costing 3 times as much.
If you have the budget, DO get a rifle that you will keep for a lifetime - but don't let anyone discourage you if you are trying to start on a tight budget. A deer doesn't end up any more dead if shot with a $3000 Kimber with a $2000 Zeiss scope, than the $450 Savage Axis II bought from a big box seller.
Tikka T3 in 308 in what ever configuration floats your bobber. These are well made, smooth operating, extremely accurate rifles right out of the box, and are very affordable and great value for your hard earned dollars. I say 308 because there is a plethora of ammo available for it from the low end Federal white box FMJ up to extreme high grade hunting and match ammo for when you want to get serious.
