Help a Noobie choose his first rifle

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svanderm

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Hey there,

I'm looking to get into hunting, and I would like to pick up my first rifle. I am partial to bolt-action military surplus rifles and lever-action rifles as well. Do surplus enfields/mosins/K98s make for good hunting rifles? I'm looking to buy something fairly versatile that I would be able to hunt a wide array of species from deer-black bear. When it comes to lever actions, i'm looking at 30-30 and 45-70 options, but am a bit worried that 45-70 might be a bit too much for my first rifle (am I wrong?). Any advice helps. Thanks!
 
It is really going to depend on your budget.
You cannot go wrong with a good lever action 30-30. Easy to carry, handy, light and fairly accurate.
While the 45/70 is a good cartridge, the 30-30 will be easier, and cheaper to learn how to shoot, and won't recoil as much as the heavier 45/70 loads will.
Both Winchester and Marlins are good rifles, with the Marlins a little easier to mount a scope on, unless you find an AE (angle eject) Winchester. Marlins, for the most part will be less expensive as well.
Other good options include Browning's BLR, and the older Savage Model 99 and Winchester Model 88. All of these are available with detachable magazines (so that you can use spitzers as opposed to flat point bullets required in tube fed rifles like the Marlin and Winchester. Only in the latter versions of the Model 99; the earlier versions have a brass rotary magazine). They are also readily available in the 308 Winchester, which will provide more velocity and energy than the 30-30, for a flatter shooting, harder hitting cartridge that will be more of an all around cartridge for the game you are looking to hunt, and is equally capable for moose and elk too. They are available in other cartridges as well, most commonly the 243 Win, which would be a little light for bear.
Many of the military surplus rifles do well for hunting, such as the 303 British, 7x57, 6.5x55, 7.62x54R, 8mm Mauser, etc. and can be a less expensive option to get you going. The 7.62x39 is a little light for your intended purpose.
In the end, there really isn't a wrong choice...as long as you are happy with the rifle you choose (like how it feels, balances, carries, and shoots).
If you have the chance, try out some of the rifles that you are interested in at your local gun club, or those of friends and family. Some stores will let you try out used rifles if you purchase the ammunition.
 
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GMC403 said:
I would go with a bolt action chambered in 308win and a 2-7 or 3-9 scope. The intended use (type of hunting) The brand, and associated price is something only you can determine.

For me, a Ruger M77 or Winchester M70 would be my first picks, followed by the Remington M700, Kimber Hunter, Browning X-bolt or TC Venture. For a scope, it’s Leupold and only Leupold.
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^^ This ^^ ........ Don't go cheap and buy an Axis for a first rifle with a crap scope. There's lots of good deals on used rifles.
 
Nothing wrong with using a milsurp rifle for hunting BUT there are better choices which you can more easily put a scope on if you want optics.

If it's your first hunting rifle, there's nothing wrong with 30-30 as it is mild kicking & works just fine on big game. Lots of guys rush out & buy a 300 Win Mag because they need it to kill bambi... And then they don't shoot it well because they flinch.

Cheers
Jay
P.S. I bought, equipped, sighted in a Marlin 336 in 30-30 for my daughter should she ever be interested in the Shooting Sports, 30-30 is a FUN & EFFECTIVE cartridge that is under rated!!!
 
A bit old school, but get a Mauser in 7 X 57; great all round rifle. I have a sporterized Brazilian Mauser; did it myself (before I knew better); built and welded on a bent bolt; installed a set of German made double set triggers, drilled and tapped it for scope; cut down the stock with a Schnabel on the front end, and thinned the stock but left a cheek piece on the butt stock; and added a recoil pad.. I have had this rifle for over 30 years. Tack driving accurate, with a wonderful, smooth Mauser action! Twice the rifle the Remington was; it has gone down the road, the Mauser is still here!
 
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For a first rifle pick a cartridge that has ammo that is easily found. And one that doesn’t kick too much. The 308 is a good option. The 6.5 creedmoor is everywhere right now and has very little recoil. A good option. A .270win is also a good one.
 
Lots of great hunting rifles out there, but one I can recommend to stay away from, is the Rem. 770 in 300 Win. Mag.(at any price).
 
As mentioned there's nothing wrong with using a surplus rifle for hunting, there are many nice sporterized versions always for sale. Many of us started out using them. However there are better options available. Go on the EE and find a nice Browning A or X bolt, Winchester M70, Sako, or a Tikka . There have been some pretty fair prices on there lately for hunting rifles.
 
Jay said:
Nothing wrong with using a milsurp rifle for hunting BUT there are better choices which you can more easily put a scope on if you want optics.

If it's your first hunting rifle, there's nothing wrong with 30-30 as it is mild kicking & works just fine on big game. Lots of guys rush out & buy a 300 Win Mag because they need it to kill bambi... And then they don't shoot it well because they flinch.

Cheers
Jay
P.S. I bought, equipped, sighted in a Marlin 336 in 30-30 for my daughter should she ever be interested in the Shooting Sports, 30-30 is a FUN & EFFECTIVE cartridge that is under rated!!!
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I would go that route in a lever if I was stating today
 
30-30 is a good first gun caliber, it will cover any game you want to kill and rounds can be found at pretty much every walmart and canadian tire. As for milsurp rifles, plenty of options there as well, all though ammo may get pricey or tough to find.
 
Get a Husqvarna 1600 30-06 off Tradex and you'll never have to buy another rifle again.
 
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