Introductory Hunting Rifle

I think the tradeex or better quality used rifle is best. I've also tried lots of new low cost firearms. They seem to lead to trades for me.
 
Barnes_270 said:
If I was in your shoes I'd get a Husqvarna 1600 in 30-06 from TradeEx, and put a Leupold 2-7 or 3-9 on it.
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Great advise indeed. Got an m96 from TradeEx, scoped it with a Nikon Prostaff 3-9x40mm (got it on special), don't forget that bases and rings do add to the price tag. But that still left me plenty for ammo and practice (and range membership).

Don't forget that for big game, you'll probably need a lot of equipment as well.

Pimped my m96 over time (turned a nice bolt handle on my wood lathe, did a bedding job, got a timney trigger for it (this was the thing that made the biggest difference as far as accuracy goes), refinished the stock, put a good buttpad, etc.

This rifle has killed plenty of game and I've only recently upgraded to another rifle and scope. More of "wanted it" than a "needed it".

David
 
The used tec rifles are not for beginners, imho.

Most of them need work, like complete disassembly of rifle, action and bolt, fixing cracks in the stock, replace but pads, adjust lop of cut down stocks, fix buggerd whatever, remove crud, old oil, weak springs, barrels, receivers, sights, trigger guards and bad feeding mag wells, faulty extractors, .... you name it!
 
riversrest said:
The used tec rifles are not for beginners, imho.

Most of them need work, like complete disassembly of rifle, action and bolt, fixing cracks in the stock, replace but pads, adjust lop of cut down stocks, fix buggerd whatever, remove crud, old oil, weak springs, barrels, receivers, sights, trigger guards and bad feeding mag wells, faulty extractors, .... you name it!
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I asked Anthony for a rifle with as little work as possible. I had 2-4 rifles I spotted and asked which one he suggested.

To be clear, all the work I did on mine was because I wanted to pimp up my rifle, not because it needed to be done to get it in working order.

David
 
superhawtfire said:
So I just received my PAL/RPAL earlier this year and I just completed the hunters ed course today. COVID-19 has given me plenty of time over the past few months to break in my .17 hmr with gophers but I want to get into some big game this fall. I am seeking advice on what a good rifle would be in .270 or .308 Winchester as my introductory hunting rifle. I am currently a student at university so budget is a little tighter than I would hope. I'd like to try to keep it under 1000$ (give or take), scope included or the wife may get upset.
So lay it on me, what are your recommendations?
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There is a ton of value in looking at used rifles.
 
351 power said:
I think the tradeex or better quality used rifle is best. I've also tried lots of new low cost firearms. They seem to lead to trades for me.
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I just read an article from an African Hunting forum penned by Don Heath about testing rifles for Africa.
First in affordable rifles? CZ mauser style bolt.
Unless you have to have push feed... go on Tradex and get a good European built Mauser in a 96 or 98.
6.5 x 55 would be my guess for a first caliber.
 
For what it's worth.... I find used firearms don't trade at enough of a discount vs. new to be a good purchase. I find generally speaking they're maybe 20%-30% less than new. For that I'd much rather buy new, that's one of the things I've had a hard time getting my head around since joining -- why anyone would buy a used rifle. The only ones that makes sense to me are the rare or antique ones. But a T3X for instance, I've been looking into them, and I can't see buying a used one. I'd much rather spend the extra $200-$300 and get a new one.

Used vehicles with anything on them can easily sell for 50% off. Not rifles tho for some reason.
 
For new, best buy budget is the 783.
Step up a little and you can get into a Vanguard or Browning AB3, Vanguard is heavy rifle, AB3 is lightweight, both are good buys for the quality.
Basic Axis is you are poor, Ruger American if you want to pay $600+ for Axis quality.
Used HVA 98 or 1600/Parker Hale/BSA CF2 are around $500 for excellent near new examples, even a push feed M70 or older Rem700 can be found in great shape for $500.
 
Buggle said:
For what it's worth.... I find used firearms don't trade at enough of a discount vs. new to be a good purchase. I find generally speaking they're maybe 20%-30% less than new. For that I'd much rather buy new, that's one of the things I've had a hard time getting my head around since joining -- why anyone would buy a used rifle. The only ones that makes sense to me are the rare or antique ones. But a T3X for instance, I've been looking into them, and I can't see buying a used one. I'd much rather spend the extra $200-$300 and get a new one.

Used vehicles with anything on them can easily sell for 50% off. Not rifles tho for some reason.
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I agree with you in principle, but you have to remember the EE shows asking price, not price sold. I picked up my Sako Black Bear for 50% of new. Just be patient and good deals come along.

OP, if I was in your shoes I’d be looking for a lightly used T3. Put a Nikon on top and you’re ready to go.
 
I think the best bang for your buck is a FGM-148 Javelin missile. It has great range and is capable of a top down attack which always catches deer by surprise..

Oh wait..

They have been banned..

Maybe go with a Remington 783. Walnut Stock with the vortex crossfire scope.

It's not as cool as a Javelin.. but it's all we got left.
 
Howa 1500 or Vanguard, same thing and great rifles. The 783 would be my next choices down if the Howa and Vanguard were out of my price range, buying used is always worth looking at as well.
 
huntingfish said:
I asked Anthony for a rifle with as little work as possible. I had 2-4 rifles I spotted and asked which one he suggested.

To be clear, all the work I did on mine was because I wanted to pimp up my rifle, not because it needed to be done to get it in working order.

David
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Good on you. Maybelline you win a price...
 
Buggle said:
For what it's worth.... I find used firearms don't trade at enough of a discount vs. new to be a good purchase. I find generally speaking they're maybe 20%-30% less than new. For that I'd much rather buy new, that's one of the things I've had a hard time getting my head around since joining -- why anyone would buy a used rifle. The only ones that makes sense to me are the rare or antique ones. But a T3X for instance, I've been looking into them, and I can't see buying a used one. I'd much rather spend the extra $200-$300 and get a new one.

Used vehicles with anything on them can easily sell for 50% off. Not rifles tho for some reason.
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30% off on a used rifle, especially upwards of $1k can go a long ways towards being able to afford an optic - stretching the ol'toy budget is starting to turn into an art form for me. Granted, if the difference between an unknown condition used rifle and a brand new one of the same make/model is a paltry $50 to $100, I think Id rather take a new one. Of course, a new Tikka costs more than I paid for a barely used Ruger African Hawkeye - so I guess it all depends on what you want and how much is in your wallet.
 
hey mate , i tend to agree with tese guys looking for a good 2n dhand on the EE, an a new scope? for a beginner rifle, an if you get real keen you can always upgrade to something that covers whatever you may not be happy with about the new 2nd hand rifle?

theres a tonne of guns that get sold for no other reason than to make room for another new one.... or its been tried and tested, moved on.

not all rifles are Lemons, bu sometimes ya got to suck it an see
 
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