Need some advice

[Lawndart]

Hi there,

My Father in Law is getting his PAL soon, and has asked me for some advice on what type of rifle to get. There are problems with groundhogs, coyotes, and wolves up by his cottage, and he used to own a lever action, and a couple of pump action rifles.

Given that information, can anyone suggest a rifle that would be best suited for him? I'd appreciate any feedback!

 

[Rembo]

There are problems with groundhogs, coyotes, and wolves up by his cottage

if it's legal to use a rifle....a 223 would be the way to go IMHO, assuming he doesn't reload....a bolt action of some sort....

 

[todbartell]

if he's going after wolves, I'd go 22-250 or 243

type of rifle depends on how much he wants to shell out $

could be a Stevens 200 or a Sako 75

 

[zedex]

Yup. Id go 22/250 as well. Something in a bolt action. Ammo is cheap. low recoil.. They pack a whallop.

 

[1899]

I think a .223 in a bolt rifle would be fine for the intended use. Using the right ammo, it would take care of any of the critters you mention. You did not mention the range he'd be shooting these animals at.

 

[Furync]

Maibe he should get a .243 in case he decides to hunt bigger things later on?

 

[woodchopper]

Maibe he should get a .243 in case he decides to hunt bigger things later on?

:shock:

what and pass up the perfect opportunity to buy another gun, I too would suggest one of the smaller .223, 22-250 for groundhogs, coyote and wolf. Bolt action, Savage has some good rifles out there, good price and accurate out of the box. But if your thinking deer my favorite mid-caliber is the 25-06.

 

[Why not?]

If he really expects to hunt wolves, the 243 will be far better than any of the 22s. They are tough as nails, and very hard to kill.

Ted

 

[sPuTnik]

Maibe he should get a .243 in case he decides to hunt bigger things later on?

If he really expects to hunt wolves, the 243 will be far better than any of the 22s. They are tough as nails, and very hard to kill.

I concur.... It sounds like he maybe itching to get back into the sport. a .243 is a fine varmit round and quite adequate for deer. If he wants to step up, he should get a 30-06 in a 7600 of course 8) :wink:

BTW.... You can load a 30-06 with 110 grainers would make mince meat out of any varmits and a nice long range too! :twisted:

That's my $0.02 worth and that's my story, I'm sticking to it! :lol:

 

[shortround]

I would also have to put in a nod to the .22-250 in a Savage bolt action. Also as was mentioned earlier this will work for now and then he has the perfect excuse to move to a larger caliberrifle later on the pretence that he wants to ensure a humaine kill. :twisted: :twisted:

 

[todbartell]

BTW.... You can load a 30-06 with 110 grainers would make mince meat out of any varmits and a nice long range too! :twisted:

110 gr. Hornady Vmax, 58.0 grs. RL15, WLR primer ~ 3321 fps Pretty flat shooting out to 300 yards and change

 

[Lawndart]

Thank you very much for all your feedback! Based on what I've read, it looks as though we should be looking for a bolt action in either a 223 or a 243 round.

He doesn't reload, and he doesn't hunt. However, he would like a reliable rifle. Any suggestions on a brand and model? Something under $1000.00 preferably.

Thanks again for all your help!

 

[todbartell]

if he doesn't have to pack it a long ways, weight is of little concern.

heavier barreled rifles like the Remington m700 VLS, WInchester Coyote, or Ruger m77 mk2 Target often shoot very accurate, compared to sporter weight rifles



Remington m700 VLS

Winchester m70 Coyote

Ruger m77 Target

I personally would pick the m700 VLS in 243 with a good 3-9x scope

 

[scott_r]

If he really expects to hunt wolves, the 243 will be far better than any of the 22s. They are tough as nails, and very hard to kill.

Ted

Im w/ Ted, a .243 sounds like the ticket

 

[Lawndart]

Thanks for posting those pics; now he can have a look himself.

You guys were incredibly helpful, and thanks again!

Cam

 

[troutseeker]

Marlin GG in .45-70???

 

[todbartell]

here's some links to check out in search of the new rifle

http://www.remington.com/firearms/centerfire/centerfire.htm

http://www.winchesterguns.com/prodinfo/catalog/category.asp?cat=001C

http://www.ruger-firearms.com/Firearms/P-CategoryRiflesCBA.html

http://www.savagearms.com/centerfire_home.htm

http://www.browning.com/products/catalog/firearms/category.asp?value=001B

http://www.tikka.fi/

http://www.cz-usa.com/01.03.php

 

[john-brennan]

243

243 is a little more versatile than a 22-250, but a buddy uses a 60gr. partition in the 22-250 and it's death on coyotes at long range.

 

[skeetgunner]

He doesn't reload, and he doesn't hunt. However, he would like a reliable rifle. Any suggestions on a brand and model? Something under $1000.00 preferably.

Thanks again for all your help!

I'd have a close look at the Savage 12-series. Something like http://www.savagearms.com/12bvss.htm would to the trick, and is offered in all the cals. suggested so far.