Purchasing my first rifle

1sttomars

1sttomars

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Hey gang,

I'm looking to purchase my first rifle! I've had a Remington Model 10 for a little over a year now and I recently got my hunting license.

A local gunsmith in my area has two rifles for sale that I'm interested in. The first is a FN Deluxe Sporter from the 1960's, I don't know a heck of a lot about rifles but from the looks of it it's a pretty solid looking gun. The second is a Ruger '77 in great shape as well (scope included). He's selling the FN for $900 and the Ruger for $700.

Frankly, I'm leaning towards the Ruger because it's got a scope and I imagine it would be easy to find parts for. However, I don't have much in the way of friends who shoot much so I figured I'd reach out to you lot and see if I'm missing anything.

I'm looking for a rifle that doubles as both a hunting and target practice rifle. I'd appreciate any and all suggestions or thoughts.
 
What are you planning on hunting with it?

Are there any caliber restrictions for the zones you intend to hunt in?

What are the calibers of each rifle?

How did each feel to you when you tried them on for size?

Did either of the rifles have iron sights on them?
 
I'm interested in hunting Deer, Elk and Moose. They're both chambered in 30.06 and I liked the feel of both them, there aren't any caliber restrictions in the areas I'd like to hunt. I wasn't looking for iron sights, but that's a prudent observation.
 
1sttomars said:
I'm interested in hunting Deer, Elk and Moose. They're both chambered in 30.06 and I liked the feel of both them, there aren't any caliber restrictions in the areas I'd like to hunt. I wasn't looking for iron sights, but that's a prudent observation.
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Always good to have them on a hunting rifle. Stuff happens.

The FN sounds a lot classier, but the Ruger is cheaper and has a scope. What is the scope? If it's a decent brand, that may be the tipping point.
 
I assume you've handled both rifles, so which rifle seems to shoulder and handle more naturally for you? Examine both stocks in the tang area and to the front of the magazine to ensure there is no crack. Be aware that the crack can be very difficult to see against the grain of the stock. Such a crack can be easily fixed, but the price of the rifle should reflect that additional cost. If both rifles are in similar condition, and the handling characteristics of both suit you, I would consider the extra $200 for the FN a worth while expenditure, but then I have a soft spot for old bolt guns. Don't be concerned about finding parts for the FN, based on the 98 Mauser, parts will be available for it as long as there are bolt action rifles.
 
Well - A 30-06 can give quite a wallop to the shoulder. You might want to go to a lesser caliber if you're going to shoot a lot. Also, you should ascertain if you want a detachable magazine, iron sights, etc. In my neck of the woods, both of these features are quite desirable.
 
The Ruger's got a Bushnell Comand Post ScopeChief IV ($700) and the FN's just really (really) fancy looking without a scope ($900).
They both have iron sights.

I'm leaning for the FN, it's got really nice checkering. Both stocks look good.
 
Not sure why you are limited to looking at the two used rifles. The Bushnell Scopechief is an old and cheap scope.

Why not looking at new rifles? e.g. Tikka, Browning or Ruger for that matter. Get a Bushnell Elite scope and you should still be within $1,000 mark.
 
Danny Boy said:
Not sure why you are limited to looking at the two used rifles. The Bushnell Scopechief is an old and cheap scope.

Why not looking at new rifles? e.g. Tikka, Browning or Ruger for that matter. Get a Bushnell Elite scope and you should still be within $1,000 mark.
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While the command post reticle may not be my first choice, I have to disagree with your opinion of the Scopechief. Yes, they are older, but they are not cheap scopes, they are the scope that evolved into and was renamed as the Elite series. They are a quality but typically undervalued scope, making them a good buy on the used market.
 
Wholesale has a great price on a Stainless Sako A7 package with Redfield scope if you've got the cash. Personally I would go for a T3 stainless maybe or a Vanguard Stainless or a Savage Weather Warrior.. Vortex makes great intro scopes.
 
eclipse71 said:
Sorry, but none of them.
Really, there is way better choice.
Buy Savage, Hunter, Axis, 111, 116....
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Choice between a FN Supreme, which is a top shelf action of awesome quality. And a Ruger, which is one of the best modern hunting rifles in the sub $1000 category and you say to pick up a Savage? Gross.

I would say definitely pics and a second opinion are needed before dropping $900 on a FN98. They are an awesome action, but the barrel, stock and build would have to be examined well before dropping that coin on one.

$700 for a scoped M77 could be a steal or it could be overpriced. What kind of scope? Is it a Mk I, Mk II or Hawkeye? What kind of stock and what kind of condition? Rugers are great, but they had crappy triggers until recently.
 
One thing not to forget is how hard are you going hunt with this gun? What I mean is the FN might be a beautiful gun but are you going to be worried about putting a mark on it? I have some pretty guns that I hunt with but I'm always afraid that they'll get dinged up so I won't go places with them I normally would where as I have others that I am not worried if they get a few war wounds. Something else to keep in mind. Great calibre by the way. Work on any game coast to coast.
 
Gee, I guess I've got a lot to think about. I guess I should broaden my search beyond two used rifles, however. That's a solid suggestion.

Thanks for the input gang, really appreciate it.
 
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