Rifle/Calibre recommendations for new hunter....
- Thread starter Kwattro
- Start date
because of his budget limitations
wich reminds me i have a 7600 in 30-06 synt. to clean because it was last used like a month ago in heavy rain and cold by my father who could care less and only uses his rifle once a year : sigh :
wich reminds me i have a 7600 in 30-06 synt. to clean because it was last used like a month ago in heavy rain and cold by my father who could care less and only uses his rifle once a year : sigh :
John Y Cannuck said:
Whiule the Short Mags are excellent cartridges, probbaly hte best since the invention of smokeless powder,
I would never reccomend a magnum to a new shooter.I shoot alot, and I'm not scared of bigger rifles, but my 300WSM recoils enough to scare the crap out of a new shooter.
You are on the right track. A 30-06 is easy and relatively cheap to feed, and versatile enough for all your big game hunting. It's even powerful enough if you are going after big bears. (It's when big bears are going after you that you tend to wish had got something bigger. )
Time spent handling examples of different makes/models will be useful. You should get something that fits you and feels comfortable to handle, or you won't shoot it well. Hopefully you have some friends locally who can let you actually fire whatever they have, but even handling rifles over the counter at your local gunshops can give you useful indications of what is likely to suit you.
The Savage package rifles are a good value if you need to buy new stuff, but if you want a better quality scope, 1899's suggestion is probably the best value you will find. If you are comfortable judging used equipment or have someone who can help you with that, and you have the time to watch and wait, you will get more gun for the same money.
)Time spent handling examples of different makes/models will be useful. You should get something that fits you and feels comfortable to handle, or you won't shoot it well. Hopefully you have some friends locally who can let you actually fire whatever they have, but even handling rifles over the counter at your local gunshops can give you useful indications of what is likely to suit you.
The Savage package rifles are a good value if you need to buy new stuff, but if you want a better quality scope, 1899's suggestion is probably the best value you will find. If you are comfortable judging used equipment or have someone who can help you with that, and you have the time to watch and wait, you will get more gun for the same money.
The 3006 is almost 100 years old, 270 about 70+ years .308 almost 50 years old, they all where great calibers and have tons of records, game target etc, but you got to change with the times, go out and earn a few dollars with a side job on weekends and get a short mag with good recoil pad and go and hunt anything you want and you won't be underguned. and most I have seen are tack drivers in a bolt action with a good scope.
BC Bigbore
CGN frequent flyer
- Location
- BC's Peace Country
Aw hell, just suck it up and get yourself started off right...Lazzaroni rifle (long action) topped with a 4-14x50 Schmit & Bender scope and chambered for the absolutley unbelievable 7.82 (.308) Warbird :lol: This package can be had for the low, low price of only $5899 USD and will take down anything you ever want to hunt on this continent :twisted: ...KF
BigUglyMan
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- New Scotland
I'd have to say go with the Stevens or Savage in 30-06. As much as you might like a pricey new shootin' arm, there's always a market to sell a moderately priced rifle when you want to upgrade in a couple years (and if you get bit, you'll want to upgrade :wink: ).
I'd keep life simple and top it off with a fixed 4x Leupold or Burris scope. There's no need at all to go with a 3-9 or 2-7 or the like. For a simple and effective rifle that you can hunt anything in North America with, a 30-06 and 4x scope is all you need.
The 30-06 can be loaded up to 3100 FPS (see the Barnes manual...I thought it was impossible too but there it is in print) with the 180gr Barnes XLC, or down to very sedate levels with the plethora of 150-165gr bullets. It is without a doubt the most wide ranging in terms of capability that you can find on the market. Too you can buy factory ammo anywhere ammo is sold which could save your bacon if your ammo goes MIA out in the hills and you have to b-line your way to the nearest Wal Mart or Co-op gas station. There's something to be said for having been around 99 years and still being in the top 5 (probably top 3) for die sales.
I'd keep life simple and top it off with a fixed 4x Leupold or Burris scope. There's no need at all to go with a 3-9 or 2-7 or the like. For a simple and effective rifle that you can hunt anything in North America with, a 30-06 and 4x scope is all you need.
The 30-06 can be loaded up to 3100 FPS (see the Barnes manual...I thought it was impossible too but there it is in print) with the 180gr Barnes XLC, or down to very sedate levels with the plethora of 150-165gr bullets. It is without a doubt the most wide ranging in terms of capability that you can find on the market. Too you can buy factory ammo anywhere ammo is sold which could save your bacon if your ammo goes MIA out in the hills and you have to b-line your way to the nearest Wal Mart or Co-op gas station. There's something to be said for having been around 99 years and still being in the top 5 (probably top 3) for die sales.
BigUglyMan
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- New Scotland
Barnes Manual # 3
Page 358
180gr XLC FB
62gr IMR 4831 3091 FPS
58hr H380 3054FPS
59.5gr H414 3093FPS
I'm not making this up. :lol: I'm sure they used a pressure barrel but it's listed at 24". I'm not saying it wouldn't scare the bejeezus out of me, but if Barnes are publishing the data, you'd think it must be safe. Maybe not what you want in an '03 Springfield, but surely a modern bolt action. Even if we say that you can get up to 2950 or 3000. That's screaming out of the '06.
You're not the only one that can quote the loading manual bartell :wink:
Page 358
180gr XLC FB
62gr IMR 4831 3091 FPS
58hr H380 3054FPS
59.5gr H414 3093FPS
I'm not making this up. :lol: I'm sure they used a pressure barrel but it's listed at 24". I'm not saying it wouldn't scare the bejeezus out of me, but if Barnes are publishing the data, you'd think it must be safe. Maybe not what you want in an '03 Springfield, but surely a modern bolt action. Even if we say that you can get up to 2950 or 3000. That's screaming out of the '06.
You're not the only one that can quote the loading manual bartell :wink:
