Rifle for hunting!!

Another vote for the Tikka. 270Win / 6.5x55 / 7mm-08 / 30-06 would be great calibers. I like Leupold scopes. A VX2 3-9 or 4-12 would be great. Bushnell Elite 3200 series or a Burris FF II scope, maybe Vortex in same price line.

Savage has some pkg deals...great shooting rifles, just a real sloppy action for me.

Take a look in the EE for a used rifle, maybe with scope, save some $$, put it towards a better scope or other hunting supplies.
 
Epper said:
Thanks for the info.

I am not looking to spend an outrageous amount $800-1500 max probably. Most likely will buy the fun and get the scope a few months down the road when I find one I really like. I don't have much experience with rifles so I intend to go to the shooting range for a while before starting to hunt of course.
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Consider a Ruger American in a caliber that suits the ammo availability in your area as well as your realistic hunting needs.
Use the money left over for a nice scope that can be used for other rifles years later.
 
if you have any friends or mentors that are shooters that will be introducing you to the sport, i would find out from them which distances they have shot their game at in your area, so you will have an idea of what is realistic for when you start to go. Also, if you have the availability to shoot a few rifles before you purchase one. Go to the store and shoulder a number of different rifles. realistically whichever one you choose will be a good choice (provided when you buy it you pick a caliber that is made for things bigger than coyotes) there are a way to many rifle and caliber combinations for someone to say this is the best. it may be their favorite, but you can also develop which one yours is. From my experience, i would say don't get to attached to any rifle. If you are buying one and planning on keeping it forever that is fair enough and understandable ( i have a few like that ) but i also know that sometimes your scenario changes and you will be looking for something different, or you will shoot someone elses gun, and realize it fits you way better and your's will feel a bit off. So be prepared to change which rifle you use for better results or better fit.

good luck and have fun! - let us know which one you purchase!
 
I'm leaving in 20 minutes for my first hunt with my Wby. Vanguard S2 that I bought this year. I've put around 100 rounds through it at the range and am very impressed with the rifle. It has a nice clean breaking trigger that's adjustable. The action is buttery smooth, and I was getting .75" groups at 100 yards (I'll have to get a target posted sometime.)

I know that if I don't hit what I'm aiming at this year I can't blame it on the 40 year old scope and rifle anymore (not that I could blame my .270 in the first place).

Prophet river is selling the S2's for $580 right now, and I'm sure Clay can get whatever caliber you want in if he doesn't have it in stock.
 
Personally I prefer a stainless rifle for hunting. Of course I live on the "Wet" coast. I believe it's possible to keep a blued rifle rust free, but it's a lot less work with a stainless one. It's not so important for a range gun, but when you're out in the rain day after day ...

I have a T3 stainless that I've been quite happy with. Mine is 6.5x55, but pick the caliber of your choice. The T3 doesn't have a true short action version (they just block the bolt to a shorter throw) so if you pick a short action cartridge the rifle may be slightly longer than other rifles with the same barrel length. They are a light gun which is nice to carry, but if you want a larger caliber maybe go for a laminated stock as they are slightly heavier and you'll feel less recoil.
 
Epper said:
I am looking to buy my first rifle.

Just wanting to get opinions from others on good rifles. It will in time also be used for hunting. Looking for something that is good, reliable, and able to be used to hunt big game such as deer and maybe moose if needed. I would appreciate peoples opinions. Thank You!!

Also if anyone knows of good scopes or ones to at least stay away from.
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a 98 Mauser in 30-06 with a Leupold scope should cover what you are looking for quite nicely, anything more than that is just tits and feathers.
 
Everyone who said get a .22 first is right. Then get a .270 in a Winchester 70 or Ruger 77. Leupold FXII 4x33mm and the 4X rimfire. Then go practice with the .22.
 
Anyone who thinks a first rifle should be a 338 Win Mag is seriously deluded.

Start with a decent 22 rimfire, as suggested.

Then buy a modest centerfire [270-30-06 range]Ruger 77, Remington 700, winchester 70, Weatherby Vanguard, etc.
Equip it with a Leupold, either a 4 or 6x, or a 2-7, 3x9, etc.

Practice a lot with the 22, then you will be better equipped to use the centerfire proficiently.

Regards, Dave
 
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