suggestions on beginner rifle

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rejrichard

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Just wondering what you guys would consider as a good beginner rifle for Deer and moose. Looking for something not too expensive. Which Brand, Cal., and Model would you choose.

Thanks for the info.
 
"...not too expensive..." You'd have to narrow that down. Look into a Savage in .308, .30-06 or any other suitable cartridge.
 
rejrichard said:
Just wondering what you guys would consider as a good beginner rifle for Deer and moose. Looking for something not too expensive. Which Brand, Cal., and Model would you choose.

Thanks for the info.
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I really think you need to clarify that to get solid advice.
 
This comes up pretty often. Has it been asked in the Newbie FAQs perhaps?

My vote is a sporterized Lee Enfield in .303 British. They are inexpensive, accurate, plenty of authority for deer and moose (and anything else, let's be honest), and you can buy ammo just about anywhere in Canada. If you break anything on the gun there are zillions of spare parts around too.

Doug
 
For that kind of money you can buy darned near anything in a used rifle, and I would suggest you start by trying out a bunch at a gun club near you!

Doug
 
My .02

Remington SPS in .308, 7mm-08, .270 or .30-06 topped with a Bushnell Elite 3200 3-9x40mm. I'd lean on .308/.30-06 if you don't reload & don't plan on getting into it. Any of those ctgs if you do +/or will reload.

Same scope on a Stevens 200 in 7mm-08, .308, .270 or .30-06.

Savage package rifle [econo scope included] in 7mm-08, .308, .270 or .30-06.

Or Savage rifle topped with the 3200....
 
Even though I own 2 stevens 200's, I would sugest taking a good look at the mossberg ATR. Last I checked, they were offered in 270 and 30-06. The mossy atr in camo is neat looking setup.

My buddy bought a model 116 savage in 30-06. Im sure it would do the job, but the stock looked like it was made out of poplar?! It didnt really look all that appealing to the eye. I have a model 113C savage in 30-06 from about 10-15 years ago and it looks nicer. Mind you it has a few character marks on it.

Have you handled a Remington SPS? They have a nice squishy recoil pad on them and a hinged floor plate.

Other than that, it comes down to how they all feel for you. Have you shot other peoples rifles before? How did they feel. What did you like/dislike about them?
 
Do NOT get milsurp or a lever .30-30. Iron sights are great if you put in the practice or you're happy not hitting anything, but for most beginners the magic moment is resting the crosshairs on a distant target, pulling the trigger, and seeing the hit. I know that's what hooked me;-)

Get a package and save yourself some time and grief: Savage would be ideal, but even a Remington 710/770 should do fine. Whatever you buy, you'll end up selling or trading within a year, so don't spend much.

Edit: for caliber, if it's 99% deer and 1% moose, get a .243. If it's 50% deer and 50% moose, get a .308.
 
Nothing like this kind of thread to elicit strong opinions............

I do not, under any circumstances whatsoever, agree with .243 for moose. PERIOD. No offence, Bishopus.

Doug
 
Doug said:
My vote is a sporterized Lee Enfield in .303 British. They are inexpensive, accurate, plenty of authority for deer and moose (and anything else, let's be honest), and you can buy ammo just about anywhere in Canada. If you break anything on the gun there are zillions of spare parts around too.
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And Dug makes a VERY good point here as well. :)


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