trying to buy my first rifle

[heavyBullet]

Before you go and grab the mossberg take a look at the marlin XL7, better rifle for not much more $. They're available in .270, 30-06, 25-06, 308, 7mm-08 and 243, any of which would be an excellent cartridge for you. If I was picking one specifically for deer and coyotes though, I'd go .243 (cheap ammo, flat shooting, light recoil, appropraite bullet weights available for varmint and deer, yadda yadda yadda)

Agreed, I like the Marlin a lot, very accurate, adjustable trigger, a real functioning recoil pad at a great price. The only small drawback is that its a blind mag, so if you in and out of a vehicle during the day, or back and forth from your hunting camp, and need to unload its a small inconvenience, but nothing horrible. I have one in 30-06, and want to pick up another in a small caliber.

 

[7mmlefty]

For a first rifle I would get a 22 rimfire.

For coyote and deer Id get a 243 Win.

Never buy a 270 for combining small game or coyotes, and big game just to play by the southern ontario caliber laws...

Its a liberal trick.... to help make you look loud and stupid if you use one on smaller game.

 

[Brocky]

For a first rifle the 22 LR is a very good consideration, with practice you will gain skills and confidence to shoot the larger cailbers and it is inexpensive to shoot.
Even when you do buy another rifle you will find the 22 LR very enjoyable to shoot.

I and many other shooters will take a 22 LR along with the "hunting rifle" to practice at the range, 22's are just plain fun to shoot. Its been 40+ plus years since owning my first 22 and I never tire of this great gun.

As for the larger calibers to cover deer and coyotes many posters are giving you very good advice the .243, .260, 7mm-08, , .270, 25-06 and .308 will all give excellent performance for this purpose.

Straight shooting!