Maybe read it againI had to read that twice

Maybe read it againI had to read that twice
243 is a nice little gun, my wife shoots this and she is only 100 lbs. Since we have moved her up to a browning 7mm-08, have to tell you, it's one of my favorite deer rifles now. Low recoil, very nice cal. To shootOk, as a novice I'm getting the vibe from several inputs here that maybe I should consider a lighter caliber till I have established good habits and confidence with shooting.
What suggestions might someone suggest for a caliber that might be best for deer? I've been leaning towards .243 now with some research and advice from some hunters I've spoke with.
I have reloading equipment that I was preparing to use for my BAR 30-06 and can adapt to whichever caliber going forward.
Don't recall if I mentioned in this thread or another that last year I was fortunate, if not just lucky, to harvest my first whitetail with a clean shot from my BAR at 125 meters. The only reason I'm after a new rifle is do to the existing bulge and poor condition of crown on that gun, and that I've found no gunsmiths that can or will repair it.
That said, I don't believe that I am terribly recoil shy or an awful shot as I have fired a few different calibers with a friend #matt762, and found I am quite consistent.
I would suggest you seriously discuss and move forward with your gunsmith.I have another post I wrote in the 'gunsmithing' forum titled "1st rust bluing project" where I describe my restoration of my BAR and showed linked pictures. I've familiarized myself well with my gun and keep it well maintained.
I think I will bring it to a known reputable smithy near me that I've been recommended to before. See what it costs and what options there are to repair the BAR. I've talked with him before and he said no one makes those barrels anymore do to the design and it's getting hard to find them. He actually suggested shortening the barrel, believe he estimated around $200-$300 if he could find his jig to adapt it to the lathe.
Hey Rob, your right about my sentiment for the BAR. I have a few posts here about it where I've asked for advice or directions as to finding a smith who can work on it as I've had no success in my region. It also was my late father's gun, with being one of the few inheritance, so I am not getting rid of it and would love to bring it back to life but it is seeming difficult as there are very few smiths out there who will/can work on that style. If I find a BAR in -06 with say a broken stock for the right price, I'd consider it. But it would be so much my dad's gun anymore afterwards.I would suggest you seriously discuss and move forward with your gunsmith.
You mentioned the rust bluing and have become one with your BAR.
Nothing can be more satisfying that becoming one with your rifle..you know kinda like the US Marines 1st verse "This is my rifle. There are many like it, but this one is mine..."
Then again , I read somewhere in the thread the barrel is shot out.
Find a gun smith who can/will fix the issue, they are out there .... or send Art at Arts's Gun Shop an email and his opinion.
DS has offered some thoughts and he is a retired GS and there are many more (active gun smiths) who surf this site and even advertise , the hard part is finding the right guy who gives you the right vibe.
Tight Groups.
Rob
X-bolt is a blued steel stalker and tikka is a stainless. And after many years with the sako a7 I am a huge fan of the tikka/sako stuff.I had to read that twice