I posted something similar a couple of months ago, but I got off track with school. Now I am out of school, and I am looking for a good back-up rifle. I have a 7mm mag, and it will take down anything that I hunt, but I want something smaller, with less kick, and cheap. I want to be fine sitting is the rain with it or banging it on a tree. I know I shouldn' t, but I hate messing my 7mm up. I am considering a .308, .243, and possibly even a 30-30. One are there any other calibers that I should consider. Two what makers make a decent inexpensive rifle. I am a college student, so I don' t have much extra cash. Also I don' t reload, so I need something that I can get ammo for easily. I have also thought of single shots. What do ya' ll think? I appreciate any help. Ya' ll are always great.
A buddy and I have REALLY been pouring over this for the last month or so, he' s contemplating his next purchase for his first " back-up" deer rifle. (although I pointed out that his SKS that he just sold was a " back-up" whether he had considered it or not. His primary is a " bolt action" 6.5x55swe Mauser. He' s considering many of the same cartridges you are.
When I get a " back up rifle" I' m really just buying another deer rifle, because it' s far more often that I would fill a tag on one rifle, and want a different style hunt for the next tag, so my " back up" rifles aren' t really back ups, they are alternatives. It' s a rather rare occurance that a gun would fail to the point it would be un-huntable, but it' s extremely common that I want to change things up a bit, so my plan goes thusly:
Primary:Ruger Mark II M-77 .30-06 boltgun
Then: Norinco SKS Semiauto
OR: Marlin .45-70gov. 1895GS Levergun
OR: Marlin .44mag 1894 levergun
OR: Ruger Superblackhawk .44mag revolver
OR: ......
Each gun presents a different style of hunt, my primary can pretty much cover any scenario, while the " back-ups" are better suited to individual schemas, giving me a wide variety of hunts to enjoy, each quite different than the other.
Since you have a 7mm, why get another high velocity bolt action?? You don' t change your hunt at all by changing from a 7mm bolt to a .308bolt, the .243bolt doesn' t really change anything either, it' s quite capable out to 200yrds, which is the max reasonable range for most hunters anyway. I HATE dirty-30' s, however, in this case, of what you mentioned, I' d get one (I only dislike them because I' m so fond of its levergun counterparts the .44mag and .45-70, both of which promote extreme advantages over the .30-30.) If you' re open to advice, if you want a levergun (and every boy should have one, they' re just too much fun), then get it in .45-70, it' s more than stout enough to handle anything you may hunt, and the increase in recoil is minimal. The .30-30 is a great round, don' t get me wrong, it' s just playing out of it' s league, it' s better suited to short range/brush hunts, similar to the .44mag (which consumes less powder, kicks less, and holds twice as many rounds but gives similar or better results, especially with all lead bullets). If you want a levergun that will reach out and touch them, then the .45-70, .444marlin, or .450marlin are great for it.
Try a single shot, get a .45-70 buffalo classic from H&R 1871, it' s a WHOLE LOT of fun, and they are very cheap, plus, a single shot teaches the importance of shot placement, and gives that 19th century aire to your hunt.
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Savage sells a package that includes a synthetic stock rifle, bases, rings and a cheap scope for around $375 depending on where you buy. I would add a better scope but you can probably get by with the one sold with rifle. Get one in either 308 or 7mm-08 and you would have a decent foul weather rifle that doesn' t cost a mint.
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Since you already own a 7mm mag, I would opt for the .243. You can use this round for groundhogs to antelope and big buck deer. Choose at least a 100 grain bullet of premium design. Nosler, Barnes, Sierra. I would skip the ballistic tips and go for a controlled exspansion design. Not to mess up your thought process but I have read and believe that a person needs a minimum of 4 rifles. 7mm Mag (dosen' t matter short,standard, or brand), .308, .243,.223. With this group you won' t be too overgunned or undergunned for anything on this contintent. Of course you could replace the .243 with the:6mm, 25-06,250 savage etc. the .308 with the 7mm-08,.270.280 etc. Sorry but nothing is as good as the .223 for gorundhogs and praire dogs. You could up the caliber of the 7mm mag, but unless you plan to shot dangerous game such as grizz nothing bigger is needed. Just my opinion not wanting to start a big caliber debate.
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back-up rifle
