First rifle, the sequel
 

I was bitten by the bug when visiting my father-in-law's sheep farm in Australia, he took me hunting kangaroo, hares and fox. It was my first time shooting (btw, I am new to this board as well), shot a Savage in the .22 caliber, it must have been a 110. It felt good, it was very accurate, and now that I'm in the market for a good hunting rifle suited for game up to the size of elk (bigger game will wait for another day), I am leaning towards Savage but obviously have to get it chambered for a higher caliber than .22 if I want to hunt elk-size game.

I've been reading posts from the last 30 days debating the merits of various starter or sub-$1000 rifles. I am crossing off Remington because there seems to be too much debate over their rifles. Also frequently mentioned are Ruger, Winchester, anything with a Mauser bolt-action, and Tikka. My problem is that I am suffering from brand name and information overflow from all of these great posts -- I can't distinguish between any of these rifles, so I'm left with my default choice, Savage.

So, first question: what else should I really be looking at besides Savage for a first time rifle that will not require me to take it to a gunsmith before hunting?

Second question: I think .270 caliber sounds just about right for me in terms of range and recoil, but if I wanted to go higher caliber, would it screw me up given I've only shot once and that was on a .22? Is a magnum caliber too much to try this early?

Third question: what are the best buys in scopes?

Thanks in advance to everyone.

roohunter

RE: First rifle, the sequel
 

If the only gun you've shot so far is a 22, then yes, I would say you would be somewhat gunshy from a magnum. The 270 is a good choice to start with, I would also consider a 6.5x55 Swedish. For a first gun the Savage combo package is a good start. There will be many opinions on this board, but your the one spending the money and shooting it. Before you buy shop around and ask many questions. Good luck and welcome to the board.

[Deleted]
 

[Deleted by Admins]

RE: First rifle, the sequel
 

I just bought a Savage 111 in 7mm mag. The recoil takes a time or two to get used to, but with a recoil pad I don't even feel it. I really like it so far. It has really tight groups and is very consistant on the rifle range. I haven't gotten it out hunting yet. I have been using my 30 30 and my buddy's ruger .270 which is a great gun. I think either the 7mm mag or the .270 is a great choice, but I like the 7mm mag because it would have a little knockdown power on bigger game. I am not nearly as experienced as some of these other guys and I don't know as much, but I have shot both calibers a good bit. So I hope I helped.

RE: First rifle, the sequel
 

The .270 Win is considered by many experts to be the best all-around cartridge for thin-skinned, non-dangerous game ever invented. It has a maximum PBR of 300 yards or better with all normal hunting loads, and the 130gr bullet from the .270 actually hits with more energy beyond 200 yards than the 150gr bullet fired form the .30-06. The 150gr bullet form the .270 also hits with more energy beyond 200 yards than the 165gr bullet fired from the .30-06. The 160gr from a .270 hits with more energy beyond 200 yards than the 180gr from a .30-06. And the .270 has a longer PBR in comparison with the '06 in all weights, which means it just plain 'ol shoots flatter.

Better velocity, better trajectory and more energy beyond 200 yards give the .270 Win a considerable edge over the venerable .30-06. And all this with less recoil.

Even the 7mm Rem Mag only gives you a few more yards of maximum PBR, and just a few more ft lbs of energy. And this comes at the expense of greater recoil and muzzle blast, and even greater expense when one reaches into his wallet to buy factory ammo. You will also find a nice variety of factory .270 ammo at almost any backcountry store anywhere in the world.

Looking to be a one-rifle hunter in North America, and not planning on going after bears? Better get a .270 Winchester.

Good Dogwork and Good Hunting

RE: First rifle, the sequel
 

I think you could handle a 7mm Rem. Mag. Savage offers package guns; the scope they come with is not the best neither is the mounting system, but it is a start. Savage also offers Model 111FAK Express: blued, composite stock, top loading magazine, and adjustable muzzle brake for people who are recoil sensitive. You can then buy a Leupold VX-1 or VX-2 for it. Good luck.



Edited by - handloader1 on 11/08/2002 00:04:44

RE: First rifle, the sequel
 

Thanks for the info and advice. It is truly much appreciated. I'll go for quality over $$$ as far as I can and stick with .270 until I have more experience. Off to check out Savage's website now . . . Look forward to being able to contribute to the discussion as I learn more. Thanks again.

roohunter