So, I'm new to hunting deer, as in I have never hunted before, nor do I know anyone who does well enough to have had a conversation about it. I am assuming any rifle designed to chamber a round .308 or above will do the job, but any expert advice would be appreciated. I need to start saving up for the appropriate rig, and here are two rifles I have found that seem to be adequate:

Beretta Tikka T3 Tactical (.308 Win)
http://www.berettausa.com/product/ri...rrentseries=27

Remington 700 XCR Tactical Long Range (.308 or .300 Win Mag)
http://www.remington.com/tactical/tactical_rifles.asp

And of course the proper scope and rangefinder combo, but for now I'm just interested in rifle selection. What do you guys/gals think of the rifles above, and can you think of something better?

P.S. I am an avid target shooter, have been since I was a kid, so recommendations based on the "starter gun" idea are appreciated, but NOT necessary. Thanks!

well first off welcome to the forums.

now to the gun. i wouldnt recommend using a tactical rifle, simply because you dont need it. but it wont hurt you if you do choose to buy it. i use the remington 700 that shoots a .270 win, and it does a great job. good luck on your gun purchase.

Check out the other tikkas, because a tactical is really not needed. I shoot a T3 Lite (sythentic) in 30-06 and I am yet to find a gun that has a smoother action or that I like more. For some more info check out there website (plz dont get me in trouble) at www.tikka.fi

Those tactical rifles are fun to shoot but they usually come with a good deal of extra weight. I would personally get tired of lugging it around. If you have your heart set on tactical, give the Savage a look. I don't know about the other makes nowadays, but the Savage was the last one I used and it performed well. Keep in mind any round that can perforate both lungs will kill the deer. I took my first buck with a .223 last year.

well i would choose remington out of the 2, but i would try and find a winchester model 70 good rifle to buy

Heftigrat...... While a tactical rifle would'nt be my first choice as a hunting rifle, if you feel the need for one you can take it up a notch by looking at the Sako TRG 22/42. They are available in 308 Win, 300 Win Mag and 338 Lapua Mag. I recently got one in the 338 Lapua and it's a great rifle to say the least.

If the hunting part doesnt work out you will still have a heck of a target gun!

http://www.sako.fi/images/trg/trg-42_green_phos.jpg

I have a thing for the Remington 700 LTR in .308, but it's just not necessary for hunting. Light, compact, andclose totwice the price of my good ol' 700 ADL in .30-06 that I shoot1.25 MOA groups with out of the box.

How much did that rifle cost, doubleA?
Let me guess, around $1,200?

The basic TRG new, is between $2500-$3000 depending on color/finish and with a few accessories can put one over $4K. Add another $1200-$2500 for base/rings and good tactical scope.

I have been a big fan of the 700 for many years...