looking for first rifle
 

i'm looking to buy my first rifle .. what are some good ideas ?

i will prob. be doin alot of boar hunting with it ? maybe a 30-06 ? and what make

thanks for the help

RE: looking for first rifle
 

The 30-06 is a great all-around caliber. Should be perfect in a good bolt action gun. Look in guns from Savage, Stevens, Remington, Winchester, Weatherby, Tikka/Sako, and CZ. That should give you a start. Give us a price range for the gun and we can further helpadvise you.

RE: looking for first rifle
 

Since most boar hunting is usually a short range situation and thick cover try a
Rem Model 7 in 308 with a 2x7 or even a 3x9 scope. This combo is also great for deer and black bear.

RE: looking for first rifle
 

30-06 would be great, but if you get that, you won't need another rifle in your life, so if you're married, get a pump-action 7mm-08 or .308, so that you can make an excuse to buyanother rifle.:D

If you don't think you'll want to buy more rifles in the future, get the 30-06, a good auto-loader, like a Remington Model 760, with a 3x9x40 or as was already mentioned, a 2x7, it'll put 'em down well.

RE: looking for first rifle
 

The 30.06 would be a fine choice but I would get it in bolt action.

RE: looking for first rifle
 

Bolt action isn't as good as auto-loader for close brush hunting, for close ranges, an auto would be as good if not better for hog hunting in close range, IMHO.

RE: looking for first rifle
 

Just a couple o' questions first...

1) Have you ever shot a rifle before?
2) If so, was it a rimfire or centerfire?
3)How did you feel about the recoil? The muzzle blast?
4) What style was it - pump, semi auto, bolt, single shot, etc.?
5) Do you have anynostalgia for a certain kind of gun, like a lever action?
6) Do you/can you/would you ever reload your ammo?
7) Would you spend more on ammo. to have a more specialized cartridge?
8) Is this only a boar-and-smaller gun, or would there ever be larger critters on the menu? How often?
9)Will there ever be smaller critters on the menu: varmints, rabbits, squirrels, etc.?
10) Will thisbe a brush gun, or will you ever get some 200+ yard shots?
11)Do you hunt in chronically rainy areas?
12)Do you treat your tools with kid gloves, or are you rough on them?
13)Do you like wood or plastic/composite?
14) Would you cry if you scratched the stock on a wood gun?
15) Are you looking for a small initial investment, or would you like to get a lifetime gun right away?
16)Have you been to a gun store to hold several different kinds of rifles? Which ones did you like? Which ones liked you?
17) Do you have any strongbrand loyalty among gun makers?
18)How often will you practice shooting?
19)How often will you actually hunt?
20)(There HAD to be 20 questions, dontcha know!) Will you be carrying the rifle for long periods o' time, perhaps in the mountains/hills, or will you find a rest or a stand, & shoot from there?

I could throw out no end of suggestions, and the ones already mentioned may be just the ticket. If you can give us a little more information, we'll get you "dialed in", as it were.

Take Care,

FC

RE: looking for first rifle
 

FC, that was an excellent list of questions, I'm going to have to ask for permission to quote you sometime.

RE: looking for first rifle
 

Many thanks, YG, but I'd suggest quoting someone much smarter than me!

FC

RE: looking for first rifle
 

Brass: I answered your post in Hogs / Exotics, and since I know the type of country you will be hunting, I can give some general advice. First, the 06 would be a fantastic calibre for the long range possibilties in the type of country you will be hunting. If not, the 270 , 280, 7-08, .308, 7 rem mag, 300 mag would all work well. Personally, Ishoot either my.308 ormy 7 rem mag in the Central Ca area for large game. I also suggest a bolt action rifle forbest accuracy. And,put good glass on it. And sight in around 3 to4 inches high at 100 yards. This =glass on hairout to 325 yard for all of the above.Oh, and shoot, shoot, shoot, shoot when you aren't hunting.

As to rifles brands, I own at least one rifle from every major American manufacturer, and they are all good. My personal favorite is my Weatherby Vanguard SMOA; but Remington, Winchester, Browning, Savage, Rugar, etc. all make (made in the case of Winchester) more than adequate hunting rifles that will give you a lifetime of service. Go to a gunstore and find out which one fits you best!