best around rifle
 

Guys, I am looking at buying a new rifle. I am covered when it comes to small game rifles, With my .22LR, but I really want something to just go all around hunting. I was looking for a type of rifle that I could go bear hunting with one day and then switch it up and go deer hunting and everything in between. Do yall know of any rifles that fit that description? My price range would be at a max of about 500.00 dollars. Ohh yeah guys, I went out and bought a regulations book and I am going to take hunting classes come spring. thanks everyone.

RE: best around rifle
 

30-06 by any maker. Best all around caliber out there. You can shoot light or heavy with it.
The fact that the cartridge has been around since 1906 and is still the most popular in America speaks volumes.

Check this out from WallyWorld. Still plenty of dough left over for mucho ammo!
http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=2684985

RE: best around rifle
 

i'll throw in a vote for the .270.

RE: best around rifle
 

ahh..

.30-06

RE: best around rifle
 

270 , 7mm-08, 308, 30-06 and so many more. It all comes down to what rifle you like and what does it chamber...

RE: best around rifle
 

A young mans first three long guns should be:
22LR
12 gauge
30-06

Specialize after that.

RE: best around rifle
 

....and a .50 muzzleloader. Then you're covered for all gun seasons!

RE: best around rifle
 

.270, 308, 7mm. mag. Savage should keep you under your price limit..minus scope.

RE: best around rifle
 

My remington 700 sps in .270 has never let me down... itll down anything in the north east.... if your out west the 30-06 is a slightly stronger cartrage but has more drop. What i like about the 270 is that it has alot flatter trajectory than many other rounds so its more accurate down rage.

RE: best around rifle
 

I like the .270 its fast and flat.

RE: best around rifle
 

Does the $500 include optics or are you going to spend more for the glass? One thing I do recommend is before you make your purchase, shoulder as many as you can in your price range. Find the one that fits you best ( or two ) then come back and ask about those particular brands. I am not one to try and convince you to spend more money, its tough to come by, but a tikka T3 lite you can get for about $550. Caliber, I like the .270 for all the reasons posted, but also look at the .308. It’s a shorter round meaning you can get a smaller/lighter rifle if that matters. My choice would be a WSM, but they are a bit more expensive, especially the bullets.

RE: best around rifle
 

I have a 3006 recommend this cal to anybody..
Perfect for bear deer elk moose sheep goat..
I was wondering if that included the scope as well.........
At a $500 dollar budget I strongly suggest looking at the Weatherby Vanguards or Howa 1500's..They may not have the accutrigger like the Savages, but this gun groups well,will fire in theee most coldest of temps that you can handle being out in..
Where I've witnessed REMS and SAVAGES fail, this brand of gunperforms in temps as cold as 50 below ....
My cousin has one in a 300 win mag,and this gun has never suffered a misfire, in any sub zero temp I seen him shoot in..

RE: best around rifle
 

a 30-06 is as good as it gets.

RE: best around rifle
 

I you do not already own any other long gun in a centerfire load, then the 30/06 is about the best choice you can make. Aavailability of models and makers and accessories, ammo loadings off the shelf, and the range of versatility of the round itself makes it an easy choice.
There might be a better cartridge for deer, or bear, or moose, or elk, or coyote ..... but given your stated choices and the fact that you don't own another rifle at this time (other than your .22) I think the 30/06 is your best choice.
Later you can grab a smaller and bigger caliber to round out you locker .....
A .243 and 338 Win Mag would be excellent 2nd and 3rd choices after you put a 30/06 in the locker. Or 6.5 X 55 and a 375 H&H, or a 22-250 and a 416 Rigby, or a .223 and a 9.3 X 62, or a 257 Roberts and a ?????.....see what happens....:D:D:D You're in for a journey now!

RE: best around rifle
 

If your a young hunter I recomend staying away from any gun with moderate to heavy recoil. To hunt whitetails start out with something like a .243, 7mm-08, .260 or anything in that line. Any of those have more than enough killing power for a whitetail. They are not nessasarily the best gun for a bear but terrific for a young hunter looking to be accurate and comfortable. Get comfortable then either trade in your gun on something like a 30-06 or 270 or a short mag for more knockdown power. Or simply add to the collection. Thats my choice.

RE: best around rifle
 

Go with the .30-06. For just starting out, the options you have is best. Over the counter bullets in almost any load you want, heavy or light. Add guns later. but the good old '06 will more then satisfy

RE: best around rifle
 

That's what I'd reccomend as well.

RE: best around rifle
 

What EKM said +1

RE: best around rifle
 

308.

RE: best around rifle
 

308 unless you think you'll go after moose or elk later and use the same rifle and then go with7mm rem mag.