new to this - can you point me in the right direction?
01-08-2010, 06:59 AM
#21
Typical Buck
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location:
Posts: 647
Josh
I agree with other guys who have said that you shouldn't discount what you have learned shooting your pellet rifles. A lot of us got started in that way and some of us still hunt with them. Also, and this is just my opinion, but you can learn a lot from hunting those squirrels and rabbits. Hunting a large whitetail buck is more like hunting bushy tails and cottontails than most people think. You learn how the animal behaves, what its food, water, and shelter sources are and what the optimum method of getting close enough to the animal to take your shot is.
As far as what gun and caliber and all of that junk. My suggestion is that you first get your firearms license so that you are legal and definately take both a firearms training course and a hunters education course. Then I would go to your local gun shop and get their advice. The reason for saying this is that they will be able to give you greater insight as to what calibers are popular (so you can get ammunition). They'll also be able to get you set with a rifle that will be better acclimated to your specific needs because they'll understand the what the hunting situation is most likely to be like. I personally have 6 or 8 rifles that I consider "deer rifles" because I hunt in two states and a variety of situations. I also use them for hunting other species of game.
Bottom line, alot of what you will see on here is just personal opinion. Everyone has their own style. Welcome to the forum and good luck
Indy
I agree with other guys who have said that you shouldn't discount what you have learned shooting your pellet rifles. A lot of us got started in that way and some of us still hunt with them. Also, and this is just my opinion, but you can learn a lot from hunting those squirrels and rabbits. Hunting a large whitetail buck is more like hunting bushy tails and cottontails than most people think. You learn how the animal behaves, what its food, water, and shelter sources are and what the optimum method of getting close enough to the animal to take your shot is.
As far as what gun and caliber and all of that junk. My suggestion is that you first get your firearms license so that you are legal and definately take both a firearms training course and a hunters education course. Then I would go to your local gun shop and get their advice. The reason for saying this is that they will be able to give you greater insight as to what calibers are popular (so you can get ammunition). They'll also be able to get you set with a rifle that will be better acclimated to your specific needs because they'll understand the what the hunting situation is most likely to be like. I personally have 6 or 8 rifles that I consider "deer rifles" because I hunt in two states and a variety of situations. I also use them for hunting other species of game.
Bottom line, alot of what you will see on here is just personal opinion. Everyone has their own style. Welcome to the forum and good luck
Indy
01-08-2010, 07:33 AM
#22
Banned
Join Date: Nov 2007
Posts: 824
While this might be moving ahead quickly in pursuit of your deer hunting desires. I'd suggest you get a 30-06 as your first rifle. In your research, you will find that this is one the most popular cartridges ever, and for good reason. You'll have more options as to brands of firearms and availability of ammunition. Through your reading, you will note that many of the offerings available today stemmed from this cartridge. Also, when your first start shooting, there is factory made reduced power ammunition that will help you to get comfortable shooting a high power rifle. Judging by your size, full power loads wont bother you at all. The 30-06 won't beat you up.
I'm of the opinion that a fella that owns a 22 rimfire, 30-06 rifle, and a 12 gauge shotgun can hunt about 95% of game on this earth.
I'm of the opinion that a fella that owns a 22 rimfire, 30-06 rifle, and a 12 gauge shotgun can hunt about 95% of game on this earth.
01-08-2010, 08:44 AM
#23
Banned
Join Date: Nov 2007
Posts: 824
Actually Josh, I got to thinking. I'll take it one step further and give you the most popular guns in those calibers.
22 rimfire - Ruger 10/22. Semi-auto. More accessories than you can shake a stick at. If you don't think semi-auto is your thing, then second would be a Marlin bolt action.
30-06 - Definitely a Remington 700 with a 3X9 Leupold scope.
12 Gauge - By far the Remington 870.
Granted there are hundreds choices out there, you would never regret any of these...
22 rimfire - Ruger 10/22. Semi-auto. More accessories than you can shake a stick at. If you don't think semi-auto is your thing, then second would be a Marlin bolt action.
30-06 - Definitely a Remington 700 with a 3X9 Leupold scope.
12 Gauge - By far the Remington 870.
Granted there are hundreds choices out there, you would never regret any of these...
01-08-2010, 09:32 AM
#25
Banned
Join Date: Nov 2007
Posts: 824
Well Ron, you turned the light bulb on again....
Is there any reason why he couldn't join the NRA? I don't think there is a better resource for new hunters/gun owners. In fact, I'll be the first to chip in towards a collaborative effort for his first year membership.
Best part of hunting is paying it forward.
Is there any reason why he couldn't join the NRA? I don't think there is a better resource for new hunters/gun owners. In fact, I'll be the first to chip in towards a collaborative effort for his first year membership.
Best part of hunting is paying it forward.
01-09-2010, 08:48 AM
#28
Spike
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2010
Posts: 14
As for the action of the rifle i'm pretty sure i want a bolt action. I have read they are more accurate and reliable and easier to maintain. Plus I think they are bad ass imo.
I found a local gun club that is having an open house at the end of this month, i think i will go, shoot some guns and ask some questions. seems like the best way for me to learn hands on currently.
As for the caliber i have been watching videos on youtube and the 30-.06 looks/sounds pretty powerful, i think i could handle it, we will see what happens at this open house first though.
