First big game rifle
 

Okay, I know this must get asked a lot, but I need some advice. :) I started in hunting backwards from most - I started bowhunting. I' ve been doing that exclusively for several years, but now that I will be going on a moose hunt this fall, I decided to look at gun hunting. I' m looking for something that won' t break the bank (I just don' t have the money to drop a grand in a gun and optics), but will be accurate and durable. I read the post below on the savage 7mm rem mag with great interest. Do you have any other suggestions? (I know there is no one perfect choice and am just looking for guidance).

Thanks!!!!

RE: First big game rifle
 

Savage makes a great rifle for the money. No frills but reliable, accurate and dependable. 7mm Rem Mag would be a good all around choice if moose is on your list of quarry, as would a 300 Win Mag or even a 30-06.

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RE: First big game rifle
 

why not a .308 win, i am not an expert on the cartridge, but the charts are comparible to the .30-06 and i have heard the 308 is inherently more accurate and less recoil.

RE: First big game rifle
 

The reason I didn' t mention the 308 Win is because it doesn' t handle the heavier bullet weights as well as a 30-06. You generally wouldn' t use a 150 grain 308 caliber bullet on moose. The sectional density just isn' t there until you get 180 and over.

RE: First big game rifle
 

If I was hunting a lot of bigger and tougher game as a general rule, my gun would be one of these: .30-06, 7mm Rem Mag, or .300 Win Mag. My personal favorite is the 7mm Rem Mag, but that' s personal taste.

RE: First big game rifle
 

Nothing wrong with the choice you mentioned for an all arounder. I personally don' t own any Savages currently, but have heard many say they make a good reliable gun. It may not be the prettiest but gets the job done at a lower cost than others. Same used to be said about Tikka' s and you' ll find lots of fans of their offerings now.

I would say look for a decent scope with solid rings/bases and you should be fine. The Bushnell 3200 Elite, amoung others would be a good starting point.

Don' t be affraid to look at some good quality used stuff as an option.

RE: First big game rifle
 

Hey Grizz,
The best place to go for guns for the buck is Wally-World.You can pick up a savage for around 350-$400 big ones.If that don' t flaot your boat you can get a 300 weatherby for about the same price or maybe a Winchester Short mag for 349.99.You don' t have to go new either you can buy some good quality used guns at local gun shops,pawn or your paper.Caliber wise though I would stick with a 30-06 7 mm or 300 of some sort.BBJ

RE: First big game rifle
 

I would go with a Weatherby Vanguard .300 Wby. Mag. Good luck.

RE: First big game rifle
 

All good choices above. I think I would pick the 30-06. That caliber with 200 grain Nosler Partitions which you can buy factory loaded will do it all in North America. The possible exception( though its been done many times) would be the biggest bears. Look at the Swift scopes as they are a good scope at a good price as would be the Elite 3200. The 06 will handle heavier bullets than the 7mm' s. I may catch hell from the magnum crowd.