Buying my very first rifle!! need advice.
 

I have spent DAYS reading all the old posts on the subject so I only have a few remaining questions.

I have made do with a 12GA Mossberg combo for turkey and deer, and I am also a bow hunter. I have never owned anything that could really reach out there, but I love to "stalk" and haven't really thought much about a rifle til last night. Now that I am breathing down the neck of 50 yrs old I may do less stalking and more spotting :)

It's been a LONG fruitless season and I FINALLY had two does come in last night but they never got closer than 200+ yards. Then a few more joined and then there was a small herd at that same distance. Me with my slugger could only watch as they wandered away

Like most, I am on a budget and with a wife and kids I can't spend a lot.

1. Do you know of any reliable online dealers that sell used guns?

2. Good online dealers for new guns? (Buds guns looked good)

3.I will likely get a Savage or similar (input?), but would LOVE advice on the scoped package vs buying bare rifle and a separate scope!

PS. ... thinking .270 (input?)


I know these questions get old, but you guys are the REAL "experts" because you are out there using this stuff!

I get nowhere talking to the "sellers".

Thank you so much!

Don

Take a look at these;

http://www.ableammo.com/catalog/weatherby-vanguard-rifle-vgs270nr4o-winchester-griptonite-stock-stainless-finish-p-121954.html

http://www.ableammo.com/catalog/marlin-bolt-action-rifle-xl7270-winchester-black-stock-stainless-steel-finish-p-117249.html

http://www.ableammo.com/catalog/ruger-hawkeye-bolt-action-rifle-hmk77rfp-7119-winchester-black-synthetic-stock-stainless-steel-finish-p-99578.html

http://www.ableammo.com/catalog/tikka-lite-bolt-action-rifle-jrtb318-winchester-bolt-action-black-synthetic-stock-stainless-steel-finish-p-90826.html

http://www.ableammo.com/catalog/remington-stainless-bolt-action-rifle-7267-winchester-black-synthetic-stock-stainless-steel-finish-p-86358.html

http://www.ableammo.com/catalog/howa-1500-rifle-whogue-stock-hgr62612-winchester-bolt-action-black-synthetic-stock-stainless-steel-finish-p-99595.html

http://www.ableammo.com/catalog/savage-116fcss-weather-warrior-rifle-17799-bolt-action-black-stock-stain-steel-finish-wdbm-p-86703.html

http://www.ableammo.com/catalog/thompson-center-icon-weathershield-rifle-5547-winchester-synthetic-stock-weathershield-finish-p-112298.html

Would recommend to buy scope seperate ~ get lifetime warranty (buy it once) !

Where do you hunt, what's the land like, and what style of hunting do you prefer? You can't go wrong with a savage in .270. But depending on your style of hunting there may be better options.
-Jake

What are the laws of your state? Are rifles allowed, in the area that you hunt, or even to be used in the state?

What are your preferences, per caliber?
How far is the average shot?
The .270 is a very good caliber, and a reliably accurate one as well.

Second, don't buy online, decide what you want than go buy local, where you can feel the gun, handle the gun.
Decide if the type of gun you want, whether it be semi auto, pump, bolt, lever, single shot, will fit your frame.

All the online research is for naught, if the gun you buy doesn't fit.

I dealt with Bud's recently; no complaints. They're shipping is a little slow if you take advantage of the cheaper "cash price." I also would avoid the gun/scope combos. In addition to the warranty issue, it seems to me that some manufacturers move old inventory by wrapping it up in a package -- not necessarily a bad thing (sometimes the latest-greeatest isn't really that different-sometimes it is though), but something to be aware of so you can make an apples-to-apples comparison on how much you are really saving.

Before buying the .270, take a look at the ballistics of the 7mm-08. Excellent performance on deer sized game, and noticeably less recoil. Take a look also at the Marlin Model XS-7 and the Remington 700's.

Think also about a .30-06.

While most people these days prefer a scoped rifle, you can still hunt old school using a rifle with iron sights. Thus, you can get by initially with a rifle that does not have a scope. You should look around for special deals on rifles such as at a grand opening of a Bass Pro Shop or a Cabela's. Several years ago I bought a Remington 700 ADL synthetic stocked .30-06 for $280 at a Bass Pro Shop grand opening. You could check pawn shops, but know what things are worth before you do. I have seen many over priced guns in pawn shops. Ask people you know if they have an old hunting rifle they will sell to you.

+1 :hail:

I have had excellent luck with Savages (have a newer Model 10, 11 and 93)...also really like my Tikka. Can't go wrong with a Savage, but in my opinion, make sure you get one with the accu-trigger, you will thank yourself later. .270 is an awesome caliber and is plenty of medicine for just about anything in North American, very accurate, low recoil and reasonably priced and available ammo. .277 is the preferred caliber of the entire group of guys I hunt with in Michigan, although 2 of us do use 270 WSM's.

Go fondle rifles in a gun store to find the one that fits you best before you buy one first and spend a couple hundred on a scope to get good (lifetime warranty) glass (Swift, Nikon, Burris, Redfield, Lupy).

Happy hunting!

Donnie--I agree with the gentleman above, look at the 30-06. It is a great all around caliber. You can use it on everything from varmits to moose and ammo is cheap and available everywhere. I just read an article in a magazine, they tested modern rifles for accuracy. The Marlin X7 won, hands down. I would check that gun out. If you want to look at used guns online, check out gunbroker.com and gunsamerica.com. Remember, they all look better in the little computer picture then they do when they get to you. If you can swing it, get a decent Leupold scope. You can find used ones on ebay. I would rather buy a used higher quality Leupold then a new cheap one. I have not heard of Leupold not fixing a legimate problem under warrenty. Having recommend the above, I shoot a Mark X Mauser 3006 with a Bushnell 1.5 to 4.5 scope. I am happy with them, but if I needed to replace them, I would look at the Marlin and a good used Leupold. Good luck!!!

Back at age 35 I purchased my first rifle larger than .22 cal; I have since sold all centerfires in favor of blackpowder sidelocks, but that is another story.

However, were I to ever change my mind I would lean toward:

1) synthetic stock-because in reality this is a tool to be used

2) .270 cal- had a .30-.06 w/ no complaints but it seemed overkill

3) Benelli R1- finances permitting (it just shouldered so sweet!)

4) purchase 1 higher quality scope vs a few low cost ones...

Thank you SO much for all the input... had a chance to draw down on a doe tonight, but distance and darkness kept me from taking the shot. That said... the savage .270 I was holding felt GREAT! I hope to get to squeeze off a round tomorrow!

I will continue to do my research based on all of your feedback, and will report back.

Thanks again for taking the time to give me your advice!!

Don

If that's one of your deer you are holding in your avatar, you don't need much advise !

Most modern guns will out shoot the shooter.

Pick the "features" you like the best & then put a great scope on it !

LOL... thanks but I have only ever killed game with a shotgun or bow. I don't know squat about rifles :)

I have a Remm .30-06. Sighted in at +2.75" at 100yds, hits 3" low at 300yds. So anything I see within the range is point and shoot. No guessing hold over. Good luck with the search and as always Handle the gun in person before purchase, it has to feel right.

Great... now one more caliber to consider! ;)

Big Donnie.....You need to check a Recoil Chart and get an idea of the recoil in the different Caliber Deer Rifles available....if Your shooting a Shotgun guess Your already familiar with recoil? ;)

I have a Remington 30-06 and it has some pretty good recoil,my Browning .243 is great and it light on the recoil....my Savage 7mm-08 Model 111 GCNS Bolt-Action is light on recoil also,shoots good and far and has some great knock-down power.I usually put a Leupold Rifleman 3X9X40mm matte-black scope on my Rifles...runs about $175.00-$225.00 for a very nice clear scope!


Another light recoil Rifle would be the 30-30 Lever Action Rifles and with the Hornady LeveRevolution Ammo You can shot further out with a 30-30 Caliber and have light recoil in it also.
What State are You Hunting in....and what Game Animals are You planning on Hunting,just Deer or others?


With most Rifles on the Market that come with a Scope Package Your better off buying a nicer Scope and rings and bases and have it mounted,bore-sighted and then You can head to the Range and get it sighted in!

Whatever you do don't jump on something now. Hunting season has got to be ending soon and you're bound to find a good deal. It'll give you time to decide what gun you really want. The nice thing about hunting deer is that they're easy to kill, that's why there's so many good calibers. What other animal can be hunted successfully with everything from a .223 to a .458 mag. Personally I never get any shots over 200 yards and I hate the recoil from a .270 or .30-06. My favorite caliber is the 30-30, I have a Marlin 336SS and a Rossi Rio Grande. I reload my own Leverevolution ammo and it'll reach out to 250 yards with no problem, 300 yards with a little practice. The main thing is that you get a rifle that you like and have confidence in.

www.chuckadamsrecoilchart.com I hope this Link works for You Donnie?


Another thing I forgot to mention is Ammo Prices....check and see what Calibers Your thinking about buying and see what kind of price ranges they are?


Any Caliber You buy that is a Magnum,WSM (Winchester Short magnum) Your going to pay a pretty good price per box of 20 shells if You don't reload,and they're will be more felt recoil if it doesn't have a Muzzle Break.

Wow, thanks so much for all the awesome information!

I am in East-Central KS, and pretty much only hunt white tail right now. It would be nice to buy one rifle that I COULD use on everything from hogs - elk.

I agree on waiting, I think I will only get out one more time this season anyhow.

Once again, thank you all for the great information! I'll certainly let you know when I make a solid decision!

Don

You cant go wrong with a savage as far as reliability accuracy and price but replace the scope the package deals come with.

The all around rifle; a bolt action 3006. They are not big kickers, but at a shooting bench I use a Limbsaver on mine. In Kansas with the wide open spaces, I would opt for a 3006 or a 270. The 3006 is more versatile.