Ok so my girlfriend is coming hunting with me this year and I need to get her a rifle. Right now my big consern is finding the right caliber, but I am also starting to think about type of rifle. The calibers I had in mind are 243, 25-06, 270, 7mm-08, and 308. She is small, 5'2" 110 pounds, so I don't want a rifle that she will hate to shoot. As far as rifles go I definatly want to stay with a bolt action, but I am not sure about model. I really like my rem 700, but what else is good quality and under 500. Popular older rifles are definatly good. since we will probably cut the stock for her. I have seen alot of used savage 110's fairly cheap. Are these any good or are they cheap for a reason? What about Rem 788's? Any ideas will help thanx guys.

You could check out one of the CZ bolt actions in 7.62 x 39


Caliber would do the trick and hardly kicks


lot of rifle for the money too,


Kind regards,

Vesi

I would look at Ruger they make very good guns for a lot less than Browning and Remington. Of the calibers you listed I would get the 7mm-08 or even the 7x57 mauser which is compairable to the 7mm-08. Both have a lot less recoil than a 30-06 and only go about 200 fps slower. Both are more than capable of killing a deer out to 250 yards. Some of the smaller calilbers would work too but I would try to go a bit bigger. You don't judge a caliber on how well it preforms on a good shot, but how it preforms on a bad shot.

Ruger model 77 All Weather in 6.5x55. Low recoil good knockdown power and about 400-450.00. Could not beat that combo. Put a good litttle 2x7 power scope on it.

James B great suggestion

What about the old 30/30 , it has killed many deer and is easy on the wallet. I would suggest the marlin in a lever gun .

Might also consider a .260, the 7mm/08 as metioned before, 257 Roberts, The 7.62 X 39 in a bolt as mentioned above is way too overlooked.... 300 Savage, all of these in a good condition used rifle would be great....especially if the stock needs refinishing (since you plan on cuttin it down anyway) .. the worn stock might keep the cost down. Just make sure the stock condition doesn't indicate poor care..only fervent use.

Out of the light recoiling deer calibers the 260 and 257 roberts are my favorite and they are chambered in my favotite inexpensive quality bolt gun, the ruger m77

I would go with a Remington Model 7 in 7mm-08. Good luck.

Cartridge wise it sounds like 243 to 260 range.

Rifle wise, regardless of whatever you get
f-i-t t-h-e s-t-o-c-k
to fit her just right!

Good Luck and Good Hunting,
EKM