I moved to a state 3 years ago that only has about 1 month of bow season and it is when it is 90degrees outside. I have never rifle hunted for deer but was talking to my father about getting a rifle due to the short bow season in NC. He shows up for a visit this weekend with his deer rifle and gives it to me saying that he has used his muzzle loader for the past 3-4 years during rifle season and doesn't plan on using this gun again.

it is a Model 7 Remington, 308, about 17 years old, wood stock. It has a 3-9-40 Tasco Euro Class Scope on it that was bought the same time as the gun, the scope tube is much larger than your typical scope. I havn't even shot it yet. I am a bow hunter, turkey hunter, squirrel,...you name it, but I have never owned a high powered rifle and know absolutely nothingabout them. So my question is... is this a pretty good gun? I will never get rid of it of course, but just curious about thequality of the gun....what kind of ammo should I be using for deer? is the scope junk and should I get a new scope?

thanks for you help

Perfect for just about anything you could hunt in NC. Popular make, model, and caliber.
I'd shoot 150 grain rounds for deer.
Brian

P.S. Spend some time at the range and get to know your way around the rifle. Please.

For what you got you couldnt do any better and as far as the scope if it still works use it. I have a 3-9x40 Tasco world class and am very happy with it. If you should decide to change scopes I would be very interested in buying the old one. I love Tascos but alot of people here think they are junk but those are the kind of people who would rather buy a Cadillac than a Chevy, not knocking high quality scopes they have there place just not on my gun as my Tasco does everything I need it to do. Congrats on the nice rifle.

The rifle you received is solid and accurate. If you do any modifications to the package I would look to a better quality scope. If you are satisfied with the scope on the gun then use it as is. If you decide to change the scope look to the Weaver Grand Slam, Leupold VX-III, Bushnell Elite 4200, Burris Signature Series, Nikon Monarch, Zeiss Conquest, or Swarovski. As far as ammo goes any of the 150 gr. loads available from Hornady, Remington, Winchester, or Federal will take deer effectively.

Good gun, great cartridge. It will kill anything that walks on this side of the earth. Like was said above, the 150 grain weight is about right for deer, while still being flat shooting, and easy on the shoulder. If you decide to come out this way for elk or moose, shoot a 180 grain bullet. A good 150 would do the job, but a 180 will work better. Good luck this fall.

First off, congrats on the new toy! Seeing how its a "pass-down", treat it like is was gold. I'm not saying don't put it to use, but it'll only gain more sentimental value as you get older, so take the best of care of it. As for the gun itself, the Model 7 is a fine little rifle and 308 is also a fine cartridge. As for what load to use, 150 grainers are just fine for deer as long as that weight of bullet shoots well out of your particular rifle. If you try them and don't get good results, you may need to go to a different load. Good luck and congrats on your new rifle.