I guide for a ranch in North Texas, The last couple of years I am seeing more hunters coming in with the Savages, various calibers. They are a good deal and they perform well. For hogs you don't need a monster gun, but being you are just getting started I would recommend a .270 or 30-06. Shells can be purchased everywhere, and there again you won't have to pay the high price of the less-common.
I use a T/C Encore, .300 win.mag, 22.250. .50 cal. muzzle loader, and 12g. shotgun. simply love it!
shot placement shot placement shot placement....

There is a member on here who kills them with ear shots with a .17HMR....His name is Venado

Thanks for the info guys, I think I found a possible first rifle here..

http://www.savage-rifles.com/item/90...FCXP3_Rif.aspx

The Savage 270 with scope. Probably just keep reading up and learn to shoot this weapon for about a year then hopefully go on a hunt.

270 is a great round i've never killed a hog with one but have shot tons of deer with my Remington 700 and love the round.

Tons of information goes thru every day. Is it Hogs you are after? Or hunting in general?

Hunting in general but hog hunting seems to be the direction I'm headed because its easily accessable this part of California. Not a big hunting community in Santa Cruz Ca, but theres a lot of fully guided hog hunts within driving distance.

Largeli, if you have experiance with the M16, you may want to look into a larger caliber AR15 platform gun. I do not hunt with this type of rifle, but there are many GREAT calibers and manufactures out there that make them. An AR15 in 338 or 458 socom will take ANY north american game with good shooting habits. HOWEVER, like some of the others have said, a 270, 30-06, 7mm, 336 in 30-30, will do everthing you will need it to do. The best advise I can give is to buy a gun that fits, doesn't break the bank and will give you the confidence you need to take game in a ethicale,safe and most of all FUN manner. I and my son hunt hogs with a 270, 30-30, 50cal muzzleloader, 45 long colt lever gun. crossbow, compound bow, 41,44, mag, and a 460 pistol. ALL have served us well.

Right on, thanks Paul I was wondering about the AR15 types. I will definitely check some out.

If ya got the monet and thats what your comfy with then ya can't go wrong. I know CA has some different gun laws than we do here in Co. I would be sure to check that stuff out first.

I have been thinking alot about the 458 Socom. The review I saw on TV claimed it hits as hard as a 45-70. I looked up the bullet spec on Midway USA's site and they were right on with that info.

Either way you go I hope you enjoy yourself. Don't be afraid to make mistakes we all do. It is all the fun of hunting!

That Savage is a great choice. Get some practice in. The class you asked about, I don't know how CA's class is, but I took Ohio's when I was younger and it had some good info, especially if you're just starting out. Maybe find some State public land near you that you can hunt? and try and get a few hog hunts in. Read as much as you can in the offseason, this forum is a good start! Good luck
-Jake