SevenFields

Hello everyone. I am 35 years old and I grew up with brothers that hunted a lot. I took Hunters Safety but for some reason I never was interested in hunting like my brothers, Until now. Hopefully 35yrs old is not too late to start.
I am looking at purchasing my 1st rifle for mainly deer in KS.
I have been reading alot about the Ruger American. Does anyone have any thoughts about this gun or can recommend something better for under $500?
Thanks for any advice & encouragement!

Palehorse

It looks really tempting (I say that since I am a dedicated Mauser man and only hunt with custom mausers). A Mauser it is not, but it looks well made as far as safety and strength are concerned. If I was buying a rifle today, just for hunting, I would definitely have it at the top of my list.

elmoughler

Welcome to the fourm and hunting! Hope you enjoy your stay

Adkhunter831

For under $500 I would go with the Thompson center Venture. It's a very well made and accurate gun. I have a few friends who have it and they love it. A nice rugged design and the accuracy is supposedly well above average for the price. If I was in the market for another rifle in that price range I'd pick one up in a heart beat. That's my suggestion. Along with a decent scope like a Leupold. Nikon makes some good scopes but for I prefer Leupold.

Sheridan

Take a look at these; but that Ruger American wouldn't be a bad choice !

Spend most of your money on a "good" scope.

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

Topgun 3006

You can't go wrong with a Ruger and I'd get it in 30-06 as an all round caliber for about anything you want to shoot up through deer and elk with a bonded bullet at reasonable ranges. I'm also partial to Leupolds and have them on most of my "go to" rifles. Put it in a set of their dual dovetail mounting systems and you're set for life. As Sheridan mentioned, put a "good" scope on it. With good bases and rings you're probably talking in the $300-$500 area, but don't scrimp and waste money and then end up doing what we're suggesting to begin with!