What is the best rifle for deer hunting?

Question

Where could i buy one and it has to be $200 or less

Answer 1

Bound's hubby here:

"What is the best deer rifle" is a very personal and subjective question. For woods hunting (max distance of about 125 yards), a nice, fast, light carbine like a WInchester 94 would be ideal. For hunting in open country (perhaps up to 400-500 yards), a respectable, flat shooting bolt gun for increased distance would be ideal. Sadly, you did not offer what type of environment you would be hunting in. Where you would hunt would really dictate what you would use or want.

Your price limitation of $200, in my opinion, puts you in the used gun market. You might be able to get a used Winchester 94 for $200, but I would not hold your breath! It might be wise to wait a season and save another $100 or so and get a newer rifle that would best meet your needs!

Good luck!

Answer 2

Your budget limits it a little bit. For woods hunting for ranges under 200 yards I recommend a Marlin or Mossberg .30-30 lever action probably a 336 or 336c with c being the carbine. Some used sell for $150 and are accurate within the.30-30 limitations.

For long range Western hunting, I recommend for starters a Remington 710 in .30/06. The .270 is nice but the .30/06 gives you more versatility but it is not in your price range, 300-400 dollars.

Going with a used surplus you can find mosin nagants and Enfields for cheap, they are of questionable accuracy, but are good for 200 yards or under (alot of times enfields are more accurate) shots and have as much power as a .30/06.

If it doesn't have to be new then you can find a rifle in that price range, if it is a rifle that retails for alot more check it out. Check the rifling and the action, but sometimes people will get rid of a gun and you can find it at a good price. Check the classifieds in your local paper. Usually Big 5 or Sports Authority will have the surplus rifles, Wal-mart has the 710 and Big 5 will run deals every now and then. Hopefully this helps. Good Luck!

Answer 3

As people mentioned, a rifle is a very individual thing.

I think the limiting factor is your current budget of $200.

$200 doesn’t buy you much of a rifle.

Most of the rifles I can think of in this price range are surplus military rifles.

You can pick up a Mosin-Nagant rifle for between $100 and $200. These rifles mainly use the 7.62x54R cartridge, one that is more than adequate for deer.

You may be able to find an Enfield No 1, Mk 4 for under $200. These use the 303 British cartridge, a cartridge roughly equivalent to the 308 Win.

For around $200, you may be able to find a Yugo SKS in a 7.62x39mm. Not exactly my first choice for a deer rifle, but it would work.

After that, you may be able to find a break action 12 ga shotgun. This might be a top pick for me if I were hunting short distances.

As someone mentioned, you might be able to find a used lever action 30-30 in this price range, I doubt it but you might get lucky.

If you watch the sale papers, you may find a sporting goods store that is selling other surplus military rifles. Occasionally, I see Turkish (I think) 8mm Mausers for under $200.

In the price range you are looking, I think I’d opt for the Mosin-Nagant. They leave a little to be desired in accuracy usually, but it’ll easily kill a deer at 100 meters.

If you can save a year or two, you can pick up a Savage bolt action rifle with a scope at Wal-Mart for under $400. Savage rifles are ugly, but they are accurate and have beautiful triggers on them.

Check out the website http://www.gunsamerica.com and you can get an idea of how much various firearms run for.

Good luck and happy hunting.

Answer 4

There is no single "best" rifle for deer hunting. The best rifle for you would be one that you can shoot well. It will also depend on where you plan to hunt. In the swamps of Louisiana or thick woods, a 30-30 would be more than adequate. In the mountains and open areas, something with more range and flatter shooting is better. I have killed many with a .22 hornet at close range, and many more with a 7mm magnum, some close range, some at 300+ yards. Now if you really want a challenge, and something in your price range, take to bow hunting. I have taken a few deer with a bow, best HUNTING you could ever experience. If you want venison to fill the freezer, search the want ads for a cheap rifle!!

Answer 5

The suggestions so far are pretty good, although some of the SKS's are crap.

How about muzzle-loader? That would fit your budget allowing for ammo and accessories + in many states, it also gives you an extra week to hunt.

If your state doesn't allow muzzle-loader hunting during regular gun season, then never mind... In MO, you can use a muzzle-loader during the regular gun season and during the muzzle loader only portion.

Check with your state. A used shotgun is a good first gun, and some places only allow shotguns in certain areas.

P.S. Forget about finding a good deal on a regular rifle at this time of year. They are all priced sky high. You'd be better off to get a shotgun and wait until after the season ends now.

Answer 6

Hit your local pawn shops. I've seen rifles anywhere from 30-30's to 30-06 at or below $200. They might need a little work as far as blueing to stock refinishing but as long as the rifling is still in good shape and the gun shows no signs of abuse ( signs of use are OK, signs of abuse are no good) it will be a good buy.

Answer 7

I bought a 7mm-08 Remington CDL last year. It shoots 1/4 inch groups but is out of your range at $700 dollars. I like it because there is not "much" kick. I never hunted before when I bought it and after I watched my friend gut it, I could not do it. Now it collects dust but I know my son will love it when he gets older.

Answer 8

The might be hard becuse most rifles will be more than 400.
A used rifle might be less you'll have to shop around.

Answer 9

the best all around gun has to be a 270. but most are over $200.00 but you can get a mossburg 270 at walmart for about 175.00
but most of the time they dont have one in stock. you have to get walmart to order it for you. the mossburg 270 is a good gun for the price and it will last a long time. it comes in black syn. or camo syn. stock.

Answer 10

I use a .270 and love it, i wouldnt shoot any other gun in the world.