New to hunting. What size/kind of gun do i need?

Question

I'm gonna try my luck this Deer season. Thanks.

Answer 1

Ask your hunting buddies what they carry- they would have the best scoop.

I presume that you ARE hunting with someone, right ?

Answer 2

Depends on terrain and cover. Heavy brush go for the lever action in .30-30, .45 or a short throw action like the .308 where the gun is shorter and isn't going to get tangled up in the rough. If hunting fields or openings then go for something like the .243, .270, 7mm-08, .30-06, that can reach out for the range with respectable power. If you think you want to do larger game go more to the .30-06 than the .243. Take a big enough calibre to do the job but not so much that you're afraid to shoot it.

In any case put a fair amount of ammunition through at the range before it sees the field. The last thing needed is to wound and animal and let it get away.

Answer 3

first I personally believe that a man to have 1 rifle I recommend the 30/06 it has enough power to take 90% of the game animals in the world and you can buy ammo anywhere if they sell ammo they will have a box 30/06
it has a very large selection of ammo
it has moderatre recoil (most people don't have a problen shooting it)
been around over a century and still leading in the top 5 of ammo sales
time tested and battle proven
the 30/30 is also good if you can keep shots under 100 yards
the 243 is dual purpose deer and varmints it also considered the minimum for deer
25/06 and 270 are also good choices they started life as a wilcat of the 30/06
the 308 is another good deer round it does beat the 30/06 in bullet wieghts under 150grain also is avalible in a short action
the 7mm/08 would be interesting if you reload as ammo is not as availbe as the 30/06

Answer 4

Several good choices as to caliber have been mentioned.

To more accurately answer your question such things as where you anticipate hunting, how much experience you have had firing rifles, how much experience you have had hunting other game, would need to be known.

As for your choice of calibers, 243, 25-06, 270, 308, and 30-06 are all good choices.

The 30-30 is a good choice if you are going to be hunting in conditions where your longest shots are 150 yards or less.

The 243, while I don't like it for my own use, is a good starting rifle and will handle bullet weights up to 100 grains and can kill a deer out to 300 yards.

The 270 and 30-06 are both good choices, simply because they are time proven cartridges and are relatively easy to find when looking for ammunition. JMO.

Answer 5

So many to choose from, it matters more of where you'll be hunting as well as how. Best deer gun i ever owned was a Mosin Nagant in a 7.62x54mm round. It weighed a ton, but i could drag it through hell and back because where i hunt ranges from thick brush to wide open fields. A good starter gun is the model 94 winchester 30/30 been around for years and can ussaly pick one up at a good price. If you hunt alot in brush dont waste your time or money on a scope, find a fun with decent open sights and youll be glad you did.

Answer 6

A Marlin Model 336 in either .30-30 WCF or .35 Remington will get the job done. Don't buy a scope this season.

If you really want to be a good hunter, you should have started planning and scouting back in the spring, and you certainly should have purchased your rifle several months ago.

Practice as much as possible before opening day. After the season, you will have a better idea of what you want a rifle to do. Come back in January and we can discuss your next rifle and optics to go on it.

Good Hunting,
Doc

Answer 7

When you own a 30-06 you really never have to buy another Rifle.* It is more versatile & has a large variety of bullet weights to choose from & I recommend you use 180 grain for Deer.*The 30-06 is an awesome all purpose Rifle.*{ Remington Brand }*

Answer 8

Depending on the terrain you'll be hunting in, you could go with a 30-30 if you're going in thick brush and dense forest. A Minimum caliber of 270 if you're hunting open fields or plains.

Answer 9

if your new to hunting you might want a 30-06 or .308. 30-06: wide range of bullet types to choose from and also powerful enough to kill elk and even moose with the right bullet. .308: tested and proven in the military to be a very accurate round. it is also a very robust round where you can use it in competition, ground squirrel/prairie dog hunting, and with the right load you could very easily take an elk with it. good luck, hope you have a blast weather you get one or not!

Answer 10

Why not consider the possibility of a close encounter with a bow? It can be the most exciting experience you can imagine. However, I would advise that if you choose a bow that you have ample time to become very accurate with it. So it may be best to go with a rifle this close to season.
hunt safe...hunt fair chase

Answer 11

I would recommend a rifle in calibers 30-30, or .308 Winchester. However, a 12 ga. shotgun loaded with oo buch, or rifled slugs will also do nicely.