what rifle to get?

Question

im looking to buy my first rifle and im looking for recommendations. i want something decent but im not looking to spend more than $700 if i dont have to, i'd be using it mainly for target shooting and deer hunting.

and when i say target shooting i dont mean for competition, it would just be something i would do once in a while, im not going to get into hunting or target shooting seriously.

Answer 1

Remington 700 or Savage 110 in .308. Even in a hunting rifle this calibre is accurate enough to make casual target shooting enjoyable, and the recoil won't make you flinch. Excellent calibre for deer-size game, will do for bigger stuff with the right load and the right shot.
But if you've never fired a rifle before, i recommend first getting a .22 to learn the basics and get lots of practise.

Answer 2

That's a tough one without knowing more. What state do you live in. Are you planning on shooting long or short range. I know a lot of guys want to start with some thing hot but not knowing anything about you all I can say is what I use. For a good short to medium range rifle and brush gun I use a 30-30 lever action, you can pickup a good one for $300-$400. If you want less kick try a 25-06 you should be able to get a good one for $500-$700. If you want range and accuracy there are many good choices, the old standby 30-06, or how about the 300 Winchester magnum.

PS to JOE MOE What are you going to do if you are ever in a survival situation? Just lay down and die? Knowing how to hunt does not make a person bad, just practical.

Answer 3

There are plenty of good bolt action rifles for <$700, but a good scope will set you back more than that, if purchased w/ the rifle.
You say 1st rifle, do you mean 1st centerfire? IOW, have you had a 22? I kind of assume you have. You'd be better off looking at lighter recoil esp. for target shooting; something on the order of a 260 Rem or 7mm-08 Rem are good flat shooters with lighter recoil that are just about perfect for deer under 250 yds.

Answer 4

You definitely want to start at walmart.com, in the sporting goods section. That will at least give you the correct price listings because MSRPs online or horribly inaccurate. I would say go with a Remington 700 as they are what most of the quality rifles are modeled after, but a good one will cost you ovr $1000. I had this similar quest last year and after a long search I ended up with a Howa 1500 in .308. You are definitely want to go with the .308 for precision and deer hunting. Its dual purpose use gets you twice the bang for the buck. The gun was only $660 with tax, it has a bull barrel, compatible with everything that fits a Remington 700 (marine sniper rifle), and it is very accurate. There are other nice brands in the same price range...Weatherby, Mossberg, Savage...Savage used to be a great gun for the price but they are above $700 now. I topped my Howa with a $399 Super Sniper Scope that punches well above its weight among so many more expensive scopes, and it shoots just as good as some of my higher end target/sniper rifles.

Edit: There are some excellent target/varmit rifles out there. Don't think for a second there is no such thing as a dual usage rifle...it just won't be the absolute best of either categories, as serious target shooters tweak their guns out beyond hunting capabitlities and visa-versa....Don't let that discourage you.

Good Luck

Answer 5

Remington 700 in 7MM Magnum. This will do the job on any deer and North America at short and long ranges and can be used for Elk hunting if you so choose at a later time. Put on a 3 to 9 Leupold and use it until you are relegated to the Nursing Home at say 90 years old. Good Hunting!

Answer 6

I'd look the Savage rifles in .308. Get one with the Accu-trigger. The rifle is surprisingly accurate. The .308 has more then enough power for most game up to big Elk, Moose, and large bears. Lots of ammo choices. A lot of value for the money.

I noticed one poster suggested buying from Wal Mart. Not a bad place to start. A check of the on line catalog showed a Savage package deal, a model 10G, w/accu-trigger, in .308, and with a 3x9 scope mounted, for $493.00 That's about a good a deal as you can get for a new gun. I suspect the scope might not be the best optic out there, but should do you just fine until you are ready to pop for big bucks for a high quality scope.

Answer 7

Remington Model 700. Nice rifle and moderately priced. Tack on a Leupold scope and you have a winner!

Get one chambered in either .270 or .30-'06 and it will be all the gun you need for anything in North America.

Answer 8

I'm a fan of the weatherby vanguard's myself for that price range or less. Dear calibres in any rifle 270win, 30-06, 300 win mag, 300 weatherby mag all suitable.

Answer 9

Check into ROSSI firearms. Because they are break action rifles they are relatively cheap. Also because they are break action rifles they are relatively accurate. I recommend a .270. For your first Rifle I definitely recommend a single shot rifle(Not Semi-auto). It was My first and it really makes you understand the fundamentals of shooting.
Also you might get better groups with it at the range.

Answer 10

close range like 30-40 yards use a 30/30 remington their usually less than 400 buck, if you want to have more distance use a 270 cal. it has more power and kick, those are usually less than 500 bucks, good luck hope you have fun