[hoppinglark]

I'm young (22) and want to buy two rifles in the next year or so, I will use them for hunting (someday) and target practice. Also I want them to be durrible so they will last!

I've decided on .223 and .30-06 for calibers


Anyone care to suggest a few good models?

[El Tejon]

hoppinglark, there are many good rifles out today. IMO, if I were you, I would seek training on the rifle, thus you would be able to understand whic features you need on a weapon and which features are just gun rag silliness as, sadly, rifles today are not made by shooters for shooters.

Let software guide your choice of hardware.:)

[Legionnaire]

Good choice of calibers for a minimum battery. El Tejon is wise in his advice. Nevertheless, I'll toss out a couple of suggestions. All bolt action, which is what I would recommend for most hunting applications:

.223. Take a look at the CZ 527 American. Excellent fit and finish, detachable magazine, comes with scope rings, hunting-accurate out of the box with good ammo, light weight, handles easily while afield. Note that the 527 American does not come with iron sights. You'll have to add a scope. The 527 Lux has a european-style stock, but does include sights. I prefer the American.

.30-06. Any one of three "classics." Remington 700 BDL, Winchester Model 70, or Ruger 77. Any one would do the trick, although I've listed them in order of my preference. Others will have different opinions.

Let us know what you decide!

[Tropical Z]

www.savagearms.com
;)

[Hkmp5sd]

For the 30.06, for a first gun I would consider a Remington M1903A3. Surplus guns are very inexpensive, it has an excellent history of accuracy and reliability. Then later on, when you are more experienced, choose your hunting rifle (or just use the 03A3).


For a .223, I'd get an AR simply because they are reliable, accurate and there is an endless supply of gadgets you can buy to add to it. 30-round magazines are plentify and cheap.

[Art Eatman]

How much background/experience do you have with rifles, generally? I don't want to "talk down" to you...

There's a lot to be said for buying any inexpensive .22 bolt action. It's a low-cost way to develop eye-finger coordination with sight alignment and thus develop one's basic skills.

Art

[hoppinglark]

well since i'm still active duty enlisted (USMC), I have to use the M-16 at least once a year.
other than that I haven't shot much,
I own a .22 like all REAL americans and a 12 gauge too, but that's it for longguns.

I have shot .30-06 a few times and from what i've read i like the caliber.

I was looking at the remington 7400 but it seems like it has a bad reputation. :confused:

I should be going on another "boat ride" and I plan to save up my sea pay and flight pay for the rifles...
I just want to make a well informed choice.:D

[Jim K]

When anyone says .30-'06 and thinks about semi-auto, the obvious thought is an M1. You can buy service rifles througn CMP at reasonable prices and not only have a fine rifle but also a piece with historical association. The drawback is that the M1 is pretty heavy for a sporting rifle. Check out www.odcmp.com for more info if interested.

Jim

[RUT]

>>well since i'm still active duty enlisted (USMC<<

Hey, how are things down at "Swamp Legroin"???

[hoppinglark]

Things are good in Jax

You know i' think i'll go with the M1A I already have the CMP paper work.....

[RUT]

Good choice!!!:)