Need help looking for First rifle

[Nifer]

Actually, this is not my first rifle. I was given a Marlin Model 60 .22 about 8 years or so ago by my family for my birthday. Now, I'm looking at going out and buying my first rifle for me.

I'm not exactly sure what action I want, but I am definately leaning towards bolt action. Lever action seens pretty cool as well.

Caliber choices are also hanging me up I don't really hunt big game, as most of my hunting consists of duck and geese. I have debated getting in to hog hunting at some point, so a larger caliber may not be so bad.

Also, I'm really stuck on exactly what brand. I like the Remington 700 and some of the Savage rifles. This is going basicly on feel, as I've never shot any of these.

I am also very very interested in the Ruger 77/17hmr for varmint. Looks pretty cool and I have freinds that have them and are in love wih the gun/caliber combo.

Also, any opinions on the Remington 710 gun/scope package? I've heard pretty fair reviews on these for a beginners rifle.

Also, my other choice I am heavily considering is a Marlin lever action. I would like to try a .44 mag, 45-70, or even the standard go to 30-30.

Anyways, any guidance would be greatly appreciated.

JR

 

[chaim]

Out of the options you mention, and with your mentioned uses, my vote is for the .44mag lever rifle.

If you don't hunt big game then the rifle calibers are simply expensive. Even 30-30 is $8-9 minumum for 20 rounds, .44mag can be had for $18 or so for 50. Lever rifles are incredibly fun (they are my favorite). Also, .44mag can be shot at both rifle ranges and most indoor pistol ranges. If you ever do decide to get into hog hunting as you say you might, or if you ever decide to go after deer, the .44mag should be sufficient up to 100-150 yards.

 

[Nifer]

I should probably add that for a first rifle/scope set up, I'm not real interested in spending more then $800-900 right now. Maybe that will help on ideas.

JR

 

[antsi]

Check out the latest issue of American Rifleman. They had an affordable Tikka rifle and Leupold scope combo that looked pretty nice.

 

[chaim]

I should probably add that for a first rifle/scope set up, I'm not real interested in spending more then $800-900 right now. Maybe that will help on ideas.

Ahh, a budget. Yet another really good reason to consider the lever rifle. Several companies make a .44mag lever gun (Puma, Winchester, Marlin), with Winchester and Marlin making a few variations in their line as well. You would be looking at a price range from a low of about $250 or $300 and a high around $500. They also have workable iron sights if you were willing to settle for irons. If not, you still have plenty of your budget left over for a good scope and mounts. You can easily be well under your limit.

 

[Black Snowman]

For good bolt gun my bang for the buck vote goes to CZ. I picked up their top-of-line CZ 550 Varmit Laminated in .308 for $629 locally. The set trigger is a nice feature although the standard trigger needs a little polishing on mine.

Accuracy is as good as I can shoot it dependant on ammo. .5 in 100 yard groups are very possible. I hear all of their guns are very consistantly very accurate. Scope mounts are a bit pricy. Going rate is $50 so add that to your budget.

I'd recommend a CZ 527 Lux or American in .223 for best combination of inexpensive practice, low initial investment, and most versatility. If you plan to reload the caliber selection isn't quite as critical.

I'll also second a vote for the Marlin 1894 in .44 mag. My shooting buddy Kamicosmos has one and it's a great gun.