What Deer Rifle... I'm Going Nutz Ova Here!!

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Tophernj

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A few months ago I started seriously contemplating getting a deer rifle. I live in NJ where rifle hunting is not allowed but have some friends/colleagues that have offered to let me hunt their property where it is legal. Hunting will be in Northeastern woods. To a lesser extent, I will be going pig hunting in either Georgia or Florida.

I'm looking to keep my barrel length between 18" and 22". Sporter contour, nothing heavy. If the rifle has iron sights, that is awesome although the lack thereof is not a deal breaker.

Caliber will be .308 for several reasons: I reload 300Blk and have a plethora of 30cal bullets on hand. I don't need the range that the 30-06 can achieve and I would like to minimize recoil as regards the '06. Also, .308 is pretty flexible as regards the loadings available and I enjoy that aspect.

I have my eye on 2 rifle currently... A very nice 788 with a 22" bbl and refinished stock. It would cost me, all in about 550. It is located in Missouri so will need to be shipped and such.
I am also SERIOUSLY enamoured of the Winchester Featherweight Compact which would cost me another 200. I like the compact as the barrel is the "perfect" length in my mind. My concerns are the 1/12 twist. Seems a touch slow.
I have held a CZ550 American, which is very nice but a bit longer barreled than I would like. Price is pretty close to 900.

I am trying to get this decided in the next week or so I can get some serious practice in. Any advice is appreciated. It's just all so overwhelming!

C
 
I went with the savage trophy hunter with the Nikon prostaff scope. I have about 350 rounds through the gun and it is a shooter. Was 450 NIB. With Boyd's stock and a new scope this thing should be really good.
 
Either one should serve you well. The 1-12 twist will work fine for everything but the heaviest match bullets, which I wouldn't think will be a problem in a compact deer rifle. If you like the Winchester and CZ, take a look at the Ruger Hawkeye compact also. It has a similar Mauser type action, and is a bit cheaper than the Winchester. Integral scope bases and rings included with the Ruger save you some more cash.
 
If you already like the Win 70, that would be my suggestion, I have a couple and love them. You could also look at the Browning X-Bolt micro. If you really want irons (probably not necessary for a deer/hog rifle) you could check out the Savage hog hunter.
 
There are so many guns out there to fit your need. I suggest handling as many as possible and buying the one that fits you the best. Smaller guns like the Remington model 7 or Kimber 84m fit me nicely as I am only 5' 7".

The Leupold VX3 2.5-8x36 is an incredible scope for a deer gun.
 
Zastava M70 from Centerfiresystems.com has irons and CRF. Less than $500. Ive got one in 270 Win. Solid rifle
 
Pick up a used model 70 Winchester featherweight in 308 with a barrel no shorter than 22. You won't enjoy the increased muzzle blast of the shorter barrel and a 22" is just as easy to get on target as an 18. You already said you like the rifle, and you won't find a better hunting rifle. Then mount a Leupold VX2 2-7 or VX3 2.5-8 for a great hunting combo.

Don't fall into the trap of buying a big heavy high power scope. The light weight and low power will be a much better all around hunting tool.
 
Thanks all for the replies!

Glockula: I will take a look at that gun. However I am looking for a bit "pretty". I will look, though.

rule303: I will certainly take a look at the Ruger. I have all but forgotten them! I have a 357 bolt gun from them that I love. Thanks.

Gtscotty: I will look at that Savage as well. I don't know a lot about the Browning, however I'll do a bit of research. Thank you.

BluegrassDan: The Kimber is a bit outside of what I am looking to spend. Beautiful gun, though. Thank you.

js8588: The Zastave in 308 is sold out and is a bit longer that I'd like. Great suggestion, however. Thank you.

R_H_Clark: Thank you sir. If I could find a used Model70 for significantly less that of a new gun, I would be very tempted. I am a fan of smaller, lower power scopes that get the job done. Big and clunky isn't for the woods or me.

C
 
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I have an old 788 in .308, with a Weaver Grand Slam 4x16x50, it is my favorite rifle for hogs, deer, coyote....got lots of newer, nicer more expensive rifles, but I like this old rifle.....there is a reason Remington discontinued them....they outshot the higher price Model 700s, back when Remington made quality firearms....they don't anymore.
 
I would like to add an M70 Featherweight in .308 Win, and mount a Leupold 1.5x-5x on it. I shoot 150, 165 and 168 grain projectiles in my current .308s, and I will say, a 150 grain projectile out of a .308 Win, drop a deer very quickly!
 
RUG AMER-CS RFL 308 SS SYN you can get a matching 3/9/42 redfield silver scope to match.
529.00 retail,ss 18" inch bbl plastic stock weighs 6lbs

predator verision black matte threaded bbl 490.. msrp 6.25 lbs. keepem short and light.
 
I second the Savage Hog Hunter option. Short barrel, iron sights. Not heavy, but not the lightest out there--7.25lbs. Accu-trigger, great quality, great service, great company. Not quite as sexy as a Winchester 70 or X-Bolt, though.
 
There are additional quality rifles that meet your needs and wants, but I think you've got plenty of options here already. Adding to the list would only serve to make your decision more difficult.

For me, irons on a deer gun are not important. On a hog gun, irons become a bit more important, but still not a requirement.

I'd grab a Winchester M70 Featherweight and never look back.
 
Or, if you like a stainless/synthetic rifle (as I do), the Winchester M70 Extreme Weather is an excellent rifle. Unlike many rifles that come with a synthetic stock, the M70 EW ships with a Bell and Carlson Medalist, which has a nice grippy texture and a very solid, quality feel. I can't recommend this rifle highly enough.
 
If my two choices were between an m70 compact and a 788 it would be the m70 hands down. Somehow I could find another $200 to make that deal happen.

If my choice was between the m70 and anything else I would still likely choose the m70.
 
Tophernj said:
I have my eye on 2 rifle currently... A very nice 788 with a 22" bbl and refinished stock. It would cost me, all in about 550. It is located in Missouri so will need to be shipped and such.
I am also SERIOUSLY enamoured of the Winchester Featherweight Compact which would cost me another 200. I like the compact as the barrel is the "perfect" length in my mind. My concerns are the 1/12 twist. Seems a touch slow.
Click to expand...
If the extra $200 is not a hardship I would go with the Winchester, no question. I just think that Winchester produces a superior factory rifle.
 
Since you already reload for .300 BLK, I would get one of these: http://www.gandermountain.com/modperl/product/details.cgi?i=611639

It's a Remington 700 SPS Tactical in .300 BLK, 16.5" bbl. My local Wal-Mart has/had one so I'm sure you could find one through them. Should do very well on deer out to 300m with supersonic ammo and 50m and under with subsonic tac loads.

The ballistics of .300 BLK super sound are about the same as 7.62x39mm or .30-30, both of which have been taking deer for decades. The sub sound loads are about equal to .357 magnum from a revolver and would do well at closer range.

I think this would be excellent for your needs!
 
6.5 creedmoor, tc encore, 16 1/4"-30" mgm barrel, and a laminated stock.

mine has a 16 1/4" mgm heavy factory barrel
 
I"m going to throw this out, but you do the research.

Get yourself a Swiss K-31 military surplus rifle. It will only cost you 300 ish. Accuracy is 1" moa. Should you feel the need for a scope later on, you can get the Swiss Product Clamp on mount for 70.00 and a scopy of your choice.

As for the cartridge, you if reload. it uses the same 30 caliber bullet. I've been using 168 gr bullet with great result.

http://www.aimsurplus.com/product.aspx?groupid=847&name=Swiss+K31+7.5x55+Rifle+Package

Good luck with your decision.
 
Have you considered a Ruger#1? They are beautiful, accurate (at least mine are:)) built like a brick outhouse, and, best of all, will be among the last you'll be forced to hand in when Bloomberg and Brady finally get their way.
 
I am a bit of a Finnish rifle fanboy so adjusting for bias I'd still ask that you consider a Tikka T3 Lite in .308. If you prefer the appearance of a finer rifle, then the T3 Hunter in .308 might fill the bill.
In both cases you will get an action that is incredibly slick and durable and a gun that is perhaps more accurate than any that you've been considering. They are really excellent and reasonably priced.
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