Tophernj
Member
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'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