Help Needed Selecting Deer Rifle for Gift

Grovest · Mar 30, 2020

Wife has been hinting at wanting a Rifle for her Birthday recently, as she wants to take up deer hunting and target shooting.

As deer roam the fields around the house, looking for something suitable for 200 to 800 yards so one can hunt from the porch so to speak. Since don't want ammo to break the bank decided on going with 30-06. Budget is between $500 and $750 including scope and don't mind going used.

This is were things get complication. She hates my Savage .222 which I use for varmints. Her complaint is that she finds it too light and that it feels and handles like a toy.

She learned to shoot in the Canadian Armed Forces in which she served for years, before being forced to leave due to health problems. Only hint she has given is that she would like a rifle which handles more like the Parker Hale C3A1 she trained as a sniper with after earning her Distinguished Marksman badge with an FN FAL.

Any suggestions?

rabid wombat · Mar 30, 2020

Good for you! I bought my wife an used Rem 700 (257 AI and added a Swarovski scope - this set up is more than your budget). Pick your caliber (I would lean to 6.5 Swede, 7x57, or similar), and you should be able to find a good deal. Older 700’s are rumored to be better than newer ones. There is a trigger issue that needs to be resolved. Your wife will want a good trigger.

I am biased to good glass. My wife is a pro photographer, so she gets “it”. Any of the low to mid end Leupolds should work. A website, Chuck Hawks, preaches better glass at lower power is the ticket (https://www.chuckhawks.com/index2.guns.htm). Your wife will probably have a strong opinion on glass.

Finally, spend some money on getting the rifle fitted. Get the LOP right, cut the barrel if needed, etc.

Take her along to get her pick. Make the journey fun. Do not be surprised is you end up north of your budget.

EDIT - I did not read your comment on the 30.06, sorry. That makes getting a used rifle even easier!

Aim1 · Mar 30, 2020

Ruger American for a great bang for the buck and put the rest of the money into a scope.

Isn't .270 supposed to be pretty soft recoiling?

Texas10mm · Mar 30, 2020

Take her to the store and let HER pick out the rifle.

LoonWulf · Mar 30, 2020

Maybe have her take a look at some of the "long range" models available from the majors. They are pretty popular right now.
Getting one in 06 would be a little harder, the 308, 300 and many other good cartridges are available tho.

We're in buying a rifle LIKE that right now I'd probably buy a Bergara premier HMR, or Xbolt long range max.....but those just interest me.
I also own a Christensen Arms Ridgeline, which I'd happily recommend. BUT my Sendero sized rifle only weights something like 7lbs bare, which maybe too light. And it comes with a regular sporter stock.
They do offer the traverse or Mesa Long range which are more similar to what you might be looking for.

edwardware · Mar 30, 2020

Grovest said:
She hates my Savage .222 which I use for varmints. Her complaint is that she finds it too light and that it feels and handles like a toy.

That's a hint. No plastic-stocked rattly budget action rifles need apply.

I like CZ, Win M70, and Rem700 for this question. The CZ is probably the best new-gun value, but my personal choice would be a used Rem700 with the possibility of an easy RemAge rebarrel if she wants to snipe again.

And I second @rabid wombat on the Leupold glass. No lesser brand is worth it.

earlthegoat2 · Mar 30, 2020

Texas10mm said:
Take her to the store and let HER pick out the rifle.

I second this.

Also, If I brought my wife into a gun shop looking for a rifle for her with a certain budget, I would be prepared to double it. True love and all that, you know.

Grovest · Mar 30, 2020

I could go a little higher than $750, to find the night rifle. Maybe I should - she suggested we limit gifts to no more than $750 right after she spend $1,500 for a riding lawn mover for my Birthday.

Unfortunately the only gun shops near by have very limited selection, so will likely get something online. Picked my Savage up that way along with my 22, an old 1952 Remington 22 which actually weighs more than the Savage.

She has preached about glass in the past. She can't understand why I like zoom as she shot with a fixed 10x anything from 100 to 800 yard, anything less than a 100 yard her opinion is that it is better to use the iron sights. She does still like the mIl.dot reticle.

Both guns she is use to weighed in at a little over 10 lb. while my Savage sits around 7 lb.

Did older guns all tend to weigh more (I use to have an old Browning BBR which I though was up around 10 lb)?

Are older Win70 / Rem700 more solid than the new models they promote as 'ultralite'?

Without looking at custom guns, do any still come with longer (26") barrels?

redneck2 · Mar 30, 2020

My X-Bolt has a 26” barrel, but with decent glass it’s gonna be way outside your budget. With a VX-3 it would be +/- $1,200. It is ultra accurate

You could maybe look at something like a Howa or Weatherby Vanguard and a 4-14x40 VX-3i scope. That would be pretty sweet IMO

Aim1 · Mar 30, 2020

Grovest said:
I could go a little higher than $750, to find the night rifle. Maybe I should - she suggested we limit gifts to no more than $750 right after she spend $1,500 for a riding lawn mover for my Birthday.

Unfortunately the only gun shops near by have very limited selection, so will likely get something online. Picked my Savage up that way along with my 22, an old 1952 Remington 22 which actually weighs more than the Savage.

She has preached about glass in the past. She can't understand why I like zoom as she shot with a fixed 10x anything from 100 to 800 yard, anything less than a 100 yard her opinion is that it is better to use the iron sights. She does still like the mIl.dot reticle.

Both guns she is use to weighed in at a little over 10 lb. while my Savage sits around 7 lb.

Did older guns all tend to weigh more (I use to have an old Browning BBR which I though was up around 10 lb)?

Are older Win70 / Rem700 more solid than the new models they promote as 'ultralite'?

Without looking at custom guns, do any still come with longer (26") barrels?

She really seems to know her guns and what she'd prefer...I'd take her to "look" at some and then surprise her with it later.

rabid wombat · Mar 30, 2020

$1500 expands the game quite a bit. You mention the Canadian Military, so I am guessing you live there. I have no idea about the rules and laws there. That said, try Gunbroker to get some ideas. It is an auction site, but it has a fairly sound search engine. It will help you identify what you can get for the money.

https://www.gunbroker.com/

In general (certainly not always) wood stocks will be heavier than synthetic. Heavier barrel contours will add weight (and to the front, which maybe desirable). Easy to add weight.

Again, I do not know the Canadian Military. The USMC snipers have typically used a fixed 10x (Unertl), great glass. I REALLY want a Schmidt and Bender fixed 10x, great glass. Great glass would probably eat your entire budget, or more. Beyond those, take a quick look at Optics Planet. Most below are variables. The Leupold fixed 6x is good glass, and will help on the cost.

https://cmpauction.thecmp.org/detail.asp?id=5733&n=USMC-10x-Unertl-Sniper-Telescope-1396

https://www.opticsplanet.com/rifles...on=10-x&_iv_parent-maximum-magnification=10-x

I6turbo · Mar 30, 2020

It's impossible to say what it'll end up going for, but this CZ 550 is a beauty, IMO. https://www.gunbroker.com/item/863646596 I've seen a couple of these Ebony special editions sell in the past and they went for something in the $800 range, IIRC. The 550 is a hoss of a rifle with an old-school-style Mauser action. I have three of 'em, I love the action, the single set trigger, the controlled round feed, the excellent accuracy, and how they are built like few productions guns today.

rabid wombat · Mar 30, 2020

Off this site....https://www.thehighroad.org/index.p...classis-700-308-with-leupold-glass-az.865883/

maybe a little light to her taste and a variable scope, but again...it gives ideas...

Ironhand54 · Mar 30, 2020

Definitely have her look at some rifles and see what she likes.

Also, don't limit yourself to just bolt actions. A semi auto can reduce recoil and is simple to operate. If that's not an option there are levers and single shots available. Get her what she wants not what you want.

As to chamberings, here in Michigan I tend to recommend nothing below 25 cal. If you are further north 257 Roberts would be the smallest I would recommend. Choose a cartridge based on the distance she is actually going to shoot at, not the maximum available. The same goes for recoil. Choose a gun she can practice with and enjoy it. Not something that she can only stand to shoot a few times.

I'll get off of my soap box now.
IronHand

mustanger98 · Mar 30, 2020

I googled C3A1 to try for some idea what she's comparing everything to. Many realize that the USMC has been using some variant of the Remington 700 7.62x51/.308Win. for a lot of years now. I'd consider an older Remington 700 BDL in .30-06 or .308 a reasonably safe bet, but not safe enough to just say "here's your rifle" and call it good. Something to do with training and strong opinions.

I don't remember Canadian policy well enough. Would an M1A be a legal option?

Sneakshot92 · Mar 30, 2020

I'd strongly reccomend taking a look at the Weatherby Vanguard offerings. I have one in 300 wsm that I shoot out to 600yds with on a somewhat regular basis. Mine has a 26 inch barrel and weighs about 8.25lbs loaded with my old 2-10x40 Weaver. I did add a bit of weight to the butt to counter the longer barrel so it might be a bit heavier than I think but that's a moot point.

Grovest · Mar 30, 2020

rabid wombat said:
Again, I do not know the Canadian Military. The USMC snipers have typically used a fixed 10x (Unertl), great glass. I REALLY want a Schmidt and Bender fixed 10x, great glass. Great glass would probably eat your entire budget, or more. Beyond those, take a quick look at Optics Planet. Most below are variables. The Leupold fixed 6x is good glass, and will help on the cost.

https://cmpauction.thecmp.org/detail.asp?id=5733&n=USMC-10x-Unertl-Sniper-Telescope-1396

https://www.opticsplanet.com/rifles...on=10-x&_iv_parent-maximum-magnification=10-x

Different Rifle, exact same glass as used in the US. Gun she is used to is a single shot, bolt action, long barrel.

Unfortunately the other problem she has with gun shops around here (beyond being attracted to the expensive custom stuff), is they are very sexist. The one time got her into one I didn't hear the end of it for weeks... lol. There is also the 'You know what I will like (when really have no idea)'

Grovest · Mar 30, 2020

mustanger98 said:
I googled C3A1 to try for some idea what she's comparing everything to. Many realize that the USMC has been using some variant of the Remington 700 7.62x51/.308Win. for a lot of years now. I'd consider an older Remington 700 BDL in .30-06 or .308 a reasonably safe bet, but not safe enough to just say "here's your rifle" and call it good. Something to do with training and strong opinions.

I don't remember Canadian policy well enough. Would an M1A be a legal option?

The M1A use to be allowed, but if I am not mistaken, it can be converted fairly easily to fully auto and any gun which can be converted with minimal work is banned.

The big rules for long guns are minimum 20" barrel, total gun length not less than 26", no conversion to auto, and having a clip available which is no more than 5 shots.

spazzy · Mar 30, 2020

I'd reccomend taking a look at a tikka, I picked up an older used tikka m658 in 30-06 about a year ago, I think I paid $500. Smoothest bolt cycling I've ever felt, trigger breaks like glass. I've been very happy so far!

LUCKYDAWG13 · Mar 30, 2020

I know you said 30/06 but have a look they do go on sale quite a bit https://www.cabelas.com/product/SAVAGE-FV-VARMINT-RIFLE/1994604.uts?slotId=1

rabid wombat · Mar 30, 2020

Go back to @LoonWulf - Bergara! With your added budget, you may find something. Though I do not have a Bergara, great write ups. It is a rifle I would definitely consider. The ones I have tinkered with at the local gun store seem nice. You may have to compromise on caliber, though the C3A1 was .308. Barrel length may be another compromise...

The Bergara at Scheels is a distributer exclusive, and is close to the weight - though without glass.....

https://www.bergara.online/us/rifles/

https://www.scheels.com/p/bergara-b-14-hmr-scheels-exclusive-rifle/17544-B14LM351.html

hillman23 · Mar 30, 2020

If used is a viable option and shots are from the back porch, perhaps consider a used Sako Finnbear. I have one from the 80’s (an AV) that’s a gem. They are fine pieces of craftsmanship and are renowned for being accurate. Here’s one on gunbroker:
https://www.gunbroker.com/item/863664487

Lennyjoe · Mar 30, 2020

If she’s dabbling with a chance she may lose interest go with something like a Savage 110 in .243. If she’s definitely into it and ready to stay then spend some more $ and go with a higher quality set up.

cdb1 · Mar 30, 2020

Grovest said:
Since don't want ammo to break the bank decided on going with 30-06.

.308 ammo is as available or more so at the same price and sometimes less.

Aim1 said:
Isn't .270 supposed to be pretty soft recoiling?

I’ve been using a .270 for over 40 years and can’t tell a difference between it and 30-06.

Texas10mm said:
Take her to the store and let HER pick out the rifle.

Easily the most important recommendation you have received.

edwardware said:
And I second @rabid wombat on the Leupold glass. No lesser brand is worth it.

I have more Leupold than any other brand but believe there are offerings in the same price range that are as good and sometimes better.

Sneakshot92 said:
I'd strongly reccomend taking a look at the Weatherby Vanguard offerings. I

From the context of your first post, specifically the statement concerning your Savage .222, a Vanguard would be the first rifle I’d consider.

spazzy said:
I'd reccomend taking a look at a tikka, I picked up an older used tikka m658 in 30-06 about a year ago, I think I paid $500.

From the context of the OP a T3 would be one of the last options I’d consider.

Grovest · Mar 30, 2020

Lennyjoe said:
If she’s dabbling with a chance she may lose interest go with something like a Savage 110 in .243. If she’s definitely into it and ready to stay then spend some more $ and go with a higher quality set up.

Not sure if she'll keep the hunting up, but she has missed ranged target shooting since leaving the forces. She stopped when the left the forces then put off picking up again while kids were younger and living in town as no good ranges nearby.

Think narrowed it down to used Remington 700 long range (with the nice heavy barrel she likes), an old Browning BBR, or perhaps the Vanguard.

30-06 preference due to availability of low cost rounds mostly along with better range than 308. If not for cost, might have gone either 6.5 or 300WM.

Help Needed Selecting Deer Rifle for Gift

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