First deer rifle help

[PvtCowboy]

howdy,
Im looking for a first deer rifle (most likely for next season). and ive pretty much narrowed it down to two rifles, the Mossberg ATR and an H&R handi rifle. Im pretty set on going with a .308 caliber. Ive shot a H&R .204 and it is a pretty nice accurate rifle. I don't have any experience on the ATR though, so any opinions/reviews on either rifles are much appreciated!

 

[Hizzie]

NEF (H&R) makes a very accurate, no frills single shot rifle. You going iron sights or optics? What type of conditions and ranges will you be shooting?

 

[PvtCowboy]

ill be using optics. woods and open field prob 150-200 yard range

 

[Abel]

Between those two, get the Mossberg.

 

[hardluk1]

Buy the mossy.

 

[1948CJ2A]

PvtCowboy,

Where do you hunt? West Texas? East? South? Out of state?

I've hunted all over the state and terrain is everything. I'm currently out West hunting more open country with less brush and longer shots. Because of this, I usually opt for flat shooting rifles that can "reach out there" with plenty of "stuff".

Not sure how old you are or what your situation is but my first deer rifle was a custom built 7x57 Mauser. And when I say custom built, I mean my dad made me take an old military model 98, tear it apart, and build a nice hunting rifle out of it. I was 13 at the time. I'd recommend this to anyone looking for their first rifle. You know every part and piece of it and you take more pride in it.

I've since built several more custom rifles (as an adult). It's a lot of fun and you can build pretty much whatever you want. If you handload then the sky is the limit.

Just my 2 cents. Good luck to you!

 

[SimplyChad]

just got my wife her first deer rifle and she fell in love with a mossy in 243

 

[35 Whelen]

Excellent choice on the caliber. Unless you're set on a new rifle, you might scour the used racks in pawn and gun shops. There are some really good buys to be had on used older used rifles...especially now that deer season is about over. Awhile back I ran across a '70's vintage, wood stock Ruger 77 in 270 Win, with a scope, in a pawn shop for $349.00!!

Good luck,
35W

 

[PvtCowboy]

i hunt in central Texas at my buddie's deer lease. its pretty wooded but theres a lot of open spots where a 200+ yard shot can be possible. so it kinda varies out there. right now im pretty short on money so im looking for something within the 300 dollar price range. ive found a couple H&R .308 rifles with scopes for about 300, which I'm pretty interested in. also saw a 270/ 20 ga shotgun combo at a gun shop for 300 too.

 

[wyohome]

My first rifle was a Model 64 in 32 Win Special. I bought a Rem 760 in .308 Win in about 1969. I have bought many rifles and other weapons since, but this year shot my buck, a 3 point mulie (or 8 pointer) with it just for fun. Excellent, quick handling rifle.

 

[foghornl]

Have a Mossberg ATR-100 in .30-06. Will hold well under 2"@100Yds with most cheap hunting ammo in MY hands.

With GOOD ammo and steadier hands than mine(read as Federal Gold Medal Match) will do under 0.7"

 

[cal74]

Google the mossberg rifle and you'll probably stay away

Take a look at Marlins bolt rifle, or as mentioned keep your eye out on the used gun racks for a clean used rifle that fits you well.

 

[krankieone]

http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/products_id/70953

what about one of these been thinking af getting one in .223 as a roo /fox rifle

 

[trapper500]

First Deer Rifle

The Handi Rifle would be my first choice like the other poster said it a no frills rifle & you can buy other barrels for it also . I am buying me a Handi Rifle in the 500 S&W Magnum & plan on buy a 22-250 barrel for it & a Thumbhole Stock as well . The new price here here is $299.00 + Va Sales Tax

 

[PvtCowboy]

yeah i really like the fact you can just swap out barrels like that. Im a big fan of the 270/20ga combo. getting a rifle AND a shotgun for the price of one sounds pretty smart to me

 

[PvtCowboy]

BUT then again....theres that Savage Axis.... found a few good deals on NEW ones on gunbroker around 315-350 with a scope.... man there are just so many (good) rifles out there. hard to settle on just one!!

 

[Abel]

BUT then again....theres that Savage Axis....

Savage makes a better rifle in the same price range, the Stevens 200.

 

[PvtCowboy]

the Stevens 200

i like it

 

[303 hunter]

Check out the marlin heavy barrel 308 bolt action. They come with weaver bases installed, and mine shoots under 1". they can be bought for under $ 350.00 .