First Rifle

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Dee

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Sorry I know this is gets brought up a lot but I am looking at getting a new rifle hopefully in the near future. Right now I have 2 hand guns and a shotgun but no rifles yet! This is mainly for the range for right now to put holes in paper at a good distance but later on I would like to try it for hunting whitetail deer as well.

I know very little about rifles and scopes other than what I have read here. I was looking for something in the $600 or less range if possible for the rifle and scope for now, probably bolt action in a 30-06 or .308. Thanks
 
Rifles are as personal as underwear. If you don't want to dump more than $600 into it, I'd suggest that you get out and shoulder a few and pick the one that feels the best to you. I don't mess with many bolt guns, but I like the Remington and Savage rifles.

I don't know the model, but a guy at the range a few weeks ago was shooting a Savage that he picked up on gunbroker. He said he paid $600 for it and was shooting one hole three shot groups with it. It was chambered in .308.

As for caliber, I'm a big fan of .308. Ammo is reasonable priced and plentiful. This caliber is also easier to shoot a lot of without getting fatigued. It's plenty accurate too and the rifle will suffer less wear and tear than it will in 30-06, but whether this will matter is going to depend on how much you're going to shoot it.
 
Rifle & Scope:

You want to allow a good margin for the optics, so I would recommend a cheaper firearm. The Marlin XL/XS-7 is pretty decent for the money and will allow a good optics budget. As far as the cartridge, I am a big fan of the 7mm-08 because it offers low recoil, short action, flat trajectory, and good bullets (should you decide to reload). It does cost a bit more to feed than the cheapest .30-06, but not when you are comparing hunting loads. If you want to hunt larger game (like Elk) the .30-06 is probably a better choice.

IMO the best value in scopes is the Sightron S-II Big Sky 3-9x42mm, but some other good ones include the Vortex Viper 3-9x40mm, Nikon Monarch 2.5-10x42mm, and the Bushnell Elite 4200 3-9x40mm.

:)
 
Get a Saiga in what ever round you feel best suits your needs. Try to buy your weapons that will shoot the same caliber rounds if possible. I'd buy a decent but less expensive weapon, so I could stockpile ammo. You're going to probably need it in the next 10 years for self protection.
JT
 
Thanks for all of the replies everyone, you all raised good points, keep them coming! I did check out a number of rifles at a local shop, also I saw a Remington 700 at walmat with a camo stock and scope for $498.00, I don't know the specs on the scope, I just peeked through it real quick, it sure wasn't anything too fancy, I liked the look and feel of the rifle though although I wish it had a detachable mag but it probably isn't too big of a deal I guess. The rifle was chambered in .270 but they also get it in a 30-06.

Thanks again for the other suggestions, I will check those out as well, also I appreacaite the recommendation on the optics b/c I sure don't know anything about them.
 
I have to add another plug for the Sightron scope. I had an SIII Big Sky. Crystal clear glass and the adjustments were very repeatable. I don't know why they aren't a more well known brand. In any case, check out manventureoutpost.com

They have the best deals on Sightrons and have ordered a couple from them.
 
How about a Remington 700SPS Tactical in .308? You'll have to save a bit more for a scope, but it'll be more fun to shoot at the range for extended sessions then a lighter weight hunting rifle. Also, its not so heavy you couldn't hunt with it, although its admittedly not ideal for still hunting or hunting other than from a treestand.
 
Thanks for that tip on the scope, I'll look into that. I did see a 700 sps tacticl at one shop that I also liked a lot, that rasies a good point about the weight though, I did notice it was a bit heavier, I was kind of wondering what the advantages are of the heavier barrel, does it just mainly soften the recoil?
 
I was kind of wondering what the advantages are of the heavier barrel, does it just mainly soften the recoil?
Click to expand...
It has greater capacitance and more surface area so it copes with heat better, which leads to less "barrel droop" so you can shoot it longer without your groups opening up. This is an important feature in a long range target rifle or a varmint rig, not so much for a hunting rifle. In fact the additional weight may throw off the balance and make carry more tiresome.

Keep in mind that the newer Remingtons (including the model 700) have seen a decline in QC and therefore fit, finish, and accuracy. Additionally their CS is horrible from all recent accounts. If you want a 700, I believe it is best to look at used ones (10+ yrs old).

:)
 
Thanks for explaining that Maverick, that makes sense. I have kind of read mixed reviews on the newer Remingtons. I am going to look into some of the other models mentioned here as well soon I hope.
 
I saw a Mossberg 4x4 rifle in .30-06 that I liked at Dicks with a factory scope (I know not that great) for about $400.00. The barrel was in a mariner finish so it would even match my mariner 12ga 500 if nothing else, it was a nice looking rifle and seemed to have good balance. The guy at Dick's had the same rifle and really liked it but I was wondering if anyone else could give me some feedback on it here, so far I have read mostly positive reviews on it.
 
The Mossberg 4x4/ATR series rifles have had some serious safety problems. It seems that several have had bolts (which are press-fit) come apart and seriously injure the user. Personally I wouldn't own one, but if you really like it I recommend having a skilled welder or gunsmith weld the bolt together (care should be taken to avoid heating the bolt face and locking lugs if this is performed).

:)
 
Yeah I did come across a post from a few years ago that mentioned the same thing either here or on another site. That sounds like a serious problem alright, I am surprised they wouldn't have re-engineered the defect by now.

I also saw a Remington 700 VTR at another shop that I really liked but they only had it in .22-250, it was a little more than I wanted to spend but I may consider it if it came in .308 or .30-06. Another thing that I noticed is that it had already developed rust in one spot that I could see and it seemed like that may become an issue as well.
 
My best advice is to plan to spend as much or more on the scope (should you decide to scope it) than the rifle, or at least $300.00 on optics alone, so unless you expand your budget I would limit choices to the lower end. IME a good rifle can be purchased for a very reasonable price, the same does not hold true for scopes (In other words; you get what you paid for).

:)
 
Another vote for the Marlin XL/XS7. I saw them at Dicks not too long ago for $299.99. That would leave enough money left for decent optics and maybe some ammo. I've read good things about their accuracy (no personal experience) and have handled them and they feel good to me. As for scopes check out the Nikon Prostaff for one that won't break the bank and has good optics.

Hope this helps some,
Marty
 
Thanks guys, I have often heard to spend more on the optics but I just can't tell much difference in them due to my limited experience I guess but I will take the advice, I'm sure there is something that I'm missing. Is there something in particular that I should look for, most of them seem to have a good sight pic and are pretty clear from what I can tell whether it is a sub $100 scope or $300 plus dollars.

Marty, I see that you live in Mid TN, I am in the Franklin area, did you go to the Dicks in Cool Springs? I would like to see that Marlin that you mentioned, I may have overlooked it when I was there I guess.
 
Getta that / getta this!!
NO NO NO
Getta this not a that!!
BE A MAN & GET A M1 GARAND!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
 
Let's see....

A Savage Edge, Stevens 200 or the Marlin X-Series(XL-7) topped with maybe a Weaver V-Series scope and viola...your hovering around 6 bills and have an excellent rig for the mission you have indicated!

Your smart to consider the 30-06, and I would pick that particular round if trying to accomplish a deer/paper puncher set-up.

Yes, the 308 does offer more factory loaded 'target' loadings, and would do just as fine as the 30-06 for extinguishing deer beasts, so you may want to consider this round IF you think you might do a LOT of SERIOUS paper punching....but then again, the rifle(s) mentioned, while seriously accurate for a 'sporter' hunting unit, are not stellar for critical target work.

Either way, the 30-06 or the 308, both would do you fine! I just prefer the 30-06!

As for spending the same amount or more on the scope than the rifle, it is not necessary for what your out to accomplish, as we say at the shop, don't sweat the small stuff, a mid priced scope will do you well.

Check out the Burris Fullfield II's, Weaver V-Series Classics or the Weaver 44/40 Series, the Nikon Prohunter or the Bushnell Trophy. It is true however, that the more you spend on your optics....the better!
 
Is there something in particular that I should look for, most of them seem to have a good sight pic and are pretty clear from what I can tell whether it is a sub $100 scope or $300 plus dollars.
Click to expand...
Everyones eyesight is slightly different, but I would suggest looking at several to get a feel for the ones that appear to have the best clarity, and also have a good reputation, good warranty, and good CS. Sightron (S-II and S-II Big Sky) as well as Vortex (Viper) are the best for the money IMO, but seem to be difficult to find locally. You are likely to find Bushnell Elite 4200s and Nikon Monarchs locally and they aren't far behind. If you decide that is too much to spend, look no further than the Vortex Diamondback, it is in a class of it's own in the sub-$200.00 range.

:)
 
Another vote for the XS7 308. I bought mine and a nice 4-12 vortex scope for less than 500. I think I was right around 400 but I don't remember for sure. I know I like shooting the rifle and it performs well. The recoil pad is nice and really make the kick manageable. I can put a lot of ammo down range without feeling it. The trigger is also nice,I have not plaid with it but I think it is adjustable. However, I have no complaints about mine the way it is out of the box.

Keep in mind I am no rifle expert I only bought one so that if I did not fill my tag in archery season I would have a chance again during rifle season.

I hand load 165 grain speer boat tail soft point and more often than not I have a clover leaf at 100 yards. For me and my incredible lack of skill and training, that is awesome.
 
a) there's a ton of great rifles in your ballpark: Tikka T3, Howa, Weatherby vanguard, Marlin xl7, Mossberg, Savage and Remington 700sps or 770. As a first rifle in the price you mention, these will make you very happy. Pick the one that suits your personal tastes.
b) the only decent factory-installed scope I've seen is a bushnell banner on a rem770... the rest are crap.
c) forego the factory installed scope and get a nikon prostaff, bushnell trophy (or higher) or Weaver K-series. Total price for gun and these scopes will be under your $600 and you'll have a combination worth keeping for the long haul
 
The good news about the scope is that you can pick one of the Centerpoints at Wal Mart.

The 3-9X 40 is $54.99 and the 4-16X 40 is $69.99

They are loaded with features (Mil-Dot and illuminated reticle, Parallax adjustment, turret locking rings) scope cover, flip caps and rings

They are no Leupold but you cannot beat it for the price and they are miles above of the usual cheap glass like Tasco and similar.

I own 5 of them and never had any problem....one of them take the recoil of my 338 Win Mag like nothing (the manufacturer claims that they are recoil tested up to a 416 Rigby)

As for the rifle, as your first you may consider a .22 where you can larn a lot about shooting a "single pill" long weapon without breaking the bank (nowadays with ammo prices the way they are...)

Another very inexpensive option (if you initially plan to shoot only iron sights) for a high power rifle is one of the Russian military surplus Mosin Nagant that can be routinely be had for less than $100 at big box sporting goods stores.

But you need someone experienced to buy one of these to avoid picking one in bad shape.
 
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