Graduating High School Rifle Present?

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35Remfan

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I have a year and a half to save for my son's high school graduation. The present I want to get him is his very own big game hunting rifle. New.

My preferences for him would be for a wood stock bolt action. However, with the funds available I would be able to tolerate a synthetic stock (just my own preference I know the pro's of synthetic). New because it is his graduation and I want him to be able to really create his own memories with me that he can pass on to his kids and grand kids.

My plan is to be able to save between 500 to 700 but this is not set in stone if something is a bit higher in price is his pick. He will ultimately pick the rifle after atleast a month of research on his part with my help (nothing to go into lightly and besides we will still have plently of time to sight it in prior to deer season).

So here is the help I need.
What bolt action with a wood stock in a big game caliber? This is not set in stone either but I really think that will be his prefernce; personal pick for myself years ago would have been a lever action but I don't that will be his.

He is 6'3 and about 215lbs. Recoil in general is not really a concern as he is used to shooting everything from a 35Rem to 30-06 and I believe even a 300 Win Mag. If the caliber is somehow a little too much at first I reload and will build reduced loads for him.

We live in Northern Michigan but after he graduates from college I could see him possibly leaving the state.

I really want it in a popular caliber as he will be on his own but I would entertain less popular calibers if found in our price range.

I am not including the price of the scope in 500 to 700 price range.
 
My thinking and just my thinking is I like the Winchesters and Remingtons. I am well aware of the controversy surrounding the new Remingtons as to QC issues and personally lean towards the like new in box older rifles. However, a new rifle or like new in wood is just something traditional I guess.

As to the stock material? I am a traditional type for a rifle that will likely be handed down to what will be your grand children and great grandchildren. Overall that means I like a block of American walnut with a polished steel blue action. I am not knocking stainless synthetic rifles, I own several and am well aware of the merits of them. However, for a fine rifle to be handed down I like the looks of walnut and steel.

For the caliber? In keeping it simple either the 30-06 or the 300 Winchester Magnum. Since the kid has a large stature maybe with a lean towards the 300 Win Mag chambering. Again with either cartridge keeping it simple. I am well aware of the other 50 cartridges out there but for this rifle and what it will be the 30-06 or 300 Win Mag seem to fit.

Just My Take...
Ron
 
It's hard to buy for an 18 year old. Their likes change a lot in a few years and may even have some hard times that cause them to sell some really nice guns.

If it were me, I'd probably buy a son something like a new Winchester Model 70, probably not a Super Grade, because he may not take care of it, have it stolen, etc.

Another choice is a Remington Stainless 700 BDL or CDL. (Kids don't tend to take as good care of guns as we do.)

For a scope, I'd choose a very nice Leupold VX2, 40mm, 3-9x, (wide Multi-X); a very clear and tough scope.

Other choices include Tikka Hunter or Tikka Lite, Weatherby Vanguard, probably a stainless steel model.

Whatever you get, consider having it engraved with his name and event. That will make him think twice about selling it in the future.
-------------------------
For college graduation, if he's still interesting in hunting, perhaps something like a Cooper or Kimber.
 
My preference for him would be a Remington 700 CDL.

Really thought hard about him selling it in the future if times get hard for him. Hope to put a stop to that by having him agree to consider me first if he needs the money. I would sell one of my kidney's before I would sell the guns my dad gave me.

Never thought about a CZ. I did think strongly about a Tikka. The Vanguards are another consideration I need to look into a little harder.

My concern is how well a rifle will "fit" him. Being tall with long arms complicates things a bit.
 
Winchester Featherweight @ around $750. About as good as it gets for a classic American rifle
 
primalmu said:
http://www.cz-usa.com/products/view/cz-ultimate-hunting-rifle/

http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/products_id/32401/CZ-USA+CZ550+American+30-06

What can I say? I love CZs.

Right at the upper end of your budget, but I don't think you can go wrong with a CZ. Workmanship is outstanding, and in my opinion they just seem classier than any of the Remingtons, Winchesters, etc that I've picked up.
Click to expand...
Agreed, but I'd go with this version; truly classic:

http://cz-usa.com/products/view/cz-550-fs/

30-06 is big game enough for everything on this continent.
 
That's easy. It's a Ruger .308. .308 ammo is slightly less expensive than .30/06 and a Ruger will double as a battle rifle if thing continue they way they're headed. Other option would be Vanguard.

Of course, a fella can generally find an affordable, good enough deer rifle on his own. Getting around to owning a really good .22lr generally takes us longer and see much more use.
 
cz

There is no earthly reason for a 300 Mangle'm in the Michigan woods I can think of.

All it will do that a 30-06 or .308 won't do is destroy more good eating meat.

rc
 
Have to admit those CZ's are really well made good looking rifles. I think side by side fit and finish they are better than Winchester, Remington or Ruger wooden stocked rifles.
 
The CZ 550 American with the walnut stock weighs 8 lbs without scope or sling. With scope, sling, and full of ammo, it will be about 9.3 lbs! I think that's quite heavy...too heavy to lug around a lot.

Conversely, the T3 Hunter (wood stock) weighs in at slightly less than 7 lbs. if factory information is correct. It would be about 8 lbs. with scope...loaded. That's excellent for most hunting rifles. (My T3 Lite .243 Win, with a Leupold 3-9X weighs in at 7.5 lbs.)

I still feel that a stainless hunting rifle is the way to go, especially for younger folks who may not take as good care of their guns, or take them out in the rain.

http://www.tikka.fi/t3models.php?
 
I don't think a magnum is a good idea, even if he is used to it from your collection. As his first rifle, he'll want to shoot the snot out of it, so don't start with him getting discouraged.

My vote is a Winchester 70 in .308 or .30-06. If you are after a quality shooter and synthetic is okay, the Tikka T3 gets my vote. Those are my two go-to recommendations. The CZ brings up an honorable mention.
 
Regardless of caliber choice, you'd be hard-pressed to beat a Tikka for the money. Tackdrivers! Adjustable triggers. Sako barrels.
 
If the teenager wants a rifle for a graduation gift, he wants a black rifle.

There are exactly ZERO teenage fledgling gun enthusiasts that want to start their collection with guns that look like something out of the 60's, no matter how much dad or granpa thinks its the cat's pajamas.

If all you can afford is a bolt-gun, at least get one that looks modernized.
They can be had fairly inexpensively.

Forget about the $3/shot magnum completely.
 
I'm casting my lot with the 30-06: also walnut/blue.
The reasons traditions live is because they work.
This gun will last (I'm also thinking you should expand to 'like new in box'), get something good even if it is a CZ :)!
This caliber isn't going anywhere and surplus still exists.
2nd choice would be 308 for the immediately above reason, but the hunting nod goes to 30-06.
Good for you dad,
Greg
 
For your basic NA big game - deer, antelope, elk, moose, etc., anything in the 6.5, 270, 7mm, .30 will do the trick. personally, I like my older 700BDL in 7mm mag and my older Model 7 in 7-08 - both are accurate with their respective loads and will do the job
 
W.E.G. said:
If the teenager wants a rifle for a graduation gift, he wants a black rifle.

There are exactly ZERO teenage fledgling gun enthusiasts that want to start their collection with guns that look like something out of the 60's, no matter how much dad or granpa thinks its the cat's pajamas.
Click to expand...

Incorrect: I have firsthand personal knowledge to the contrary. My own soon-to-graduate daughter has no interest in black rifles but is stoked about a good old walnut and blued steel bolt action .22LR. It will be her first firearm and will be her tryout rifle when she tries to make her university team.

Added: As an NRA instructor and parent, I think every new shooter of any age and especially a young person should start with a non-semi-auto rifle. That way the new shooter gets used to the idea that every shot must be made as good as it can be rather than learning that all one has to do is keep pulling the trigger and eventually the target will get hit.
 
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If you can't get him a wood stock version now, you can always buy him a wood stock for it later as a different gift down the road. Personally, I think wood stocks are nicer. I do have both though. On a real wet day, it's the synthetic that comes out.
 
Tikka makes a remarkable rifle for the money, heck it is rearkable at any price, but I am not a big fan of their wood stocks, they just look weird.
Winchester 70 is another really solid choice, I love mine.
Savage makes a real performer and some decent hardwood stocks, priced right too.
Other ones that I have not owned that have a good reputation are the T/C Icon, Ruger 77, and the CZ550. I would be proud to welcome any of those to the collection :)
 
I agree with the recommendation for the Winchester 70; how about a .308? It is an old favorite, ammo is readily available and easy to reload and will kill any critter in North America.
Your way of approaching this is thoughtful, giving him some time to research it himself. It will be a once in a lifetime event. I know you will both treasure it.
 
Mine is a 308, perfect fit for the 70 Featherweight. Compact and handy, yet powerful enough for nearly any situation.
 
beatledog7 said:
Incorrect: I have firsthand personal knowledge to the contrary. My own soon-to-graduate daughter has no interest in black rifles but is stoked about a good old walnut and blued steel bolt action .22LR. It will be her first firearm and will be her tryout rifle when she tries to make her university team.

Added: As an NRA instructor and parent, I think every new shooter of any age and especially a young person should start with a non-semi-auto rifle. That way the new shooter gets used to the idea that every shot must be made as good as it can be rather than learning that all one has to do is keep pulling the trigger and eventually the target will get hit.
Click to expand...
I agree and disagree. I think he would like a AR but.... I am not giving that choice. I have nothing against an AR but it doesn't make the BEST choice for a first hunting rifle. Plus as an added security a bolt or even lever gun is in my mind a bit safer for a young man. Maybe just a bit old fashioned in that thought. Plus as far as I can tell an AR is much heavier and that makes for unenjoyable day covering the swamps of Northern Michigan. An AR restrict comfortable hunting to just stand hunting not really a good still hunter. Maybe I am wrong saving 2 to 3 pounds while in the woods makes sense to me.

Plus and this is really the most important thing an AR won' FLY with mom. Not going to happen.
 
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