Help me select Rifles for me and wife.

[Manny]

I like Ruger M77's, so rugged it's a big favorite of Alaskan guides, it's available in a very wide selection of calibers and sizes to fit. Compact models available if your wife is petite, all the way up to target models if so desired.

The classic .243 should be an excellent round with very low recoil and has been doing yeomans duty killing deer for over half a century now. If you feel a need for more power, step up to a 6.5 Creedmore, .260 Rem or 7mm-08. Personally I think getting both rifles in the same caliber would make a lot of sense, but thats just me.

Also, it's worth spending a bit more to get a good scope to top each. I have a Trijicon 3-9x40 amber mildot scope on my Ruger and absolutely love it. That bright aiming dot is wonderful for targeting no matter what the lighting conditions.

 

[AABEN]

I'm a big fan of Winchester M70's. Maybe a Featherweight .243 for the missus and a 25-06 sporter for yourself?

That would be my pick for my wife and me!

 

[Bull Nutria]

I agree with Tikka-guy, 7mm08 for both of you, buy same bullets for both guns. Before you purchase let her shoot different calibers, i don't like shooting deer with anything less than 120 gr bullets, many are killed with 243 etc with lighter bullets but not by me. the 257 roberts was my dream gun for years until i purchased a 7mm08 TC venture a year ago. Smacked a 8pt at over 100yds with a 140 Rem core lock handload. it took one hop and expired.

you need to determine if your wife can shoot a hi powered rifle? one doesn't just pick one up like a bb gun and start shooting MOA groups!! if she is a complete novice I would start her with a 22, then let her shoot the big banger after she knows the ropes of sight alignment, breath control, triggger control etc.

good luck, i wish my wife liked hunting, if she did I WOULD HAVE A BUILT IN HUNTING PARTNER!

YOU ARE A LUCKY GUY,

BULL

 

[Picher]

Managed-recoil factory rounds are now available for several calibers, including 7mm-08, .308 Win, .270 Win, and 30-06. They use lighter, deer-sized game bullets at about 3/4 recoil of the original round.

The .243 Win can do a good job on smaller deer, but doesn't leave a lot of room for error over 200 yards. Premium Barnes bullets or 100 grain Core-Locts are good. Stay away from lighter bullets that are designed for varmints.

The 7mm-08 would be a great round for both of you! The Rem Model 7 stainless is a great rifle for a woman and I'm very impressed with a woman neighbor's rifle. That rifle has a synthetic stock, but a walnut stock would be my preference.

I like the fit of a Rem 700 Mountain Rifle, but own a regular 700BDL Stainless action in .270 Win.

 

[moxie]

Another vote for the 7mm-08. Minimal recoil. Great for deer.
http://www.savagearms.com/firearms/model/axis
MSRP is $350.00 so you can probably get it for somewhat less. If your wife is small, there is a youth version that is 3.8" shorter and a few oz. lighter. Same price.
Ammo is readily available and the 7mm-08 is easy to reload if you ever get into that.
http://www.ammunitiontogo.com/index.php/cName/rifle-ammo-7mm08-remington
Please, no pink. Rifles are serious business.