Is it silly for non-hunter to buy nice hunting rifle?

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bushmaster1313

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Although I do not hunt and I already have a .223 EBR, I have thought about getting a good quality ambidextrous rifle with classic lines in .270 or .308. On my short list are the Ruger No. 1, the Remington 760 and the Savage 99. I would also consider other American made lever guns chambered for one of these cartridges.

Should I expect to enjoy shooting a handful of rounds several times a year enough to warrant the purchase, or is a rifle like one of these totally wasted on a non-hunter. I know that it makes no sense for me to get the Dakota No. 10 calling to me from my local dealer's gun rack, but a modest quality used rifle seems like it could be a lot of fun while retaining its value. I also know that I would not enjoy a right hand bolt action.

Comments from non-hunters would be the most helpful but all suggestions are welcome.
 
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Absolutely!
I have a few rifles that although they only get out for some fresh air a couple of times a year, they are a joy to shoot.
If you want to do it and would enjoy it, you should do it!
Precision paper punching is a most enjoyable activity!
 
i can't say you would go wrong with a 99 or a #1. it's hard to find a 99 that isn't beat all to pieces. believe me i know.
there was a time when i was on the hunt for a #3. i gave up on that but i still want one.
it doesn't matter what your purpose is. just follow your heart. i shoot paper far more than i hunt. no matter the rifle i enjoy them all.
 
I just bought a savage 99 that wasn't beat up on gunbroker before christmas. There are over a million 99s that were made. You can find ones in good condition. And in .308
 
I am a target shooter with some hunting rifles. They seldom get out, I shoot paper with guns made to shoot paper. The 8 lb .30-06 is gathering dust, 17 lb .308 F class gets the range time.
 
Have fun ...

I'm kinda like Jim, I spend more time at the range than in the field. Partly it's all the things keeping me busy lately - getting to the range is easier.

I don't think there is anything wrong with getting any rifle including one t just hang over the fireplace. They are functional works of art, ergonomic machines, whatever. How you enjoy it is up to you? Polishing it, or punishing it :evil:

I have a 99 in 308 - keep looking, you will enjoy it. Be on the look-out for hairline cracks in the wood. If they are dry, epoxy will fix them easily (open the crack slightly and work in some slow set). Try to get one with scope bases. Have your local gunsmith show you how to disassemble for complete maintenance as they can be a tricky to reassemble. But they are very reliable and can go years without a major disassembly :)
 
I am a shooter, not a hunter. I love a good "hunting" rifle. They shoot nice.

I don't think it is ever a bad decision to buy a nice firearm.
 
Buy one!

ARs and other such rifles were originally specifically designed to kill humans, yet many people use them for shooting and even for hunting.

But....
You might just want to go out with someone in the field someday who does hunt, and take your hunting rifle with you. You might just find you enjoy hunting.
 
Hey I'm a hunter not a Tommy Tacticool but I've got a couple of EBRs.

Cool tools are cool tools and everybody should have a couple.
 
I have a wonderful light rifle suitable for small game, and it only goes to the range. Buy what YOU want, use it how YOU want to, and have fun.
 
Heck, I don't intend to ever use my guns for their actual purpose.

My PX4 Storm .40 is designed as a service pistol. I truly hope I'm never in pistol combat.
My LCP .380 is designed as a last-ditch weapon to save my life. I truly hope I never pull that trigger.
My Remington 870, while great for door breaching, is also great at breaking clays.

We buy and shoot guns because they are beautiful and mechanically intricate works of craftsmanship, or because they are admirably effective tools, depending on your perspective.

Buy a rifle and send some high-velocity lead into some paper. :)
 
We have plenty of folks here who have 'safe queen' guns that are NEVER and have never been shot. Guns are a lot of things to lots of folks-great engineering, art, feelings of confidence, signs of a free country, etc. All are valid reasons for owning.

If you want it, get it. Enjoy it in whatever way you want. You certainly don't have to justify your ownership to folks on this forum!
 
Not at all. I don't hunt anything largter than squirrels, but

I enjoy shooting larger caliber centerfire rifles. I have a great old sporterized 98 Mauser rebarreled to .308 Win that is a tack driver. I have had lots of rifles over the last 45 years,including several 99's and other lever guns and never was much of a hunter-just a shooter.
Be aware, though-this might lead you to handloading!

enjoy!

mark
 
There is no rule that a "hunting rifle" can only be used for hunting. There isn't much functional difference between a scoped hunting rifle and a sniper rifle, for instance. Many sniper rifles that have been used by militiaries are designs that were originally made for hunting. And many hunting rifles are designs based on service rifles.

I am into battle rifles like you are. I like to have a more long range precision bolt action rifle to extend my capabilities for those situations that call for more range or precision than the battle rifle can provide. This rifle can also serve as a good hunting rifle. I like the Savage 11 in .308 for what you're talking about. I'd take the .308 over the .270, just because you can shoot it cheaper since you can use surplus ammo and/or cheap Russian stuff out of it for practice. The .270 is flatter shooting and has a better ballistic coefficient, though. If cheap ammo or the ability to cheaply put together an ammo stockpile isn't much of a concern, I would go with the .270 for reasons of ballistics. It can take most game on the continent.
 
Well, if it is, just call me silly.

I don't hunt any more and last year I bought one of those new Winchester Model 70 featherweights. VERY nice rifle. I like it a lot. May never take a deer or antelope, though. ;)
 
No Sillier than a person who isnt in the Military buying an AR-15...meaning, not silly in the least, a good firearm is a good firearm. Sometimes the only purpose one has to have is "I enjoy shooting it". I NEED, My .45, My 12 guage, and my '06...is that all I have...no, not even close...
 
Definitely not silly. Actually it is a shame how many wonderful hunting rifles only get to stretch their legs a couple times a year. I love hunting, but I enjoy shooting more. It is amazing how much enjoyment I get just from taking them out, wiping them down, and reminiscing about past experiences with each firearm. Buy the rifle and enjoy it however you choose.
 
I'm not against anyone that wants to shoot - as long as they buy their guns for legal purposes.

Hunting doesn't always have to mean shooting with a rifle or a shotgun.
There is trapping, archery hunting - all different types of hunting.
In the gun world, I would rather had people on my side then against me.
Every time a person with a full auto rifle or pistol - does something wrong, it gives a black eye to everyone that owns a firearm.
The worst people are the ones who bought the large capacity magazines - just for the sake of wanting to shoot rapid fire.
There is nothing to be gained by shooting 100 rounds in 10 seconds.

A true marksman - every shot counts.

The firearms that you have described were all good weapons back in the day and were all fairly accurate and reliable and will give you a lifetime of enjoyment and will not make you look bad in the non hunting - anti firearms society this world is slowly becoming.

Buy them, shoot them and enjoy them.
 
^ I have gained plenty (of satisfaction) by shooting 100 rounds in ten seconds. As long as you are within the limits of the law I could care less how frequently you are forced to reload your magazines.
Every time a person with a full auto rifle or pistol - does something wrong, it gives a black eye to everyone that owns a firearm.
Click to expand...
-Just so you know, rarely does the media make a distinction, or even know the difference between full or semi auto. Every firearm seems to be "automatic" in the media's eye. When is the last time you can recall a crime being commited with a legally owned F/A rifle or handgun?
 
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