Ok, so I'm pondering adding another rifle to my inventory. Right now, as far as centerfire goes, I own an AR in 5.56, an AK and SKS in 7.62x39, and a Model 70 in 7mm Mag. I don't "need" a new rifle to do any of the sorts of hunting or shooting I typically do...but I WANT one!!!
Ultimately, I'm looking primarily for a long-range (4-500 yd max) capable, lightweight deer rifle in a rather mild recoiling round. I've shot many a deer successfully with the .243, and that's a consideration, but have been looking more towards the 6.5 Creedmoore, 7mm-08 6.5x55, 260 Rem etc. Not looking to spend a whole lot of money, as this rifle fills more of a "plaything" roll rather than filling any serious "need". Rifles I've been looking at include Howa, Ruger American, or some of the various Savage models. "Package" rifles could be a consideration, so long as the scope is of decent quality (such as the Redfields found paired with some Ruger Americans, or the Nikons found on many Savages). My 7mm has been everything I could ever ask a rifle to be, but as I get older, I've realized I can accomplish everything I need to do with much less noise, weight, and recoil. The rifle will be used almost exclusively for deer hunting (mule deer and whitetail) in SD, where shots from 25 yards to 400 yards are rather commonplace. Any input to help me make my decision?
Ultimately, I'm looking primarily for a long-range (4-500 yd max) capable, lightweight deer rifle in a rather mild recoiling round. I've shot many a deer successfully with the .243, and that's a consideration, but have been looking more towards the 6.5 Creedmoore, 7mm-08 6.5x55, 260 Rem etc. Not looking to spend a whole lot of money, as this rifle fills more of a "plaything" roll rather than filling any serious "need". Rifles I've been looking at include Howa, Ruger American, or some of the various Savage models. "Package" rifles could be a consideration, so long as the scope is of decent quality (such as the Redfields found paired with some Ruger Americans, or the Nikons found on many Savages). My 7mm has been everything I could ever ask a rifle to be, but as I get older, I've realized I can accomplish everything I need to do with much less noise, weight, and recoil. The rifle will be used almost exclusively for deer hunting (mule deer and whitetail) in SD, where shots from 25 yards to 400 yards are rather commonplace. Any input to help me make my decision?