New hunting rifle. Carbine or not

[saltyphotog]

I was looking into the Remington 7400 synthetic. Would you recommend the 30-06, 270, or, .308. I am hunting deer, as well as plinking. Many choices here, carbine or full, and the above ammo selections. Thanks in advance.

 

[Dr.Rob]

My dad used a 760 Carbine (the pump version of that rifle) in 30-06 for years to kill deer elk and antelope. It's surprisingly accurate and a great buy.

 

[twobanger]

Carbine or not

Marlins lever guns are worth looking at as an option. As my bones are getting older I find myself only shooting my 06 at deer only. I am becoming a recoil sissy!
A 308 is kinder on the shoulder and there is a nice supply of ammo out there.
As far as plinking, love my CZ bolt in 223. Someday soon I hope to get a AR.
Twobanger

 

[wilson]

the 30.06 is 100yrs old now. i would get that, cant go wrong.

 

[JustsayMo]

For field carry/hunting the carbine is the way to go. Tougher on you off the bench but not punishing.

30-06 can do pretty much anything.

Good all around set-up.

 

[NYHunter]

I'm tusseling with the same question myself with regard to the 7600 pump. I already have (2) 760 rifles, one is an '06 and the other is a .300 Sav. Not that I need it, but I'd like to get a pump in .308. As you can see I am partial to the 30 caliber. I will probably go for the 7600 rifle and have the barrel cut to 20".

Like the 7600 carbine , the 7400 carbine only comes in the '06 unfortunately. So if you really want the 7400 carbine, the caliber question is answered for you. The new Rem. model 750 carbine comes in .308, .30-06, and .35 Whelen. More choices, also more $$$, as usual.

If you're hunting is limited to deer / black bear sized game, the .308 is all you'll ever need. You can even use it for moose and elk, up to 200 yds, WITH WELL PLACED SHOTS! I mention this because it has been done...a lot! It may not be the first choice for many, but I wish I had a dollar for every elk and moose that was taken with a .308.

I don't know how many rifles you have, but if you're just starting to build your collection you can't go wrong with the .30-06, followed very closely by the .308. Ammo is priced about the same for both. As far as barrel length goes, I'd say it depends on personal preference. A carbine can do everything a rifle can do, just in slightly lighter and more compact package. For plinking get a .22 rimfire.

This question of best barrel length and best caliber, especailly .30-06 vs .308, is never ending. I, like many others, have answered it by having a .30-06 rifle and carbine, and a .308 rifle and carbine. Crazy?...Absolutely!

One thing to think about is state regs on semi-autos. They can't be used in states like Pa., maybe others I'm not sure. This may not be an issue for you, just wanted to mention it.

Good luck.

NYHunter

 

[dfaugh]

I had a lightweight Win Model 70 in .270. With a scope it weighed just over 7 lbs. But after walking up and down through the woods all day it felt like it weighed 40 lbs! So I'm definitely on the carbine side of the fence. If I'm gonna be carrying it alot, I want the lightest gun possible. Recoil off the bench was "impressive" but more on that later.

As far as caliber, all will do what you want, and in a similar weight gun, you probably won't notice a heck of a lot of difference in perceived recoil. I' personally like the .270, IMHO it'll do anything the others will, within practical limits, and shoot a bit flatter. However, were I buying a new rifle in this class, I'd probably go with a .308, because of a greater variety of ammo selection, and maybe a bit less recoil. I don't worry a whole lot about recoil in a hunting gun...You'll fire a few rounds off the bench to get it sighted in, but in the field, you'll never notice the difference.

 

[Scottso]

A few years back Remington had sold a Manlicher stocked Model 7 Custom,
20" barrel laminated stock I bought in .308, fantastic shooter and very accurate. Had available in a few other calibers as well. I usually hunt woodlands with some fields so prefer a carbine,also use a Marlin 336 in .35 rem. Had hunted a few times with a Rem 760? the semi and it was okay, not my cup of tea but it took deer. Gotta get what you like but I would get semi over pump.