Please, help me decide on a deer rifle

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BluegrassDan

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Oct 25, 2008
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Elizabethton, TN USA
Hey guys,

It seems like I have been looking at online, and handling at local gun shops, every make and model of rifle there is. I really need help deciding.

I'm looking for a deer rifle to take up in the Tennessee mountains. The country is really steep and rugged, so something lightweight and handy is preferable.

In some of the really steep and wooded areas where I hunt my Marlin .30-30 is the perfect thing. However, there are many long shot areas from one mountainside to the other, or from high above a deep hollar. Some of these shots could easily push 250 yards or more. I would like a gun that I can feel confident will make any shot I need to take.

To add to the equation, I'm not a very big guy (only 5' 7") and I have trouble finding guns that fit just right - particularly the drop of the comb. The two guns I've held that REALLY fit nice were the new 2008 Model 70 Winchester and the Mossberg 4x4 - both in long actions. Remington 700, Browning A-bolt and some others just don't seem to work for whatever reason.

So, what do you think about the Mossberg 4x4 in .30-06? I'm a professional musician so accuracy needs to be sub-MOA!!! Will the Mossberg or the Win M70 do that? Are there any other rifles I'm not thinking of?

Thanks ahead of time,
BluegrassDan
 
"Sub MOA" and "hunting rifle" are rarely associated with each other, unless your spending big $$$$. The new TC icons are close but they are no bench rifles. I guess it would depend on how much yo want to spend.

My vote for a moderately priced, close to sub-MOA hunting rifle, would be for the new Icon. For about 800.00 they shoot really well.
 
What is your budget?

The CZ ultimate hunting rifle fits your criteria. it might be on the heavy side of what you want. Winchester featherweight is always a good choice. As would be the ruger ultralight rifles.
 
I would like to keep it all around $1,000+/-, between the gun and a decent scope. I kinda like the looks of the Nikon Buckmaster 4.5x14 scope with the paralax adjustment (around $290) or a basic Leupold 3x9x40 for around the same price.

I wouldn't mind spending more for quality and performance. However, if the performance and quality can be found in say, a Savage 110 or a Mossberg 4x4, then it's more $$$ for ammo and all the better.
 
Hi Dan, I am just down the road in Johnson City. I like the Rem model 7400 in 270 win. It shoots flat and accurate with a lot of power for the long shots. I especially like it because it is a semi auto. Being in the heavy brush sometimes you hit a twig or small tree and it knocks your bullet off. I like the semi auto for the quick follow up shots, this has helped me in the past. I have killed several deer on the second shot while hunting in thick woods.
 
I picked up a Remington 700 adl, synthetic youth stock, with leupold scope, base, and rings for @ $500. Shoots cheap federal hunting ammo 1.5-2" all day long, and handloads into a nickel if I breathe correctly.

I bought it for my son, who is now 13 and growing like a weed. Picked up a take-off adult stock for another $25 and he is good to go. We've cleanly taken 5 deer with it in last 3 years. He's trying to steal my LTR for this deer season, and thinks he wants a .308 (so the .243 set up may be available in mid-December)

Youth stocks are really nice for hunting and humping all over the hills, valleys and fields. I find they are lighter and faster handling in any feld situation.
 
Give some serious thought to the Remington Model Seven in .243. If you handle it you'll love it!
Click to expand...

I was thinking the same, except chambered in 7mm-08 or .308. You might also keep your eyes open for a used model 673 guide gun.
 
The 4X4 should fit you fine, it is a Howa 1500 clone. I had the ATR and it shot great, same action just a different stock.

You could also look at the CZ, Weatherby Vanguard, Stevens 200, Savage, all great rifles with good prices.
 
the mossy could do it, if you find theammo it likes. also they make a superbantam, that you can add spacers to the butt. also the remmy mod 7 is a great choice. lastly if you can find an old remmy in 600/660/mohawk, these would be great, and not only are they small , but came in calibers that can reach out.
 
lastly if you can find an old remmy in 600/660/mohawk
Click to expand...
I second the 600, way more accurate than I am, but they are super hard to find for under 500 bucks. And I was threatened with castration if I ever sold mine.
 
The savage 110 (I think) is supposed to be about 500 and comes in .308 (will kill anything you are likely to see out to 500 yards comfortably) and is a sub-moa gun. The savage 111 is also very accurate and comes in a .308 I think. I see those for about 400 with scope.
 
"I was thinking the same, except chambered in 7mm-08 or .308."

Just a "heads up" - I had a Ruger RSI International (short barrel/full-length stock) in .308 and a friend had a Remington 600 or 660 in 6.5 Rem. Mag and both were loud with a capitol "L".... and loud some more.:eek: He sold his because it taught him to flinch and I sold mine because there was just no point in that. If I were to hunt elk and needed more power than the .243, though, I would probably get the Model Seven in 7mm/08 and figure the ease of carrying for hours and hours more than offsets the momentary noise of a shot or two.

:cool:
 
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