Recommendations advice in purchase

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GlockNation

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I am getting ready to buy a used rifle for Texas Hog Hunting. I am a handgun guy making the transition to long guns. I want to take my father in law from overseas with me so I am buying 2 rifles. I have bought a new Marlin Guide Gun in 45-70 for close in work so now I am looking at a rifle for further out when not in deep brush. I have been looking at everthihg from 6.5x55 to .375H&H. On the bigger bores I have been looking most closely at a Weatherby Mark V in 300 Weatherby Mag and a Remington 700 in .375 H&H Mag, both with muzzel brakes and in stainless. I have also seen some in 7mm Remington I really like.

Also, what can I look out for in a used rifle to avoid a potential problem? Also, I have seen a 7mm in which the barrel groves are not as pronounced as a 300 Weatherby Mag. Is that normal?

Lastly, I would be greatful to hear from you as to what gun caliber and scope you would recommend. Much appreciated!
 
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Y'all must have some humongous hogs in Texas to require something like a .375 H&H Magnum, a .300 Weatherby Magnum, or even a 7mm Remington Magnum or .45-70. The hogs here are all descended from feral pigs, and aren't gigantic European style wild boar. Something in the .30-30 Winchester range is plenty, around here.
 
A 30-30 would be a better choice than a 45/70 and the 260, 7-08 or the 7mm rem mag will take antrhing north america has to offer. All you have to do is pick the bullet for the job
 
Y'all must have some humongous hogs in Texas to require something like a .375 H&H Magnum, a .300 Weatherby Magnum, or even a 7mm Remington Magnum or .45-70.
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Same thoughts here. I would expect a .308 or .30-06 to be plenty, and a lot more pleasant and affordable to shoot than those big magnums.
 
As the others have said don't bother with magnum rounds. Personally I just use a scoped AR-10 when I go after hogs with a .45 pistol for back up. That will give you all the range and power you need and give you the chance for a follow up shot if you come across a herd. Although when I actually go out hunting (verses someone hiring me to kill some hogs) I just use an Enfield or similar bolt action rifle.
 
IMO the .45-70Govt. is a perfect rifle for hunting in the brush (modest/standard loads should do fine). For a moderate range rifle I think you could do a great deal worse than a 7mm-08Rem. or .30-06Spd. Most any proper deer rifle will do the job adequately...absolutely no need for a big boomer, or brake (and .375H&H is one of my favorite cartridges).

:)
 
375 H&H is just a little overkill.
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Not if loaded properly ("light" slug at a modest velocity), but there is no need to lug one around either...unless that is what you already have, or have other quarry in mind as well (like big bear, which IIRC aren't all that common in TX).

:)
 
All i have to say is the 375 H&H is a fun gun but really expensive ammo even if you reload. But get what makes you happy and that's why i have one for deer hunting:evil:.
 
I can definately vouch for the 7mm Rem Mag; from 50 out to 400 yards.

But I can also vouch for the .308, 5.45x39, 6mm Rem and .223 Rem. :D

The only gun that ever gave me problems was a .375 Winchester that would not put the pigs down. It put holes in them, but you would find them a day or two later by watching where the buzzards were circling. Traded it for a 7mm Rem Mag and never lost another.
 
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I personally have no problem with using a 300. Wtby Mag for pigs. I use mine here in Missouri for pigs. Overkill? Sure, but I get maybe one chance a year to go out west for elk if I'm lucky, so I relish the chance to shoot it. With lighter loads you can really reach out there and the pigs around here can be kinda hard to sneak up on. I've also used a SKS and a .44 Mag Super Redhawk. Pigs in Missouri are an invasive non-game animal and can be shot on sight year round. For me it beats shooting targets. So even though you won't need anything that big, if you like the bigger calibers I say go for it and have a "blast"! If you want to stay with the mags, have a look at the 270 Wtby Mag. I love mine, but the ammo is expensive.

The Crown - The Crown - The Crown
That is the last thing to touch your bullet as it exits the barrel and if the crown it nicked or damaged (usually from improper cleaning) I would pass. It is impossible to get consistent accuracy if the crown is damaged. Check the interior of the barrel with a light for excessive pitting from lack of maintenance. If you can do so safely, it is a good idea to cycle a few rounds to make sure everything is in good working order. As far as cosmetics, a few scratches or wear marks can usually help to get a break on the price and shouldn't affect the performance.

Just one guy's opinion..... Good luck, and happy hunting!
 
SKS might fit the bill. Relatively accurate, reliable, and cheap for the cost (rifle, parts, and ammo). Ive never been hog hunting but I know you can hunt most east cost deer with 7.62x39 so I figure it would take hogs and feral pigs all day.
 
30-06 with a good solid or soft point bullet...168 gr gamekings are good....heck even a 44 mag lever action or ruger carbine with a good solid bullet works great for popping that brush. I usually carry a model 29 with me so I can share rounds with the lever action (rossi) or the ruger...they like a 250gr flat point....win 296 or h110.

I've shot russian boar here in south Texas...6' long and about 3 years old with the tusks just beginning to turn...300 lbs and very lean...
 
You have not stated distance here but as for me and the task at hand that you have stated......Hog Hunting..

Close in with 45-70 Marlin would be good .... maybe a little too good for hogs inside 75-100 yards, but still good rifle!

Now for that distance stuff! I would presume that you would be inside 300 yards and for me I would stay with a Lever Marlin...

A 30-30 would be great with the new Leverlution Ammo from Hornady...close in or out to 300 yards! Its amazing ammo! Has taken the 30-30 to a whole different level.

And if you wanted to step it up a little try a Marlin .338
Check this out! 1500 Ft Lbs of energy at 400 yards.

http://youtu.be/RvLW6eExNB4
 
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