suggestion for first deer rifle

[Moparmike]

Any crew-served weap...err...rifle will do nicely, something preferably with a triple-digit caliber in millimeters. If you must step it down a notch, then try to get something with the letters "BMG" after the caliber, or the words "Nitro Express" after the caliber.

The .308, 30-30, or 270 will do nicely.

 

[Dr.Rob]

Gramps,

Nothing at all wrong with your first two suggestions. I'd opt for the Marlin as the action is stronger, and the added wieght cuts down the recoil. With 150 grain buller sighted in at 2 inches high at 100 yards, anything in the crosshairs out to 200 yards is gonna be called supper pretty quick.

I carried a Marlin 336 T for years, before ugrading to a used Bolt Action Savage in 30-06. I used to group 5 rounds in an inch and a half circle at 10 yards with a scoped Marlin.

I'm on my second Savage rifle (gave the first one back to my brother, bought a new one). I never would have tried a Savage had the price not been right, but glad I did. Even the package deal rifles are solid shooters. My old Savage 110B will still shoot 3/4 inch groups, my new 116 will shoot 1/2 groups. I've killed a LOT of game with the 30-06, killed an antelope with the 30-30 to prove it could be done.

If the young man doesn't reload, ANY name brand 30-06 will be made BETTER by shooting federal premium 165gr game king cartridges. This load has the best mix of flat shooting/knock down power out of the box you can buy for a standard caliber in the lower 48. It's no pussycat to shoot, but its a lot more power than the 30-30.

I've seen those Remington 760's for as little as $425.. and guess what? My dad has killed 4 elk, a couple deer and countless antelope with that old pump gun. Nothing at all wrong with that choice, exact same controls/ergonomics as an 870 shotgun.

 

[P95Carry]

Good to see another call for the Rem 760 Rob ... IMO an under rated rifle. Pump of course is not perhaps to everyone's taste but I am very attached to mine and as i said earlier i think ... it is a rifle you can tote all day.

There are many around still . I was glad to find mine ... and again to reiterate .. I'd choose the 760 over the 7600, any day.

 

[dww]

308 lever action or an old remington bolt at a gun show.

Have him start out with 300 savage 150 grain, work into 308 150 grain.

300 savage will shoot fine in the 308 chamber, just clean it up after extended use at the range.

I bought my boy a 308 BLR, loaded 1,000 rounds of remington bulk 308 /125 grain at 300 savage level. Will switch to the Barnes 130 grain XLC for deer season.

in a few years, 130 XLC at 308 levels. Plenty of bullet and gun for deer.

dww

 

[VaughnT]

If I might add my two cents....

My first deer rifle, the one dad bought for me when I turned 12 and could hunt, was a Ruger M77 chambered for the .270 Win cartridge. It is topped with a Leupold 3-7x scope.

The overall quality of the rifle is superb, being neither too fancy to take to the woods nor too plain to disincline one towards carrying it in public.

Weight is on par with other rifles; it's heavier than a carbine but also capable of reaching out to greater distances.

Caliber couldn't have been better. The .270 Win round is available at every sporting goods store....and the chain franchises should you have no other choice.

Recoil is negligible. The chosen chambering isn't a bone-cracker.

Accuracy? It will outshoot any shooter I've seen. If you do your part, she will do hers.

I've never had another deer rifle and don't see any need to get something else. I firmly believe that such arms should have wood furniture, not synthetic, and the classic lines do please the eye.

Call me prejudiced, but if I could make the choice for him, this is what I'd choose.