1st time deer rifle

H

hargroderauto

New member
I'm thinking of getting my twin 13 yr old boys their first deer rifle for Christmas. The have several shotguns from 410 to 12 that they shoot well. I'm not looking for youth models as they are as big as most adults and can handle recoil well. I am not a deer hunter, but would like to get started soon. Since I need to buy 2 rifles, I am looking for something that wont break the bank. What calibers and manufacturers would you suggest? My price range per rifle is around $300.00 before adding scopes. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
 
I had a marlin 336 in 35 Remington that I sold at a gun show about 2 years ago for $400. I still regret selling that gun! But I never shot it and received it from someone who owed me money.
 
At the low end of the budget, you can find the NEF single shot in several good deer calibers(243, 25/06,308).
Next step up in cost would be one of the economy models from Savage, Marlin, or Mossberg also available in similar calibers.
Next step up at around $400 would be Remington 700, a higher grade Savage, or Howa/Weatherby Vanguard all in a wide variety of calibers.

I have a three of the Wby Vanguards and can't really complain about the quality for price.
Don't forget to factor in the cost of optics, slings, cases, and ammo when deciding on a budget. Some of the mentioned rifles are available as package deals with a low end scope which will suffice for a year or so before replacement.
 
I like my new Savage. Check their website for the Stevens 200. List at $415, but you can certainly find a good price with a little shopping. Good selection of calibers, too (.308, 30-06, .270 - can't go wrong with those). Marlin/H&R don't list prices on their site, but the H&R HandiRifle has got to be in your range. Available in just about any caliber. My brother did well with his. Not sure you can get a new 336 for $300, but if you can, it's a great choice also. My vote: Get the Stevens.
 
IMO, I like a 30-30 for new hunters. It is capable of taking deer out to 200 yards or more when using the right ammo. It does not shoot as flat as many other calibers, and IMO this is a plus for new hunters. If they miss, the quicker bullet drop means the bullet theoretically will not travel as far. When they get older, they can each save money for their own longer range deer rifle.

Dad had a 30-30 Winchester 94, and this is what I used to take my first deer. Later, I bought a bolt action deer rifle in a caliber capable of longer shots and taking anything in North America. However, I still like the 30-30 as a deer rifle; and I bought one because it is a good deer rifle, a great brush gun and it is the caliber I used to take my first deer. If you go the 30-30 route, see if you can find a new or used Marlin that was manufactured before Marlin was acquired by the parent company of Remington.
 
A friend of mine just bought his daughter a rossi in 7-08 caliber with a scope for $199. Its a good shooter out to 100yrds from what I have seen and inexpensive.
 
Marlin

The Marlin XS-7 is a great value in a beginner bolt action . It's a good sturdy rifle with a god trigger and good ergonomics . The Stevens 200 is a good choice too . I'd stay away from the Savage Axis/Edge . The ergos of the Savage aren't so good and that plastic Magazine/Latch is not a good feature , they don't like cold weather and are subject to breakage . I'd recommend the .308 Win. or if available 7mm-08 Rem. , is darn near perfect for deer .
 
Savage or Stevens bolt action in .270win, .308win, or .30-06. Easily comes in at your price minus scope, and the boys will have rifles they can use their entire lives.
 
No matter which caliber (7-08, 308, 270, 30-06, etc.) start them out with low recoil (managed loads) and work up.
 
My first deer rifle (at age 14) was a Remington 700 ADL in .243. Fast forward 19 years, and it's still my deer rifle of choice.
 
My local Cabela's has the Savage Axis w/scope for $350 right now. Available in .243, 30-06, etc.......

They also have Mosins for less than half that.
 
there is a few bolt actions that can be had for under 300 as mentioned above the savage,marlin or mossberg in 243 or larger caliber should make a good deer rifle.
 
My first deer rifle was a 30-30. If you are going to be in the woods the 30-30 is a great rifle. If you are going to be hunting across fields you want a 270, 30-06.
 
I would reccomend the Marlin 336 in 30-30 also. You can find very good used ones between $200-300. These rifles don't have a lot of recoil anyway, and the ammo is certainly cheap enough. This was my first deer rifle and I still have it today. Would make a great deer rifle for you boys. Good luck on the hunt!!
 
I just bought my son a Howa 1500, in 25-06 for $360. Put a Nikon Prostaff 3x9x50 along with mounts and rings for another $250.

It shoots around MOA with factory ammo and doesn't have much recoil.

My son hasn't shot a deer yet this year but he has taken 2 hogs and a coyote so far this year.

Great gun for the price.
 
no 30-30 lever

I am not a fan of the old, safety less levers for kids and beginners. That will get me scorched most likely, but I have seen to many nimrods not understand nor be able to manage the half cock safety properly. Both my wife and son had trouble w/ a Marlin 1894 despite my serious coaching. It was a hand strentgh, coordination thing.

That said, I despise the safety's on lever carbines, and none of mine have them and I won't buy one that does.

I'd spend a tad more and watch for a used Savage 110/10 in .243.
 
Savage, Tikka, Remington 700, Howa, Weatherby Vanguard etc in .243 or .270 Win. Look for the deals. TC Ventures have a safety recall right now...
 
DANGER

I'm with bamaranger about the suitability of lever actions for beginners . Cycling every round through the chamber to unload a rifle is not safe. In the hands of a seasoned hunter , they are as safe as the hunter ! In my 50 years of riflery I have witnessed 4 accidental discharges , 3 of them were Model 94 Winchesters , one of those took a toe off the fellows foot just as neat as could be . When I teach a Hunter Education class , I caution beginners to start with something besides a lever gun . Now before the big hue and cry begins , I know all about how many deer have been killed with lever actions . We all know they will kill deer , but they aren't for everybody . Of the 40+ rifles that my son and I have , only one is a lever action , a Ruger 96-22 Mag. which has a removable box magazine and a safety ! I won't even address the 30-30 cartridge as a hunting round .
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top