Another 'first rifle' question

M

MZ84

New member
I've been lurking around the rifle forum for some time and I haven't seen this question asked exactly this way before so here goes:

I'm looking for a first hunting rifle, one that will likely be my only centerfire rifle for some years. I want a traditional, American (possibly European)-made bolt gun.

I want something that I can use on most any game for the lower 48 states including deer, antelope, the occasional long-range woodchuck, hogs and possibly elk. Mostly for eastern whitetail.

I'm thinking .308 probably fits the bill.

Second, and this is the one that doesn't get talked about around here with all the fans of the Evil Black Rifles, it's gotta have decent wood. I buy guns that I know my kids (when/if they come) will want when I'm dead and gone in 50 or 60 years.

Fit and finish are important, but this is a field gun, meant for work.

I kind of like the Ruger M77s, but I've heard their triggers can be pretty mediocre. I'm willing to taking another look at Savage, but I think they're kind of ugly (sorry).

Thanks, guys.
 
I buy guns that I know my kids (when/if they come) will want when I'm dead and gone in 50 or 60 years.
Click to expand...

In 50-60 years they won't want the guns you want today. Just as every generation in the past, your kids/grandkids will decide which style rifles they prefer.

But if I were buying a wood stocked rifle today the Wincheester Featherweight is the 1st rifle I'd look at.

308, 30-06, or 270 are the logical traditional choices, but I'll add 7X57. With todays better bullets any of them will take anything you want
 
I think you have a good all around caliber with the .308 in mind. As far as the stock goes, it sounds to me like you would want more of a custom. That's the only way you can guarantee that you will have the fit and finish that you want. I have a model 500 Remington in .270 that is a beautiful looking and accurate gun but the fit is too short for me. I inherited it from my grandmother through my mother. My dad has his Dad's .308 that is a deer killing machine. It's also beautiful to look at with a nice dark stain and an ebony cap on the forestock. I don't remember what the make and model is or what year it was made but I do know it's been killing whitetails for 40 years.
 
I like .308 - particularly the M1A - with the composite stock - maybe not an art object but durable so I don't worry about little nicks and such - accurate, easy to maintain - and such.

The only change I made on mine was to replace the stock sights with an XS ghost rinng set - aperture is twice the diameter of stock one - and, that white stripe on the front is tritium - if you can think about the need for a night sight, Is easy to see in low light, though -

M1A.jpg


M1AXSGHOSTRINGSIGHTS.jpg


Our tastes differ - I like lever guns and semiautos better than bolt actions - just personal preferences.
 
I would stay away from 30 cal. Not a great gun for kids to shoot as they are not pleasant on the bench. A semi is fine but not all states allow you to hunt with it. 7mm-08 in short action or 270 win in long action. Many good used Remington 700 or Win 70 with nice wood stocks available. Either of those cartridges will do what the 308 does.

bighickery
 
Have you tried a new Ruger out lately? They changed their triggers with the Hawkeye and the few I have dry fired were pretty nice.
 
I have a Ruger M77 MK11 and love the trigger, but anyhow, a Ruger M77 Hawkeye or Winchester Model 70 Super Grade will meet your requirements in every way. Good luck
 
Check the consignment racks at the LGS..... good deals to be had.....

A bolt gun in .308 WIN, .243 WIN or 7-08 Remington would likely do everthing you need to do east of the Mississippi...... and much of it further west than that....
 
You may want to try something out in 260 Remington. Milder recoil than .308 and great ballistic numbers. Should work very well for deer.
 
Speaking from personal experience, I can recommend the Tikka T3 line. Stellar triggers and smooth-as-silk bolt actions. Mine is in .270WIN and I'd feel comfortable shooting anything up to and including Elk with the right bullet.

That said, I am in love with Winchester Model 70's and hope to acquire one sooner or later!

.270WIN, .308 or .30-06 would be my vote for best all around caliber. 7mm-08 and .260 are also quite interesting. The debate over which is the best all-around caliber has been raging for years, and will likely continue to rage for years yet to come. Pick any of the top 3 popular cartridges and you'll likely be fine.
 
I've been lurking around the rifle forum for time and I teen haven't seen this question asked exactly this way before so here goes:

I'm looking for a first hunting rifle, one that will likely be my only centerfire rifle for some years. I want a traditional, American (possibly European)-made bolt gun.

I want something that I can use on most any game for the lower 48 states including deer, antelope, the occasional long-range woodchuck, hogs and possibly elk. Mostly for eastern whitetail.

I'm thinking .308 probably fits the bill.

Second, and this is the one that doesn't get talked about around here with all the fans of the Evil Black Rifles, it's gotta have decent wood. I buy guns that I know my kids (when/if they come) will want when I'm dead and gone in 50 or 60 years.

Fit and finish are important, but this is a field gun, meant for work.

I kind of like the Ruger M77s, but I've heard their triggers can be pretty mediocre. I'm willing to taking another look at Savage, but I think they're kind of ugly (sorry).

Thanks, guys.
Click to expand...

Ho yes the triggers are going from a hard pull to a soft pull in no time and they slightly hurt your finger when new. Avoid them
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top