Cityboy needs rifle advise

Scorch got it right. Talk to your father in law. He will think better of you. and you will get a lot of brownie points.

You will also find out what he thinks of you. If he recommends an ultramag that will kick the double hockey sticks out of you. You may want to reconsider your decision to go hunting with him.
 
alright stop the presses...

I would like to apologize if I missed it because I only glanced though this thread but are you a current resident of chicago? if you you are then you are going to be severely reduced in options for AR15s

WHY?

Cook County has an assault weapons ban in place and though it is completely idiotic and a gross infringement of your 2nd amendment rights, you are still subject to it's laws. even if you never use the gun while in cook county you may still not possess a semi automatic rifle with

a muzzle break(flash hider)
a collapsable stock/telescoping stock
a magazine capacity greater than....either 5 or 10 rounds, I can never keep it straight but much lower than your standard 30 round magazine.

I don't recall all of the criteria but those are the major points right there so if you do want to get an AR15 you will have to get a neutered version that is AWB Compliant. I would go with the other guys that say to get a good lever action rifle like a Ruger M77, Remington 700, winchester 70 or Weatherby Vanguard. all of those rifles are going to be cheaper in the long run are are available in more calibers more suited to hunting rather than self defense.
 
In your situation, I'd talk to the father-in-law but you might also suggest some of the options described above that you are considering. If I we in your shoes, is probably be looking at a Savage Weather Warrior, an Winchester Extreme Weather, a Tikka T3 lite in stainless or a stainless steel Browning BLR (I like the straight grip). Whatever you choose, the 22 practice rifle is a great recommendation and I highly recommend you make sure you know the proper care and maintenance to keep the rifle in new condition. (I once loaned a shotgun to a friend for a 1 week hunting trip and by the time I got it back it already had rust on it).

Protect your investment shows that you understand it's value and should impress your father in law.
 
Since your question is tangentially about scoring points and making a good impression on the father-in-law and others at deer camp, here is some non gun related advice:

Come prepared with proper clothing and gear. Don't be that guy trying to borrow essential gear from strangers because you did not plan ahead.

Help out whenever you can. Cook. Clean dishes. Collect firewood. Help set up camp. Help other's track, move and field dress their deer.

Use good judgement in the stand and only take ethical shots you are confident will result in a dead deer.

Never complain. Ever.

Listen respectfully to the old salts' stories and advice. Don't tell them they are damn fools, even if you think that is the case.

They may have some rituals or pranks in store for the new guy (that would be you). Be good natured and go along for the ride. Remember, years from now, you will be pulling the same pranks on the new guy.

Have fun.
 
very good advice Joe . I've always like the term , suit up show up and shut up . I still say if it's going to be the only hunting rifle he owns he should go with a .270 . Great all around caliber .
 
Bunches of great advice already given.

My 2 cents - a bolt action 30-06 or 270. I'd get a wood stocked one if you really want to impress but I wouldn't think anyone would frown upon a synthetic stocked bolt gun. Oh, and you cannot go wrong with a Remington 700. You can find ammo for either of these cartriges in any store that sells ammo.

Around here you would definitely turn off the old timers if you showed up with any caliber AR to deer hunt.

Would be great to start with a .22 of course, but if you can't afford all that, you'll be alright. I was taught to shoot on a .270 and I turned out fine. That was when I was 10. Dad didn't have a .22 or that's what he probably would have taught me with.

Best option ,like has already been mentioned, would be to have fil go shopping with you. Even better would be to have him help you sight in a scope and such.
Guys bond buy doing these kinds of activities.

Bottom line- follow the advice in this thread. It has been a great read for me and there is a lot of great advice here for the new hunter. Only thing I very slightly disagree with is some of the caliber recommendations. And that's only because some of them would be hard to find in a pinch.

Good luck!
 
For a first rifle I would say the S&W 15-22 would be a good trainer for a centerfire AR later on.

For a deer rifle I would give the AR rifles in .300 Whisper a good look.
 
im going to stay with the bolt action group but vote for the Ruger American Rifle in a .308, you can get it at walmart for under $500 bucks drop a decent Redfield scope on it and have a dang sweet gun for under $700 that you can carry around in the woods and rain and not worry about beating up expensive wood stocks (hey im cheap :D ) . the .308 is an excellent round that can match the .30-06 out to 300 yards in most bullet weights with less recoil for a beginner and it will serve you for years
 
I've seen a Remington 700 BDL in (30-06) Walmart several times for about $777. I too would suggest the bolt action rifle. I have a BDL in .300 Remington Ultra Mag. Probably more pop than you need or want. Contrary to what others have said, I would absolutely avoid the synthetic and get a wood stock. Walnut and blued usually looks better to the old timers (And us youngsers that just appreciate good wood grain), and the heavier wood stock will absorb more of the felt recoil.
 
Lots of good advice. Hard to sort it out.

Ask Dad what is popular up that way. Id bet 30-06 or 308s are very much so.

Get a good bolt gun (Savage w/ accutrigger or TIKKA ($600)) w/ lower power scope-2-7 or 3-9.

Shoot it a bit--150 rounds or more--not cheap but you will appreciate it before the hunt is over. Save the brass and find a reloader and let him help you reload to save $$.

Several others suggested a 308. In the UP most shots will be under 150 yards unless food plot or powerlines. Lots of woods and shorter ranges are the rule.
Ask Dad what ranges are prevelant.
 
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