Newbie questions on an all around gun...

M

MAURICE

New member
Hi,
I am currently browsing for my first firearm,a rifle,and have been told to go the way of the Ruger 10/22. I will.
But I also would like a gun that can be carried around in my truck and brought out for recreational shooting and hunting.
Im looking for something higher than .22 caliber,however. I was thinking possibly .270. Anyone have some recommendations?I would like something upgradable, so later I can install bi-pods, higher quality scope, better barrels,etc.
Thanks,
MAURICE
 
whatcha wanna do with it? if paper punchin I'd go with a 270 or 308 then ya can also use it for hunting. I prefer remington 700's and mauser actions. can't beat em!!
 
Hunting varmints? Deer? .270, .308, .243, 7mm/08, all good, light-kicking rifles for deer sized game, but as mentioned, .308 gives you lots of cheap surplus ammo to practice with. .223 is a bit light for deer and IIRC can't be used on deer in some states, although plenty of deer have been dropped in their tracks with that round. Its an excellent varmint round, however. If you like the .270, go for it! It's one of the most popular hunting calibers out there, and you won't have trouble finding ammo for it anywhere.

DL
 
Inexpensive ammo...

I would pick .223 or even .308 if you're hunting anything bigger than blacktail. I have a friend who hunts boar with his scoped FN-FAL, which is .308, and FNs are very inexpensive and modular. Good luck.:)
 
I'd second the recommended choice of .223 or .308. Both calibers have cheap plinking ammo available, makes it much more enjoyable if you aren't paying a ton of money to shoot... :)
 
Maurice,

You've gotten some fairly good advise, but one thing has been scratching at my brain.

You said, "I am currently browsing for my first firearm."
Does that mean you are a novice shooter, or does it mean that you are an experienced shooter, but have not owned a gun before?

If you are a novice shooter, let me suggest that you stay away from the .270 and other centerfires for a while. You need to get a good .22 LR rifle to learn the basics of trigger control, sighting and maintenance.

I also think you should not get a Ruger 10-22 as your learning gun. Instead, get a single shot or manual repeater such as a bolt-action, lever-action, or pump rifle. Learning to shoot using a semi-automatic rifle might well lead to some bad shooting habit that will be hard to break. Marlin, and Winchester both make fine lever-action and bolt action .22's, a Remington makes some fine bolt-actions. Rossi is still making a copy of the M-1890 Winchester pump .22 that is very nice.

Even if you are a more experienced shooter, I'd suggest getting a .22 LR, this time include the Ruger 10-22 in the list. The reason is this. If you plan to use your rifle as a plinker, target, small game, truck gun, a .22 LR is mighty hard to beat. For one thing, plinking can with a centerfire can get terribly expensive if you don't reload.

You really need two rifles anyway, because the rifles that are good for small game are too light for deer sized game and a rifle suitable for deer sized game is a bit much, and possibly illegal, for brushy tails in an oak tree.

Keep us posted on your search and let us know if you are abrand new shooter, or just one who is now old enough to buy his first rifle.

Doc Hudson
 
doc-

yeah,its my first rifle.
i plan on getting a 10/22 first. its a classic.and from what i have heard, its tough, reliable, and doesnt scare sheeple.
but im also looking at another rifle.just like you said,for deer and other larger game.
i have fired a few firearms,and its nothing new to me.the first rifle i fired was an sks (i love those) and the first handgun was a glock 9 mm. (dont remember the model #)
im a big guy, 6'4" or so,so recoil isnt too big of a concern,not from a .270 or what have you,anyway.
thanks for all the suggestions folks,
MAURICE
 
I would definitely look at a .308 winchester caliber weapon.

Some of the advantages.

1. If you want more velocity, you can get some Hornady Light Magnum loads for about 200fps more velocity. Hornady also makes the TAP police type loads available to the public.

2. Surplus 7.62 ammo is plentiful for plinking ammo. Pressure wise it is lower in pressure than the .308 Win, so its safe to fire in your weapon. Just make sure to buy non-corrosive ammo unless you plan to clean it immediately.

3. The short overall length of the casing allows it to be used in shorter actions, making a more compact weapon. Repeat shots will be slightly faster due to the reduced bolt length.

Ammo is relatively inexpensive and easy to obtain. Your local sportings good store or Wal Mart should always have it in stock. Aftermarket products are readily available for most of the well known brands, Remington, Winchester, Savage, etc. Just about every manufacturer makes a .308 weapon.

Now, if ya want to know which one- thats a whole new ball of worms, but personally I like the Remington 700. If you are on a serious budget, Savage is also a good performer.

Good SHooting
RED
 
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