Rifle for plinking, pests, and maybe hunting?

M

Microscope

New member
Hello,

Need your sagely advice here.
I plan to buy one rifle for the foreseeable future.
I want it for pests like groundhogs.
I want it for protection.
And yes, plenty of plinkin' too.
And even though I don't hunt, I'd like it to be capable of taking down decent size game in as humane a way as possible, if I do decide to start some day.

What would be your advice for a good rifle that fits this criteria?
Let's say in the $400-1000 range. (but could be less or more)

Thanks! :)
 
Well that right there sounds like a CZ550 in .243 Winchester flavor.

There are quite a few rifles that fit your need and meet your criteria- the above is purely my humble suggestion.
 
You will need to reload but my .270 meets all those requirements. Although any bolt gun will not be perfect for personal protection. Mine is a 2011 Model 70 SG with Leopold a gold ring 3-9. All said cost me about $1500. Step down a grade in gum and scope and your there. Or get a TC Axis.

Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2
 
joshobrien:

Nice gun. But retail shows $1500 so out of my range I think.
For the other, do you mean a Savage Axis rifle?
 
Microscope
My choice would be the basic American, like this one: http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/cPath/36_63_971/products_id/32403/CZ-USA+CZ550+American+243

However, if you like something a little classier looking that will catch some attention at the range, then perhaps one like this: http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/cPath/36_63_971/products_id/411548829/CZ+550FS+243WIN+DM+MANNLICHER

I haven't any experience with the Mannlicher style stock, but I guess the word on the street is that while they can still deliver adequate hunting accuracy, they don't do quite as well as models with free-floating barrels such as the American. But I sure think they look distinguished.

The reason I like the CZ and the .243 is because of the reputation for service and accuracy, also the single set trigger system for serious target work. The .243 is minimum caliber for hunting in a quite a few states, I think only a couple have a minimum of .25 caliber. The .243 hand loaded with the 58 grain V-Max bullet is devastating on anything that can be called a varmint or predator. And, you can load on up to a 100 grain bullet for medium game. Although the 95 grain bulllets seem to be whats quite common/prefered these days.
 
Sounds like you would be looking for a 25-06. Flat shooting with some oomph. It has been around for a long time, but is one of those "forgotten" cartridges. It can be used for varmits, excellent on coyote, antelope, and deer. Elk is on the list too, but is a bit light for the bruins.

Ammo is readily available and affordable. Reloading can really bring out its capabilities. Good bullet choices in .25 and any case that is based on the 06 can be sized in the die without any problems. 270 winchester brass will size easily in the die, but has to be trimmed back a little because the 270 is based on the 03 case which has a longer neck.

Those who own one, love it. Those who have sold one, regret the decision. Recoil is light and is not a barrel burner. Comparing the 25-06 to the 243 is about the same as comparing the 22-250 to the .223 with the 22-250 being relative to the 25-06.

The only downside is that regrettably there are not a lot of factories that still chamber this round, but there are a few.
 
If you add personal protection to the equation, maybe something slick and quick handling like a .30-.30 lever action Marlin maybe. I personally am working on a project Savage Model 99 in .250 AI for plinking coyotes and small deer.
 
Now that I think about it, I think I'd be leaning towards a rifle that could take smaller calibre (22 ex) for groundhogs and plinking, which would be the main use. But also stronger calibre in case of home defense or hunting. (note to hunters: I mean no disrespect, I just don't plan to hunt unless SHTF and I have to)

Would this change the recommendations from ya'll?

Thanks
 
Would this change the recommendations from ya'll?
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I think efield's idea of the .30-30 lever gun was good, but I'd take it bit further and say a .357mag or .44mag lever rifle, such as a Marlin 1894. If you don't reload, I'd recommend the .357mag. You can shoot light .38spls for plinking and small game, hot 180gr Buffalo Bore ammo for hunting, as well as something suitable for defense.

Ruger makes a bolt action .357mag if you prefer a bolt gun.
 
Interesting suggestion. What a nice looking rifle that Marlin lever is. So since I'm new to this. The same rifle that's fixed for .44 or .357 can take other ammo calibres right? They don't seem to indicate on the website.

Also, you mention if you don't reload. Does it mean I'm not good at single-shot rifles where I have to reload each time? Don't know all the lingo.

Also, since they have one, what are the pros/cons of a stainless steel rifle?

Thanks
 
from the description of your needs i would suggest first a caliber and then narrow it down to match it to a rifle.

243 is a great all around caliber for deer sized game, black bears etc. many people stretch it for elk. the 243 is good from rabbits thru elk with a well placed shot. lots of good affordable rifles for this cartridge.

223's. the 223 is a great and affordable cartridge. i read many people use it for deer (check your local laws) with great success. it is a good cartridge if the shtf, ammo is inexpensive and there are a wide range of good rifles including semi autos (ar-15's etc). my colt ar-15 is a tack driver.

22 magnums. great plinker, varmint rifle that can be pressed into service for larger game and protection if needed.

22's. there is no more practical cartridge than the 22. it has probably been used for more plinking/small game/target/pleasure shooting than any other caliber. it has also been used for self defense and deer sized hunting when needed as well. maybe not the best choice as an all purpose cartridge but check police and poacher stats and see how often it is used. there are a wide variety of rifles and actions available at low to reasonable costs and ammo is cheap too.
 
Ok, here are my thoughts.

You are new. Id go out and buy a nice .22lr this will cover ALOT of your needs already, cheaper to shoot, can carry alot of ammo and LOADS of fun for you and kids if you have any.
The .22lr will fill the pot every day if you find you need to hunt for food, remember if you are hunting for food out of necessity, then your freezer is probably gonna be on the fritz as well, ie a deer will spoil, small game wont have a chance to.
Practice lots!

Now, for the other part, defense? maybe look into a .223 or 7.62x39 lots of them out there. bolt or semi auto. can kill deersized game just fine. ammo for each is reasonable.

lever in .357 or .44 with a revolver to match :D

IMHO, start with the .22lr then decide what you want after
If its mainly plinking/pests stick with rifles chambered in cheap bulk ammo.
.243/.270/25-06 is not cheap. if you dont hunt its basically overkill.

Best to go out and find out what YOU like, its your money after all

Good luck
 
$400-$1000 is quite a bit of range.

If you are looking at HD, a bolt action might not be the best choice. Of course with $1000 you can buy 2 rifles if you shop around.
 
Hmm...

Plinking
Varminting
Home/personal protection
.22 cal or close for varminting
powerful enough for personal protection

I don't know what gun would fit this description... :p

I'd say an AR-14 with a 16" barrel chambered in 5.56/.223
 
I just don't plan to hunt unless...
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Dale had my thought. Get a 223 that you like. Mini-14, AR whatever. Its cheap to shoot, plinking, defense, groundhogs. It covers all that. Then later get yourself a dedicated hunting rifle and you'll be set. You could take Deer and Elk with the 223 with good slugs and head shots. Only in survival situation of course.

I like the 30/30 suggestion. Lever Actions with peep sights are rad. They make the drop in match triggers for them for <100. Any game inside of 200 yards is toast, certainly 150 yards. They're light, handy and put food on the table. Who wants to carry a long barreled hunting rifle? YMMV.
 
Interesting suggestion. What a nice looking rifle that Marlin lever is. So since I'm new to this. The same rifle that's fixed for .44 or .357 can take other ammo calibres right? They don't seem to indicate on the website.
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If it's chambered in .357magnum, you can also shoot less-powerful .38 specials through it. Likewise for 1894s chambered in .44mag (i.e., it'll shoot .44spl). If you want a Marlin, the biggest hassle might actually be finding one. They don't seem to make a lot of them, and those who own them love them so much, they durn sure ain't gonna sell them. I know I ain't sellin' mine. ;)

Also, you mention if you don't reload. Does it mean I'm not good at single-shot rifles where I have to reload each time? Don't know all the lingo.
Click to expand...

No worries. "Reload", in this context, means to assemble your own ammo from components (empty brass cases, power, primer & bullet). Reloading reduces the cost of ammo considerably. In general, the bigger & more powerful the round, the more the cost saving. The .44mag/.44spl could get expensive to shoot if you didn't reload.

Speaking of ammo cost, some mentioned a .22 rifle. I didn't mention it because it didn't seem to meet your criteria, but I can wholly recommend considering a .22LR - even if it's not your first rifle. If you like Marlin levers, they make the Model 39A - an excellent rifle too.

Also, since they have one, what are the pros/cons of a stainless steel rifle?
Click to expand...

A stainless finish isn't immune to the elements or harsh treatment, but it's more resistant. So, if this rifle is going to see a lot of wet weather, and rust might be an issue, or if you absolutely hate to see a scratch against a nicely blued finish after a hunting trip, stainless might be for you.
 
If it absolutely has to be just one rifle:

For your stated needs and budget, I would have to agree with a .223. Cheap ammo for plinking, plenty of power for putting down pests, and good for self defense, as well.

Since the plan is not to hunt unless it is absolutely necessary, I would not worry about whether it is appropriate for deer.

If the idea of two rifles is not completely off the table:

I would go with a semi-auto .22 and a lever 30-30.

The .22 will keep your plinking super cheap, and will handle a surprising amount of other work. It can keep your varmint population in check, stop an attacker without overpenetrating and put plenty of small game on the table. Semi-auto allows multiple quick shots, which may be necessary when using a .22 in a self defense situation.

For the jobs too big for the .22, bring out the 30-30. It is not too expensive for regular shooting, so you can afford to get good with it and keep yourself in good form. It will take care of the vast majority of any future potential hunting needs, and also makes a decent self defense weapon.
 
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