I've shot handguns for a while now, but I really want to get myself a rifle (and why not, they're usually cheaper than handguns anyway.)
Let me preface this by saying that I've never shot a rifle. Period. My parents hated guns, so as a kid I never had one (besides my BB gun, but that doesn't count.)
Let me also say that I do not want a .22 caliber gun. I want an "all around gun" that I could, for instance, eventually take hunting with me.
Yes I understand that it's good to start out with a .22 as to not develop a flinch, but I think I'll be fine.
I want my rifle to...
As I've been looking at rifle calibers today, I've consistently found that the most common calibers are 30-06, .270 winchester, and .223 (according to most lists.) I'm making the assumption that common = cheap, and from those three I think I've settled on the .270 win. Not only is it considered a great "all around" caliber (from what I've read), it is also considered an inherently accurate caliber with it's nice flat flight trajectory. (Yes I understand that it's the combination of ammo+gun+shooter that equals accuracy.) HOWEVER, I am not stuck in my mindset about this caliber. If you guys think something else would be better suited for me than by all means, let me know.
Where I live now (MT), I have the ability to go out in the forest and shoot. That also gives me the ability to find nice long ranges, so that's probably where I'll do most of my shooting. (And what better gun to carry with you in the middle of grizzly country?)
In my research (sticking with the .270 win theme here.) I've found a few guns that could fit the bill. There are a couple from savage arms (really cheap) but their website gun finder search kinda sucks. I've also seen the Winchester model 70 (little more expensive, I'd have to find one used). And I've seen Remmington 700s.
Sure, I can go to buds guns and search for 270 win, but I have NO IDEA what brands are good and which aren't. Sure, Mossberg makes good shotguns but what about rifles?
I want to get a good gun for my money. If that means buying an older slightly used gun then so be it. I think I can find a good quality gun in my price range, I just need a bit of help finding it.
Again, I'm not stuck on .270 win, so make any suggestions you guys deem necessary.
EDIT: Oh, I'll also most likely be reloading the brass as well.
Let me preface this by saying that I've never shot a rifle. Period. My parents hated guns, so as a kid I never had one (besides my BB gun, but that doesn't count.)
Let me also say that I do not want a .22 caliber gun. I want an "all around gun" that I could, for instance, eventually take hunting with me.
Yes I understand that it's good to start out with a .22 as to not develop a flinch, but I think I'll be fine.
I want my rifle to...
- Be cheap. Preferably <$500.
- Be able to fire cheapish ammo. I understand .22 ammo is a dime a dozen (actually cheaper right?), but I direct you to my first requirement above.
- Be able to fire accurately out to a few hundred yards. I have a fascination with accuracy and the ability to deliver accurate shots from WAY down range.
- Possibly have a scope mounted to it. This one is more of a recommendation than a requirement. I love using iron sites, but I think I'll have more fun with some optics.
- Be a bolt action. (Hence why I'm in this section of the forums.) I think a lever action will be annoying to shoot from the prone position. (Although it'd be awesome for more of a mid range gun.)
As I've been looking at rifle calibers today, I've consistently found that the most common calibers are 30-06, .270 winchester, and .223 (according to most lists.) I'm making the assumption that common = cheap, and from those three I think I've settled on the .270 win. Not only is it considered a great "all around" caliber (from what I've read), it is also considered an inherently accurate caliber with it's nice flat flight trajectory. (Yes I understand that it's the combination of ammo+gun+shooter that equals accuracy.) HOWEVER, I am not stuck in my mindset about this caliber. If you guys think something else would be better suited for me than by all means, let me know.
Where I live now (MT), I have the ability to go out in the forest and shoot. That also gives me the ability to find nice long ranges, so that's probably where I'll do most of my shooting. (And what better gun to carry with you in the middle of grizzly country?)
In my research (sticking with the .270 win theme here.) I've found a few guns that could fit the bill. There are a couple from savage arms (really cheap) but their website gun finder search kinda sucks. I've also seen the Winchester model 70 (little more expensive, I'd have to find one used). And I've seen Remmington 700s.
Sure, I can go to buds guns and search for 270 win, but I have NO IDEA what brands are good and which aren't. Sure, Mossberg makes good shotguns but what about rifles?
I want to get a good gun for my money. If that means buying an older slightly used gun then so be it. I think I can find a good quality gun in my price range, I just need a bit of help finding it.
Again, I'm not stuck on .270 win, so make any suggestions you guys deem necessary.
EDIT: Oh, I'll also most likely be reloading the brass as well.