Recommendation for a decent first hunting rifle

[lawrnk]

I've been invited to go hunting, and I know little about hunting rifles. I'd like to stay around 400ish, new or used, and saw some sub 400 dollar deals on the Ibolt. Others are recommending a model 70. I hear .243 is considered a teenager or ladies rifle, so I am considering .270. Any thoughts or recommendations?

[mr surveyor]

someone doesn't know what they are talking about. A .243 will take any game in Texas, and give you the ability to make second shots easily, if needed.

Other than that... if you are considering sub 150 yard distances, you just can't beat the old standard Marlin 336 30/30. Everyone should own at least one good lever gun.

just my opinions


surv

[Salty1]

My all time favorite is a Marlin 30-30, it has probally taken more game than any other rifle, there is something about a smoothe lever action that appeals to me....

[ammo two]

+1 on the 30-30. Marlin has a rebate going on the 336 through the end of the year. I think the cheapest I have seen it has been at Walmart. Other than that...what are you hunting and from what distance?

[MoJo]

That's some good advise on the .30-30. A .243, .308 .270 or .30-'06 bolt action will do oyou a good job too. There are several good rifles available in your price range, shop around.

[ghostrider]

There's lots of good choices available. Can you give us some info on what you plan to hunt and what kind of distances?

For <100yds I'd recommend a good lever action in 30-30, 44mag.

For longer ranges I'd look at 243, 270, 308, 30-06, 260 Remington, etc.

Frankly a used Swedish Mauser in 6.5x55mm will take any Texas game.

[lawrnk]

Thanks! I'm planning on white tail, axis, and possibly a hog. 100 to 130 yards max.

[CompVest]

Moved the thread to " Rifles & Shotguns" sub-forum.

[MoJo]

Thanks! I'm planning on white tail, axis, and possibly a hog. 100 to 130 yards max.

In that case, the Marlin 336 .30-30 with a 4X scope will do the job out to about 175 yards.

[The Annoyed Man]

If you own an AR, take it deer hunting. A buddy of mine has taken several deer in recent years with his. But like others have said, a bolt or lever action rifle will fit the bill. For the lever action, go to .30-30 or something like .444 marlin (a good hog caliber). In bolt rifles, calibers .243, .270, .308, .30-'06 are good choices. I think it is important enough to have a quick followup shot that I wouldn't recommend a single shot rifle to a beginning hunter.

[lawrnk]

If you own an AR, take it deer hunting. A buddy of mine has taken several deer in recent years with his. But like others have said, a bolt or lever action rifle will fit the bill. For the lever action, go to .30-30 or something like .444 marlin (a good hog caliber). In bolt rifles, calibers .243, .270, .308, .30-'06 are good choices. I think it is important enough to have a quick followup shot that I wouldn't recommend a single shot rifle to a beginning hunter.

There is a rumor that .223 is not approved for hunting whitetail. Is that just rumor?

[Keith B]

There is a rumor that .223 is not approved for hunting whitetail. Is that just rumor?

I think it depends on where you are hunting. TPWD rules are no RIMFIRE cartridges, so a .223 centerfire cartridge is legal. I do know some ranches require a minimum requirement like 25 caliber and 100 grain bullet, or .243/6mm, etc.

[lawrnk]

+1 on the 30-30. Marlin has a rebate going on the 336 through the end of the year. I think the cheapest I have seen it has been at Walmart. Other than that...what are you hunting and from what distance?

Any idea what these go for at Wally? I checked online and they dont list it.

[The Annoyed Man]

If you own an AR, take it deer hunting. A buddy of mine has taken several deer in recent years with his. But like others have said, a bolt or lever action rifle will fit the bill. For the lever action, go to .30-30 or something like .444 marlin (a good hog caliber). In bolt rifles, calibers .243, .270, .308, .30-'06 are good choices. I think it is important enough to have a quick followup shot that I wouldn't recommend a single shot rifle to a beginning hunter.

There is a rumor that .223 is not approved for hunting whitetail. Is that just rumor?

As far as I know, it is. But I can only speak to what I saw on my friend's lease. He shot a doe through the back of the head at 90 yards with an AR15 from a tree stand. The bullet exited just off-center of the bridge of her nose. She dropped in her tracks right where she was shot, DRT. The round was a handload pushing a 65 grain Sierra GameKing at about 3,200 fps. The rifle was a "home-built" with a Shilen stainless 20" heavy contour and a two stage match trigger of some kind. It's a real sweet shooter and I've had the chance to shoot it at the range. Although it is his coyote gun and he uses it primarily for varmint hunting, he has taken several deer with it at closer ranges.

[ammo two]

Any idea what these go for at Wally? I checked online and they dont list it.

The price at the Walmart in Temple was right around $354 if I remember correctly. Then Marlin has a mail in rebate on top of that...makes for a pretty sweet deal IMO.