Author Topic: I'm so torn... (Read 1654 times)

bill m. · « **on:** September 27, 2005, 07:23:36 PM »

I'm going to buy a rifle. I want a Marlin Guide gun in 45-70 or one of those Savage scope/rifle combos.
Right now I have a Marlin 94 in 44 and a pristine 6.5 military Swede. I am trying to figure out what would seem to be a next step.
I have always been a hand gunner and only got interested in rifles a couple of years ago.
I like large calibre. With our cars, we used to say, "There's no replacement for displacement". But I am really drawn to that Acu-Trigger.
Deer is all I hunt. I am mostly a target shooter. And I like throwing big chunks of lead farther than anyone thinks possible and still making a hit.
I'm a mess. Let me hear what y'all might do.
Thanks, Bill...

Savage .250 · « **Reply #1 on:** September 28, 2005, 04:25:56 AM »

bill M: if you like those "big" boys have at it. Everybody likes something
or another, i guess that`s why there are so many guns to choose from.
For me it`s not a matter of carrying around a cannon all day but rather a
cal that i can shoot well plus has the ability to consummate the deal.
Weight is a major factor in my selection as walking up and mountains all day while carrying a "load" is not going to happen.
One of my "light-weights" is a Sav 99F in .250. Has everything i want in a deer rifle. Light weight, accurate and can consummate the deal. This is not a rap on the big boys just an opinion.

" The best part of the hunt is not the harvest but in the experience."

tscott · « **Reply #2 on:** September 29, 2005, 02:00:59 AM »

Well of course!!! 99f featherweight 1955 in .300, 180's is the ultimate deer rifle for me. Any rifle is a mountain rifle for me ...Even 11 lb weatherby.
I like to stay in shape..... There are some pretty good 1950's 99's to be found in the $300 - 500 range. It's like a good old suit. Hard to find good material, and workmanship in today's fabric. I have a deal with myself..
The first deer each season is to my 99, and filet knife on the spot!

Savage .250 · « **Reply #3 on:** September 29, 2005, 05:01:55 AM »

Quote from: tscott

Well of course!!! 99f featherweight 1955 in .300, 180's is the ultimate deer rifle for me. Any rifle is a mountain rifle for me ...Even 11 lb weatherby.
I like to stay in shape..... There are some pretty good 1950's 99's to be found in the $300 - 500 range. It's like a good old suit. Hard to find good material, and workmanship in today's fabric. I have a deal with myself..
The first deer each season is to my 99, and filet knife on the spot!

\

Nothing like good old Savage 99 enthusiasm. I`ve got a 99R in .300.
1952 model.
Where i`m located 99`s, rats or shooters are very hard to come by.
My old legs will not move if the sense more than 7lbs on my shoulder.
Makes me wonder if that`s why my legs are slow to move when i hoist up the "R". It weights more then 7 lbs for sure. no problem, i can see more walking slow anyway.

" The best part of the hunt is not the harvest but in the experience."

mountainview · « **Reply #4 on:** September 29, 2005, 08:06:14 AM »

Bill,
If you don't have a 30-06, a bolt gun in that caliber would be a good choice for deer and a lot of other critters. A 7 or 300 Mag, while overkill for deer, would cover your desire for throwing a hunk 'o lead and cover the bases if you ever head to Alaska or West for bigger game.

I have the 30-06 Savage package and it is my main rifle for deer hunting (Accutrigger is very nice feature) and working on reloads (translation: it gives me a good excuse to be at the range on a frequent basis). Accuracy is typical of a Savage bolt rifle, tack driver. Scope included in the package is no Leupold but works well enough for now so I ain't in a real hurry to upgrade. While the bolt is not as fast as a pump, one well-aimed shot is the best for any kind of hunting. On rare occasions I have had to use a second shot but the bolt was not that big of a drawback.

Good luck and safe shooting.

bill m. · « **Reply #5 on:** September 30, 2005, 01:48:34 PM »

Good stuff folks, thanks.

When I decide. I'll be talking about it. Who doesn't talk too much when they get a new gun? :-)

handirifle · « **Reply #6 on:** September 30, 2005, 07:26:55 PM »

bill
Have never owned a lever 45-70, but have owned a 45-70. Great caliber, but if I were in your shoes, I'd get the Savage in 308 or as mentioned, 30-06. Both great calibers. My new 11FL in 223 is so very accurate.

Took it to the range once, and had three different loads (read three DIFFERENT BULLET WEIGHTS) through it. Put all three in the same places and bigget group was 1 1/8" and some were 3/4". I think the rifle is capable of far more, but don't have time to find the "perfect" load as yet.

The accutrigger takes getting used to cause you think the rifle isn't cocked cause the first part of the trigger moves so freely. Once you get used to it, it is one sweet trigger.

The guide gun is great if you never go over 150yds, the caliber has killing potential well beyond that, but you MUST know the trajectory or a miss is very likely. That range can easily be doubled with either of the other two without any hold over, if zeroed properly.

Remember military snipers still mostly use the .308 and a 10X scope for some shots that exceed 1,000yds.