hey guys i need some opinions

[Angry Artexan]

first of all hello everyone for i am new to this whole thing. i just wanted to get some experienced opinions right now. the deal is that my birthday is coming up and i want to buy myself a good rifle for deer and mule deer when i return home to the plains of north west texas the options are a bolt action, lever action and a h&r combo set 270/20 gauge so let me know guys. btw i can get a ak even though its not that great for hunting i think i would be fun, only thing is that i wouldnt have another rifle to use. this will be my only one for the time being. also i want something that would be decent for home defense or shtf situations until i can get a pump

[jumbeaux]

Sir given your parameters I believe the 270/20 combo would be best.  Based primarily on the Home Defense requirement.  I do believe that for very little extra money you could probably swing a good used pump shotgun and a good used single shot rifle.  You might also consider a new Mossberg  Maverick Pump Shotgun and a new NEF Rifle....possibly with some hard shopping you could swing both of these for about $400.......I like looking at Pawn Shops and I do not hesitate to make an offer.....hope this helps....
 
rick

[charles p]

Combo guns rarely shoot to point of aim.  Get yourself a Rem 700 and don't look back.  A 270 is a great choice but 280 or 30-06 are just as good.  The Rem Model 7 is excellent also.  Either a 7-08 or 308 will do.  I have all of these.  My favorite changes daily.

[Angry Artexan]

i appreciate the replies, i have a lot of exp with the remmy and im just not a fan anymore. After visiting my shop today im torn between a ruger american rifle in 06 and a win m70 synthetic stock in 270 and one in 270 wsm. i believe they are super shadows or something of the sort

[dukkillr]

I wouldn't get a combo anything.  Nor would I want my only gun to be an AK.  If you're talking deer hunting I agree with the above, a bolt in .270, 308, or 30-06 would make the most sense.  All are very versitile, reliable, and easy.  In recent years I've tended towards guns that can handle foul weather better.  For that reason I'd look for something in stainless/laminate.  Company honestly doesn't make much difference these days.  Avoid Mossberg and you'll be fine.

[bilmac]

The newer Savage Bolt guns are making a lot of people happy these days and they aren't a lot of $. I would choose a 270 or 7mm08.

[Angry Artexan]

bilmac you should check out the ruger american rifle, its in that price range of 350 to 400$ its the best handling sub 600$ rifle ive ever had the guilty pleasure of laying my hands on

[Land_Owner]

Go with the

win m70 synthetic stock in 270

and NEVER look back.

That, my Brother, is from a 270 Win Model 70 Classic Featherweight, Schnabel forearm, wooden stock affectionado.  Let it rain!!!  I am in Tropical Florida!!!  We get 52-plus inches per year.  My M70 can handle it.  I am totally prepared for rain. 

Yours would be even BETTER in the synthetic stock. 

When you decide on the m70, we can start talking reloading and the gun's true potential...


...and by the way, Welcome to the GBO Forums!  We're dang glad you're here.

[cjrjck]

Bolt action, lever, single action, all have their fans. Choose the one you like. The Handi 270/20 Gauge combo would allow you to use the .270 for big game hunting and then you could swap the barrels out and use the 20 Gauge for small game hunting and home defense. In South Texas I am starting to see more and more black rifles used for hunting especially with larger calibers like the 6.8 SPC and the .308. I don't use one but the younger guys really like them and some can shoot very well.

[Don Fischer]

My choice would be a bolt action with no less than a 22" barrel. Many cartridges will work well from the 25-06 on up. If this were my rifle we are talking about, I would be looking for a 25-06 with a 24" barrel or the 270 with a 24" barrel. Forget the 280 unless you plan on reloading. Either the 308 with 20" to 22" barrel would work well and the 30-06 with a 22" barrel. I wuld hesitate to mention any other cartridges because I have no idea what factory loads are avaliable for them and even more, how easy they are to find. But every cartridge from the 26-06 up will have a factory load that will work well for deer.
As for brands of rifles and ammunition, I have no product loyality, get what feels good to you and what appeals to you. They all work!

[Angry Artexan]

thanks guys ill let you know soon, i have shortened the list to a ruger american in 30 06 or a howa 1500 in 308 or 270