Author Topic: Suggesting Hunting Rifles (Read 6031 times)

Brithunter · « **Reply #30 on:** August 17, 2012, 12:01:24 AM »

Quote from: helotaxi on August 16, 2012, 04:17:16 PM

Those of us that love our Savages hope that you never own one as well. We don't want you as an advocate.

about sums it up

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Swampman · « **Reply #31 on:** August 17, 2012, 01:29:02 AM »

Quote from: helotaxi on August 16, 2012, 04:17:16 PM

Those of us that love our Savages hope that you never own one as well. We don't want you as an advocate.

I'd never recommend a bottom end firearm. You needn't worry.

SHOOTALL · « **Reply #32 on:** August 17, 2012, 03:20:22 AM »

when someone ask what gun I always ask what are you going to do with it ? A good deer rifle in the thickets of Eastern VA. I doubt would make a good choice on the plains . I the very leasr the set up would be different. I also ask if they shoot much . If so do they like weight forward or netural ? I ask what budget numbers they can work with . etc.
Trying to say one rifle with one set up is the best for all reasons is folly. I would agree in bolt guns a 3006 is hard to beat but I doubt a 308 would not be a better choice . 308 ammo is aval. everywhere from big chain stores to country stores to online. BBL length alone can make a gun suitable for one hunt and not another. But a short bbl. can be made to work most of the time if the gun is set up correctly. An all around gun should have a stock that can be shot from ANY position.
I seldom recomend off shore built guns because service can be a hassel.
For the all around deer gun , bolt gun , I would suggest a 308 with a 20 inch med heavy bbl. as a start. I would add a 2-7 leo scope . I would like it in a dull finish with a synthetic stock bedded proper . SS is ok if dull or coated .

Buckskin · « **Reply #33 on:** August 17, 2012, 08:45:04 AM »

Quote from: helotaxi on August 16, 2012, 03:58:54 AM

Thanks to the 7 WSM chambering and the light barrel profile I'm only comfortable shooting it about 4 rounds per hour at the range. I give the barrel ample chance to cool between shot to prolong its life.

That said, if we're honest with ourselves, you'd be hard pressed to go wrong with any of the modern rifles from the major manufacturers if your goal is put meet in the freezer. Spending more money just gets you a prettier rifle these days as far as production rifles go. The premium custom jobs might shoot slightly better but for 99% of HUNTERS that extra precision isn't needed.

LOL, sounds like you're trying to prolong the life of your shoulder, not the barrel. A couple minutes between shots is plenty for that... At 4 rounds per hour you may never become intimately familiar with it. Maybe it's too much gun for you...

A couple years ago I almost bought a Savage to save a few bucks when I was looking into a new rifle. But after holding, feeling and looking at it I just couldn't bring myself to owning such an ugly gun. Ended up with a 700 mountain rifle in stainless/laminate chambered in 7mm-08, which was a great choice. The Winchester 70's would probably be a close second for my choice in bolt guns, I just have a thing for the Remmy's. I hope I never have to choose one caliber...

SHOOTALL · « **Reply #34 on:** August 17, 2012, 08:56:12 AM »

cost

sometimes what you get for higher cost is a blanced rifle instead of one that feels like a length of gas pipe screwed to a 2X4 . but that's just me..............

Cheesehead · « **Reply #35 on:** August 17, 2012, 08:59:10 AM »

Quote from: SHOOTALL on August 17, 2012, 08:56:12 AM

cost
sometimes what you get for higher cost is a blanced rifle instead of one that feels like a length of gas pipe screwed to a 2X4 . but that's just me..............

GOOD POST SIR!

mannyrock · « **Reply #36 on:** August 17, 2012, 12:37:24 PM »

Or rather, a length of gas pipe screwed to a plastic 2x4.

Mannyrock

helotaxi · « **Reply #37 on:** August 17, 2012, 01:27:27 PM »

Quote from: Buckskin on August 17, 2012, 08:45:04 AM

Quote from: helotaxi on August 16, 2012, 03:58:54 AM
Thanks to the 7 WSM chambering and the light barrel profile I'm only comfortable shooting it about 4 rounds per hour at the range. I give the barrel ample chance to cool between shot to prolong its life.

That said, if we're honest with ourselves, you'd be hard pressed to go wrong with any of the modern rifles from the major manufacturers if your goal is put meet in the freezer. Spending more money just gets you a prettier rifle these days as far as production rifles go. The premium custom jobs might shoot slightly better but for 99% of HUNTERS that extra precision isn't needed.

LOL, sounds like you're trying to prolong the life of your shoulder, not the barrel. A couple minutes between shots is plenty for that... At 4 rounds per hour you may never become intimately familiar with it. Maybe it's too much gun for you...

4 rounds per hour is only a couple of minutes between shots. I typically fire a magazine (3 rounds) in about a 5-10 minute span and then shoot a different rifle for a bit and then go back to the 7WSM. Even at that rate the barrel is still quite warm to the touch before the next string. I'll get familiar with it before the 2013 hunting season. I put at least 10 rounds through it every trip to the range. I typically shoot at least once a week and usually 2-3 times.

That said, the rifle is quite light and does have a great deal of recoil as a result. The 160gn Partitions that I've been shooting primarily don't help in that regard. The 140gn Silvertips are much more pleasant. I don't feel that I have something to prove by "manning up" to a ton of recoil which is why I went with a 7mm instead of something in a .30 or .33 cal for my elk/oryx rifle (didn't draw either this year as luck would have it). I'm not recoil shy or sensitive, and I'd like to stay that way. Sitting there at the range hammering out a ton of rounds in a day isn't good for a rifle chambered in what many consider a barrel burner in the first place and it is not a good way to become or stay a good shot when the rifle is somewhat abusive to shoot. I'm flinch free at this point and I'd like to stay that way.

Ford v. Chevy v. Dodge. Rem v. Win v. Browning v. Savage. Everyone has their preference and those that base their preference on emotion usually can't say enough bad things about all the others. Winchester doesn't make a rifle for me. I just don't like Remingtons but that's just my preference and I know plenty of people that are happy with theirs and I respect their choice. I'm comfortable enough in my choices that I don't feel the need to bad mouth everything else out there. My choice in rifles just like my choice in trucks has been driven by objective research and weighing my wants and needs against what each model and brand brings to the table. In my case that led me to Savage, Browning and Ford. No emotion involved at all. I do hate Toyota in NASCAR and Honda at Indy though. Purely emotional on those.

Swampman · « **Reply #38 on:** August 17, 2012, 02:01:57 PM »

My choices are based on watching many failures in the field and at the range. That's why there are only two brands I'd recommend.

hunt-m-up · « **Reply #39 on:** August 17, 2012, 02:11:08 PM »

Never had a Winchester, never needed one and now that they have an inflated view of the worth of their latest models won't look at them either. If someone asks me about one rifle for deer, I'd probaby suggest Howa,Vanguard, Tikka, Savage, Rem SPS because if they only want/need one rifle there's no need for them to waste their money when any of these will kill deer quite effectively and economically. Can't warm up to Savage or Tikka myself, but obviously they have a following or they wouldn't be around.
It's great that we have so many accurate rifles out there to choose from.

Swampman · « **Reply #40 on:** August 17, 2012, 02:37:01 PM »

I don't think $695.00 to $750.00 for a first quality American made rifle is much at all. I'd rather have a STD than a foreign made rifle.

hunt-m-up · « **Reply #41 on:** August 17, 2012, 02:57:59 PM »

Quote from: Swampman on August 17, 2012, 02:37:01 PM

I don't think $695.00 to $750.00 for a first quality American made rifle is much at all. I'd rather have a STD than a foreign made rifle.

I own quality rifles made in Japan, I'll take your word for it on the STD.

Buckskin · « **Reply #42 on:** August 17, 2012, 05:00:22 PM »

If you're just taling about killing deer that's one thing. Heck, I've killed more deer with my 870 with a Hastings slug barrel on it than anything else I own by many times over. We just became a rifle area in the last 4 years. Since then I think all of my bucks have been with a rifle, but that slug gun has put a lot of blood on the ground... I kind of figured Swamp was putting quality in the mix as well. You can go into most Walmarts and pull any rifle off the shelf and it will kill deer effectively... It is awesome that we have so many choices of weapons and many people prefer to buy based purely on price over quality. To each his own. Heading to my range tomorrow, two 700's in 300 RUM and 7mm-08, an AR, an Encore 204 and a Mosin Nagant that have loads to be tested... Fun stuff...

helotaxi · « **Reply #43 on:** August 18, 2012, 04:13:19 AM »

Quote from: Buckskin on August 17, 2012, 05:00:22 PM

I kind of figured Swamp was putting quality in the mix as well.

I'm sure he was, so long as you hold his same muddled, closed minded opinion of "quality".

Swampman · « **Reply #44 on:** August 18, 2012, 05:22:25 AM »

It's closed to firearms I've watched fail in the field and on the range over and over again.

helotaxi · « **Reply #45 on:** August 18, 2012, 11:47:15 AM »

Quote from: Swampman on August 18, 2012, 05:22:25 AM

It's closed to firearms I've watched fail in the field and on the range over and over again.

Swampman · « **Reply #46 on:** August 18, 2012, 12:05:52 PM »

My best friend shoots a Savage, a Howa, and a Weatherby. What a mess......

Empty Quiver · « **Reply #47 on:** August 18, 2012, 12:15:05 PM »

Quote from: Swampman on August 18, 2012, 12:05:52 PM

My best friend shoots a Savage, a Howa, and a Weatherby. What a mess......

Now Swampy, friends don't let friends... well you know.

Swampman · « **Reply #48 on:** August 18, 2012, 01:09:21 PM »

I've tried to get him to buy a good rifle. All I can figure is that that he enjoys the pain and suffering.

Empty Quiver · « **Reply #49 on:** August 18, 2012, 04:53:43 PM »

Quote from: Swampman on August 18, 2012, 01:09:21 PM

I've tried to get him to buy a good rifle. All I can figure is that that he enjoys the pain and suffering.

Maybe he figures he owes you a handicap Swampman.

As you always boast, those 700's will make a good shot of anyone.

yooper77 · « **Reply #50 on:** August 18, 2012, 07:38:12 PM »

I own two Weatherby Mark V's and these are the best U.S.A. made rifle's I have shot. Both of my Weatherby's I bought lightly used at a greatly reduced price. I love the Mark V's 54 degree bolt lift!

The first is a Ultra Lightweight in 338-06 A-Square which wears a Leupold VX-III 3.5-10x40mm scope. Super light with a 24" flutted barrel.

The second is a Sporter in 7mm-08 Remington which wears a Leupold VX-II 3-9x40mm scope. Also super light with a 24" barrel. My daughter's deer rifle in the coming future.

These Weatherby rifles handle and shoot as if they are an extension of my person and talk about accuracy totally stellar easy MOA with my hand loads.

I have a friend that loves his Weatherby Mark V Ultra Lightweight in 270 Weatherby Magnum that I talked him into and his Weatherby Vangaurd in 257 Weatherby Magnum is in second place for this falls New Mexico elk hunt.

It so nice too have choices available, so a person can truly have an excellent rifle. My choice probably wont match yours, but then again your choices are your business in my eyes.

Only in America!

yooper77

SHOOTALL · « **Reply #51 on:** August 20, 2012, 02:57:33 AM »

There are good rifles from many places around the world . If numbers manfactured was the standard German bolt guns and Russian AK's would be the best . If cost was the measure the Britt's migh edge out the rest of the world . What's the point ?
When you suggest a gun to someone realize they may be new to the sport of hunting. It could be their first gun. I would hate to suggest a gun that came from a company with less that a good reputation . A company that did not stand behind their products would not be a wise choice. Also a company with a history of providing replacement parts should be part of the decision of who to suggest.
Its amusing how some soak up the marketing like a sponge. There was an article out some years back about Savage. A new guy aquired it and realized he could not go head to head with Remington and Winchester in marketing. He flat did not have the funds. Instead he built rifles and shipped them to Africa. They sold and took on some of the biggest names in the business. The rifles were dependable and enomical to buy. He also sold rifles in the US but not in numbers that would support his factory. Now he has established his rifle as a accurate gun that can compete with any other gun in it's class(s). I have friends who got Savage rifles 30 years ago and they have put alot of deer in the freezer . They hold their own with any other rifles . I don't own a Savage rifle never have but I see no reason to cut down a good gun. Winchester has been good then bad built by different companies etc . OK the new one might be good but for how long ? what about parts in the future ?
Remington and Ruger seem to both be solid companies with a history of taking care of customers .

Swampman · « **Reply #52 on:** August 20, 2012, 05:15:41 AM »

As I mentioned the only thing I like about a Savage is their accuracy. The only thing I don't like about Ruger is their lack of accuracy. Maybe they should compare notes. A rifle needs more than one thing going for it. That's why I suggest a Winchester Model 70 or a Model 700 Remington. They both have many things going for them.

SHOOTALL · « **Reply #53 on:** August 20, 2012, 06:19:13 AM »

I have several Rugers and have no complaints about the accuracy though they do shoot different . But the a 300 WM is a different gun than a 22 lr or 308 .
I'm starting to think those who bad mouth one brand or another might not have very much experince with that brand . In fact they may be drawing their conclusions from one rifle or what they may have been told about one rifle

just a hunch.

Swampman · « **Reply #54 on:** August 20, 2012, 06:28:35 AM »

I've owned many Ruger longguns in many different calibers. None of them have been accurate enough for me to keep them. Watched the Savages break down over and over again.

SHOOTALL · « **Reply #55 on:** August 20, 2012, 06:52:32 AM »

Like I said I never owned a Savage rifle but have friends who do and to my knowlege none have broken down. Now as for Ruger and accuracy , my son and I would shoot nusiance birds in the head with my 22 LR mod 7722 anywhere from 50 yards out to maybe 80 yards yes from a field rest. My 204 one hole at 100 yards . 300 WM under 1.5 inch at 100 . I have no problem with any of them . Now the 300 WM has been shot with 180 gr federal prem. with fed bullets which are at least 12 years old . So with hand loading it might improve . One thing I can say with confidence is I have never seen the scope bases loosen up on a Ruger

. Seen them manf bad but then have had and seen more Remingtons with base holes drilled poorly or in the wrong place as have sight placement . They all have their little porblems and to be quite honest its how they correct them that counts.

yooper77 · « **Reply #56 on:** August 20, 2012, 08:07:59 AM »

I have never owned any center fire Savage or Winchester bolt action rifles. The only Remington 700 I have started out as my father in-laws ADL in 22-250 Remington, but I quickly made it into a SPS with new Remington bottom metal and new Remington stock for easier unloading and it functions flawlessly.

I have a friend that sold his Remington 700 ADL in 270 Winchester for a Thompson Center Encore Pro Hunter in 209x50 and added a 28" 270 Winchester Pro Hunter barrel and he couldn't be happier.

I have a Ruger M77 MKII in 270 Winchester with everything completely factory from it stock, trigger and barrel. This rifle loves any 150 grain bullet with IMR-4831 and effortlessly performs SUB MOA accuracy. I have never owned another Ruger rifle, so maybe this one slipped through. I have no complaints.

yooper77

Deadeye63 · « **Reply #57 on:** August 27, 2012, 12:13:41 PM »

The "very best" deer rifle in my opinion is which ever one I pull out of the safe for what ever day of hunting I`ll be doing. I`ve never had to worry about hunting with a rifle made by the "Inferior Arms" Co. If the gun up and falls apart on ya out in the field the problem is not the gun but the Bafoon holdin it. I shoot either my Remington model 710 w/3-9x50 Simmons in 270win. 150gr. or my Ruger 77 w/ Nikon 6-18x40 bdc in 30.06 /165 gr. Both rifle`s have dropped the animal`s within 20 yds everytime. Not one "experienced" shooter has ever asked what is the best gun for deer huntin? It`s always some newbie buying their 1st deer/elk rifle and the answer I give is always "which ever 270 or 30.06 they can afford that fits them best"

SHOOTALL · « **Reply #58 on:** August 28, 2012, 01:42:33 AM »

Quote from: Swampman on August 17, 2012, 02:01:57 PM

My choices are based on watching many failures in the field and at the range. That's why there are only two brands I'd recommend.

I hope we never shoot together nothing personal but ....................

I have hunted since age 8 , been in hunting clubs since my teens about 5 of them . A member of three shooting clubs etc. I shot in competition for years and have never seen anywhere near the numbers of failures you have had or seen.
I don't cuss a black cat or throw my hat on the bed either ...................

Lloyd Smale · « **Reply #59 on:** August 28, 2012, 02:32:54 AM »

I too have done a bit of shooting in my time

Probably have killed more whitetail with bolt guns then most too. the only bolt gun ive ever personaly witnessed fail was my 700 rem 7stw. earlier this year the extractor broke on it. Thing is is I doubt it would have ever happened if it would have been right when i got it. I bought it used. It had a rough chamber and brass would stick in it even at low pressures. Many times i had to use a plastic dead blow hammer to knock the bolt open. I dont know if it came that way and the guy who had it before sold it because of it or he managed to scratch it up. Remington refinished the chamber and put a new extractor or it and its worked great since. Ive yet to break or see broke any other part on a bolt gun. Maybe i live right.