Deer rifle recommendation

[babel]

I have a 10/22, but I'm looking to get into deer hunting.

The big box stores around me have a handful of budget options for Savage, Ruger, Remington, but I'm not sure if they're any good. I could probably spend about $700-800 including the scope.

Also, if you know any good gun stores in Orange County, I'd love to know!

[bambklr]

My best advice is use the search function on here .
This has been asked hundreds of time here and you will get some blow back for asking if you have not done some research
Good Luck

[CABilly]

I've really been wanting to find a nice pre-'64 Win M70 in .270.

That's what I want, so I'd recommend to you anything else. 6.5 Creedmoor seems to be pretty popular with the kids these days. .308 is a good all around round with availability and the benefit of versatility (used in battle as well as hunting weapons).

I have a CZ Safari Magnum 550 and I love all the features it has. .375 H&H is overkill for anything in the lower 48, though. Wouldn't mind one in .270, though.

I like .270 because it's a popular, proven round that shoots flat and makes things easier for me.

[WMG]

I have a 10/22, but I'm looking to get into deer hunting.

The big box stores around me have a handful of budget options for Savage, Ruger, Remington, but I'm not sure if they're any good. I could probably spend about $700-800 including the scope.

Also, if you know any good gun stores in Orange County, I'd love to know!

Define "good"
If you have experience with quality bolt guns .... you're likely to not feel you got a good rifle ...... but , since it seems you are new , sure a Ruger-Savage budget line would get you into the deer hunting woods easy enough.
Nothing wrong with either for that.

[duckman1]

Instead of buying a entry level rifle to see if you like it consider buying a more moderately priced rifle, they only cost a bit more and it's something you you are likely to keep for many years.

I have had great experience with the Remington Model 700 rifles. Later this week I'll be purchasing a Model 70 in .375 H&H my first Winchester.

[CVShooter]

Anything in .308 will do you just fine. If you handload, you can tone it down to 30-30 velocities or zip some lighter bullets out at near .243 speeds. I like my Mossberg MVP. I've also got a Savage Axis (budget line) in .223 that isn't near the quality but groups just like a Savage (very well). For your budget, something like a Savage Axis with a simple no-nonsense scope (2x7 or 3x9) like a budget leopold or even a cheaper compact UTG 3x9 (came with my air gun) would do you pretty well out to any reasonable distance for deer. On the other hand, getting something like a Mossberg MVP patrol (basic scout rifle concept) with the iron sights would get you a MUCH better rifle and still let you take shots out to 200 yards, which is more than enough for deer. If you need to take shots past 200 yards on deer, your rifle isn't the main limitation. You can add the scope later when funds permit.

[desert dog]

Any caliber between 243 and 30-06 is fine for deer in California. 6.5 to 270 is about perfect, and 308 and 30-06 can double as a deer-pig rifle.

For rifles;

* If on a budget, get the Tikka. The other "cheapy" rifles from Savage, Ruger, and Remington do not compare.

* If looking for better quality and features in the $1000 range, the Winchester M70 or the Sako A7 are hard to beat for a hunting rifle and should last you a lifetime.

* If you have the money to go beyond this, save more for a custom rifle. A good custom will out-shoot any off the shelf rifle.

[taperxz]

Bergara. Well priced, better than Tikka by a long shot and Tikka money. 30-06 is a one and done. (in case you ever decide to go out of state)

Rifle is about $850 glass can be about $350-$400 vari-x 3I keep this rifle for the rest of your life.

[Bagel_7]

Ruger American is a good budget gun and shoots great. Spend the rest on a good scope for it and you should be fine. Caliber is a different question and you will get different answers depending on who you ask. I shot a .308 for a good overall round, its too large for small game though. My wife shoots a 270 with a muzzle break for less kick. Good luck

[WyattandDoc]

What Desert Dog said.

[Divernhunter]

308win
Ruger American for excellent shooter entry level low cost.
Tikka if want a nicer but more cost-also excellent shooter.
As a low cost rifle also a savage

Now that you got the rifle be sure to put a Leupold 3x9x40 or 3.5x10x40 NON_AO Duplex reticle on it. Sight it 2.75" high at 100 yard and hold on the animal at any sensible range(400 yard or less) and you will have meat in the freezer. Do not get a 50mm objective lens as it will hurt your cheek weld.

Been working for myself and a lot of friends for many years and successful hunts in the USA and Africa.

[waterfern]

.416 weatherby magnum. Best deer round available. Its better if you dont actually try to hit the deer with the round because they have been known to vaporize in certain situations. Better to try and just have it whiz by them , let the shockwave from the round passing them drop them on the spot.

[ElvenSoul]

6.8 AR15

[Jeepergeo]

Ruger American in 30-06 and your are set for pretty much any big game in the US. Don't expect a $1500 scope and gun, but what you can expect is a very serviceable rifle and scope combination that will more than meet the needs of a new hunter.

[DSMeyer]

.416 weatherby magnum. Best deer round available. Its better if you dont actually try to hit the deer with the round because they have been known to vaporize in certain situations. Better to try and just have it whiz by them , let the shockwave from the round passing them drop them on the spot.

Dude! That's a $4k+ rifle without optics and ammo is $210 for a box of 20. I think your a bit over his budget.