Which Deer rifle??

[RIFLERACK31]

This is my very first post here! I am looking to buy my first deer rifle and want to know which i should get. For instance Bolt or Semi-auto? What caliber? Prices and availability on ammo for the gun. These are all factors i want to consider. I want to stay in the 400 dollar range, But who knows? I might splurge.

[lewdogg21]

Countless threads recently on this. Use the search feature and you will get much more information than the handful of replies to come.

[BinaryBoom]

I'm new here but when hunting I always go bolt.

[steveOsteezy]

For $400 you can pick up a Ruger American in .308, I haven't shot one but they seem like decent rifles for the price. If your fixing to get a semi them the SKS is an option, won't have the power or accuracy of a bolt action 308 but it will be fine for deer under 200 yards.

Brass cased range ammo is about the same price for .308 and 7.62x39 but you can get steel cased 7.62x39 for $250/1000 and spend plenty of time practicing with it at some ranges or out on BLM land.

[RIFLERACK31]

Ok looks like im favoring bolt action rifles. The Ruger in 308. sounds like an option. What about a 30-06? Or is there really any difference in a 308. or 30-06?

[BinaryBoom]

The ballistics of the .308 are more efficient for long range shooting. But hunting distances are usually shorter...depending on your location. Might look at some of the Savage offerings.

[Mr357magnum]

Ok looks like im favoring bolt action rifles. The Ruger in 308. sounds like an option. What about a 30-06? Or is there really any difference in a 308. or 30-06?

Also check out the Savage Axis line. They are pretty affordable and oftentimes come with a scope already on the gun. You don't need a high end scope for hunting.

In terms of 308 vs 3006, yes there is definitely a difference. 3006 has more options in terms of bullet weight. The 3006 will push a heavier bullet (say a 180 gr) faster than the 308 will in the same bullet. 3006 will do you well for anything in north america in general.

I always recommend 308 though for general hunting. It doesn't recoil to bad, the ammo is everywhere, and isnt quite as expensive as 3006. the 3006 is still good thought.

[RIFLERACK31]

Also check out the Savage Axis line. They are pretty affordable and oftentimes come with a scope already on the gun. You don't need a high end scope for hunting.

In terms of 308 vs 3006, yes there is definitely a difference. 3006 has more options in terms of bullet weight. The 3006 will push a heavier bullet (say a 180 gr) faster than the 308 will in the same bullet. 3006 will do you well for anything in north america in general.

I always recommend 308 though for general hunting. It doesn't recoil to bad, the ammo is everywhere, and isnt quite as expensive as 3006. the 3006 is still good thought.

Ok thanks! Is there any brand of rifle you prefer?

[RIFLERACK31]

The ballistics of the .308 are more efficient for long range shooting. But hunting distances are usually shorter...depending on your location. Might look at some of the Savage offerings.

i will thanks!

[glockman19]

My regular hunting rifle is a Remington 700 in .30-06. It is capable of taking all game in the northern hemisphere.
It really depends where and at what distances. Like the other thread on choosing caliber like choosing golf clubs based on the distance and the balls lie.

[Mr357magnum]

Ive actually never hunted, but if I were going to, I would honestly probably go with the savage axis in 308. Im pretty sure you can get one with a scope for maybe 450 before fees. The rifles are pretty lightweight, pretty basic rifles, but for hunting thats all you need. They have free floated barrels and I think they are very very accurate guns.

Now if you want to spend a little more money you could always go with a Remington 700, or one of the nicer Savage rifles (see savage website). Specifically, check out the Remington 700 SPS model. Its a synthetic stock model, pretty lightweight.

http://www.remington.com/products/firearms/centerfire/model-700/model-700-sps.aspx

They make it in a bunch of calibers. 243, 308, 270, or 3006 are all great deer rounds. 308 would be my choice, but they are all good. The 700 SPS will probably run you around 700, plus a scope will put you around 1,000 total probably...hence why i suggest the savage axis. but both are good platforms

[RIFLERACK31]

Ive actually never hunted, but if I were going to, I would honestly probably go with the savage axis in 308. Im pretty sure you can get one with a scope for maybe 450 before fees. The rifles are pretty lightweight, pretty basic rifles, but for hunting thats all you need. They have free floated barrels and I think they are very very accurate guns.

Now if you want to spend a little more money you could always go with a Remington 700, or one of the nicer Savage rifles (see savage website). Specifically, check out the Remington 700 SPS model. Its a synthetic stock model, pretty lightweight.

http://www.remington.com/products/firearms/centerfire/model-700/model-700-sps.aspx

They make it in a bunch of calibers. 243, 308, 270, or 3006 are all great deer rounds. 308 would be my choice, but they are all good. The 700 SPS will probably run you around 700, plus a scope will put you around 1,000 total probably...hence why i suggest the savage axis. but both are good platforms

Ya Ill look at the savage website from the posts looks like people like em. and for 450 with a scope sounds like a good rifle for the price. Thnks for the info!

[mofugly13]

A bolt action will be lighter to carry around than almost any semi auto. I have a Remington 700 in 30-06 that has served me well for 17 years, so that's what I recommend. You really can't go wrong with a .308 or 30-06. I think the only difference is when you want to start shooting bullets 180 grain and heavier, the edge goes to the 30-06.

[Toptuna]

Just go fully custom. It will cost you $5,000.

[Bowhunter_619]

Don't be afraid to buy a used rifle. You can get some pretty good deals if you look around.