Buying My First Rifle

[Alex_bassman]

Hey guys I just turned 18 today and Im looking into buying a rifle but i dont want to break the bank. Any recomendations for a decent rifle under $300? I already have a few shotguns and i dont want anymore.

[Rich.]

A Ruger 10/22 is a staple for just about any gun owner. If you want something with a little more "bang" check out a Mosin Nagant, they can be had for around $100, ammo is cheap, and they are fun to shoot.

[HeavyDluxe]

We wound up buying a Marlin 795 (.22lr, semiautomatic, mag fed) for our first starter gun.  It's been very good for us for the price (<$150).  Ruger's 10/22 is pretty much the all-American .22lr, though.

 

Depending on the kind of shooting you're interested in, a couple other options:

• Savage makes some very, very good bolt-action .22lr (the MkII series) in varying configurations.  They are fantastic rifles.
• If you're looking for bigger, centerfire calibers, the best bets I think are to be found in used gear.  If you really must buy new, Ruger's American Rifle is a great place to start.  Savage, similarly, has a competitor entry bolt-action hunting rifle that's very good.

 

Mossberg and others all have quality items out there... So, set your price point, pick your caliber, and then go with a 'name brand' gun and you won't go far wrong.

 

 

ed:  oops, here's a PS - the Mosin Nagant is a great, cheap rifle and ammo is still pretty available.  They do kick like a mule (essentially a Russian 30-06) and are not know for accuracy.  So, just know your purpose.

[clayton86]

If you want a hunting rifle check out the marlin X series rifles or a savage axis or Stevens they are all in the 300 range. I have the marlin and love it.

[jhoffman]

We need intention first

[Raider Nation Fisher]

Depends on what your hunting.

Since you haven't said, I will throw out some recommendations.

For squirrel and small game, including southern coyotes. A 17HMR is hard to beat. Its a small bullet smaller than a .22 is. However it is a .22 magnum necked down to a .17. Despite its size it does very bad things to small furry animals. Plus ammo is plentiful and cheaper than .22. Most .17 rifles can be had for under 300. Don't think I've ever seen a semi auto, though that isn't to say there is not one. I've just never seen one.

Medium game. A .223 is what most people I know use. Some use it for coon and coyote. I think its overkill but to each his own. I've seen the bolt actions new for around 300. Semi auto is usually a few hundred more expensive.

Deer and larger game. My preference is a Remington 700 tactical chambered in .308 with a nice fat bull barrel.I've never had an issue with it not being enough rifle for a deer. There are other calibers that might work as well or better. This again is just my preference. A 7mm magnum is not a bad choice either. I might take mine out once in a blue moon if im not in the mood for my bows or my .308s. The Remington is more on the pricey side. However if you look around they can be found for around 300 used. It takes a lot of looking though. The 7mmm mag. I got from dicks sporting goods, 6 years ago for around 350. Take that for what its worth.

Bear. Apparently a .308 is not a good choice for brown or grizzly bear. I was informed of that last year. As one of our members so eloquently put it. The bear is very likely to uhhhh... insert it into a body cavity. So make sure to file off the front sight. If this is the size game you want to hunt its gonna cost you more than 300 dollars. So ya might want to save up.

Hope this helps.

[clayton86]

Depends on what your hunting.

Since you haven't said, I will throw out some recommendations.

For squirrel and small game, including southern coyotes. A 17HMR is hard to beat. Its a small bullet smaller than a .22 is. However it is a .22 magnum necked down to a .17. Despite its size it does very bad things to small furry animals. Plus ammo is plentiful and cheaper than .22. Most .17 rifles can be had for under 300. Don't think I've ever seen a semi auto, though that isn't to say there is not one. I've just never seen one.

Medium game. A .223 is what most people I know use. Some use it for coon and coyote. I think its overkill but to each his own. I've seen the bolt actions new for around 300. Semi auto is usually a few hundred more expensive.

Deer and larger game. My preference is a Remington 700 tactical chambered in .308 with a nice fat bull barrel.I've never had an issue with it not being enough rifle for a deer. There are other calibers that might work as well or better. This again is just my preference. A 7mm magnum is not a bad choice either. I might take mine out once in a blue moon if im not in the mood for my bows or my .308s. The Remington is more on the pricey side. However if you look around they can be found for around 300 used. It takes a lot of looking though. The 7mmm mag. I got from dicks sporting goods, 6 years ago for around 350. Take that for what its worth.

Bear. Apparently a .308 is not a good choice for brown or grizzly bear. I was informed of that last year. As one of our members so eloquently put it. The bear is very likely to uhhhh... insert it into a body cavity. So make sure to file off the front sight. If this is the size game you want to hunt its gonna cost you more than 300 dollars. So ya might want to save up.

Hope this helps.

They make semi 17hmrs most have been recalled and are no longer made. One that I'm pretty certain is still in production is around $1800 last time I looked built on a beefed up ruger 10/22 action.

[Raider Nation Fisher]

They make semi 17hmrs most have been recalled and are no longer made. One that I'm pretty certain is still in production is around $1800 last time I looked built on a beefed up ruger 10/22 action.

Well I'll be. I honestly never even thought to look for one.

[clayton86]

I want it when I win the lotto it would be a coon slaying machine when calling coons

[Raider Nation Fisher]

Soon as they fix the issues with the bolt closing. I just read that the reason for recall was, firing before the bolt is closed. Once they fix that issue I will be all over it.

Heck, send me one when you win the lotto.

I want it when I win the lotto it would be a coon slaying machine when calling coons

[jhoffman]

I personally have owned quite a few rifles over the years and settled on two. A .243 and an inline .50cal muzzleloader. Im more of a one shot one kill type of guy than lay lead. The .50 opens a world of opportunity that isnt there with center fire rifles. Its also the most beautiful gun I have ever owned... cva kodiak pro 209 in laminate with stainless, picture below. I traded a gun I paid much less for for this gun with a nikon bdc scope. When I say it opens opportunities.... you cant use center fire rifles in certain states, theres special seasons in others, certain areas of certain states dont allow center fire due to high populations. I wanted a gun I could take anywhere that would handle anything from a whitetail to a bear.

 

http://www.gunsamerica.com/UserImages/113036/929609888/wm_1592768.jpg

[Raider Nation Fisher]

I personally have owned quite a few rifles over the years and settled on two. A .243 and an inline .50cal muzzleloader. Im more of a one shot one kill type of guy than lay lead. The .50 opens a world of opportunity that isnt there with center fire rifles. Its also the most beautiful gun I have ever owned... cva kodiak pro 209 in laminate with stainless, picture below. I traded a gun I paid much less for for this gun with a nikon bdc scope. When I say it opens opportunities.... you cant use center fire rifles in certain states, theres special seasons in others, certain areas of certain states dont allow center fire due to high populations. I wanted a gun I could take anywhere that would handle anything from a whitetail to a bear.

http://www.gunsamerica.com/UserImages/113036/929609888/wm_1592768.jpg

That is a beautiful rifle. Almost makes me want a muzzle loader.

Not sure I would go after a bear with it. I think once I get the opportunity to hunt Mr. Bear I'm taking my .338 or .50BMG. Ain't real keen on fuzzy wuzzy possibly getting up.

[jhoffman]

It shoots a 250 grain shockwave, plenty of knock down. I dont know if I would hunt a grizz with it without a backup but a black bear is no issue. I can go up to 350 grains.

[Raider Nation Fisher]

It shoots a 250 grain shockwave, plenty of knock down. I dont know if I would hunt a grizz with it without a backup but a black bear is no issue. I can go up to 350 grains.

I forgot about black bears. Sounds like they can pack some ummph. Before its all said and done I may look into one.

[200racing]

.22-marlin model 60

 

bigger- marlin 336 in 30-30 or similar lever action centerfire.

[BassAddict1911]

What are you looking to hunt? Or do you want it for just a plinker rifle?

[tdown1207]

Remington 783! or the Ruger American if you are wanting a versitile modern rifle that can do it all these 2 are perfect.  The Remington 783 combines all of the tech from ruger, marilin, and thomson center into one awesome package. 

[clayton86]

The 783 is the marlin X7 with Remington's name on it. Remington bought marlin a few years ago. Last I seem on my gun forums the X7 and 783 are dang near identical.