Hunting / Target Rifle

[Dan:]

I know lots of you guys hunt. I was thinking about getting a rifle and was hoping I could get some advice. I want something that I can do a lot of target shooting with and also some hunting. (Mostly small-medium game, maybe deer if I can). I have never shot before. I don't want to spend more than $400. Can you guys give me some decent calibers and models to look at that fit these criteria?

[Catt]

243 Winchester

Light enough for all around target shooting and heavy enough for deer hunting  

[Hookemdown.]

243 Winchester

Light enough for all around target shooting and heavy enough for deer hunting  

x2

There isn't another cartridge that i can think of that meats those requirements. I shot my biggest deer with  my 243.  (I hunt with a .270 now)

[tbird]

I agree, the 243 is an excellent varmit/deer cartridge and is inherently accurate.

[Maxximus Redneckus]

Try out a short action  a 308 comes to mind u can use it for anything and who knows maybe one day u will handload ur own and try bear or elk later in life remington makes a good gun for this with a scope already on it wal mart has um for 398 a model 710

[Dan:]

yeah, I was thinking a 243 or a 270 would probably be what I want. Any more make/model suggestions for those calibers?

[Gatorbassman]

The description of what kind of gun you want spells out only one cal. 243. You will enjoy it.

[PaparockArk]

If you can find a good used Remington 700 rifle in .308, .270, or .30-06 and you should be set for most shooting and hunting situations as they are the most used and chosen all-round hunting cartridges that you will be able to find that will not cost you a fortune to buy. The .30-06 is usually the limit most people can handle in the recoil department without getting into trouble with recoil. The .308 and .270 kick less and work great on deer. If you have doubts about recoil go to a gun range as hunting season is approaching and ask if those with the rifles in the calibers you are interested in will allow you to fire a couple of rounds. You want enough gun but you do not want to over gun your ability to handle the recoil as shooting it accurately is far more important than caliber size.  If you are mostly going to be shooting at the range and then a little deer hunting as mentioned a .243 will work also. Depending on your budget you can get something like a T/C Pro Hunter single shot with interchangeable barrels. With that you can get a .22 LR barrel for cheap practice and then any caliber barrel you want to hunt with to start and perhaps move up to larger cartridges later by simply just purchasing a new barrel and not a whole new rifle. You have to try things and find out what fits you, what you like, and what works for you and your budget.  I hope that helped some and not just confused you. Just take your time.

[burleytog]

Remington Mdl 700 in 243 Win.

Quite a few WalMarts across the country are currently clearancing their 700ADL's.  They can be had for around $300 if you find the right location.  Top it with a Bushnell ($200 or so) 3200 Elite and you're ready to go.

Or, if that is a little much $$, check out the H&R Handi-Rifle.  Can be had for around $175.

One thing to consider with any choice is the ever increasing price of ammunition.  3 years ago I was paying $9/100 rds of 9mm, now I'm paying $15.  Centerfire rifle ammo has gone skyhigh.  I haven't shot my AR's in a long time due to 223 going over $250/1000.

[Siebert Outdoors]

I'm a .308 win fan.  So thats what I would recommend.

[AnthonyRSS]

Savage makes a good accurate rifle in that price range.  The Remington 700 is a time proven design and will not let you down.  The H&R Handi-Rifles are accurate and pretty cheap.  Leaves more money for good glass.  

I concur on the .243

Anthony

[flechero]

I would consider the distances you will shoot.  Most modern manufactured rifles, with decent ammo will shoot 1" or better groups at 100 yds.  Most shooters can't do that but the guns will.  Any caliber mentioned above can do that.  I do like the .243 for you if you need to do both with one rifle.

[fishbear]

I am a fan of both the .308 and the 7mm-08.  Both are excellent calibers, I also love the 257 Roberts.  All will knock a deer flat, out to 300 yds. with practice.  

I have become a fan of the Single Shot rifles as well, the New England Firearms, or the Thompson Contender,  to name  a couple.  Although, Ruger, makes a great bolt action rifle as well, in that price range.

[Dan:]

Thanks for all the advice guys, I knew I would get some informed answers here. I'm going to check with my grandpa who I know has either a .243 or a .270 to see if he might be willing to part with it. Hopefully he will because as a college student I don't have the money to buy one as of now but hopefully will by next summer.