I'M SO CONFUUUUUSED...... OH WELL....

[DavOh]

I've been racking my brain for 6 months now wrestling with what new rifle to get.... It's been an up and down back and forth rollercoaster and I've still no firm decision on which to get... I guess it's a good thing the funds have been just as elusive... hehe.... Anyways here's the list of rifles I've considered pretty well chronological order...

Browning A Bolt Hunter
Remington 700 BDL
TC Encore
NEF Handi
Ruger M77 MkII
Savage
Stevens
Marlin 336
Savage
Stevens
Browning BLR
Savage 99
And various repeats and small differences in models....

And don't even get me started on the caliber debate... but at least I've pretty well narrowed that one down to a hand full... Any of which would do fine...

It's just crazy... seems like the market can't really support all this stuff If it's really shrinking like everyone says...

Guess I'll just give up and make do with ol' reliable Remington 788 (vintage early 1970's) in .308win...  :-D  

Maybe focus my stellar decision making skills on which bow to buy so I can get back into bowhunting... lol... here we go again....

[Double D]

Yeah left a whole bunch of stuff out like why...why do you want a new rifle. What are you going to use it for?

Give us some criteria to help you decide.  We will all have a different opinion and only our opinion will be right!  :-D

[PA-Joe]

First off, what is your primary use: self-defense, hunting, target or plinking.
If hunting does your state have any restictions like centerfire only or no semi-autos?
Is this your first gun and will you be using it alone or with your dad/mom?

Then you have to start with the basics: bolt, lever or single shot. Your list contains a mixture of everthing. Start by narrowing the list to bolt, single or lever.

Singles are good for first guns, they are cheap and easily resold.
Bolts are next.
Levers have more moving parts and are subject to more weather related problems.

After that your selection will be based on the price you can afford. Remember you are going to need a $200.00 scope, a set of $75.00 rings and a $25.00 sling.

[DavOh]

The main reason for wanting a new rifle is just the "new rifle smell" so to speak...  
however, My dad has my old remington at his place up near Carthage (6 1/2 to 7 hr drive), and I'm not sure if I'll be able to go get it... bit of a long story there... Now that I'm 24 and starting a family of my own, I'm feeling the need to have "my own stuff"

Use for the rifle will be Whitetail and Hogs hunting, with the occasional coyote or bobcat. I'm not one to shoot for hides so I'm not worried about overkill on the small stuff. Ranges from 50-250+ yds with the majority being between 100 and 200 yds. I'm a firm beleiver that a person should be 100% familiar with their weapon, so target and plinking is in there just for shucks and giggles. Wouldnt use a rifle for self defence(unless I just happened to have it handy) for alot of reasons. Remington 870 12 ga does is about perfect for home protection in a suburban environment and racking that shell in the chamber with the slide action does wonders in the psychological warfare department. hehe

I just like guns period, so I like all action styles.  Bolt guns though just seem to cry out "DEER RIFLE" to me, since that's what I was raised on. Same with the good 'ol Mahlin Thutty Thutty. I've never really needed the extra shells in the magazine so that's Why I thought of the single-shooters.... Semi autos aren't really my idea of a hunting weapon, but I wouldnt mind having a AR-15 .223 someday... but not right now.

All in all, I will probably end up with 1 or two of each type action, just for fun, at some point in my life. However, I know the phrase "beware the man with one gun" well... My dad hunted with that ol' 788 for nearly 30 years before giving it to me, and he has always been the "go-to guy" for venison for my entire family... It pays to be familiar with your weapon... I really shouldnt think this way cause I'll talk myself out of buying that new rifle I was talking about!  

My scope is already picked out... Leupold VX-II 3-9x40... Runs about $300... I'm not a label primadonna, but I do have a very high opinion of Leupold. Buy a $200 rifle and put a $300 Leupold on it... Quality optics are a necessity, not an accessory.

Texas is pretty well wide open when it comes to rifles and whitetail, as long as it is centerfire, if I remember correctly.

[Gregory]

Here's your list in the order I like:

Browning A Bolt Hunter
Savage
Stevens
Browning BLR
Marlin 336
Savage 99
Ruger M77 MkII
Remington 700 BDL
TC Encore
NEF Handi


25/05, 7mm-08, .270, .243 would be at the top oif the list.
30/30 or 250-3000 in the Marlin or Savage levers

[Zachary]

I've been racking my brain for 6 months now wrestling with what new rifle to get.... It's been an up and down back and forth rollercoaster and I've still no firm decision on which to get... I guess it's a good thing the funds have been just as elusive... hehe.... Anyways here's the list of rifles I've considered pretty well chronological order...

Browning A Bolt Hunter
Remington 700 BDL
TC Encore
NEF Handi
Ruger M77 MkII
Savage
Stevens
Marlin 336
Savage
Stevens
Browning BLR
Savage 99
And various repeats and small differences in models....

Tikka is not on your list?

[poncaguy]

Stevens 200 for great low cost rifle, Ruger 77 for a rifle to be proud of.........

[myarmor]

Daveoh, you sound a lot like me in a way...you just plan out like firearms!  
Nothing wrong with that either. I love my bolt actions as well as I love my single shots too. However in the recent past year or so I have developed an attachment to my little NEF/H&R Handi rifles. They are just to versitile, accurate, and an excellent value to pass up for me. Why not have a rifle that is an Varmint getter with a 24" bull barrel 223 and then in 1min switch to a deer/elk/hog rifle the next in 26" 280, 22" short 30-06, or even the 45-70 Thumper? Then put a rifled slug barrel on for close up thick brush hunting, or switch to a 24" 3 1/2 chamber for Turkey or other foul? Thats what I love about the versitility of them. And extra barrels only cost about $110 or so for centerfire barrel, and less for shotgun. Also being able to get the most out of a hunting season with an added Muzzle loader barrel.

Still the confidence and strength of a good bolt is a very desirable feature.  For a lot of people the peace of mind of an extra 3 or so rounds in the Mag is a comfort, but I never really need such a quick follow up shot for what I hunt. A good bolt action just feels very natural to me, being raised on them. And you can always (with the extra money and time of course ) use the action for a project. Be it dream Target  or Hunting rifle.
It's all in what you can afford and what you are willing to spend.


-Aaron :toast:

[Slamfire]

Starting a family, and spending $300 on a scope, you definitely NEED a $200 rifle. I think either the Stevens or new Mossberg would be just about right. 7mm-08'd be about the best cartridge for you, as the .260 ain't available in those rifles.  

[Cheesehead]

You say you don't mind a single shot. An Encore is one gun and many guns all in one. It could save you money in the long run. You can buy barrels and stocks over the counter and use them instantly. So many options with this "system".

Cheese

[vernonp]

Of the ones you mentioned I like the Savage best.

[jvs]

Find the Special Run Remington 7600 Pump in .35 Whelen.  In the long run, you won't be sorry you bought it now.

[poncaguy]

Start with the Stevens, then the Handi's, you will be very happy!

[DavOh]

Tikka is not on your list?

Nope... no Tikka... I'm not a fan of foreign rifles... Thats the main reason the browning has been all but completely shunned...  

In my humble opinion, if I can find a domestically made product that is as good or better than a foreign one, I'm better off for it.

Besides, I've been shooting that old Rem 788 for a decade now and it's like those comfortable old tennis-shoes that just feel right. :grin:

[one eye joe]

My personal opinion would lean towards the Ruger and the Encore. The Ruger will probably need a trigger job, but it is a nice rifle that looks and feels good. IMO the Savage is ugly and clubby feeling, but they are accurate. I have thought about the Encore, but can't justify the price, even with the quick caliber change availability. I have been generally happy with the Ruger's that I have owned. Have an old (1968 model) Remington 700 that is a heck of a gun. Just get the one that feels best to you and don't worry about what the experts tellyou is best. The "experts" said the 788 shouldn't be accurate because of the rear locking lugs. They were wrong.