Author Topic: Graduation Gift (Read 2552 times)

Big Al in Nebr · « **on:** November 18, 2008, 05:37:17 AM »

My oldest boy is graduating college this Spring and the wife and I would like to get him a rifle. He is an accomplished hunter and shoots better than the old man, but he is on the smaller side of things. He stands about 5'6" and weighs 150lbs on a good day. He is a wrestler so he can handle the recoil pretty well. What would be some good guns to look at for bear, elk and such that would be easy on the pocket book? Used is fine also, he prefers a classic wood and steel bolt action but I think he would be open to a lever as well. Any thoughts? Thanks in advance. Al

corbanzo · « **Reply #1 on:** November 18, 2008, 06:38:10 AM »

If you are looking for economics, finding a good used 30-06 usually isn't too hard, a 7mm mag also available. If you want a little bigger there are lots of 300 win mags around, but not as many as the -06 or the 7mag.

What does he have already?

Big Al in Nebr · « **Reply #2 on:** November 18, 2008, 08:03:33 AM »

He is wanting a big bore..He has a Win. Mod 70 Featherweight in 308 that has proven to be deadly in his hands..he shot 4 deer this last weekend with it. I'm thinking something .35 caliber or bigger. This for his college graduation, so he and I can make excuses to go to Alaska someday!

LONGTOM · « **Reply #3 on:** November 18, 2008, 09:35:00 AM »

If he likes big bores and likes a lever than maybe a 450marlin.

LONGTOM

S.E.Ak · « **Reply #4 on:** November 18, 2008, 11:16:55 AM »

Marlin L/A in 35Rem or 45/70 should do him for just about everything in the U.S.ofA.

deltecs · « **Reply #5 on:** November 18, 2008, 11:29:34 AM »

I wouldn'd rule out the .375 Ruger Alaskan. It is an all weather configuration though, yet has plenty of punch for all of NA game anywhere. Along with the open sights for back up it is a nice handling weapon and I think going to be around for a long time.

mcwoodduck · « **Reply #6 on:** November 18, 2008, 11:42:09 AM »

I have been hunting with a 308 for years and when I stepped up to a big-ish bore I went 338 Win Mag. I was always told that the 30 and under crown were small bore, and the over 40 crown was the big bore, leaving every thing in between as meduim. but most of the mediums are really great rounds.
Great elk, moose, and bear round, Almost 375H&H in power with out the recoil of the .375 H&H (I got one later). The 338 is offered in many bullet styles and weights and a lot of rounds are loaded for it. It does not blood shot meat like the light weight hi speed 7mm and 300's do. Sure 9.3 X 62 or 64 is neat but you would have to order the rounds and they are limited in offerings making it so he would have to reload.
A 45-70 or 450 guide gun by Marlin would be neat as a big bore rifle but it, even with the really hot loads, do not do what 338 will do over distance. The 338 will drop only 7 to 8.5 inches at 300 yards when sighted in to 200 yards. The hot 7' and 300's will drop 6.5 to 8 inches depending on bullet weight. Since it is a popular round there are many rifles offered in it from single shots to semi auto's and that may mean it could be found in the used racks of your local stores. Winchester is making the M70 again and it may be easy for him to have one of those in 338 so both rifles will work the same and he will not have to think about opperation of the rifle in the field. The other reason to go with 338 if he has a 308 is both bullets are moving just about the same speed and he will not have to think about leading the deer or elk.
Congradulation to your son. What is his degree in? What does he want to do?

S.E.Ak · « **Reply #7 on:** November 18, 2008, 11:52:49 AM »

It depends if you like shooting game or hunting game.I prefer to go home empty if I can't hunt the game.JMHO
I agree the Alaskan is a good looking weapon.

Big Al in Nebr · « **Reply #8 on:** November 19, 2008, 04:17:56 AM »

Thanks for the help! It will give us lots of fun looking!! Darn, guess I'll just "have to" hit the gun stores and show.

His degree is in construction management, and he already has a good job waiting for him. This is one kid that has things figured out.

gstewart44 · « **Reply #9 on:** November 19, 2008, 04:37:11 AM »

I guess it would depend on what distances he would be hunting. If it is 200 yds and less, the Marlin Guide Gun in 45/70 is economical and easy to carry and shoulder. Ammo is everywhere from mild to wild.

If he is looking at ranges greater than 200 yds, the 375 H&H or 375 Ruger in a Ruger bolt are usually very affordable. these two rounds will take anything on the planet at distance.

corbanzo · « **Reply #10 on:** November 19, 2008, 09:45:26 PM »

Look at a CZ-550 america safari, great guns, especially for the price. They make them up to the .458 lott. I have one, and it is an awesome gun.

I was thinking of doing a .375 before I went with the .458.

I think in a .375 mag would not be a bad present at all.

gwindrider1 · « **Reply #11 on:** November 30, 2008, 04:06:30 PM »

I agree with Corbanzo on CZ being the best for the money, but if economy is an issue, a standard CZ 550 in 9.3x62 chambering costs less than the Safari Magnum, and is more appropriately sized for someone of your son's stature. 9.3x62 is a very capable round! It will cleanly take large animals, and recoil with 286 grn. bullets is tolerable.

Sweetwater · « **Reply #12 on:** November 30, 2008, 04:48:05 PM »

Lots of great guns offered here!!
My son inherited his Grandfather's Custom 30-06. He's a happy camper! At 6'3" and 230lbs, he just finished high school and was on the wrestling team. Doesn't know it, but I'm putting together a 35Whelen with him in mind. He's in college now. I've got 3 years to get it done. Think I can accomplish that. LOL

Good luck on your search!! Nothing like a 'long box' under the Christmas tree!!

Regards, Sweetwater

jro45 · « **Reply #13 on:** December 01, 2008, 02:08:36 AM »

Myself I would go with the 300 Win Mag. I took my 300 RUM to Africa and shot 4 different animals with it and all were killed I used the Partition 200 gr.

jpuke · « **Reply #14 on:** December 01, 2008, 02:41:41 AM »

When I graduated from college back in 2004 my dad gave me enough cash that I bought a Marlin 1895 in 45/70 (22" barrel). Great gun!

BBF · « **Reply #15 on:** December 01, 2008, 12:47:51 PM »

I have had the 450 Guide and I weigh 230+lb and that gun pushed me around.
I would look for a 35 Whelen for him. In a lever gun I would recommend a 444. not near as fierce as a 450 and a lot more power then wimpy 45-70 factory loads

mcwoodduck · « **Reply #16 on:** December 02, 2008, 05:45:56 AM »

BBF,
Whimpy 45-70???
There are Buffalo Bore loads for it that are hotter than the 450 Marlin in terms of speed, bullet weight and energy.
If you are going to go with the Marlin guide gun that can handle the hot loads, 45-70 would be the choice.
There are Trapdoor loads for deer, Black bear, and plinking.
There are the warm loads for Elk, and Moose.
There are pointed bullets for longer shots like Antelope and Mule Deer.
And then there are the Buffalo Bore Hot loads that are well into the bottom end of the 458 Win mag class that are for.....
Excaped T Rex from Jurassic Park, Circus elephant gone crazy, Rino loose and running around the school yard from the Zoo or stolen tank from the army base. Ok not the tank.
I have a Marlin 1895 from the 70's that can not shoot the buffalo bore stuff as it is not strong enough but my bolt action and the Ruger No 3 I had are, and all I can say is wow! That smarts. I too am 230+ pounds and not usually recoil impaired.

BBF · « **Reply #17 on:** December 02, 2008, 11:17:46 AM »

When I wrote about wimpy loads that was meant for the standard Rem,Win and Fed loads. I know about the other ones and I also saw the price for that stuff.

The only Factory ammo that is in the middle range and doesn't cost you a days of grocceries for a box of twenty is the Hornady LE.
I do have a Handi in 45-70 but would not consider it an all around rifle.

The guy that gets the rifle doesn't weigh 230 lb either

mcwoodduck · « **Reply #18 on:** December 02, 2008, 12:09:49 PM »

mcwoodduck · « **Reply #19 on:** December 02, 2008, 12:13:04 PM »

I still think the guy would be better off getting his son a meduim bore like 338 Win Mag, 338-06, or 9.3X62. The latter for those who want to relaod.

efremtags · « **Reply #20 on:** December 03, 2008, 02:40:43 PM »

Since this is a big bore forum, it can't be a measly 30 cal!!!

45/70 is a good choice, ammo is pretty cheap at 26-32 a box. There are not that many big-bore calibers with ammo that cheap. The gun is practical out to 200 yards which is where the majority of all game are killed.

30-06 is the best all around really, but we can't discuss that here....so many choices with this one.

Westbound · « **Reply #21 on:** December 30, 2008, 07:15:14 AM »

I may be chiming in a little late.
i would lean toward the 45-70 in a levergun.
Factory loads are readily available and will work great on deer, elk, black bear, etc.
premium ammo (for lack of a better term) is a little pricey, but will kill anything in north america.
the only con is the range. I don't know where your son will hunt, so i don't know what ranges he will shoot.

the handloading options are more than plentiful, with loads suited for rabbit up to elephant.

I've killed paper targets with the buffalo bore 405 grain moving at 2000 fps. it has some kick to it, but should handle any game you are likely to encounter. i have yet to get a critter with them.

BBF · « **Reply #22 on:** December 31, 2008, 02:59:22 AM »

one more comes to mind besides a 338 Win Mag which I think is a great round and that would be the new(er) 325 WSM. Neither are Big Bores but certainly more then the 30-06.

GrassLakeRon · « **Reply #23 on:** December 31, 2008, 03:48:18 AM »

Al,

When I graduated from College, my mom bought me a Ruger M77 Mark 2 All Weather in 30-06. I love that rifle. She figured where ever I hunt the stainless would hold up well........Congrats on get him through, and good luck on your quest.

Ron

mcwoodduck · « **Reply #24 on:** December 31, 2008, 05:14:18 AM »

We all want to know what you ended up getting him.

handirifle · « **Reply #25 on:** January 01, 2009, 07:13:57 AM »

Get the man something different, yet more powerful. One not so powerful as to make him recoil shy, and still VERY effective on elk at 300yds.

The 35 Whelen!

Here's a Rem 750 semi auto
http://gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=119757572

But if Bolts are his thing, nothing beats the Rem 700
http://gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=119401029

You will never run out of brass cause you can just neck up a 30-06, it will launch a 250gr bullet with authority, and is respected world wide. This one has a little over a day left, with no bids (not mine or anyone I know) and starting at under $600. That sounds like a bargin to me, these days.

dpe.ahoy · « **Reply #26 on:** January 03, 2009, 02:34:09 PM »

How far is he going to be shooting at game? 444 Marlin is a very good round as is many of the others mentioned here. The new 338 Marlin looks pretty interesting as well. I LOVE shopping for guns for my kids, if they don't like em, I keep what I bought them and go looking again.

DP

BBF · « **Reply #27 on:** January 04, 2009, 05:31:20 AM »

Is Barnes still offering their Original styles in 458. I recall seeing a Spitzer type bullet there?

jro45 · « **Reply #28 on:** January 04, 2009, 07:44:30 AM »

The 338 Win would be a fine rifle also, I have the 338 RUM and its a fine rifle.

Ron Miller · « **Reply #29 on:** January 04, 2009, 11:15:38 AM »

Rifle fit is like underwear. First the fit is the most important thing. Then think about what he make be shooting with it and how far.

Now in Nebraska you've got some long shots that can be made.

With that said, I just love my 7mm RM. I call her Rabbit, just because it seems she will hit what I'm looking at in the thick or in the open.

Now she ain't my favorite, that would be Thumper my 300 WM.