Author Topic: First Rifle (Read 1718 times)

Kotupod · « **on:** December 02, 2005, 05:08:30 PM »

Ok, i'm buying my first rifle, and if you all would help i'd like it alot. The rifle will be used for white tail deer hunting. I was thinking one of the Browning A-Bolts, Tikka T3 Lite Stainless, Winchester m70, or something like that. Around 600 bucks is my limit. I was looking at the Tikka and I liked everything except the plastic magazine. The Browning was my second choice, and I really havn't looked at the Win. I could use your help, i'm bad with decisions. The Browning was good looking and had a smooth action, but it was a little more expensive. I like the Tikka because it was also extremely smooth, cheeper even with stainless, and also sharp looking. Opinions PLEASE.
Thanks

-Jon

Redhawk1 · « **Reply #1 on:** December 02, 2005, 05:16:56 PM »

First off welcome to Graybeard. I have a Tikka in 300 win mag, don't let the plastic magazines bother you. I went to Alaska with mine and had no problems and scored on a nice Caribou at 300 yards. I also have a Browning A-bolt in 338 Win Mag and one in 243. Both are great guns. It boils down to what you like, you have to be happy with it.

Kotupod · « **Reply #2 on:** December 02, 2005, 05:39:12 PM »

Hum... Lol.. Well..

Norseman112 · « **Reply #3 on:** December 02, 2005, 05:51:57 PM »

well all three choices would be good ones, I have new model 70 Win in 270 short mag and I like it alot. If the only hunting you will do is whitetail 25-06 up to 30-06 are great choices ( yes I know there are more). I use my 25-06 for whitetails and mule deer with no problems and I can load it down for yotes.

Good luck in your choice.

John

Kotupod · « **Reply #4 on:** December 02, 2005, 05:58:02 PM »

Yes, I was also thinking 270 or 30-06

Kotupod · « **Reply #5 on:** December 02, 2005, 06:11:39 PM »

My mom doesn't like the plastic magazine... she says it will NOT last a lifetime.. and if it does break the model would have changed, and it wouldn't be able to be repaired. I beg to differ.. Oh, I haven't heard good things about the rem's quality lately, so i'd prefer not to get one right now. Thanks Anyways

Kotupod · « **Reply #6 on:** December 02, 2005, 06:22:00 PM »

Haha, well i'd much rather hear good things about them than get one and be sorry. I'm extremely careful..

45north · « **Reply #7 on:** December 02, 2005, 06:43:10 PM »

I have a few questions first. That $ 600.00 you have to spend is that just for the rifle or does that include the scope, or do you plan on using just open sights. Because $ 1000.00 is a little closer to the cost of a good rifle and scope outfit.
As this is your first rifle I would recommend that you go down to your local shooting club and try as many as you can before you put money down on a rifle. A rifle that looks good in the store my not feel good the first time you yank that trigger. The more you shoot different rifles and different calibers. The easier it will be to choose what works best for you and the type of hunting you will be doing.

Good luck
45north

JJ79 · « **Reply #8 on:** December 02, 2005, 06:50:55 PM »

Quote from: Kotupod

My mom doesn't like the plastic magazine... she says it will NOT last a lifetime.. and if it does break the model would have changed, and it wouldn't be able to be repaired. I beg to differ.. Oh, I haven't heard good things about the rem's quality lately, so i'd prefer not to get one right now. Thanks Anyways

I wouldn't worry about that magazine...Tikkas are some of the finest made rifles around, especially for the amount of money you pay for them.

I haven't owned a Tikka or Browning, but its common knowledge that they're very well-made guns.

I do have a Winchester model 70, and would NEVER part with it...you wouldn't go wrong if you got one.

All that said if I were choosing from the guns you've listed, I'd get the Tikka in .270...I'm just waiting on them to chamber one in .25 WSSM before I get one myself!!

mountainview · « **Reply #9 on:** December 02, 2005, 06:53:53 PM »

Kot, look at the Savage line as an alternative. For a lot less than 600 shekels you'd be able to get a fine rifle and have enough of yur budget left over to put good quality optics up on top and get some ammo to boot.

Kotupod · « **Reply #10 on:** December 02, 2005, 07:00:58 PM »

I've seen the Savage, but my mom is buying the gun and she doesn't trust them for some reason. I dunno. Can you buy a metal mag. for the Tikka? If you can, i'd jump on it in a second..

kenscot · « **Reply #11 on:** December 03, 2005, 01:56:32 AM »

For Whitetails I like the light weigth easy to carry Browning Abolts in
7mm-08. Sure worked for me this season

Redhawk1 · « **Reply #12 on:** December 03, 2005, 02:04:03 AM »

Quote from: Kotupod

I've seen the Savage, but my mom is buying the gun and she doesn't trust them for some reason. I dunno. Can you buy a metal mag. for the Tikka? If you can, i'd jump on it in a second..

If you are so concerned with the plastic mag, buy a couple of them and be done with it. I have 2, one I use in the gun and one for back up. But I think I will never have to worry about the one I use unless I lost it.

Also you asked for advice on these guns, but you have nothing good to say about any of them. We talk from experience, you reply back from what you heard. I think experience outweighs your hear say.

If the Browning A-bolt worked for you then stick with it. :roll:

mikemayberry · « **Reply #13 on:** December 03, 2005, 02:29:11 AM »

I would only add that your $600 would go much further with a thorough search for a used gun with optics. Perhaps a retiring shooter in your community would sell his deer rifle with optics to you and you might be able to get a true classic rather than one with too much plastic for your tastes. Sounds like your mom is wanting you to get something that will last you a lifetime and if you shop carefully, you might just find one.

Classified ads in the paper would be one way but I think going to the local gun club and asking around would be the best.

Good luck to you!

Mike

1911crazy · « **Reply #14 on:** December 03, 2005, 02:50:59 AM »

mikemayberry said it as i was thinking it. If we think about how much a hunting rifle gets used and we pay big bucks for it too in the beginning we we buy brand new. Since i'm older and much smarter now(55) I think more in the mines of used rifles now. Since hunting season is almost over the used rack will be full soon of new rifles that were used only one season. Right now is the time to get a great buy on a used rifle still in new condition. You can be a smart shopper and spread your $600 into a few rifles. You can get a used 30-06 maybe in a savage scoped and an sks or shotgun too and have some cash left over for accessories or ammo. You never know what you will find priced right in the used gun rack in your local gun shop. Or in your local bargain paper too. You may find an older remington being sold thats affordable too. Time is on your side right now with most of the hunting seasons are just about over. And remember looks aren't everything if they can't shoot accurately. I lean more towards synthetic stocks for hunting because they can take the wet weather and don't get scratched so easy they take a beating and still look good.

If only new will do the new Mossberg ATR is a good one too its a no frills get you in the woods cheap hunting rifle most of the Walmarts have them. From what others who have purchased them hitting the "X" ring with them is no problem and they are a quality rifle thats affordable too. I have an older 30-06 mossberg and its been a great rifle for over 34 years and still shoots great to this day. I have the new mossberg on my wish list because my older one is a collectable now. In the lower price range the mossberg has to be the best buy and the most bang for our buck right now.

Brithunter · « **Reply #15 on:** December 03, 2005, 02:55:38 AM »

Oh dear............ Oh dear, some one does not want to risk their money on a dodgy Remington :eek: and Just Some Guy gets out of his pram. :roll:

Hey it's their money and I wouldn't buy a Remington either :wink: now so it's a present and Mum is paying so she calls the shots and Mum does not like plastic OK.

Now Kotupod,

Take a look for an Older Tikka like a Whitetail hunter, I have seen some offered NIB only a little while ago. The model #was 695 I believe. Your Mum seems to have ideas of her own so perhaps you had better talk it over with her and see what she has in mind. The advice to consider used is good with some folks having to have the latest fad their are some good deals to be had

. I would also check out the CZ line of rifles no plastic on the 550 I think you will find. Either of your cartridge choices would do but have you also considered the .308? a young shooter needs to practice as much as the older ones :wink: and with a .308 you can get cheaper ammunition for your practice.

Now I believe that some one asked about the scope? don't forget mounts too. The advice to try as many as you can is as sound as you can get :lol: Good Luck in your choice and please let us know what you get.

DWARREN123 · « **Reply #16 on:** December 03, 2005, 03:33:07 AM »

Check out as many as you can, don't forget the the CZ's. For a good round I would think about a 308. Whatever you get, if your like me, you will think about the other brands.
Do not listen to other talk about different brands unless that person has one and can show you what's bad and good about it.

Good luck in your search.

mjbgalt · « **Reply #17 on:** December 03, 2005, 04:55:07 AM »

the guy wants a rifle, and is willing to ask for advice. he isn't sure what he wants and is searching for something specific. so some of you guys say "do this" and when he says "i have heard those aren't so good" you roast him because he is listening to hearsay.

so please explain to me why what he hears from YOU (hearsay) is better than the hearsay he encounters elsewhere.

look, the best advice i can offer is to go to a gunshop that has a wide selection...maybe a Cabela's if there is one close to you. handle everything. ask questions, put 'em to your shoulder. see what YOU like.

i went to the gunshop a few months ago to buy a Franchi 20 gauge and when i walked out, damn if i wasn't carrying a Browning Gold. why? because i asked questions, checked for fit, and was really open to new ideas and i got a better gun because of it.

and if you're still confused, PM me. I am not in the business of trying to make myself look good by making jokes and rude comments at your expense like some of these guys who apparently are compensating for poor social skills.

-Matt

Zeke Menuar · « **Reply #18 on:** December 03, 2005, 05:06:39 AM »

:money:

ZM

mjbgalt · « **Reply #19 on:** December 03, 2005, 05:11:15 AM »

ps. i now know who you meant as a troll...disregard my post about that.

-Matt

Bart Solo · « **Reply #20 on:** December 03, 2005, 05:44:44 AM »

Brand isn't nearly as important as caliber. I would think that for a first deer rifle he might be well advised to go with a 308 or a 30-06. I would suggest the 308 can do everything the 30-06 can do up to 180 grains, it kicks slightly less, and the shorter action means a smaller overall length (not much but some) so it is a tad faster to shoulder.

I don't understand what his mother has against Savage. Currently it is generally regarded to be a good brand especially with the accutrigger. Its price would allow him to buy a decent scope and still remain in his price range.

Kotupod · « **Reply #21 on:** December 03, 2005, 06:16:00 AM »

Thanks for the help guys.. I'm just trying to make a decision, and I just wanted to hear mostly good things about a rifle. I know I asked you all for your opinions, but i'm combining these opinions and making a decision. If you cannot understand this, I am sorry.

Andy2590 · « **Reply #22 on:** December 03, 2005, 06:23:07 AM »

My dad had a problem with savage before I got mine. I guess back in "the day" when he was younger savage were considered cheap rifles. They are still cheap, but only price wise. I got one as my first deer rifle 4 years ago and I love it. If I can make a suggestion though, if you do go with it, don't get the package unless you plan on replacing the scope later on. It's a great rifle. On the other hand though, I just bought a remington 700 in 300 mag and I love it. Just mounted a leupold vx-II 4-12x40 on it and its really nice. I think remingtons and winchesters are great rifles. I've only heard great things about tikkas and cz's, but I have to say I've never shot one. Go with what YOU want. It's great to get advice from other more experienced people, but don't go against what you want just because you heard this and that about something else. Get what will make you happy. Most of the guns from major manufactuers today are pretty good. There are some bad examples, but more than likely whatever you get you will end up liking.

mikemayberry · « **Reply #23 on:** December 03, 2005, 06:40:07 AM »

One additional thought:

There are a few Sig SHR970 rifles out there still that sold and sell in the $435-$595 range depending on who is selling on line. Locally, I purchased a new one 6 months ago for the lower price.

They are no longer available from the factory because they changed the number and upped the price but they are darn fine rifles out of the box.

Check out the link I am attaching. http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qa3623/is_199808/ai_n8813189

Other than that, I still think you should explore the local gun club and see if anyone is getting ready to sell something that will be a "keeper" for the rest of your life.

Good luck and please don't take any offense from these guys that are overly-opinionated for or against something. They have their reasons but as others have stated, there are many good rifles out there in most brands and some stinkers by any given manufacturer. You have to "prove" the individual rifle on its own merits before purchasing it (if possible).

Mike

Redhawk1 · « **Reply #24 on:** December 03, 2005, 06:51:40 AM »

Quote from: mjbgalt

the guy wants a rifle, and is willing to ask for advice. he isn't sure what he wants and is searching for something specific. so some of you guys say "do this" and when he says "i have heard those aren't so good" you roast him because he is listening to hearsay.

so please explain to me why what he hears from YOU (hearsay) is better than the hearsay he encounters elsewhere.

look, the best advice i can offer is to go to a gunshop that has a wide selection...maybe a Cabela's if there is one close to you. handle everything. ask questions, put 'em to your shoulder. see what YOU like.

i went to the gunshop a few months ago to buy a Franchi 20 gauge and when i walked out, damn if i wasn't carrying a Browning Gold. why? because i asked questions, checked for fit, and was really open to new ideas and i got a better gun because of it.

and if you're still confused, PM me. I am not in the business of trying to make myself look good by making jokes and rude comments at your expense like some of these guys who apparently are compensating for poor social skills.

-Matt

mjbgalt, reread the posts, we answered his questions, then he already has a reason he does not like something about all the rifles. He is looking for the perfect rifle and just needs to do some research and needs actual hands on of each rifle.

My first response to his post was very polite and informative, and his reply was. "Hum... Lol.. Well.." And when other posted, he already had something negative to reply with about the rifle suggested. Hard to help someone that already has a bad opinion on all the guns he asked about.

mjbgalt · « **Reply #25 on:** December 03, 2005, 07:03:53 AM »

Redhawk, I wouldn't point such a post at you. You have proven yourself to be a polite and well-informed guy. I should have worded my post a little better but I did not want to start a personal attack on the one person in this thread who has been stirring things up ever since he got here. He knows who he is.

Apologies to anyone else who was confused by my lack of communications.

-Matt

Kotupod · « **Reply #26 on:** December 03, 2005, 07:15:28 AM »

Redhawk1, The reason I said: Hum.. Lol.. Well, is because I was thinking. I didn't not mean it as an insult. I really do appreciate your response, and it helped me alot. I was just narrowing my choices down.

Sorry, and you won't have to be bothered by me anymore, since I most likely wont post again.

Redhawk1 · « **Reply #27 on:** December 03, 2005, 07:29:26 AM »

Quote from: Kotupod

Redhawk1, The reason I said: Hum.. Lol.. Well, is because I was thinking. I didn't not mean it as an insult. I really do appreciate your response, and it helped me alot. I was just narrowing my choices down.

Sorry, and you won't have to be bothered by me anymore, since I most likely wont post again.

No need to leave, just be open to suggestions. A lot of guys here have a lot of years of experience and actual hands on experience and would not steer you wrong. Stick around and I am sure you can pass on some information to us.

Redhawk1 · « **Reply #28 on:** December 03, 2005, 07:32:27 AM »

Quote from: mjbgalt

Redhawk, I wouldn't point such a post at you. You have proven yourself to be a polite and well-informed guy. I should have worded my post a little better but I did not want to start a personal attack on the one person in this thread who has been stirring things up ever since he got here. He knows who he is.

Apologies to anyone else who was confused by my lack of communications.

-Matt

I also apologize, I sometimes forget how when I first started out with guns, I was not well informed. We all need to be a little opened minded.

Kotupod · « **Reply #29 on:** December 03, 2005, 07:55:29 AM »

Thanks all.

I think im going with the Tikka. Although all others are probably good guns, I just like the Tikka for some reason. Just my preference.

I have a question. Caliber. I was thinking 270 WSM, 270 win, 30-06, or 308. Is the WSM much more expensive? Is it worth the few extra bucks? Oh, and I might be doing some target shooting in the future.

Also, has anyone heard of www.budsgunshop.com or bought anything from there? I will probably be buying my gun online because the store near me had the gun listed well over its RETAIL value.

I hope i'm not being too annoying.

Thanks Again,
Jon C.