Picking out a deer rifle

[R4MBO]

I'm going to get into deer hunting some this season and learn/hunt with my uncle on his property. As of now I don't have a rifle to use but have been keeping an eye out on the classifieds. Let me know what you think as I am open to caliber and type of rifle. Budget will be around $350 tops.

Thanks ahead of time.

[quietguy]

Can you describe the hunting environment?

You budget is pretty limited. You can pick up a used Marlin 336 or Winchester 94 in your price range, but if the property is open you may want something that shoots flatter.

[diablo982]

If your Uncles property is heavily wooded, and most shots are within 100-150 yards, I'd look for a .30-.30 lever action, maybe something like a Marlin 336. You should be able to find a used one in that price range.

[TnShooter83]

Ruger American ,Marlin XS or XL , or a Savage Axis.

The Savage will heavy a pretty heavy trigger but it works fine for hunting.

I would go with a 308 or 30-06 as you can find ammo for any game you want to hunt in the future. (bigger or smaller than deer)

If you never plan to shoot anything over 150 or so, than a 30-30 would be a good choice. But you are limited to deer sized game in my opinion with the 30-30.

[R4MBO]

Think it's primarily wooded area. He has 3 stands ready to go. I know that my grandpa used his 30-06 to hunt there a while back but unfortunately he sold that gun.

[Jonnin]

a bubba milsurp or make your own, like a mosin --- well made, $200 or less, with money left over for ammo and optics. Though you need to make or seek out legal hunting ammo for such, of course...

[jtmaze]

I have killed deer with my Winchester model94 out to 200yrds. I like to hunt with it since it belonged to my grandfather who got me into hunting. I used it to this day as a brush gun and for spot and stalk. I love that gun.

Sent from iPad in the woods.

[Ratfink]

Handi rifle in 300 blackout.

[Dolomite_supafly]

http://www.tngunowners.com/forums/topic/52777-its-clearance-time-at-gl-take-a-look-updated-10-16/

Near the bottom they have a Savage 110 in 30-06 for $150. You cannot beat this price on what will likely be the most accurate gun you have ever owned. Savages are known for being accurate. They are also very durable and doesn't require a smith to work on.

30-06 is capable of killing ANYTHING in North America. I would not feel undergunned with a 30-06.

This is a sponsor here and he supports the site so I recommend we support him.

Dolomite

[R4MBO]

Thanks, Dolomite. I missed that listing when I went through the post a few days ago. G&L are good people with great prices. Just happen to be who I bought my G19 from this past April.

I'll give them a call today to see if they still have it or anything comprable in stock.

[Guest 5Legion]

If you are on a budget, I think a rifle that shoots a common cal is key. Like .308 or 30-30. Personally, I like a Savage .308 bolt action. I have not shot the new Axis but it looks decent for the price. I'd look around for a nice used (already scoped) Savage 110 in .308. Gun and Knife Country in Clarksville had one I almost picked up a couple of weeks ago. Like a 30-06 you can hunt any med/large game in N America with a .308 also and the ammo is always available at your local Walmart. 30-06 is a fine choice too. Hard to beat a Savage for the $.

Edited October 20, 2012 by 5Legion

[runco]

Any caliber gun I believe 243 (TWRA requiement) or higher will be okay. Cheap military rifles and Handi type rifles are likely the best for budget minded people and for people who may go hunting once or twice in 10 years. Many times you can find a lever action 30/30 at a flea or yard sale in the $150-$250 range. Likely not on any forum or gun list type posting.

[Jonnin]

Agreed, if you do not load your own, look at ammo price. If you do load your own, once you somehow get brass they are all about the same price.

[Caster]

Any caliber gun I believe 243 (TWRA requiement) or higher will be okay.

This isnt so anymore. A decision I am in serious disagreement with, but, you can hunt with pretty much any center fire rifle.

[runco]

This isnt so anymore. A decision I am in serious disagreement with, but, you can hunt with pretty much any center fire rifle.

What do you mean? Choice of caliber, or the TWRA thingy

[RED333]

http://www.tn.gov/twra/huntweapons.html

[quietguy]

What do you mean? Choice of caliber, or the TWRA thingy

Any center fire cartridge firing non-fmj ammo is legal now.

[RED333]

That is the way I read it, was news to me as well sometime back.

[R4MBO]

http://www.tngunowne...-updated-10-16/

Near the bottom they have a Savage 110 in 30-06 for $150. You cannot beat this price on what will likely be the most accurate gun you have ever owned. Savages are known for being accurate. They are also very durable and doesn't require a smith to work on.

Called a little bit ago and they sold it.

[mikegideon]

http://www.tngunowne...-updated-10-16/

Near the bottom they have a Savage 110 in 30-06 for $150. You cannot beat this price on what will likely be the most accurate gun you have ever owned. Savages are known for being accurate. They are also very durable and doesn't require a smith to work on.

30-06 is capable of killing ANYTHING in North America. I would not feel undergunned with a 30-06.

This is a sponsor here and he supports the site so I recommend we support him.

Dolomite

This, or a .270. Personally, I wouldn't have a 30-30 as my only rifle, even though it's probably killed more deer than anything else. I want more smack.

[DaveTN]

Every year about this time Dicks runs a special on a Remington 700 heavy barrel with a cheap scope and camo stock for around $449. It’s a cheap scope and an ugly stock, but at the heart it’s the same 700 heavy barrel people are paying a lot more money for. You might want to check it out.

[mikegideon]

Every year about this time Dicks runs a special on a Remington 700 heavy barrel with a cheap scope and camo stock for around $449. It’s a cheap scope and an ugly stock, but at the heart it’s the same 700 heavy barrel people are paying a lot more money for. You might want to check it out.

Yep. A .308 will work too, if you're into that newfangled stuff

[gregintenn]

I'd buy a Model 70 Ranger in 30-06.

You may just find one in the classifieds here.

[Dolomite_supafly]

I have a friend who hunted deer with a 22 Hornet. He said it liquified the lungs and they wouldn't run very far. Not recommending it but you can take deer without having a huge caliber.

Dolomite

[Oh Shoot]

Any center fire cartridge firing non-fmj ammo is legal now.

Yep, you can go after bear with a .25acp mousegun, long as it ain't FMJ.

- OS