Introductory Hunting Rifle

supergumby · #1 06-04-2020, 09:23 PM

So I just received my PAL/RPAL earlier this year and I just completed the hunters ed course today. COVID-19 has given me plenty of time over the past few months to break in my .17 hmr with gophers but I want to get into some big game this fall. I am seeking advice on what a good rifle would be in .270 or .308 Winchester as my introductory hunting rifle. I am currently a student at university so budget is a little tighter than I would hope. I'd like to try to keep it under 1000$ (give or take), scope included or the wife may get upset.
So lay it on me, what are your recommendations?

freeride · #2 06-04-2020, 09:46 PM

Well for the 308 vs 270... both are great.
Your going to get into the Ford vs chevy talk on that question.
I have had both. Liked them both.

For rifles in that range.
Savages above axis models shoot great, the finish leaves a bit to be desired. All mine would rust fast in any near damp conditions.

Tikkas are great. I have a stainless and it goes out in rain all the time and comes back looking new.

Both shoot great and will outshoot you for a long time.

Toss a leupold vx1 or 2 on it and call it a day.

freeride · #3 06-04-2020, 09:49 PM

Go grab some basspro gift cards on the 10% off right now, then wait till they have the tikka on sale, get an extra 10% off that way.
They come up every couple weeks.

Huk · #4 06-04-2020, 10:00 PM

Tossed this question out to a buddy of mine who is a tinkerer extraordinaire. He has owned almost everything and knows a thing or two about getting a good deal.

Here's what he had to say:

The deadly Remington 783. Accurate as f. Essentially a savage clone but actually accurate out of the box. Buy a vortex diamondback and he'll be out the door around 750 or 8

I personally shoot a tikka in 270 win. Love it but it's expensive...even used. I would advise spending as much on the optics and solid mounts as possible. I'd recommend buying a used scope to max out the quality that your money will buy. Burris, leupold and vortex have some good options.

Let us know how you make out.

Ice Fishing Maniac · #5 06-04-2020, 10:17 PM

As mentioned a Savage with scope be around $500. Ok starter as mentioned. Another option to watch the Buy Sell section here on AO and CGN for used. Sako A7 with the Burris scope pkg In either caliber would be good.Tikka T3 as well

Good luck

Huk · #6 06-04-2020, 10:18 PM

Forgot to mention that I'd recommend a scope power of at least 12. My first scope was a 3x9 and it wasn't enough magnification for me personally. I own a 4x16 and a 3x15 now on my centerfire rifles.

bcpappy · #7 06-04-2020, 10:40 PM

270 win will do everything you need to put meat in the freezer, I have bigger calibers but they haven’t been “needed” to put game on the ground. I say go with the 270 and when you want to go bigger, keep the 270 then add a 300 mag or bigger. I did it the other way got a 338 first then a 270, I have used the 338 the most as I really like it. What ever you buy, practice with it and get used to it.

WeaselBeard · #8 06-05-2020, 12:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by freeride

Go grab some basspro gift cards on the 10% off right now, then wait till they have the tikka on sale, get an extra 10% off that way.
They come up every couple weeks.

You can buy gift cards at a 10% discount? I thought stores excluded gift cards from discount sales. I have seen disclaimers before stating: 30% off everything in store (exceptions: X items, already discounted items, "gift cards" (are usually on this list)). Thanks for the tip.

Scottmisfits · #9 06-05-2020, 02:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WeaselBeard

You can buy gift cards at a 10% discount? I thought stores excluded gift cards from discount sales. I have seen disclaimers before stating: 30% off everything in store (exceptions: X items, already discounted items, "gift cards" (are usually on this list)). Thanks for the tip.

Cabela’s for sure is advertising 10% off gift cards this weekend.

Cartridge, don’t worry about it to much. Whatever you can get easily will work, as long as you’re legal. I shot my first buck with a 243, and I’ve shot deer with 308. They hit the dirt just the same.
Never owned one but I fiddled with an Axis for a bit. Not for me. I did pick up a 783 in 7mm Rem Mag. I like it so far. Next would be my Kimber in 308 but that’s normally in my sons hands now. So I grab a Remington 700.

Sharpie · #10 06-05-2020, 02:53 PM

7mm-08, .270, .30-06 Savage axis very accurate for the price.

byronick87 · #11 06-05-2020, 03:37 PM

You may think you know what you want for a hunting rifle but things mostly will change over the years - I am diagnosed with chronic GAS\MGPD (gun acquisition syndrome\multiple gun personality dissorder).

It's been really hard on my marriage but she's learning to be less of a b*tch about it.

If you can conquer your fears, I would consider looking for a used rifle on the equipment exchange here or Cgn, or even townpost. You will save at least 20% if you do your part.

Most guns on the equipment exchange are there because people buy guns and realize they really aren't into that particular chambering\configuration or don't have enough time for it. A lot of times, it's because a new cartridge in 6.5 has been released. I'm in the works with Hornady to develop a 270 creedmoor - it's basically a 270 but with a 2° shoulder change, a shorter neck, and the creedmoor stamping. The best part is that it's flatter than the 270 win by .5 inches at 1000 yards. Now that's forward thinking eh?!? it's a bullet proof idea. Pun intended
.
Anyway, I digress.

The risk is that you may not always know what gun you're getting; people abuse them, work em hard and put them away wet. I've seen people at the gun range cool their barrels by plunging it into the snow banks followed by a self-defecate into their tactical pants.

My rule of thumb is spend more than half your budget on your scope first, and then spend your remaining budget on the BOLT rifle. Your optics are the most important piece of equipment in the field. Anyone who says otherwise is a barrel plunger ^

Go to your local gun shop, ask the salesman to let you fondle a few rifles and see what fits in your hands the best. If the salesman is being lazy and hesitant about it, go to the next gun shop. If they try and tell you that one is better than the other because it's chambered in 6.5 and not 270 or 308, ask him if he plunges his barrel or wears diapers.

Savage axis, Remington 783, Ruger American - they will go bang every time and put bullets on paper just as much as any other rifle would. The big differences are fit and finish. You may get the occasional bad shooter from the budget rifle but the fancier rifles are not immune to a poor assembly either. As mentioned before, it's a Ford vs Chevy debate at this point. I've had stainless Tikka's come from the factory with rust on the bottom, WeatherBug vanguard's that didn't shoot their sub moa guarantee, and I've also had 783:s shoot clover leafs with cheap factory ammo.

There is no such thing as the best all around rifle cartridge or the best rifle.
Each cartridge and rifle has an application in which it will excel in.

Except the 270 creedmoor. Guys, you have no idea.

As for the inferior 308 and 270;

On average, A 270 will hit harder at 500yds by about 100ft-lbs but at 100 yds, the 308 hits harder by 100ft-lb. The 270 Catches up with the 308 around the 400yd mark.

The 270 will be flying much flatter than the 308 at all ranges after maximum point blank

Enjoy this massive overflow of information.
I apologise for throwing everything out there at once.
And as I've mentioned before, take my own advice with a grain of salt.
This will be your hunting set-up
Not mine.

Best of luck.

freeride · #12 06-05-2020, 03:49 PM

Some great tips so far.

Like many others have said duds come in all brands occasionally. Pump out x number if rifles and there is bound to be a quality control problem out there, and now with the internet it can make it seem like that's all the company puts out.

My dud was a expensive rifle in my eyes, my el cheapo rifle (Stevens 200) outshot it any day of the week by a lot! I am not mentioning the brand name of the expensive one because like I said duds happen.

Some great deals for used or even unused on CGN and here right now.

For a new hunter my tip would be NOT to buy a magnum if you have budget constraints at all. You wont be shooting out with them to where they take over a 270 or 30-06 on game ethically, and you can buy a whole lot more rounds if you dont reload and practice more with the non magnums.

Roamer · #13 06-07-2020, 06:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by byronick87

You may think you know what you want for a hunting rifle but things mostly will change over the years - I am diagnosed with chronic GAS\MGPD (gun acquisition syndrome\multiple gun personality dissorder).

It's been really hard on my marriage but she's learning to be less of a b*tch about it.

If you can conquer your fears, I would consider looking for a used rifle on the equipment exchange here or Cgn, or even townpost. You will save at least 20% if you do your part.

Most guns on the equipment exchange are there because people buy guns and realize they really aren't into that particular chambering\configuration or don't have enough time for it. A lot of times, it's because a new cartridge in 6.5 has been released. I'm in the works with Hornady to develop a 270 creedmoor - it's basically a 270 but with a 2° shoulder change, a shorter neck, and the creedmoor stamping. The best part is that it's flatter than the 270 win by .5 inches at 1000 yards. Now that's forward thinking eh?!? it's a bullet proof idea. Pun intended
.
Anyway, I digress.

The risk is that you may not always know what gun you're getting; people abuse them, work em hard and put them away wet. I've seen people at the gun range cool their barrels by plunging it into the snow banks followed by a self-defecate into their tactical pants.

My rule of thumb is spend more than half your budget on your scope first, and then spend your remaining budget on the BOLT rifle. Your optics are the most important piece of equipment in the field. Anyone who says otherwise is a barrel plunger ^

Go to your local gun shop, ask the salesman to let you fondle a few rifles and see what fits in your hands the best. If the salesman is being lazy and hesitant about it, go to the next gun shop. If they try and tell you that one is better than the other because it's chambered in 6.5 and not 270 or 308, ask him if he plunges his barrel or wears diapers.

Savage axis, Remington 783, Ruger American - they will go bang every time and put bullets on paper just as much as any other rifle would. The big differences are fit and finish. You may get the occasional bad shooter from the budget rifle but the fancier rifles are not immune to a poor assembly either. As mentioned before, it's a Ford vs Chevy debate at this point. I've had stainless Tikka's come from the factory with rust on the bottom, WeatherBug vanguard's that didn't shoot their sub moa guarantee, and I've also had 783:s shoot clover leafs with cheap factory ammo.

There is no such thing as the best all around rifle cartridge or the best rifle.
Each cartridge and rifle has an application in which it will excel in.

Except the 270 creedmoor. Guys, you have no idea.

As for the inferior 308 and 270;

On average, A 270 will hit harder at 500yds by about 100ft-lbs but at 100 yds, the 308 hits harder by 100ft-lb. The 270 Catches up with the 308 around the 400yd mark.

The 270 will be flying much flatter than the 308 at all ranges after maximum point blank

Enjoy this massive overflow of information.
I apologise for throwing everything out there at once.
And as I've mentioned before, take my own advice with a grain of salt.
This will be your hunting set-up
Not mine.

Best of luck.

This is good advice. However, I don’t share the same dislike of 6.5 creedmoor, it is an efficient cartridge. I guess I best be checkin if I’m wearing a diaper?? Haha. I also have 3 308’s, as it is also an efficient cartridge, very versatile as well, LOTS of projectile options.

fishtank · #14 06-05-2020, 06:41 PM

should be able to get a used tikka t3 with a leupold 3-9x for that budget .

KazIce · #15 06-06-2020, 12:50 AM

Lots of good advice. I have a Tikka T3X. It’s great. In laws have T3’s. They are also great. But lots of good gun choices mentioned. The caliber is a pick em.

If you need to save on the scope, consider a Nikon. They are getting out of the game, but don’t let that fool you. I have a set of Monarch 5 binocs that are 9 years old and it has been great. I’m using a prostaff 7 scope and I’m very happy with it. In its price range I got far better value than the entry level leupold; however that was new in box. Used you can get some great deals that will give you choices, but just food for thought.

I know somebody who uses a basic Nikon prostaff 3-9x50 that he got at cabelas, and it works just fine! $200 scope and does job fine.

Buy once cry once is so true in scopes, but you can go through a few seasons fine with a Nikon then buy that Leupold/Swarovski/Zeiss/Nightforce and have it last a lifetime.

Are you really going to shoot past 300 yards on your first deer? Not likely.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

brewster29 · #16 06-06-2020, 08:19 AM

To the OP:

Member 300magman has a stainless T3x in 6.5 x 55 on the buy and sell right now for $800.

This would be a great start and lifetime rifle, and a very good deal.

hilt134 · #17 06-10-2020, 10:08 AM

Look at your local shops and see what ammo selection you have. If your in Calgary it might not matter. But locally I have more 270 options than 308. Makes it nicer when you know you don't have to make an ammo run to the city to try new kinds.

35 whelen · #18 06-07-2020, 08:43 AM

Get one within your budget range get a 30 ought 6 or 270 be the only rifle you ever need in Alberta and you can get ammo anywhere

Sent from my SM-G930W8 using Tapatalk

Stinky Coyote · #19 06-07-2020, 09:04 AM

see if you can shoot a few different somewhere? recoil sensitivity could be a thing down the road, i always hated shooting 150 grains or more of lead regardless what of the standard big game cartridges were propelling it (.308 base cartridges and up) but 140 grains i seem to be fine with even out of magnums, so clearly prefer a sharper faster recoil than the bigger push of the heavier lead

with todays choices of bullets it's not hard to find quality big game options in the 120-140 grain range just in case you also find a similar sensitivity?

i have a really lightweight .270 that recoils with 140's at nearly 22 ft/lbs...shoot it great, but give me a .308 running 150's at 17 ft/lbs and i hate it, and the hate grows with the 165's and 180's...

when you look at a creedmoor, it takes all the attributes of all the .308/30-06 based cartridges and rolls them up into one super versatile/efficient package...including recoil!

so...personally i'd steer you away from the .30 cal's

Byronick87...nice moves, that could be a seller for the hunting crowd for sure. The .270 short...for some reason the .308 case never did grab a .270 option and go, i guess the 7-08 just too close and already popular. Some new 150's in that 270 CM and it would be pretty sweet. What about a 7 CM with 168's though? Yikes...applying the formula to all the short action options sure does look appealing. Recoil is a thing to watch for though as those boolits get up past 150.

brendan's dad · #20 06-07-2020, 09:11 AM

My only advice would be to steer away from the entry and mid level vortex optics.

Personally I would look at a Leupold VX1, Minox, or Nikon Prostaff 5

kujoseto · #21 06-09-2020, 12:14 AM

I remember the search for my first big game rifle and wish I had taken more advice at that time. But the online reading and attraction for longer range energy influenced me.
Put a lot of stock in what guys like cat and elkhunter11 have to say!

I remember hearing so many times to get a 308 and for some strange reason I had an unwarranted distaste for the 308. Ended up getting a 300 wsm. Have since sold it. Excellent rifle but got tired of the abuse on the range. I like to practice on paper.
If I was starting over again, knowing how I hunt and what I like to shoot I would probably get what I carry now: a 7mm-08 or 30-06
(Anything similar will be equally effective if you can shoot it well)
30-06 can be on the high end for recoil tolerance for many.
I still am in the camp of “hate the 270 for NO REASON” (there are a great many of us that can not explain why) but it is also outstanding. Not sure how I can ballistic tables on my 7mm-08 and not like the 270 lol.
.007 inch difference in diameter bullet will not be noticed by game.

Based on my howa I think those weatherby vanguards sound awesome. I love what Tikka brings to the table for the price (all long actions so may be an argument to only buy it in long action anyway) I wouldn’t be getting into Remington or savage (sometimes they shoot lights out) even though they can be excellent options on a budget.
Factory ammo availability is nice even though I reload.
Cartridges like 30-06, 308, 270, all have endless factory ammo options. Throwing in the 280, 7mm-08, 6.5x55 (may as well include the popular 6.5 creedmoor) will also be very effective.

Keep in mind, no matter the big game hunting you do, you very likely will not be taking a multitude of shots beyond 300m. It just is not as frequent as you might anticipate

Good luck. Have fun.
If I were stuck with one rifle, a tikka 30-06 with leupold 3-9 (or 3.5-10, 4x, 6x) would not be lacking in anything I want to shoot in our wonderful province.

Smoky buck · #22 06-09-2020, 05:47 AM

Don’t by a creedmore or a savage and all will be fine lol

Joking aside a moderate to low recoil caliber like most are suggesting is the smart way to go. As for brands it would be a great idea to shoulder a few brands/models to see how they feel in your hands

I would suggest a good look at the 270win because it’s a versatile caliber with readily available ammo that won’t break the bank and moderate recoil. The tika’s are a nice shooting rifle and I personally like the rugers as well but at ton of options out there

kujoseto · #23 06-11-2020, 05:09 PM

There was a 270 tikka t3 that came and went pretty quick for about $650 or 670 the other day. Deals like that are out there if you’re looking and waiting and ready to jump at. That plus a used bushnell 3200 (or newer) or used vx2 or similar should be able to get you right around that budget you’ve set. I will say I’ve noticed a significant difference in optical quality from the vx2 to vx3 and vx3i line and would put the extra money into the 3 or 3i

kujoseto · #24 06-14-2020, 09:38 AM

I don’t know the seller and can’t say how a deal would go (does have trader rating of 19 with 100%), but this image will show what kind of deals are available on Canadian gun nutz. If you’re not there, you should be. Way more guns posted there.
Now it appears he doesn’t know the whole story about this particular rifle and likely isn’t the original owner, so one would wonder why sell the gun. But I’ve bought guns like that and they were amazingly accurate and perfectly functioning. Just stuff to consider.
I think these particular guns are a little on the heavy side and it seems that’s the reason for this for sale. Not uncommon for guys to say they “upgraded to a tikka” when starting with savage axis, vanguard, mossberg, etc.
But within your budget, you can definitely find what you’re looking for.
I would recommend handling some in a store first so you know what you like and don’t like.

Dean2 · #25 06-14-2020, 10:11 AM

Buy a good used one for sure. If you don't trust the trader ratings on here or CGN there are still lots of options. You don't need to buy one of the cheaper guns to get a great deal. Bashaw sports sells a ton of used guns, good prices and they will tell you straight what shape it is in. You can also buy from Tradex, top quality Husqvarna Mauser action rifle for 500-600 bucks. Ellwood Epps is another place with a great selection of quality used guns at very reasonable prices.

Do a bunch of shopping and you will find a really good deal on a gun. Same is true of scopes, a used Leupold, because they have the transferable lifetime warranty is nothing to be afraid of and you can save significant dollars over new. I would NOT buy Nikon as they no longer have any warranty coverage at all.

Best of luck and let us know what you end up with.

kujoseto · #26 06-14-2020, 10:29 AM

Yes, excellent point on those retailers. Bashaw sports, trade ex Canada, and prophet river have all been more helpful than I could ask with describing condition and sending photos.
Nothing wrong with those old guns haha. It’s what I tend to prefer. Definitely less daunting buying used from a reputable retailer. Good private deals are had every day but it’s important to ask questions (and sometimes need to know enough about the particular gun or scope to know what questions to ask)