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X2 going to be my next one( soon as I can sneak one). Tough part is that what is in the case when you go out the door is something the wife normally never knows, but my wife hunts with me....out of the case and it's out of the bag.......and I'm likely to be out of favour for awhile...Quote:
Originally Posted by blasted_saber
The AXIS II has the Accu-Trigger on it and is a better rifle because of it.Quote:
Originally Posted by fratri
OP, this is great advice.Quote:
Originally Posted by SongDog
After checking the regs I would say it depends on safe firing etc. A 45 or 50 muzzleloader, a shotgun.... you may be limited but if a rifle is good I would say one of these two in 6.5x55 are PROBABLY the best low cost start you will find.
https://www.tradeexcanada.com/conten...orter-65x55-74
https://www.tradeexcanada.com/conten...eries-65x55-18
They have more on there so make sure to look, but at my quick look these looked good, rifling, iron sights, scope mount and including a scope... essentially ready to go. Make sure to check over and sight in!
New rifles by CZ and Tikka and sporterized and customized by many... even Remington 700 in the 6.5x55 is out there.
https://theolddeerhunters.com/reming...lassic-6-5x55/
https://www.oodmag.com/community/sho...5-round-rifles
https://www.canadiangunnutz.com/foru...ghlight=6.5x55
Large variety of ammo
https://www.norma-ammunition.com/us/...wedish-Mauser/
With many different rifle ammo manufacturers, new 6.5x55 rifles still being made, not as common but a low recoil ammo that will take varmint thru to moose.
https://store.prophetriver.com/lapua...-4316035-50ct/
https://www.wolverinesupplies.com/Pr...SST-Box-of-20-
https://store.prophetriver.com/remin...nt-20ct-29140/
https://www.tradeexcanada.com/conten...r-alaska-16552
https://www.tradeexcanada.com/conten...nition-hrn8149
https://www.tradeexcanada.com/search...5%20ammunition
Advocate articles
https://www.ssusa.org/articles/2017/...fle-cartridge/
https://www.shootingtimes.com/editor...h-mauser/99183
Some firing videos including using iron sights at 600M
https://www.youtube.com/results?sear...ran8888+6.5x55
Penetration tests
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xp2JzZjr-To
Long Range shooting
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G9EEIDE5DU8
... the extreme... 1 mile shooting a milk jug
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=It-P1FKTzv0
IF you get into reloading you can get alot of options ... https://www.midsouthshooterssupply.c...-point-264-dia
Then there after that I would say the 308 since you can go with low recoil on up and it is even more available ammo. MEWE or Canadian Gunnutz would be the places to look, buyer beware as usual! Then a 8mm or 270 or 30-30 and lots of other choices depending on money, range, open or brush, ..... if you never shoot over 75 or 100 yards a Henry 44mag or a 45-70 works ... BUT at 200 yards neither is good ... take a look at where you are shooting and the laws of course has to be step 1 as mentioned above by others!
Good Luck
Oh boy, there are so many choices and variations to choose from. My quick advice is to buy the best rifle that you can afford. In the end, what you end up buying will be a matter of personal choice. Some things to think about:
Action type: single shot, bolt action, pump action, semi auto, and lever. What appeals to you? Some considerations: do you own other rifles or shotguns. It may make sense to use a rifle with the same action because you develop muscle memory.
Stock: cheap rifles will have hardwood (birch) stocks. Better quality rifles offer choices of walnut, laminate, or synthetic. This is more of an eye candy decision although there are practical consideration with synthetics
Metal: Choice of traditional bluing or stainless steel. Again, an eye candy decision however stainless steel has practical considerations. You should also think about barrel thickness. Heavy barrels tend to be more durable and accurate than the thinner/lighter barrels.
Caliber: There are countless calibers that are suitable for deer and the ballistics between most of them are similar. The caliber may also affect the action of the rifle that you choose. You may also want to consider any other game that you may hunt besides deer e.g. moose or bear as some of the smaller deer calibers may not be well suited for larger game. Also, think about ammo (bullet types, costs, availability, etc.) when choosing a caliber
Brand: Same as vehicles, some hunters prefer one over the other. Some brands are more affordable than others.
Full disclosure: I've owned the following rifles: Winchester model 70 in 300 Win. Mag, and Remington 7600 in 30.06. Both were good and dependable rifles and an I highly recommend them. The Winchester was my first rifle and I sold it to buy the Remington as everyone in my deer camp used pump rifles at the time. I currently hunt with a Browning B78 single shot in 30.06. The rifle has some history, is very accurate, challenging to hunt with, and is unique. I find that the 30.06 is a good all-round cartridge suitable for all north-american big game. Lastly, hunting is seeped with traditions and I believe that blued barrels and walnut stocks compliment those traditions.
Let us know what you decide to get!
Sam