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Hello everyone.
I've been invited to join a Moose Hunt this upcoming year. Hopefully we will get a tag. This will be my first ever Moose hunt. I do not have a proper firearm for this.
Can I get some views on what type of firearm that you would recommend and what other people are using and why.
Looking forward to and greatly appreciate all comments.
Thankyou in advance
The short answer is get a bolt action 30-06.....
.270Win; .308Win; .30-06Sprg will do the job quite nicely in all configurations whether bolt or semi-auto with a good optic for long range shooting across swamps or hydro cuts. Good luck this year.Quote:
Originally Posted by Its About Time
270, 308, 3006.
Pick the one you like best in whatever configuration you like
What the others have said, and don't overlook the used market. Lots of quality used rifles out there for reasonable prices.
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Lots to consider. Picking a caliber is the easiest thing to do. As mentioned above, you can’t go wrong with a .270, .308, or 30.06. Next, pick your action e.g. single shot, bolt, lever, pump, or semi. Some actions/models are limited to certain calibers. Then consider the make and model. Then you have to consider stock and barrel e.g. stainless, synthetic, laminate, blued barrel - this is personal preference and there isn’t a right or wrong choice.
A firearm is often a reflection of its owner. What you end up with will depend on your preferences and what you can afford. As mentioned already, consider buying used. Also consider buying quality optics. A good scope costs more but will be more dependable and the lenses and quality are much better. I was in my 40’s when I finally bought a Leupold, until then I was using Bushnell scopes and always had issues.
My first moose rifle was a Winchester model 70 (bolt action) chambered in .300 mag. I shot a couple of moose and some deer with it but it didn’t feel right. Ten years later, I sold it and bought a Remington 7600 (pump action) chambered in 30.06. I shot a few more moose and a pile of deer with that rifle and I loved how it handled. As I got older, I looked for more challenges so I sold it 10 years ago and bought a used Browning B78 (single shot) in 30.06 caliber. I love this rifle!
Although I’ve never owned one, I hear that Savage rifles are reasonably priced and are very accurate right out of the box.
This is great advice. Couldn't agree more. I have a Ruger American .308 bolt that drives tacks and is light to carry. It's not pretty, but it hits what I point it at. Other good advice = shoot it lots before you hunt with it. Get used to recoil and site it in so you learn to trust it will do what you want it to at the range you plan to shoot at. Enjoy your hunt and hope you are successful.Quote:
Originally Posted by Sam Menard
One more advice alongside what Sam and Moosehead said-i am not sure if you shot any,some or a lot.
Just remember-sighting in rifle from the bench is great.
You will need to practice however in all imaginable hunting positions though (freehand standing, standing with some aid-like a tree trunk,sitting,kneeling)because that is how you will be shooting at the game.
Any 30 caliber mentioned above, ie the .308 or 30-06. and while you're at it, go with a premium bullet. As for the .270, I absolutely detest that round for moose. I've seen so many moose and bears lost to that cartridge through the years that I'd like to wrap every one of them around a tree. What it comes down to is a lot of guys talk a good game but when it comes right down to it making a good shot on whats become a once in a lifetime chance at a moose, why go minimum?
Yeah, yeah, I know. Lots of moose have been taken with the lesser 30-30 but an awful pile have been lost to the same cartridge.
Thank you for all the comments and great advise.
Once the stores open again.
I will and check them. But before I go. I eill know what type of action I would like .
Thanks again.
I'll post once I buy
Good point about picking a premium bullet. Using a .30 cal rifle for moose hunting, I would recommend the 180 grain Nosler Partition. I’m sure others have different preferences.Quote:
Originally Posted by sawbill
I don’t have any experience with the .270 but I wholeheartedly agree that the .30-30 is a bad choice for moose. There are other marginal calibers out there that can kill a moose but, IMO, only under optimal conditions. Many hunters opt for magnum cartridges but aren’t required for most moose hunting conditions in Ontario.
Not quite. Many rifles, such as mine, are worth more than when they were purchased. Most often, these rifles are discontinued and are considered classics.Quote:
Originally Posted by alfoldivandor
Savage 11 in 308.
Yes, this is far from the truth. The first deer rifle I bought as a young guy has appreciated to a couple thousand times its original value. I've also got a pre 64 model 88 in .308, it's worth waaaay more than it was new.Quote:
Originally Posted by alfoldivandor
To the OP, that .308 model 88 is my mooser.
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A Tikka Hunter in .30-06 with quality 3 x 9 scope shooting Federal 180 gr Nosler Partition would be my choice.
Excellent advice and everything is well noted.
I appreciate all the advise.
I didnt realize how much is involved to picking a proper firearm and ammunition.
Thanks again
To me a 3006 is about the most universal firearm going. You can get a load to suit whatever you want to hunt in North America.
It’s my favourite
If you plan on making shots 200-300 yards go with a bolt action with a good scope, with a 160 grain plus premium bullet and hit them in the lungs.
The only gun of mine that may have lost value is an 870 express that I bought new, but even that has probably held value. All of the others have appreciated way better than the stock market that is for sure.Quote:
Originally Posted by alfoldivandor
I have a REM. 760 in 30-06 that hits bowling pins at 250 yds no problem.....my 760 in .243 is much the same.....running coyotes at 200 yds no problems either...Quote:
Originally Posted by Matt86
If there a collectable or rare gun you might make money...but most guns end up on a table at a gun show where you're not likely get even market value.Quote:
Originally Posted by Fox
You have to remember how little I pay for most of my guns :)Quote:
Originally Posted by MikePal
$35 for a 1915 No 1 Mk III* Lee Enfield sporter, now going for about $250 on CGN.
Yea most of my guns were 'free to a good home'...if I sell them for even $100 I'd call it a great investment too :) .Quote:
Originally Posted by Fox
I think that the last few comments illustrate that when a hunter goes shopping for a firearm he should consider things like future resale.
I’m not an expert by any stretch of the imagination but quality can be one reason why a particular firearm model holds its value better than another. The pre-1964 Winchester model 70 comes to mind.
I have sold about a half dozen firearms so far and made money on all of them. Not too difficult if you're patient.Quote:
Originally Posted by MikePal
None of my guns have lost value.
Have you guys looked at prices lately? They're crazy
I love old guns too, if they are still around 80 years later then have no weird problems. I have shot a number of modern savage rifles and I totally understand that they are budget rifles but for the $350 that you are paying for one you could get a Parker Hale from the middle of the century and have a 98 mauser action that is well broken in and as most hunting rifles go in Canada probably a couple hundred round through it.Quote:
Originally Posted by Sam Menard
Last thing I think about when buying a rifle is resale value.
As others have said buy a .308/30.06. Go handle a bunch of rifles and see what you like. I'm accustomed to bolt actions, all my hunting rifles are very similar.
Go with what fits you best in your price range. Buy once and be good for life.
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Very trueQuote:
Originally Posted by blasted_saber
Well constructed bullets (Federal Trophy Bonded Tip, Hornady GMX, Accubond etc.) are a must for heavy boned animals like moose. 308, 30-06 and 300 Win Mag are all excellent choices for moose. I am not under gunned at all hunting with my 270 WSM 140 grain Federal Trophy Bonded Tips just been waiting for one to step out so I can put of them thru the boiler room:thumbup:
Lots of good advice on here for the original post. I like 30-06, 308 and 300 win mag. Over the years I’ve learned that the rifle has limitations and so do us shooters. Hitting bowling pins at 250yds and no problem hitting running yotes at 200 would be tough for a lot on here. I usually carry my 308 savage for moose and I’m very confident at 150 yds and comfortable up to 200. Over 200 is out of my comfort zone, so no shot for me. My advice is to know your rifle as well as your personal limits. Good luck!
My point was, don’t disregard the accuracy of a pump action. Bolts are normally accurate, but pumps and semi’s can be as well.Quote:
Originally Posted by ysyg
Boy, I'm not seeing any suggestions for a .300 winmag? I'm surprised.
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Look at post #33...I mentioned the 300 Win Mag. I have one and love it
Nice, my 30-06 rem semi dose not and few others I've seen don't, 250 yards isn't that far when talking distance with a rifle, and a bowling pin is a pretty big target so I would hope you can hit that.Quote:
Originally Posted by rick_iles
just my experience with semis, one shot and done not a spray and pray method like most people with semis.
Rick, what's better eating, the bowling pins or the yotes? Almost a toss up I bet!
Haha... pins are a bit tough, but I have a good Coyote Helper recipe !!Quote:
Originally Posted by sawbill
If you look on the classifieds, there is a couple nice 30-06s in K-W for sale right now!!
I never sell any guns, it's against my religion.
I just checked the ads out. Either one of those rifles would be an excellent choice for the OP.Quote:
Originally Posted by Ali88
I recommended a .30-06 for a new Hunter, but shot most of my Moose’s with a 7 mm Rem Mag, another great round.Quote:
Originally Posted by nate18
Tradeex and Epps also has a good assortment of used rifles if OP is interested in used.Quote:
Originally Posted by trimmer21
What makes you think most people with semis spraynpray?Quote:
Originally Posted by Matt86
when running coyotes with hounds like he stated, coyote with come outta the bush 400 yards away and the guys with semis unload there clip as fast as possible, and seen it with moose, guy shot a cow 4 times reloaded the clip and shot 2 more into her, she was 80 yards and was dead on the first shot, but he wasted a lot of meat, Just my experience is all. I have one great for a bush gun, calling on a lake or somewhere I can see a ways I with have my bolt on a bi pod so I can shoot 0-400 like its a 50 yard chip shot.Quote:
Originally Posted by canadaman30
So that means everyone does that? Maybe it is you that would do that so that is why you didn't buy a semi, painting hunter with one brush? Kinda like the anti's do?
Quote:
Originally Posted by Matt86
Yep....pretty broad strokes too ! I’ve hunted for some 50 yrs some with guys and semis. I’ve never seen or heard that happen, but that’s not to say it can’t !!Quote:
Originally Posted by greatwhite
holy the guy asked about a gun I said my opinion, sorry I've seen it, first time hunter big animal gets excited, unloads before even realize what happened,
My dad was a trained sniper so I was taught patience on a shot before I could skate, because you only need one shot, I do not get excited before a shot ive shot up wards of 50 big game animals from moose, whitetails, bears and antelope from 10 yards with a bow to 350 with a rifle.
Sorry you didn't like my opinion,
if you knew how to read I said I own a semi , so since you cant even read you probably don't know crap about guns either so I'm wasting my time hereQuote:
Originally Posted by greatwhite
Don't worry about GW he is always on about semi's and sexual assault I think he might have a problem. LOLQuote:
Originally Posted by Matt86
I've owned and hunted with a semi for a number of years. Never once did I ever spray pray on any animals. Nor do I believe people that choose a certain type of firearms should be painted with the same brush.Quote:
Originally Posted by Matt86
Most can't run a bolt gun fast enough on certain hunts where a semi may have its advantages. Then there are those who can. I'm sure if you heard this guy shooting in the distance you'd call it spraynprayhttps://youtu.be/7ob0fgc0I7A
He is disgusted with people who commit sexual assault, unlike some people who support those guilty of it..Quote:
Originally Posted by Gilroy
Have you now become the judge and jury, only you and the conspiracy guys get off on this type of thinking and the MAJORITY OF FEMALE VOTERS IN CANADA A VOTING FOR THE RIGHT HONERABLE JUSTIN TRUDEAU PRIME MINISTER OF CANADA.Next.Quote:
Originally Posted by canadaman30
No need to be judge and jury when it comes from his own mouth. First the lie to coverup then the admittance of guilt when caught in a lie.Quote:
Originally Posted by Gilroy
Honorable, I think not even close.
https://youtu.be/D4RkU1VSsKs
Even Sophie has no use for a liar and a cheat, thats why she tossed him to the trash where he belongs
Now some guys that can operate a bolt or pump and make it sound like an automatic. Whether they can hit anything with it is a different story.
I understand the trigger happy aspect to using a semi, But still better than Mister dead eye dick that takes one shot and let's the big buck run off not realizing it was a marginal hit and having the gang spend rest of the day tracking it and HOPEFULLY recovering it. Done that MANY times, drives me nuts.
Seem both sides, Done it myself.
Shot a bear 4 times with my .300winmag once at 7 yards, 15 yards, 20 yards and last one at about 25. He acted like I missed, I kept plugging knowing the swamp isn't far away and it's 20minutes til dark.
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That's crazy a black bear sucked up four hits from a 300 Win Mag at any yardage? I have taken two with mine and the total distance they went before dropping was 40 yards combined between the two.
Thinking there couldn't have been but one hole in it.
I knew this topic would regress lmao. In all honesty pick an action your comfortable with..then pick a caliber. All of them mentioned are quite capable of putting a moose down. Bear in mind that most shots are taken 100 yards or less..( in my experience anyways ) i`ve got one with a .270, one with a 308. Also in my group they have been taken with a .303, 30 30, 3006, 35 remington. Whatever you purchase, shoot it and get comfortable with it. As someone already mentioned, epps has some fine used guns at reasonable prices.At the moment i`m contemplating over adding a 45/70 to my arsenal. Why you might ask? I dunno...cause I dont have one? lol. And the area I hunt it is well suited for moose deer and bear. Plus i`m a gun addict..and no one has found a cure for that type of ailment yet. Not even an ornery wife!
Lol he surprised me when moose hunting, running right at me (he winded my buddy)Quote:
Originally Posted by huntnmachine
I waited til he got close then realised he might run me over so I shoulder the gun and he sees me and swings wide. First shot he didn't even flinch so I shot again, Second time he stumbled then kept going , Fired the 3rd and he spun, fired last round and he rolled down a hill out of sight.
He was dead bear running after the first hit, But how do I know? At close range bullets just zip threw at almost muzzle velocity. I figured it hit when he stumbled but wasn't sure it was great hit. Heat of the moment I guess.
Hit lungs 3 shots, but as running away 3rd shot broke his back leg on exiting, 4th was anchor shot.
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That was one tough bear....good shooting on your part hitting it that many times on the run.
Yes back to the original post. All of the calibers mentioned are excellent moose medicine. As others have mentioned use premium ammo. IMO it is more important than the caliber....and of course shot placement is number one.
Wow, I haven't been on lately. But i didn't realize i would so many comments and some comments off topic which i think were great. Thanks for all the good advise again. I will post one i have purchased my firearm. Some will like it and others will not. But it will feel right for me.
For all those that are turkey hunting. Good luck. I on the other hand, got my first ever bird on opening day at 7:00am. Took me 3 years to get it.
thanks again to everyone for all of your responses
Some of y'all need therapy.
yes sir :whacked:
A twice daily dose of therapeutic THC does the trick doc...:oQuote:
Originally Posted by Terrible_E
Doctors orders..:)
The answer to every calibre question is 35 Whelen, but assuming you probably don't reload you should stick with .308, 30-06, 7 Rem Mag, 300 Win Mag, 270 Win in that order.
For ammunition i am a Nosler guy so i'd stick with partitions or accubonds in heavy for calibre weights.