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Hey everyone, just got my Pal and hunting liscence. I'm conflicted on what rifle to purchase for a first time! You hear so many things from so many people .
I'm looking to hunting large game , any rifles you would recommend that are in the $800.00 range? Personal expierence is best !
Many new hunters are influenced by those around him/her as they hear stories first-hand and may get to handle firearms. So your first stop would be check in with friends or family members who own firearms. We can go on ad-nauseum about calibers, but the truth is you can’t go wrong with a 7mm, .270, .308, or 30.06. As far as make and model goes, you usually get what you pay for and $800 can get a middle of the road rifle. You might be able to get a better quality rifle in your price range if you buy a used one. It doesn’t hurt to haggle or shop around. Some smaller gun shops may have older inventories and may be willing to knock a few bucks off to get rid of one. There are different actions to consider with bolt action being most popular. Nothing wrong with a Remington pump (i owned one and filled many tags with it) or lever action. I would recommend that you avoid a semi auto. I currently used an old Browning single shot, which is more appropriate for guys that have been there and done that and aren’t hung up on filling their tags.
At the end of the day, you want a rifle that shoulders well, grips well, looks good, isn’t too heavy, shoots well, easy to clean, and is dependable. You also want a rifle with a light and crisp trigger pull.
You may want to think about how long that you intend to keep it for. Some hunters love to collect guns and hardly sell, while others buy and sell and eventually end up with their dream gun that they keep forever.
If you are intent on buying new, then consider a savage bolt action with the adjustable trigger. Savage is known for accurate rifles.
If you don’t mind a used rifle, consider a Tikka, Rugger, Browning, or an older Winchester model 70.
Good luck!
I would start with a .22. Learn good shooting techniques with that before stepping up to high power centrefire.
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^This^ If you have never shot a rifle before, shooting a rim fire will help you with technique, has very little recoil, not to mention the ammo is easy on the wallet. And fun to shoot!Quote:
Originally Posted by rippin_355
For hunting, you can shoot small game (Rabbit, grouse, squirrel, etc) with rim fire and it helps with aim.
You can buy rim fire rifles for cheap if you want, or go on the pricier side.
If you have shot a rifle before, as mentioned, consider what you will be hunting (and where you will be hunting) this in turn will help you decide what calibre rifle you should get. Also on that note, consider the availability of the ammo.
I find a good rule: whatever rifle you buy and for how much, buy at least the same price in glass (Scope) So if your budget is $800 get a rifle for $400 and scope for $400. Now you can push the rifle price up a bit (maybe $400-700) and still be ok with a $400 scope.
Some entry level rifles come with a scope, but they are not the best quality. Nothing worse than shooting at an animal and injuring, all because your scope is crap, and did not function well to match the environmental conditions you were hunting in.
Make sure you shoulder the gun and it "feels good": if you have friends, ask them to shoot their guns, take them out to the range (on you) and shoot a few rounds. This will give you an idea of what brands or rifle you may want. Used is also an option. With bolt action rifles, most have probably not seen that many rounds down range. Maybe sighting it in, and a few seasons (maybe 5-10 rounds shot). With Semi-Auto, you can get some that have been shot with a lot of rounds.
My 2 cents.
W.
The savage Axis 2 line is available in most calibers used in Ontario, for Ontario game.
IF you have a plan to hunt in an area check to see what caliber restriction are in your area. No sense buying a .308 if restrictions are for .270 or less, or a shotgun only restriction.
Next consider the cost of ammo (if this will be a problem for the budget shooter), common caliber such as .223, .308, 30-06 are cheaper to shoot then say .300 or .270 caliber
Find a range that has space to for you to join ($$$$), pretty crowded down that way in TO to find a club that has openings for new members.
Next get out and shoot often, to learn your gun, sight it in, and become so effective that pulling the trigger is natural.
Consider how often you will shoot the rifle. (only once during a big game season?)
Then consider if a shotgun might offer you more versatility overall and a better first time investment.
Many shotguns come with 3 barrel options, a duck barrel, a turkey barrel and rifled Deer slug barrel, and they can be bought within your budget.
A shotgun, can also cover all your small game needs and could be very versatile for your area.
Don't forget to check used gun sites, Gun Nuts, MEWE, this forum, sometimes you can get a good deal on used gun, maybe two for your budget.
Don't forget about a gun safe, or where you will store the gun once bought.
Welcome to the forum and new journey!!!
I tell new shooters to buy a 22 as well as a big game rifle but have them in the same action such as bolt or leaver. Bolt actions are more dependable in my opinion as you tend to take your time aiming for accuracy before you jack another in the chamber. As said already, you cant go wrong with the savage line very good out of the box . For your 800 dollars you could probably get a savage axis in 308 or 306 as well as the savage 22. I know you can probably get the cheap scope with the axis if you decide to go this route get a cheap one for the 22. personally I like to see new shooters learn and practice with iron sights first then work up to scopes, they can be broken in the bush Good luck in the future and practice lots with the 22 what ever you get. All the best Don
I have 3 Savage Axis's and they are my go to guns for large game and coyote (2 X .223 in Axis 1 and 2 and Axis 2 in .308)
Wow ! Thanks for the replies ! I see the hunting forum is alot more welcoming than the fishing forum I joined years ago ! Lol
@ Sam Menard
Personally I was thinking
.270 ,but of course this is just word of mouth and from all I've read so far.
I wish my budget could be higher but at the time being it is what it is, besides I figure I'll eventually want another firearm . Most likely a shotgun, leaning towards 10gauge .
The other problem I have with buying used is my inexperience, I dont want to be hustled into a lemon . haha
Doubt I'll sell any !! Lol thanks for your input !!
@ rippin_355
My only problem is that the .22s are so light they feel like toys . Atleast the ruger 10/22 I held. I do agree with starting small, but I'm a big boy and I think I can handle more than a .22!! I hope !! Lol
@ bad buzz
I think starting with small game really is my best option, cheaper on the wallet and a bit more exciting *so I've read * lol
The biggest shock to me when I first started looking into hunting was the price of scopes, completely threw me off gaurd. But like everything in life , you get what you pay for.
Again, I'm have zero to no real expierence with guns. Which is why I think for the time being I will stay away from used.
Thanks for your reply !
@line052
I've checked and I will be going with .270 if my mind hasn't changed to a shotgun or .22 .
There is a place in St. Catts, roughly 45min - 1 hour. No big deal as I love leaving all the chaos behind lol. They have ample space and accept alot of new members each year, I already have money set aside for the membership.
Almost every experienced shooter/hunter I've spoken too has suggest a shotgun. I dont know , theres just something with the rifle I've always liked and is leaning me that way. But I may have to have a change of heart!! Ohhh the problems !!! Haha I thought fishing was bad..
Thanks for the reply ! Appreciate it !
@Severn don
Most people I've spoken too have told me to stay away from savage, but I havent really given them a chance. I'll definitely look into them ASAP !
Thanks everyone ! To be honest you didn't help!! But made my decision even harder hahaha.. I guess I'll have to just get my self into the store, See which fit best and go from there.
Unless you plan on going to the range at least 15 times a year, you may as well just pay a "day pass fee" Some ranges have them for 20 bucks a day...Silverdale in St. Anns is one. They are located South East of Hamilton.......................Daniel
.22 and centre-fire rifles in the same action is a good idea. use the same sights (open/peep/scope) on both.Quote:
Originally Posted by severn don
I'd agree with Don's comment on learning with irons first. I've been shooting for 40+ years and have only recently started using a scope.
Re: the 10ga - I'd stay away from that. 12's provide all the power you need. I do see some use in the 12 3", but wouldn't bother with the 3 1/2.
Re: the .22 being like toys - they usually are smaller because there is no need to make them bigger. I have a marline 39a and its only a bit smaller/lighter than a m94. The best way to get good at shooting is to shoot a lot. When I was younger I used to shoot hundreds of rounds of .22 a day. With a .270 that would be hard on both the shoulder and the wallet.
Savage rifles are one of the best value for your money deals going right now in terms of out of the box accuracy. They were never pretty guns but they work. If you go that route, buy a model with the Accutrigger.
I definitely second the advice above, forget the 10 gauge, get a 12. The 3 barrel combos are always a good starting point, although later on you'll lean more towards dedicated guns for dedicated purposes.
Someone also mentioned above about $800 getting you a .22 and an Axis in a bigger calibre. That's a good start. I always lean more to quality used guns rather than budget new guns but either will get you started.
It's easy to dismiss the .22 as a toy but it's the cheapest way to practice and still fun to shoot.
Not everyone will agree with me here but don't get hung up on expensive scopes. There are less expensive scopes that are just fine to get started and won't break the bank. The Bushnell Banner is a good example. You'll eventually want to buy higher end rifles and scopes but it's not essential to get started.
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22 is the best start as someone only at this a few years now myself. Mainly for the long seasons I would say it's the best start. Lots of time to hunt small game and become a better hunter (believe me it's no walk in the park small game takes skill). I mean lots of time compared to a big game rifles time it will be used in the bush, if big game hunts mean travelling and vacation days for you and a learning long process. 22 can be used for small game within an hour of just about anywhere in ontario if you look for it. But the best pair as a beginner is a 12 gauge, can be used on all the small game a 22 can shoot plus waterfowl, turkey, deer. So many options with 12 gauge ammo and chokes and barrels, lots of different uses. I started with the 22, still use it regularly but the bulk of my game has been with my shotgun.
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I will have to agree about the versatility of a shotgun. And being the first gun. However the OP wants a rifle (I am sure he will end up with several guns) the 270 is a good choice for southern Ontario (to be able to shoot coyote or deer in non controlled hunt areas)
Something to consider: this was my dilemma: on the range membership I was a member of Silverdale. Only live 25 minutes from there. I found I did not get to the range as often as I would like and was about to purchase my first hand gun when I found out the wife was pregnant. That meant even less time at the range as my spare time I wanted to be hunting. I dropped my membership and only go around 3-4 times a year usually to dial in scopes after changing barrels (turkey to deer) and shoot a few rounds of trap. This ends up only costing me $60-80 (not including trap rounds if I choose to shoot a few rounds or ammo) compared to almost $300 for the membership fee. Saving me $$, That allows me to go to Longpoint and pay blind fees (or technically could pay for a sustaining member there) and pay for the Niagara Conservation hunting license(additional fee on top of hunting license) to give me more areas to hunt (public land) even though I have access to private land. As well as ammo for the year. Just another thing to consider. Though that is me and you may be in a different situation (probably). To get good at shooting though maybe you want to go to the range lots (hence my endorsement of the .22) and find it would be worth it. For me I am an excellent shot. Obviously would be better with lots of range time.
Don't discount used guns as I said. Some have only been shot a few times (maybe an impulse buy) or some can't use/ dont like it after shooting at the range. My first shotgun I got for a great deal. A gentleman bought it new for wild turkey hunting in Maine (he was from Nova Scotia where there is no wild turkey season) and was retired. He went every year. Upgraded his gun, went to the range once, then found out Maine had just introduced non-residents had to have a guide with them for wild turkey. This made it unaffordable to do on a pension. So I got a Remington 870 turkey with sure shot stock and Nikon turkey scope plus undertaker choke for $500 including shipping. Deals are out there to be had.
W.
Great Advice... Agreed.Quote:
Originally Posted by Badbuzz
I’ll be the third to advise against the 10 ga, not because there’s anything wrong with it, but more because 12 ga ammo is available everywhere, is most likely what future hunting partners will be using if you ever need to borrow some, and mainly because it has all the power you need. These are points my dad gave me 25 years ago when I said I wanted a 10 ga !
Plenty of good advice in other areas above,
Like yourself, I had a relatively modest budget, little experience and less knowledge of where to shoot. I've settled on a .22 and have the orientation of Silverdale set for early January to address those needs, so given you're location feel free to pm me if you want to tag along in the future
Thanks again to everyone who took the time to give their input as it has helped greatly .
From originally posting this thread to now things have changed dramatically lol, I think now I have my eyes set on the Savage A22 aswell as the Benelli Nova 3-1/2'' 12-Gauge Pump Action Shotgun. Both within my budget between sales and rebates, I feel as starting with a .22 is hands down the way to start with a rifle . I've also decided on the 12g due to the versatility of the gun, thanks to the guys above me for the great info.
Although not set in stone lol at the time being these 2 will be my first purchase .
Thanks again ! And if anyone has any input / real life expierences on the firearms I will be purchasing feel free to speak your mind :) . Hands on reviews are always the best ones !
Now go get em, and start shooting.Quote:
Originally Posted by Sparky416