hunting rifles

[[DCF] Pavelow]

Hi ive read the boards for about a year now and have come to the conclusion that this certain forum is gun-savvy, my question is what would be the best hunting rifle i can get for under 500 dollars, im mainly looking at a 30-06 round for deer, boar, and elk.


Any help and links are appreciated

[James]

Savage is a good inexpensive brand. Check out Remington M700 and Winchester M70 too.

[JoaMei]

One important thing is to say, dont try to save money when you buy the mount and the Scope. Your rifle setup is only as good as its cheapest part.

[Otsoa]

For price, you can't beat a Savage. While the stocks aren't the best, they shoot very good out of the box. If you see a rifle with the brand name Stevens, it is made by Savage as well. The Stevens might have a stiffer trigger pull but the price is great and so is the accuracy. Your caliber choice will be very good for the critters listed and would also be a good moose cartridge(if they are found in your area).

As JoaMei states, don't go cheap with your scope and rings. I have some cheap rings on my .22 and I have to make sure they aren't loosening up after 100 or so rounds. On my 303 however, I have good quality rings (can't remember manufacturer at the moment) and I have never had to retighten them at all. Don't go out and buy a cheap Chinese no name brand scope because the quality of glass is poor most of the time. Some brand names to look at are Bushnell, Simmons(mid level) and Leupold(high level).

[gaijinsamurai]

It's been a long time since I went hunting, but I used to favor a Winchester M70 or a Remington M700. .30-06 is hard to beat for an all-around deer/elk round. If you want to go smaller, .25-06 and .270 are good, and .308, 7mm Remington Mag and .300 Win Mag are good as well.
If you can afford one, Leopold scopes are great.

[California Joe]

I've recently been looking at the CZ550 with a mannlicher stock. It's in your price range and the Circassian walnut stock is beautiful.

[Violet Fashion by Mindy]

Lee Enfields are cheap and reliable and pack a punch

[D.Sigurdsson]

I'm waiting for my Savage 10FLP in .308
MSRP: $601

I've only heard two bad things about the Savage
1. Trigger too heavy (that was before they put the ACCU-trigger on every rifle)
2. Standard stock is not that good compared to other stocks

[Aussie E]

I'll second looking into a CZ. Nice guns with some great features for the cost.

[HoboWithAK]

I wouldn't even worry about a scope, look for a rifle with nice iron sights. Most hunting won't get you out to where you will be taking a shot where you need an optic.

Thirty ought Six is certanly an old round, a little worse off ballistically and a little more expensive then .308, and in my area it is harder to find. You may want to look to .308 if you can.

[JoaMei]

I wouldn't even worry about a scope, look for a rifle with nice iron sights. Most hunting won't get you out to where you will be taking a shot where you need an optic.

Thirty ought Six is certanly an old round, a little worse off ballistically and a little more expensive then .308, and in my area it is harder to find. You may want to look to .308 if you can.

I have to disagree, always using a scope makes sure you score a good and instantly deadly hit. And when its getting dark good optics will brighten up the vision. Iron sights are just cruel for longer distances and make the game suffer.
30-06 is a good caliber but .308 should be enough.

[[DCF] Pavelow]

hmmm well i just got a 30-30 from my gramps and he said to put a scope on it and it would work fine for what im hunting in texas, and i can get a elk rifle when i go. so thanks for all your help. 1 more thing is it possible to put a scope on the 30-30 lever action rifle?

[JoaMei]

Pavelow]hmmm well i just got a 30-30 from my gramps and he said to put a scope on it and it would work fine for what im hunting in texas, and i can get a elk rifle when i go. so thanks for all your help. 1 more thing is it possible to put a scope on the 30-30 lever action rifle?

Depends on the rifle, hard to say without seeing it.

[[DCF] Pavelow]

ill see about getting some pics but atm its at my uncles, and when i get to it ill take some

[Otsoa]

Pavelow]hmmm well i just got a 30-30 from my gramps and he said to put a scope on it and it would work fine for what im hunting in texas, and i can get a elk rifle when i go. so thanks for all your help. 1 more thing is it possible to put a scope on the 30-30 lever action rifle?

If it is a Marlin then it should be easy to mount a scope; get a scope base, throw on the rings and scope and off you go. If it is a Winchester then things get a little more complicated. If it is an angle eject model (iirc they were produced from 1984 or so onwards) then you can get a scope mount and have no worries. If it isn't an angle eject but a top eject then you will have to get a scout mount for the scope (can't remember if there is a side reciever mount at the moment). The 30-30 is an excellent round but the effective range is somewhat limited. Most hunters with a scoped 30-30 limit their shots to about 150-200m. Some hunters even use the 30-30 for moose and elk up here (Canada) but they limit their shots to only 40-75 meters which isn't a problem in the bush that we have around here. The one thing I recommend is to take your scoped rifle out to the range and practice, practice, practice. Fire from the bench at first and then move to offhand and sitting positions.

Here are some websites where you can look for scope mounts and other accessories for your 30-30
http://www.e-gunparts.com/
http://www.brownells.com/
http://www.natchezss.com/

Hope this helps to a fellow 30-30 owner :D

[HoboWithAK]

I wouldn't even worry about a scope, look for a rifle with nice iron sights. Most hunting won't get you out to where you will be taking a shot where you need an optic.

Thirty ought Six is certanly an old round, a little worse off ballistically and a little more expensive then .308, and in my area it is harder to find. You may want to look to .308 if you can.

I have to disagree, always using a scope makes sure you score a good and instantly deadly hit. And when its getting dark good optics will brighten up the vision. Iron sights are just cruel for longer distances and make the game suffer.
30-06 is a good caliber but .308 should be enough.

From my experience, especially in hunting large deer, .308 packs a bigger punch that .30-06. I shoot iron sights at under abiut a hundred to 150-200 yards. Usually, if it is over that much to begin with, I wont even take a shot with a scope. Too much of a risk not hitting the animal. However, very little of the land I hunt on affords me the opprotunity to have a clear shot to that distance. Yes, a scope collects more light than the eye, a nice perk. I like the challenge of not being able to hit everything at every time of the day. Besides, unless he spends a good deal of money on good scops and rings/base, if he knocks it around (which will be done in a wooded area) or gets it wet or cold to where it floods or fogs because it's a POS optic it will mess up his shot. I try not to depend on them, but they are a nice perk.

I would suggest he buys a quality rifle with his money that has good iron aperature sights, and save his money for optics to add at a later date.

[Seraphim]

I wouldn't even worry about a scope, look for a rifle with nice iron sights. Most hunting won't get you out to where you will be taking a shot where you need an optic.

Thirty ought Six is certanly an old round, a little worse off ballistically and a little more expensive then .308, and in my area it is harder to find. You may want to look to .308 if you can.

I have to disagree, always using a scope makes sure you score a good and instantly deadly hit. And when its getting dark good optics will brighten up the vision. Iron sights are just cruel for longer distances and make the game suffer.
30-06 is a good caliber but .308 should be enough.

From my experience, especially in hunting large deer, .308 packs a bigger punch that .30-06. I shoot iron sights at under abiut a hundred to 150-200 yards. Usually, if it is over that much to begin with, I wont even take a shot with a scope. Too much of a risk not hitting the animal. However, very little of the land I hunt on affords me the opprotunity to have a clear shot to that distance. Yes, a scope collects more light than the eye, a nice perk. I like the challenge of not being able to hit everything at every time of the day. Besides, unless he spends a good deal of money on good scops and rings/base, if he knocks it around (which will be done in a wooded area) or gets it wet or cold to where it floods or fogs because it's a POS optic it will mess up his shot. I try not to depend on them, but they are a nice perk.

I would suggest he buys a quality rifle with his money that has good iron aperature sights, and save his money for optics to add at a later date.

Actually the 30-06 packs a bigger punch.

[sergey31]

Actually the 30-06 packs a bigger punch.

You are right.

[Violet Fashion by Mindy]

This is where a enfied is good.

It packs a punch and is also a former assault rifle. :P

[sergey31]

This is where a enfied is good.

It packs a punch and is also a former assault rifle. :P

:roll:

[Violet Fashion by Mindy]

Hey before semi-automatic's were around the enfield was it.

Shorter barrel then German and French rifles and had a quicker bolt.

Arguably the best alround bolt-actioned rifle ever made. British and Australians were still using them up until the early 60's in a limited capacity,

[JoaMei]

Hey before semi-automatic's were around the enfield was it.

Shorter barrel then German and French rifles and had a quicker bolt.

Arguably the best alround bolt-actioned rifle ever made. British and Australians were still using them up until the early 60's in a limited capacity,

Well, how the bolt should be quicker? The german 98k was lighter, but Im not saying the Enfield is bad.

[Otsoa]

Hey before semi-automatic's were around the enfield was it.

Shorter barrel then German and French rifles and had a quicker bolt.

Arguably the best alround bolt-actioned rifle ever made. British and Australians were still using them up until the early 60's in a limited capacity,

Well, how the bolt should be quicker? The german 98k was lighter, but Im not saying the Enfield is bad.

The Enfield and its kin are all **** on closing meaning that you **** the bolt as you close it. On my P-14 Enfield this means that it is rather quick to cycle the bolt. As you push the bolt home there is a little more resistance but since you are pushing forwards already, all it takes is a little more effort to close the bolt home. I don't have a Mauser in my collection to compare my Enfield to but I must say that it is a lot quicker to cycle the bolt on my Mosin. Btw, iirc the bolts on the Mosin and the Mausers are all **** on opening.

Hey Minardiau, don't forget that us Canucks are still using the Enfield in the high Arctic ;)

[JoaMei]

Hey before semi-automatic's were around the enfield was it.

Shorter barrel then German and French rifles and had a quicker bolt.

Arguably the best alround bolt-actioned rifle ever made. British and Australians were still using them up until the early 60's in a limited capacity,

Well, how the bolt should be quicker? The german 98k was lighter, but Im not saying the Enfield is bad.

The Enfield and its kin are all **** on closing meaning that you **** the bolt as you close it. On my P-14 Enfield this means that it is rather quick to cycle the bolt. As you push the bolt home there is a little more resistance but since you are pushing forwards already, all it takes is a little more effort to close the bolt home. I don't have a Mauser in my collection to compare my Enfield to but I must say that it is a lot quicker to cycle the bolt on my Mosin. Btw, iirc the bolts on the Mosin and the Mausers are all **** on opening.

Hey Minardiau, don't forget that us Canucks are still using the Enfield in the high Arctic ;)

No the 98k cocks when closing the chamber, when you put the lever down. Its easier than on the Enfield. But both actions are smooth.

But the Iron sights on the Enfield are way better, really top notch.

[mudbunny]

For the price your talking Savage or Remington would be the brands to look at first, IMHO.

[sergey31]

Out of my 65+ firearms 2 of them are Enfields No. 4's. One is used from India (I restored it) and the other one I purchased new (unissued) for $450.00

The older one does have the best bolt action then any bolt action rifle that I've handled and even better then new production rifles. The new one I made it into sniper.
I'll post nice pics when I have time to take them.

[Otsoa]

No the 98k cocks when closing the chamber, when you put the lever down. Its easier than on the Enfield. But both actions are smooth.

But the Iron sights on the Enfield are way better, really top notch.

Thanks for clearing that up for me about the way a Mauser's bolt works :D Eventually going to have to add a Mauser to the collection.....hopefully a Spanish Mauser like the one my father had to pack around for his military service.

[HoboWithAK]

Actually the 30-06 packs a bigger punch.

You are right.

Not really. I've never seen any .30-06 round that will expand and rapidly or as big as some of the newer .308 rounds.

The .308 can handle almost all bullet weights that the .30-06 can at about a 50-100FPS loss. However, the .308 is inherently more accurate and available in more choices. It can sit in a shorter, easier action than the .30-06 because of new powders and whatever. However, there is a lot of empty space in a newer .30-06 case with new powder because of advances in burn rate and calories available. You could upload it, but that would have to be done by yourself or someone else. You would also have to make sure your rifle could handle the chamber PSI.

[oldsoak]

Hey before semi-automatic's were around the enfield was it.

Shorter barrel then German and French rifles and had a quicker bolt.

Arguably the best alround bolt-actioned rifle ever made. British and Australians were still using them up until the early 60's in a limited capacity,

Well, how the bolt should be quicker? The german 98k was lighter, but Im not saying the Enfield is bad.

The Enfield and its kin are all **** on closing meaning that you **** the bolt as you close it. On my P-14 Enfield this means that it is rather quick to cycle the bolt. As you push the bolt home there is a little more resistance but since you are pushing forwards already, all it takes is a little more effort to close the bolt home. I don't have a Mauser in my collection to compare my Enfield to but I must say that it is a lot quicker to cycle the bolt on my Mosin. Btw, iirc the bolts on the Mosin and the Mausers are all **** on opening.

Hey Minardiau, don't forget that us Canucks are still using the Enfield in the high Arctic ;)

No the 98k cocks when closing the chamber, when you put the lever down. Its easier than on the Enfield. But both actions are smooth.

But the Iron sights on the Enfield are way better, really top notch.


Funny - the mauser 98 ( made by Fn with IDF stamps ) I've handled cocked on lifting the bolt. The Enfield uses locking lugs at the rear of the bolt and a rotating bolt head - this makes for a quicker action as the bolt is not as rigid as the mauser ( although its not as strong as the mauser- you cant handle a 30-06 round in a Enfield action - 7.62 is about as high as it will go, but thats plenty for most animals. Mauser ejection is better also ).

[California Joe]

I remember reading a quote years ago on the miltary rifles of the day that said.....

The Mauser is a hunting rifle

The Springfield 1903 is a target rifle

The SMLE is a battle rifle.


And that being said I just ordered some fancy black walnut to restock my Savage 99. ;)

[Otsoa]

Ah Joe, a Savage 99 eh? What is it chambered in?

[TuNeRsHaRk]

hmm i picked up the new mossberg atr100 in .270 win for about 250 and its a great rifle it shoots like a god, they have it in 30 06 also i think

[mudbunny]

My baby is a lever-action Savage that has been passed down thru the family.

[California Joe]

Ah Joe, a Savage 99 eh? What is it chambered in?

.243

[HoboWithAK]

Ah Joe, a Savage 99 eh? What is it chambered in?

.243

Nice Whitetail caliber.

http://img263.imageshack.us/img263/6153/dcp0021a0iy.jpg

Kudos to the first one who can tell me what make/model the rifle is.

[California Joe]

Looks like a Ruger to me.

[Aerosoul]

Same.

With a Bushnell scope. But of course the name is right in my face. :)

[Jippo]

The .308 can handle almost all bullet weights that the .30-06 can at about a 50-100FPS loss. However, the .308 is inherently more accurate and available in more choices.

With Lapua ammunition 30-06 vs. .308 you will get a constant +10% in energy when shooting hunting cartridges. And there is also wider selection of bullets ranging up to 200grains.

I know a lot of fellows shooting 30-06, and never have I heard that their rifles weren't accurate enough.

Depends on where you live I guess, but in my opinion there is no reason to choose .308 over 30-06 if elk is being hunted.


-jippo

[HoboWithAK]

Looks like a Ruger to me.\

Ding ding ding!

Have a cookie.

[TuNeRsHaRk]

anyone here hunt with muzzleloaders? i always thought it would be a pain in the ass but id like to hear from someone whos hunted with one

[HoboWithAK]

anyone here hunt with muzzleloaders? i always thought it would be a pain in the ass but id like to hear from someone whos hunted with one

Yes. The only incentive is that the season starts earlier and ends later. You also may give yourself a challenge with the extremely limited range, but with the new tech out there for muzzle loading, it's probably right on par with a centerfire rifle.

[California Joe]

Screw new technology. I have 3 flintlocks that I built. Nothing like running around the woods with a longrifle with tiger stripe maple stock and a scrimshawed powder horn and possibles bag to make it seem like REAL hunting. Plus I look just like Daniel Day Lewis in Last of the Mohicans.

Do so.

Shut up.

;)

[Otsoa]

Screw new technology. I have 3 flintlocks that I built. Nothing like running around the woods with a longrifle with tiger stripe maple stock and a scrimshawed powder horn and possibles bag to make it seem like REAL hunting. Plus I look just like Daniel Day Lewis in Last of the Mohicans.

Do so.

Shut up.

;)

So what would you prefer to be called Joe? Hawkeye or La Longue Carabine? ;)

[Pirate_K]

anyone here hunt with muzzleloaders? i always thought it would be a pain in the ass but id like to hear from someone whos hunted with one

I have. a 50 Cal percussion CVS. Almost bagged a nice buck up in northern pennsylvania. Their fun for a sunday shootout but for serious hunting i use my bdl700 in 308. I have a bdl700 in 30-30 but the 308 ammo is cheaper and easier to come by.

[TuNeRsHaRk]

yea well i guess for some people its fine to hunt with muzzleloaders, just last time i was at the range sighting in my gun, the guy next to us made muzzleloading look really complicating i just guess he didnt know what he was doing :roll:

has anyone here taken a hunters safety course before? i have to take one soon before this years season and i wanted to know what it was like?

[Otsoa]

I have but I doubt my experience would help you out due to two things: 1. The class was taken way back in 1990 when I was in high school.
2. I live in a different country ;)

My advice would be to study all materials you have and if you have a firearms safety segment just remember that for the most part it comes down to good ol common sense.