Suggestions for new deer rifle wanted

[DeepbluePA]

I have just started hunting( woodchucks) with my furture father in law. It looks like I will bee deer hunting with him too. I am looking to putchase a new rifle for deer hunting since my chuck gun is WAY to heavy. I have a lot of gun experience but almost none of it is in hunting type rifles.

I was considering a Mossberg 4x4 package with scope in .270 win.

I am looking for additional suggestions. I'm looking for something that is a good value with the least recoil possible. I prefer synthetic/ matte stainless type setup.


any other makes and calibers sugestions would be greatly appreciated.

I want to get as much shooting in before the season as possible

[phillyd2]

I just got a Winchester Model 70, Featherweight in .300 WSM Winchester Short Magnum which I really like. But the .300 WSM may not fit with "least recoil possible".

Check out the Savage. A friend of my just got one its it shoots well. The price was unbelievably low.

[aubie515]

If you want the least amount of recoil for hunting in PA...the best caliber would be the .243 Winchester. You can hunt ground hogs to whitetail. I use the 75gr Hornady V max for ground hogs with devastating results. For PA whitetail, anything above 95 grs will work. Try the Sierra 100gr GameKing.

The .270 is a great caliber, but the recoil is heavy compared to the .243 Winchester. The .308 would also be a good caliber choice. Lots of good factory ammo to choose from.

As far as rifles that are light and accurate, I'd go with a Tikka T3 Lite. The very best action you will find in a factory rifle. The Savage line are very accurate, but the action is horrible. You may also want to look at a Howa rifle as well. Well balanced, accurate, and a smooth action.

[DeepbluePA]

thanks Aubie

I have a HOWA, unfortunatly it is a heavy barrel varmint with thumbhole stock. It shoots great and i got it at a great price slightly used. Unfortunately its a 22-250 and its heavy like a refrigerator. I've considered .243 and also 7mm-08. I have a vey limited budget so a lot of things I would like to buy are out of my price range in the time frame I am looking to buy.

[Holleta]

A 7mm-08 is a superb choice, mild recoil, knockdown power to spare (including use on Bear) and the ability to reach out to 300+ yds quite easily and accurately. Check out the Savage combo packages, they are priced very reasonable, usually come with gun/scope/mounts/sling and are one of the most accurate out of the box guns you will find-regardless of price.

[Brick]

For Pennsylvania to get along with the silly "manual operation" only rule. You might consider a Browning BLR in .243 Win or .308 Win. It's a nice lever action, with a detachable box magazine so pointed bullets are no problem and you get full ballistic benefit. Or if you prefer bolt action, take a look at Savage (believe it or not Savage rifles are among the most accurate "out-of-the-box" you can buy) or CZ for a really fine Mauser action at reasonable cost.

In any event, have fun shopping!

[aubie515]

I was thinking about selling my Savage .243, so PM me if you are interested.

[ironhorse]

I have never shot a 243. My Brother has one and he says that he loves it. However he said that you pretty much have to have a heart shot to take them down. The 270 have a great reach on it as well withmore knockdown power.Oh a 30-06 is satndard here in pa. It has a great knockdown, I been told that the variety of bulltes are greater and is much more versitle gun due to that. I would go with a 270.

[ironhorse]

http://www.pasportsmenportal.com/for...opic.php?t=924

[Karys]

Originally Posted by DeepbluePA

...I've considered .243 and also 7mm-08. I have a vey limited budget so a lot of things I would like to buy are out of my price range in the time frame I am looking to buy.

If you're going to be hunting up in the northeast where you are and have a limited budget, consider a Marlin 336 lever action in .30-30. You should be able to find one for less than $350 and the .30-30 doesn't have much recoil.

The only bad thing about a .30-30 is it won't have the reach that some of the other calibers mentioned above will have. If you think you'll be taking a shot beyond 150 yards, then the .270, .243, or 7mm-08 would be better. Personally, I'd go for the 7mm-08 because it'll have a little more knock down power than the .243 and a little less recoil than the .270