Help with Rifle Purchase

[mikejj24]

I am going to probably purchase a semi automatic rifle to use for hog hunting and possibly deer hunting. So far, I have looked at the following:

New guns
------------
Ruger Mini 30 (7.62 x39)
Winchester SXR (multiple loads .270,30.06,.308 etc.)
Remington 750 (also mulitple loads)
Browning BAR (multiple loads)

Used
------
Ruger 4410 44 mag

I noticed that some of these also do not have sights on them. I was thinking it would be nice to use either a scope or open sights.

Anyway, any advice is greatly appreciated.

[normanvin]

just wanted to say welcome to the forum. I don't hunt so I couldn't help out with your question. Sorry

[Fazer6PA]

Welcome to the neighborhood. Semi's are not allowed for deer hunting here in PA. I would say anything in 06 would be great.

[Xringshooter]

Any would be good for hog hunting or deer hunting in TX. You can reload for all, the 7.62 ammo can be bought pretty cheap. The Ruger is probably a bit shorter and may be able to get on target quicker especially in the thick brush that hogs like to come at you from. All around I'd go with the Ruger or the BAR, but that's my preferences. All will do what you want, it is what you like (or don't have and want to add to your collection).

[Scud]

M1 Garand.

[CENTERMAST]

Armalite AR-10

[str8shooter]

I think you need to take the terrain you'll be hunting in under consideration. If you're doing a lot of walking up and down hills, you don't want a heavy gun, but if you plan on doing more sitting than walking, weight won't matter as much. Also, if you're hunting in brush or thick woods, you might not want a long barrel, a pistol grip or bulky optics that are going to snag on everything and create more noise, but if your shooting in wide open spaces, a longer barrel and a scope with large objective lens will get you more range. You have a fellow Texan on the forum that goes by the name of Tomcat088 who's a wealth of information. You should send him a private message and see if he's got some suggestions based on where you're planning to hunt.

[dogngun]

If you are hunting in PA, I'd recommend a lever gun, like a Marlin in .35 or .45-70 if you are shooting hogs as well as deer.

Semi-autos are not legal for hunting here.

You need to consider where you will be hunting - the Marlin is great for where I hunt, mostly woods and small fields - but different rifles are indicated for other terrain.

The GP rifle here is usually a bolt action .30-06 or .308, and it is hard to go wrong with either.
They are available used anywhere.


mark

[Noah_Zark]

Since the OP's header says he's in Texas, I'll assume that he's hunting hogs in Texas.

IMO, the used Ruger 44 Mag carbine would be my choice for javelina, and the Ruger Mini-30 a second, ONLY of you can get it with factory magazines. Aftermarket Mini-14 and Mini-30 mags just suck.

The 44 Magnum ammo will be steep $$, but the round is muy bueno for the tough javelina found in Texas hog country.

Noah

[aubie515]

Since TX offers longer shots, I'd avoid the 7.62x39 just because it won't be very accurate at long ranges.

I'd say get a DPMS LR 308 Panther. They are the best bang for the buck in a semi that performs like a bolt action. If weight is an issue, you could always opt for the 16" version. I prefer the 18" version and have had very good results.