Any hunters here?

[Orsorum]

I'm new to the world of big-game hunting. Hunted dove and quail when I was in my teens but never really delved into big game. I would like to look into hunting deer and elk, maybe move onto bigger game in future years.

I'm trying to find a decent quality, inexpensive starter hunting rifle. As it stands, I'm starting to settle in on the Savage 111 (the package with basic scope, strap, etc.: http://www.savagearms.com/111fcxp3.htm). Good quality, nice scope for the price, solid firearm that would last me and that I could take into the field without worrying about scratches.

What do you all use? Any recommendations for a caliber other than 30 06?

Update: the Savage 111s are surprisingly hard to find in Washington. Has anyone tried a Marlin XL7? Those look comparable.

 

[JulesMaximus]

I picked up a used pristine Winchester Model 70 .300 Win Mag many years ago for about $300 with scope and rings. I still have it.

It was brutal to shoot when I got it, which is probably why I got it so cheap. A few years ago I had a gunsmith put a compensator and a recoil pad on it and it is so much more pleasant to shoot now.

I took it on an armed hiking trip once...we had deer tags but never saw any deer. We were hunting n00bs though so that doesn't surprise me.

 

[Barfo]

Hunter Weapon!!!!!!

 

[Orsorum]

Originally posted by: barfo
Hunter Weapon!!!!!!

Resident evil?

 

[Billyzeke]

I use a Remington Model 700 BDL in .270 winchester. Large enough caliber for any North American big game and doesn't "kill on both ends" if you know what I mean. you can get the model 700 in several different grades to suit your tastes and budget. I also have a fondness for the Winchester model 70.

 

[IGBT]

read up on a hunter/writter named Jack O'Conner.

http://www.chuckhawks.com/column12_jack_o_connor.htm

 

[adairusmc]

A savage is a fine choice for a first bolt action. I would not hesitate to hunt with one, even with my Nosler bolt action in the group of choices.

The real question is what is your budget (make sure to think about what you want to spend on glass/rings too)?

 

[Orsorum]

Originally posted by: adairusmc
A savage is a fine choice for a first bolt action. I would not hesitate to hunt with one, even with my Nosler bolt action in the group of choices.

The real question is what is your budget (make sure to think about what you want to spend on glass/rings too)?

$400-500. Once I've hunted for a few seasons I think I'd be comfortable picking up a Remington Model 700, but that gets into the $700-800 territory and that's a bit much for me on a first-weapon purchase.

If I wanted to pick up a 12 gauge shotgun or a handgun I'd be more comfortable as I have real world hunting and hobby experience.

 

[Hoober]

I prefer a 7mm Remington Magnum, but those are a bit out of the range you've specified. Beautiful cartridge, though.

 

[Orsorum]

Originally posted by: Hoober
I prefer a 7mm Remington Magnum, but those are a bit out of the range you've specified. Beautiful cartridge, though.

Yeah, am interested in upgrading and trying other calibers, but not for a few years. Already buying an AR-15 this year, that's enough for me.

 

[OCGuy]

The most dangerous game?

 

[adairusmc]

Originally posted by: Orsorum

Originally posted by: adairusmc
A savage is a fine choice for a first bolt action. I would not hesitate to hunt with one, even with my Nosler bolt action in the group of choices.

The real question is what is your budget (make sure to think about what you want to spend on glass/rings too)?

$400-500. Once I've hunted for a few seasons I think I'd be comfortable picking up a Remington Model 700, but that gets into the $700-800 territory and that's a bit much for me on a first-weapon purchase.

If I wanted to pick up a 12 gauge shotgun or a handgun I'd be more comfortable as I have real world hunting and hobby experience.

Nothing wrong with a cheap savage, just make sure you don't go super cheap on the scope (assuming you get one without sights and need a scope).

I see lots of people buy even expensive rifles only to mount a tasco or a bushnell on the thing. At least go with a lower end Nikon or Leupold. Avoid barska, BSA, Tasco, and non-Elite bushnells like the plague.

30-06 is a decent starter caliber, I dont use it though except for in my Garands, just because everone else has one. I have different tastes as far as my Deer and Elk rifles go (I prefer .243win for deer and .375 H&H for elk myself )

 

[Hoober]

Originally posted by: Orsorum

Originally posted by: Hoober
I prefer a 7mm Remington Magnum, but those are a bit out of the range you've specified. Beautiful cartridge, though.

Yeah, am interested in upgrading and trying other calibers, but not for a few years. Already buying an AR-15 this year, that's enough for me.

I have a buddy that hunts elk and deer with a 30-06. Swears by it, and I've never seen it fail to put down an animal. I've never fired a Savage, and his is an ancient Ruger, I believe, but you shouldn't have any worries on the load.

 

[Kirby]

Originally posted by: adairusmc

Originally posted by: Orsorum

Originally posted by: adairusmc
A savage is a fine choice for a first bolt action. I would not hesitate to hunt with one, even with my Nosler bolt action in the group of choices.

The real question is what is your budget (make sure to think about what you want to spend on glass/rings too)?

$400-500. Once I've hunted for a few seasons I think I'd be comfortable picking up a Remington Model 700, but that gets into the $700-800 territory and that's a bit much for me on a first-weapon purchase.

If I wanted to pick up a 12 gauge shotgun or a handgun I'd be more comfortable as I have real world hunting and hobby experience.

Nothing wrong with a cheap savage, just make sure you don't go super cheap on the scope (assuming you get one without sights and need a scope).

I see lots of people buy even expensive rifles only to mount a tasco or a bushnell on the thing. At least go with a lower end Nikon or Leupold. Avoid barska, BSA, Tasco, and non-Elite bushnells like the plague.

30-06 is a decent starter caliber, I dont use it though except for in my Garands, just because everone else has one. I have different tastes as far as my Deer and Elk rifles go (I prefer .243win for deer and .375 H&H for elk myself )

I've never had a problem with Tasco. Not the greatest by any means, but I wouldn't hesitate to put one a cheap rifle.

 

[Farang]

Weatherby Vanguard

edit: and don't be cheap on the scope. Get a really nice one its worth it

 

[KK]

Originally posted by: nkgreen

Originally posted by: adairusmc

Originally posted by: Orsorum

Originally posted by: adairusmc
A savage is a fine choice for a first bolt action. I would not hesitate to hunt with one, even with my Nosler bolt action in the group of choices.

The real question is what is your budget (make sure to think about what you want to spend on glass/rings too)?

$400-500. Once I've hunted for a few seasons I think I'd be comfortable picking up a Remington Model 700, but that gets into the $700-800 territory and that's a bit much for me on a first-weapon purchase.

If I wanted to pick up a 12 gauge shotgun or a handgun I'd be more comfortable as I have real world hunting and hobby experience.

Nothing wrong with a cheap savage, just make sure you don't go super cheap on the scope (assuming you get one without sights and need a scope).

I see lots of people buy even expensive rifles only to mount a tasco or a bushnell on the thing. At least go with a lower end Nikon or Leupold. Avoid barska, BSA, Tasco, and non-Elite bushnells like the plague.

30-06 is a decent starter caliber, I dont use it though except for in my Garands, just because everone else has one. I have different tastes as far as my Deer and Elk rifles go (I prefer .243win for deer and .375 H&H for elk myself )

I've never had a problem with Tasco. Not the greatest by any means, but I wouldn't hesitate to put one a cheap rifle.

Yeah, my tasco never has let me down in 20 years. My burris for the handgun I had issues with like on the first or second time out to the range. Burris was good on warranty work though so I can't knock them completely. I don't see why anyone would need a 400+ dollar scope. As far as a hunting gun, walmart used to carry guns, not sure if they got completely out of the business or not. They had very good prices, beating the local gun shops easily.

 

[Modelworks]

Hunter, but a bow user. Haven't used a gun in quite some time.

 

[Suspicious-Teach8788]

thought about WoW when i read the title

 

[Orsorum]

Originally posted by: KK

Originally posted by: nkgreen

Originally posted by: adairusmc

Originally posted by: Orsorum

Originally posted by: adairusmc
A savage is a fine choice for a first bolt action. I would not hesitate to hunt with one, even with my Nosler bolt action in the group of choices.

The real question is what is your budget (make sure to think about what you want to spend on glass/rings too)?

$400-500. Once I've hunted for a few seasons I think I'd be comfortable picking up a Remington Model 700, but that gets into the $700-800 territory and that's a bit much for me on a first-weapon purchase.

If I wanted to pick up a 12 gauge shotgun or a handgun I'd be more comfortable as I have real world hunting and hobby experience.

Nothing wrong with a cheap savage, just make sure you don't go super cheap on the scope (assuming you get one without sights and need a scope).

I see lots of people buy even expensive rifles only to mount a tasco or a bushnell on the thing. At least go with a lower end Nikon or Leupold. Avoid barska, BSA, Tasco, and non-Elite bushnells like the plague.

30-06 is a decent starter caliber, I dont use it though except for in my Garands, just because everone else has one. I have different tastes as far as my Deer and Elk rifles go (I prefer .243win for deer and .375 H&H for elk myself )

I've never had a problem with Tasco. Not the greatest by any means, but I wouldn't hesitate to put one a cheap rifle.

Yeah, my tasco never has let me down in 20 years. My burris for the handgun I had issues with like on the first or second time out to the range. Burris was good on warranty work though so I can't knock them completely. I don't see why anyone would need a 400+ dollar scope. As far as a hunting gun, walmart used to carry guns, not sure if they got completely out of the business or not. They had very good prices, beating the local gun shops easily.

Anything wrong with trying the basic scope that comes with the package deal? Hm, maybe should just go to Cabela's and ask for advice.

 

[zinfamous]

in Papua New Guinea they hunt with hand-made bows and arrows. They track the game through the jungle on bare feet, like men.

Maybe try that?

 

[Kirby]

Originally posted by: Orsorum
Anything wrong with trying the basic scope that comes with the package deal? Hm, maybe should just go to Cabela's and ask for advice.

Hard to say without looking through it. I doubt you'll be making any 800 yard shots anyway.

 

[BoomerD]

OP, if you lived close to me, I could probably make you a sweet deal on my pre-64 Winchester model 70 30.06.

It was my father-in-law's before it was mine, and I know it's killed well over 30 deer and half-dozen bull elks. (many of both were my kills)

I also have a Marlin .32 lever action rifle (don't remember the model number) of about the same vintage. It's a nice little deer rifle, but not really good for anything bigger.


I'm too busted up to hunt anymore, and my son has no interest in hunting...

edit...duh...Remington model 70? lol.
I'm surprised none of the gun fanatics called me on that!

 

[adairusmc]

Originally posted by: KK

Originally posted by: nkgreen

Originally posted by: adairusmc

Originally posted by: Orsorum

Originally posted by: adairusmc
A savage is a fine choice for a first bolt action. I would not hesitate to hunt with one, even with my Nosler bolt action in the group of choices.

The real question is what is your budget (make sure to think about what you want to spend on glass/rings too)?

$400-500. Once I've hunted for a few seasons I think I'd be comfortable picking up a Remington Model 700, but that gets into the $700-800 territory and that's a bit much for me on a first-weapon purchase.

If I wanted to pick up a 12 gauge shotgun or a handgun I'd be more comfortable as I have real world hunting and hobby experience.

Nothing wrong with a cheap savage, just make sure you don't go super cheap on the scope (assuming you get one without sights and need a scope).

I see lots of people buy even expensive rifles only to mount a tasco or a bushnell on the thing. At least go with a lower end Nikon or Leupold. Avoid barska, BSA, Tasco, and non-Elite bushnells like the plague.

30-06 is a decent starter caliber, I dont use it though except for in my Garands, just because everone else has one. I have different tastes as far as my Deer and Elk rifles go (I prefer .243win for deer and .375 H&H for elk myself )

I've never had a problem with Tasco. Not the greatest by any means, but I wouldn't hesitate to put one a cheap rifle.

Yeah, my tasco never has let me down in 20 years. My burris for the handgun I had issues with like on the first or second time out to the range. Burris was good on warranty work though so I can't knock them completely. I don't see why anyone would need a 400+ dollar scope. As far as a hunting gun, walmart used to carry guns, not sure if they got completely out of the business or not. They had very good prices, beating the local gun shops easily.

That is because you have a 20 year old tasco - they USED to be good.

Now I wouldn't own a tasco for any reason, they are that bad. Only suitable for rimfire IMO. When a .22-250 will bust the reticle from recoil, then the scope sucks (had it happen 3 times in a row with the warranty replacements on that tasco).

 

[Kirby]

Originally posted by: adairusmc
That is because you have a 20 year old tasco - they USED to be good.

Now I wouldn't own a tasco for any reason, they are that bad. Only suitable for rimfire IMO. When a .22-250 will bust the reticle from recoil, then the scope sucks (had it happen 3 times in a row with the warranty replacements on that tasco).

Ehh, mine's probably at least 20 years old, so you may be right.

I can't recall what's on my .22 atm, but I'm not spending a shit ton on a scope for a cheapo Marlin.

 

[Bulk Beef]

Savages are great guns - I have three. However, the scopes, rings, and bases that come with their package rifles are generally bottom of the barrel models. I believe the 111FCXP3 comes with a cheapo Simmons scope. Better off buying a bare rifle and scoping it yourself. There are plenty of excellent scopes out there for <$200. You could also buy a Stevens 200, which is the same basic rifle as a Savage, but w/o the AccuTrigger or detachable magazine that many Savages come with now.

So - Yes to Savage/Stevens, but no to the package guns.