Rifle for my son - Advice?

[david58]

My son confounds me. With an SKS and can of ammo, or an M1 Garand with a pile of clips, he'd rather shoot at a piece of paper using a scoped rifle. He'll check every shot on the scope, and can really make a box of ammo last a while. Man, I want that M1 and a can of ammo.....

So, I want to get him a rifle. He appreciates 'em all, but really wants accuracy. I like the idea of him hunting with me, so I am trying to find that accurate rifle in a deer (at least) and elk caliber. I understand the glass part, but I am in a quandry trying to find the rifle that will combine the accuracy that he will enjoy, the ability to hunt (which Dad enjoys), and will fit the budget (since he heads for college in the fall).

I think a bolt action is going to be the preferred action, though a Ruger No. 1 would work but for cost.

I welcome any suggestions!

 

[schlockinz]

Cartridges that I'd suggest.

45/70
35 rem
308
30.06
7mm mag
270

Does he like bolts, pumps, semis, levers, or whatever? I think if I had my pick for a first gun, all around, and I was hunting where short shots are the norm, I'd take the 45/70. Its more fun to shoot than anything else that I have. Otherwise, I'd say 7mm mag or 30.06. Will be good for elk, a blast to shoot.

 

[david58]

He's grown up around muzzleloaders (traditional) and bp cartridge - he's most interested in a bolt action (I guess I coulda filled that in the orig post). I love the 45/70, but I think he would like smaller faster and more precise.

 

[LeontheProfessional]

Being that he is an accuracy nut, I would suggest something like 300WM, 308, 7mm, or 30-06. A Stevens model 200 is a good rifle for a great price. In general any Savage will fit the bill and many can be had for under $400.

 

[NWCP]

Get him a bolt action in .308. Sounds like he'd appreciate pretty much anything you'd give him. A bolt is an inherently more accurate action and there are many good shooting rifles available at reasonable prices.

 

[schlockinz]

I can shoot my 45/70 more accurately at 100 than my 30.06.

But, for a bolt, I think its hard to beat either the 30.06 or 7mm mag. There are a lot of good budget rifles out there that will perform nicely.

 

[Dr. Tad Hussein Winslow]

Action: Turnbolt

Rifle: What's the budget?

Chambering: Depends on the rifle and what chamberings are offered in it, which in turn depends on the budget? What's the budget? Willing to buy used, or new only?

 

[Uncle Mike]

Deer AND Elk AND accuracy..... 280 Remington, 270 Winchester, any of the 300 Mags., 30-06. Bolt Action.

The 7mm Remington Mag. will do also, as would any of the 7mm Mags., but they are not stellar in the accuracy department, as offered in many of the readily availble production rifles.

I'd say a Savage 116 in 30-06 or a Remington XHR, CDL or even the XCR or SPS in 280 or 30-06.

 

[david58]

Used is my preference, as is his (we're strange, we like the character of used but well cared for guns, cars, furniture, etc). My budget is tight, and will depend on how many of my trade fodder items I can sell at the next gun show (bayonet, knives, reloading stuff, ammo for guns I don't have any more, and so forth) coupled with some hideaway bucks and a 22 I hope to trade.

 

[jpwilly]

The T/C ICON comes to mind in 308 Win...Sub MOA Guarantee! http://www.tcarms.com/firearms/icon_precision_hunter.php

 

[Fremmer]

Bolt action .308 Winchester.

I like Remington.

 

[AKElroy]

For OEM accuracy, this is hard to beat for the money. I just got a LH weather warrior version, and it is my most accurate rifle. The OEM pad really soaks up recoil if that is a concern.


http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=158719688

 

[snakeman]

I like what jpwilly suggested but if you are interested I have a very accurate howa hogue (green) 308 with a 20" bbl that fits in a tactical case for sale for $400 plus shipping. Its like new and doomsday aka taxday is coming soon and I need the money more than the rifle. PM me if you are interested. You could also look at the remington 700 vtr desert recon 308. It should be wicked.

 

[surjimmy]

Tikka T3, around $500 made by Sako in a 7mag or 300wm or wsm.

 

[Arkansas Paul]

For what you need, I like the Weatherby Vangaurd in .308 Win. It's GREAT for target, GREAT for deer, and pretty good for elk if the conditions are good. The rifle can be had brand new for around $400 and guarantees 1 1/2" MOA out of the box. I have one in .30-06 and absolutely love it. It's worth a look.

 

[Dr. Tad Hussein Winslow]

Hmm, used, like classic, and on tight budget...

that leads us to a used Winchester 70 or Remington 700 (the older the better), in the likes of .270 Win would be about perfect. Common calibers are cheaper to buy, too. Maybe .30-06. Used Savage works too, and can be had really cheap.

 

[Runningman]

Tikka T3 in a 270 Win or 270 WSM would be worth looking at. Both cartridges are accurate and will work fine on an Elk.

 

[jpwilly]

USED...okay then where will you shopping for the used rifle at - locally? internet? What's the budget?

 

[rangerruck]

you didnt' mention his age or size, so if say 16 or under, look for a cz, savage, or remmy, kids model, or an old remmy 788, or old remmy 600/660/ mohawk.
and get in 7.08

 

[rozziboy18]

winchester, remington, ruger
3006,270,308

not in that order but stick to this and all with be fine

 

[Big Bill]

I think the Marlin XL7 is VERY accurate for the money spent. Savage rifles are also very accurate right out of the box.

http://www.marlinfirearms.com/Firearms/centerfireBoltAction/XL7w.asp

If you get the Savage, get one with an accu-trigger and accu-stock.

http://www.savagearms.com/firearms/models/

You can't miss with a .270, .308, or 30-06. They've all killed lots of deer and elk.

 

[hometheaterman]

As said already since he likes accuracy I think a Savage or a Marlin XL-7 or XS-7 would be a great choice. Both seem to be very popular and known for great accuracy at great prices. The Savage Model 10 or 110 depending on long or shot action with the accu trigger is a great gun. I don't think you can go wrong with either.

As for caliber that's really up to you. My personal opinion is I like .243 for target shooting and light stuff as it's easy on the shoulder. 25-06 is another light caliber I'd consider. Then I like 30-06 or .308 if going to be doing a lot of hunting big game or even large deer. The .243 and 25-06 will do fine on most white tails though.

 

[Shadow 7D]

Why not a nice .22 cheap to shoot and many have all the accuracy you can want out a gun, lots great choices like a CZ or Anschultz.

 

[ms6852]

I have two rifles that I use for hunting and are very accurate out of the box. Savage and Tikka T3 in 30-06. This rifles will not break the bank and in this caliber will allow him to shoot up to 1000 yds for paper and bring and elk down. 30-06 is the most versatile bullet around, can be loaded for coyote with a 110 grain bullet or bear with a 220 gr.

 

[interlock]

any modern bolt action rifle in a cartridge of 6.5 or above. 6.5 x 55, 260 rem, 270, 7mm08, 7 x 57 on and on the list goes.