Lookin for a rifle

[jnclement]

I still like Savages, and I still like the accutrigger. But if you could get a start of the season deal on a Stevens M200, that would be a good rifle.

[IHasanXD]

Originally Posted by leper

Has no one thought of the Mosin Nagant? 7.62x54!! Rifle is a hundred bucks, a scope mount is 50 bucks and the ammo is really cheap. Just be sure to wear a shoulder pad if you get a M44. lol

And if you get the M44 or a bayonet on any other you can use the gun as a pike if an animal charges you.

Ammo concerns for these would be a non issue. You can pick up 440 round cans for under $100. Buy 2 of them, bury one in the back yard and shoot the rest. If you get the M44 that ammo will last you a life time as you'll shoot maybe 10 rounds a trip.

[jtkratzer]

Originally Posted by IHasanXD

And if you get the M44 or a bayonet on any other you can use the gun as a pike if an animal charges you.

Ammo concerns for these would be a non issue. You can pick up 440 round cans for under $100. Buy 2 of them, bury one in the back yard and shoot the rest. If you get the M44 that ammo will last you a life time as you'll shoot maybe 10 rounds a trip.

Only 10 rounds? You need to toughen up a bit. Or get a recoil pad.

[cypress]

Originally Posted by leper

Has no one thought of the Mosin Nagant? 7.62x54!! Rifle is a hundred bucks, a scope mount is 50 bucks and the ammo is really cheap. Just be sure to wear a shoulder pad if you get a M44. lol

Which mount are you looking at for $50 bucks? I've seen some cheaper than that but I'm a bit leary of them losing zero with the recoil of a Mosin. I like the looks of the S & K Instamounts but the best price I've seen is in $70 to $80 dollar range depending on if you get the weaver or S&K style mount. I'd like to find a reasonable scout scope too but have seen bad reviews on some of the cheaper <$100 ones.

I bought a Savage 7mm-08 with accutrigger with a Simmons scope last year for my son to hunt with. I recommend it as well but it will put you in the $500 range.

[Redleg329]

I'll jump in here with my .02 as I have been hunting for 30 years. (finally a subject in the forums I have experience with.)

I have only used 30-06 for taking Deer up here. Would be suitable for black bear as well. That being said, My son uses a .270 and my next rifle will be in .270 as well. In Minnesota until this year they had a minimum caliber of .24 for taking of deer and bear. (except .30 carbine) This year it has changed to a .223 as a minimum. I scanned through the Florida regs and didn't find a minimum caliber except muzzle loader. Something to keep in mind if you plan to hunt outside of Florida.

Some folks on here have suggested all kinds of calibers, some military. Florida regs do state FMJ ammo (non-expanding military ammo) is prohibited.

I don't have experience with hogs but from what I have read they can get nasty and you will want a cartridge that will get the job done. In my experience, the .270 is about as small as I would go for larger North American game. Not to say the smaller calibers wouldn't get the job done, just saying not every shot will be bench rest picture perfect. I little larger caliber just gives me, the hunter, an edge. 30-06 is a great round but a little hard on the recoil. When the addrenalin is flowing you don't even notice it but at the range you will feel it in a hurry. Also not the best round when your shooting over 200 yards. Yes, the shots can be made and it will drop the game, but you the shooter need to know your rifle and take into account the bullet drop of the heavier round. As stated previously, the .270 is a flatter shooting round that in some cases is just a better all around cartridge.

To your exact question, any of the big name manufacturers make great rifles. Remington and Savage are popular up here. It's all personal preference. No different than tactical, bi-tone, 4", 5" or M Factor.
They all go bang and send lead down range pretty much where you want it to go.

Used is an option but bring someone with you that knows rifles. I was at an auction once. Looking down a barrel and there was a shadow, very subtle. Realized someone used it for a pry bar and bent the barrel.

Don't know if any of this helped. Hope it did. If you have any specific questions, PM me and I will answer honestly, or tell you I don't know.

Take care and welcome to the sport of hunting.

[jtkratzer]

Originally Posted by Redleg329

...
Some folks on here have suggested all kinds of calibers, some military. Florida regs do state FMJ ammo (non-expanding military ammo) is prohibited. ...

Military calibers don't require and force one to use FMJ ammo. Lots of companies are making soft point and hunting ammo for surplus rifles. Also, there are reloading options if the OP is into that.

[Redleg329]

Originally Posted by IHasanXD

And if you get the M44 or a bayonet on any other you can use the gun as a pike if an animal charges you.

Ammo concerns for these would be a non issue. You can pick up 440 round cans for under $100. Buy 2 of them, bury one in the back yard and shoot the rest. If you get the M44 that ammo will last you a life time as you'll shoot maybe 10 rounds a trip.

Originally Posted by jtkratzer

Military calibers don't require and force one to use FMJ ammo. Lots of companies are making soft point and hunting ammo for surplus rifles. Also, there are reloading options if the OP is into that.

Thank you and yes, that is an option. I was directing my advice towards posters who suggested military ammo.

Like anything else, there will be a lot of opinions. Best to go into a purchase with both eyes wide open.

Regards

[robinsre]

Just bought a Remington 700 VTR this weekend.

It's a fine rifle from the looks of it. The weight is sufficient to carry if you need to carry it, and it is easy on the eyes too. If you're interested I'll probably have a range report with targets this weekend.