Which Rifle is best for me?

[Steve Foss]

Yeah, even with the ought six at 40 yards, which is from how far I shot my fork buck last weekend, I chose to bend backward at an awkward angle to put the scope on the vitals through a hole in the brush rather than stand in a comfortable position and shoot through brush branches. It simply can't be done with any degree of certainty, regardless of the cartridge.

Only reasons I consider the .30-30 a good "brush" gun are because it's short and easy to swing in cover, and it's light and easy to carry when you're pushing tree branches and brush aside in th woods.

[almostthere!]

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Only reasons I consider the .30-30 a good "brush" gun are because it's short and easy to swing in cover, and it's light and easy to carry when you're pushing tree branches and brush aside in th woods.

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stfcatfish is right. A "brush gun" means something that is short and maneuverable in the thick brush, not something that shoots through brush.

[SFBOY]

I shoot a Weatherby 7mm Mag and I absolutely love it. What I dont like is the price of the rounds and how hard it is to find them. I have to order them through the mail from Cabelas. That said, it can never hurt to think about the availability and price of ammo. I can take my 30-06, 308 or 270 out to the sticks in South Dakota or any other place in the middle of nowhere and find what I need. I have no idea how available the short mag ammo is in areas that might have a limited selection, but I would think it is getting better as more people buy those guns.

My dad uses a 270 with 130 grain bullets and usually manages to drop the deer in his tracks. If a guy was strictly hunting white tails, there is nothing wrong with a 243, 257 or 6mm, and shooting a smaller rifle is no reflection on your manhood. The most important factor in killing a deer with any weapon is shot placement. Shoot whatever you can shoot without flinching. You will be much more successful if you have no fear of your gun's recoil.

[Jackpine Rob]

I'd say its probably a toss-up between the 30-30 and the .22 as to which caliber has killed more deer. Not that I'm in any way advocating the use of the .22, but it has happened.

My great-uncle was a warden up north many years ago, and I still remember him telling me that most of the outlaws preferred the .22, because it was cheap and fairly quiet. Caught in the off-season prowling around with a .22 they could claim to be plinking foxes or whatever.

[lawdog]

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Only reasons I consider the .30-30 a good "brush" gun are because it's short and easy to swing in cover, and it's light and easy to carry when you're pushing tree branches and brush aside in th woods.

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I agree with that definition of a brush gun. For me, that's my trusty 12 ga with my slug barrel on it. For the first 50 yards or so that you can get a clear shot, its the best deer killer around anyway. Those slugs hit like a ton of bricks and its a nice little carry. I almost always carry it on drives over in Wisc even though its a rifle zone and I sit with my 30-06.

[Steve Foss]

Yeah, my Wisconsin hunting included the slugs for the young buck drivers and the high-powers for the old fat guys posting.

[nluchau]

stfcatfish,

Thanks for trying to keep this thread on track.

I was at walmart tonight and l held a 710 rem .270 and opened the bolt and it pulled right out of the barrel. What a cheap POS. I also looked at the Win .270 wsm. Yet another POS. The bolt went up and it almost hit the scope. This is just my opinion on these models. No need to bash me.

I am still thinking about the Tikka .270 wsm though. It looks as though the only place in Fargo-Moorhead to get the shells for this gun is Scheels or Gander Mtn. Walmart didn't carry any that I saw.

The scope will probably still be the Nikon Monarch UCC 3-9x40.

You guys need to try selling me on either one of these Rifles.

Tikka .270 wsm

Tikka .270 win

Either will be Stainless Synthetic

[Steve Foss]

nluchau:

When you pulled back on the bolt of that 710, the bolt retaining lever on the left side of the action where it seats to the stock was probably tripped. The lever is there to allow you to fully remove the bolt for cleaning. Pulled up, it allows the bolt removal. Pushed down, it holds in the bolt. I just picked up a Rem 710 this year in 30-06 with a Bushnell 3x9 and dropped both my deer with it. The shaft of the bolt only comes to about half and inch from my scope, so on mine it's not close to hitting the scope at all, and doesn't affect my cycling of rounds.

I like the gun a lot, particularly what you get for an affordable (for me) price. My eye always goes to the top models, but my wallet can't afford to follow. And the 710 is marketed as Remington's most affordable combo. I got the Rem new in the box, scope factory mounted, from a private dealer for $100. Can't beat that with a stick!

My feelings about whether to pick .270 or .270 WSM are already here in a previous post, so I won't go back over that.

Either way, I think you're getting a good gun. Have fun with it and become an expert at what it can and can't do. And always be safe!

[Canuck]

It is nice to see a guy go and check guns out as much as you have. You are really doing your homework. I have the Nikon Monarch binos and just love them. The optics are unbelievable, havn't looked at their scope but if they are anything like the binos you will be very happy.

Don't get too hooked up on the cal. either the 270 or 270wsm are good cals and the ballastics are so close it doesn't really matter. If availablity of shells are a concern then stick with the 270 as it is tried and proved many times over and stocked by almost everybody who has shells whereas the 270wsm is new and not as available.

I mentioned this before but will say it again because I know many a guy has gone and purchased a gun that felt great in the store and brought it home and when they went out it just didn't fit. You will be shooting with different clothes than most times in the store. Most times you will have a coat, sweater etc on out hunting and the arm length etc changes.

Keep up the good work and you will be happy with your choice. Don't second guess yourself when somebody brings out another rifle and says this is the BEST. It may be the BEST for them but get to know your rifle and it WILL be the BEST FOR YOU.

[buzzsaw]

Nluchau,

Try checking out the Browning A-bolt medallion 270 wsm... you'll like that bolt action. Not to mention the palm swell for a nice grip!

[nluchau]

All;

Thanks again for your reliable replies to my "Rifle Searching" dilemma.

stCatfish,

You were right that the bolt release was tripped that is why it came fully out. I just didn't like the cheapness that was put into that gun. I can see where you come from by saving money. I'm glad that gun is working well for you, and by all means appreciate your replies to my 100 questions. Your awesome.

Canuck,

My wife said the same thing about doing my homework before I decide completely what I want. I just want something I will like for life and that I can pass on down to my kids in the far-fetched future.

Buzzsaw,

My father in law said I should look at browning too. I will check out the rifle you posted.

Thanks Guys. I will be back probably asking more questions.

Nick

[nluchau]

Buzzsaw,

I just checked out that browning online and that sure looks like a nice gun. It's alittle more than I would like to spend though.

[buzzsaw]

Thats the gun I have (Browning A-Bolt medalion hunter) 270 WSM and I would give it a very high recommendation.

[nluchau]

I may just run to Scheels tomorrow and scope it out then.

[Canuck]

I may be wrong but I believe that Brownings are now made in Japan. The barrel is made in the USA (good barrel) and then shipped to Japan. The original Browning were made in Beligum and were great guns. Guns are like cars, one year they are made right up to par and then the company tries to save money and ships them off to a knock off country. I am not knocking Browning, actually like them, (most) but they are partially living on their past reputation.

You are right, guns should be passed down in the family. My wife has 2 guns her uncle willed to her, a 38-55 and 32, both Win. 1864s. They probably will never be fired again but were her uncle's prize possessions and she just loves them.

[nluchau]

I've made my choice and put the gun on layaway. I dont need it for another year anyway why not pay it off as I get alittle extra money here and there.

I picked up the Tikka .270 wsm stainless barrel, synthetic stock with a Nikon Monarch UCC 3-9x40 Scope. Can't wait to shoot it next year.

I just want to thank everyone who helped suggest different options since I've never owned a gun in my life. You guys rock. I can't thank you enough.

I did also look at the Browning A-Bolt Medallion and didn't care for it. Tikka wins again.

[Canuck]

Congrats. I am sure once you get the feel and know your gun it will do all you ask of it and it will be something to pass down the line. Now U will have to start and look for a scatter gun or muzzle, once hooked there is no turning back.

[nluchau]

Thanks Canuck. I will stick with the rifle a few years and probably will want a shotgun then too. Who knows