Going on my first hunt...

native57 · August 30, 2009, 07:37 PM

And I am going to buy my first hunting rifle.

I want a 30-06 and I have a budget of $500.

I don't care if its new or used.

I know that Savage and maybe a Remington 700 are in my price range.

Any other suggestions? Opinions? Factors I should think of when I make my purchase?

Thank you.

Dallas Jack · August 30, 2009, 07:48 PM

Weatherby Vanguard synthetic for $399. Well built accurate rifle.
Dallas Jack

jmr40 · August 30, 2009, 07:56 PM

Vanguard is a good rifle, but in that price range I would look hard at the Marlin XL-7 as well.

Rem700cdl · August 30, 2009, 10:26 PM

Savage has those package deals now that comes with scopes and mounts and and everything. Remington as well I believe. My personal opinion is that they feel like crap. Sloppy sticky actions and the synthetic stock feels like you should be standing in dollarama versus a gun store. However I've been told they shoot straight (I've never shot one).

My choice mid priced rifle is a Rem 700. Look for a used one. I just bought my first rifle (Remington 700 CDL chambered for 30-06) and I love it so I am probably being somewhat bias. These rifles are also more than 500$. Plus you'll need to buy optics and junk.

The Kid · August 30, 2009, 10:51 PM

I was in your same situation a few weeks ago

If you have any decently run pawnshops, I'd check with them.

I bought a Remington 700 ADL .30-06. Talked them down to $400 out of the door. It came w/ a Leupold VX-1 3-9x40 Scope. And the salesman threw in a sling and Flamebeau gun case. And I'm very happy with it. The only problem is that there is a little rust inside the breech near the barrel, but the thing shoots true, so I'm okay w/ that. It has some wear (not excessive) on the wooden stock from use, but hey that's a good sign to me because it means that the gun was used well.

Just be careful though, and ask what their return policy is. Please keep us updated on your hunt for your rifle and hunt!

Good luck!

Edit: Watch out for the Remington 710s...my pawnshop had a lot of them...they're cheaper for a reason. Haggle with them and pit pawnshops against each other in a price war. You should do well depending on wear you live.

fast-eddie · August 30, 2009, 10:51 PM

Chances are you'll find a nice rifle on the used racks at your local gun store. I just found a m99 savage in 300 for $299, it's a great rifle. This is your best bet for a better quality rifle in that price range. .

gbran · August 30, 2009, 11:07 PM

Something to remember about used '06's. These aren't plinking rifles and most used guns will have relatively few rounds thru them, as most people run some rounds thru them to sight them in, then a few rounds during hunting season. Even after several years, this is still pretty low usage.

With your budget, I'd look for a better quality used gun.

taylorce1 · August 31, 2009, 06:13 AM

What will you be hunting with this rifle?

Don't limit yourself to just one caliber even though .30-06 is a great first choice. .308 and .270 would be good alternatives if you find the right deal on a new or used rifle.

Marlin XL7 and Stevens 200 will give you a new rifle for around $300. I would go with the Marlin as it has a better trigger to start with IMO. Look at Wal-Mart you might find a Rem 700 ADL or Savage with scope for less than $500. Those cheap scopes will work for awhile until you can save money for a new one.

Like said before I would avoid Rem M710, but I would add Mossberg ATR and 4X4 rifles as well.

Waterengineer · August 31, 2009, 06:21 AM

Remington 700 BDL, Weatherby Vanguard and the young guys seem to like the Tikka.

TaylorCE is right about the caliber thing but starting with a 30-06 is smart. Very flexible.

MEATSAW · August 31, 2009, 06:23 AM

My good friend just bought his first hunting rifle this past week: a barely used Rem 700 BDL with Weaver 3-9x scope, hard case, soft case, leather sling all for $541. I thought this was a fantastic deal on a great rifle chambered in .243 Win certainly a great beginner deer/varmint round. If you look for it, there is a good deal out there for a good rifle. Just keep your eyes peeled!

MosinM38 · August 31, 2009, 07:05 AM

Go to a gunshop and check everything.

WHatever companies you cannot get new for that price, you can probably find used. All depends on what feels comfortable

native57 · August 31, 2009, 11:41 PM

Thanks for all the insight everyone.

Up till now I had thought that purchasing a rifle from a pawn shop was a bad idea. However, I assume that since all rifles are produced in the same place it wouldn't really matter where I bought the rifle from. In addition the couple of gun shops I have been too only had AR 15's and AK's with maybe one or two hunting rifles all of which seemed overly expensive.

I have lots of leg work to do now. I'm going to call all the pawn shops and gun stores and see what they have.

Thanks for your help and advice.

Kreyzhorse · September 1, 2009, 07:18 AM

Savage makes a great rifle. I prefer their wood stock rifles to the plastic ones as the plastic stocks to feel "cheap" to me.

I'd avoid the package rifle if you can as well. The rings and scope that come in the package is pretty terrible and you'll replace them any way so if you can find just the rifle and it's cheaper, it makes more sense to go that route than buying a package.

Doyle · September 1, 2009, 10:35 AM

Quote:

I'd avoid the package rifle if you can as well. The rings and scope that come in the package is pretty terrible and you'll replace them any way so if you can find just the rifle and it's cheaper, it makes more sense to go that route than buying a package

He's right. The scopes that come in the package are crap. In fact, you'll spend more on a quality scope than you will for a basic hunting rifle. For a first timer, a quality used package is your best bet.

native57 · September 1, 2009, 10:05 PM

I have been doing some leg work and found a Ruger M77 mark II within my price range. How do those compare to the Remington 700's or Savage 110's?

Also, the Remington 700 ADL, what does the ADL stand for?

penceman · September 1, 2009, 10:38 PM

I have an ADL in .270 and I'm about to get rid of it. I got it for $300 brand new. After using it for the past year I've realized that I want something a little better. The trigger is a little too hard for my liking, non-adjustable and it doesnt have a floor plate which gets annoying after a while. Compared to my new SPS Varmint, it doesn't cycle cartridges as well.

I would look for a newer used 700, like a BDL, CDL, or an SPS.

Ruger is also a good choice. My dad has hunted with Ruger's his entire life and swears by them.

Sgt.Fathead · September 2, 2009, 12:43 AM

Friend from Tucson was up north in AZ recently; your Cabela's outfitter has racks of good used hunting rifles and used means lightly used. As someone pointed out earlier, hunting guns usually get zeroed and then used to put meat on the table and trophies on walls. A box of rounds could be it for a year's time, maybe less.

I like the Weatherby Vanguard Synthetic in .308 myself, so if you go new, check it out in .30-06....but I'd be willing to bet you could get a good deal on a nice used gun with glass for the same price (though not a top of the line scope).

As an afterthought, have you considered a single shot H&R rifle?http://www.hr1871.com/Firearms/Rifles/handiRifle.asp

Second one down, or the third if you like stainless. Get a nice scope and away you go!

taylorce1 · September 2, 2009, 05:49 AM

The ADL which I don't remember what it stands for is Remingtons basic model rifle. I had three of these rifles, two .270 Win and one .30-06. The triggers on all three I had were adjustable, and I had all but one of them adjusted at a local gunsmith for $35. The two that I shot were very accurate and I killed my first and only black bear with the .30-06. I wound up trading all the rifles for others I wanted more so I don't currently own a M700 but I wouldn't hesitate to buy one again.

jmr40 · September 2, 2009, 07:40 AM

If you can afford the Ruger buy it. It will be the better rifle in the long run.

August 30, 2009, 07:37 PM	#1
native57 Junior Member Join Date: December 26, 2008 Location: Arizona Posts: 5	Going on my first hunt... And I am going to buy my first hunting rifle. I want a 30-06 and I have a budget of $500. I don't care if its new or used. I know that Savage and maybe a Remington 700 are in my price range. Any other suggestions? Opinions? Factors I should think of when I make my purchase? Thank you.

August 30, 2009, 10:51 PM	#5
The Kid Member Join Date: August 1, 2009 Location: Mississippi Posts: 65	Check your local pawn shop I was in your same situation a few weeks ago If you have any decently run pawnshops, I'd check with them. I bought a Remington 700 ADL .30-06. Talked them down to $400 out of the door. It came w/ a Leupold VX-1 3-9x40 Scope. And the salesman threw in a sling and Flamebeau gun case. And I'm very happy with it. The only problem is that there is a little rust inside the breech near the barrel, but the thing shoots true, so I'm okay w/ that. It has some wear (not excessive) on the wooden stock from use, but hey that's a good sign to me because it means that the gun was used well. Just be careful though, and ask what their return policy is. Please keep us updated on your hunt for your rifle and hunt! Good luck! Edit: Watch out for the Remington 710s...my pawnshop had a lot of them...they're cheaper for a reason. Haggle with them and pit pawnshops against each other in a price war. You should do well depending on wear you live. __________________ "When the lambs is lost in the mountain, he said. They is cry. Sometime come the mother. Sometime the wolf." -- Leader of a group of horsemen to the kid and Sproule in Blood Meridian by Cormac McCarthy Last edited by The Kid; August 30, 2009 at 10:54 PM. Reason: addendum

August 30, 2009, 10:51 PM	#6
fast-eddie Senior Member Join Date: March 10, 2009 Location: Tigard Or, Posts: 342	Rifle Chances are you'll find a nice rifle on the used racks at your local gun store. I just found a m99 savage in 300 for $299, it's a great rifle. This is your best bet for a better quality rifle in that price range. .

August 31, 2009, 06:23 AM	#10
MEATSAW Senior Member Join Date: May 1, 2009 Location: Burnet, TX Posts: 727	My good friend just bought his first hunting rifle this past week: a barely used Rem 700 BDL with Weaver 3-9x scope, hard case, soft case, leather sling all for $541. I thought this was a fantastic deal on a great rifle chambered in .243 Win certainly a great beginner deer/varmint round. If you look for it, there is a good deal out there for a good rifle. Just keep your eyes peeled! __________________ Veteran OEF (2002) and OIF1 (2003) - US Army Member of the Burnet Gun Fighters, Inc. and of course the NRA Oregon State University alum -- Go Beavs!

September 1, 2009, 07:18 AM	#13
Kreyzhorse Senior Member Join Date: April 12, 2006 Location: NKY Posts: 12,463	Savage makes a great rifle. I prefer their wood stock rifles to the plastic ones as the plastic stocks to feel "cheap" to me. I'd avoid the package rifle if you can as well. The rings and scope that come in the package is pretty terrible and you'll replace them any way so if you can find just the rifle and it's cheaper, it makes more sense to go that route than buying a package. __________________ "He who laughs last, laughs dead." Homer Simpson

August 30, 2009, 07:48 PM	#2
Dallas Jack Senior Member Join Date: February 25, 2005 Location: Dallas Posts: 386	Weatherby Vanguard synthetic for $399. Well built accurate rifle. Dallas Jack

August 30, 2009, 07:56 PM	#3
jmr40 Senior Member Join Date: June 15, 2008 Location: Georgia Posts: 10,809	Vanguard is a good rifle, but in that price range I would look hard at the Marlin XL-7 as well.

August 30, 2009, 10:26 PM	#4
Rem700cdl Member Join Date: August 30, 2009 Posts: 21	Savage has those package deals now that comes with scopes and mounts and and everything. Remington as well I believe. My personal opinion is that they feel like crap. Sloppy sticky actions and the synthetic stock feels like you should be standing in dollarama versus a gun store. However I've been told they shoot straight (I've never shot one). My choice mid priced rifle is a Rem 700. Look for a used one. I just bought my first rifle (Remington 700 CDL chambered for 30-06) and I love it so I am probably being somewhat bias. These rifles are also more than 500$. Plus you'll need to buy optics and junk.

August 30, 2009, 11:07 PM	#7
gbran Senior Member Join Date: May 18, 2004 Location: Middle California Posts: 364	Something to remember about used '06's. These aren't plinking rifles and most used guns will have relatively few rounds thru them, as most people run some rounds thru them to sight them in, then a few rounds during hunting season. Even after several years, this is still pretty low usage. With your budget, I'd look for a better quality used gun.

August 31, 2009, 06:13 AM	#8
taylorce1 Senior Member Join Date: November 18, 2005 Location: On the Santa Fe Trail Posts: 8,249	What will you be hunting with this rifle? Don't limit yourself to just one caliber even though .30-06 is a great first choice. .308 and .270 would be good alternatives if you find the right deal on a new or used rifle. Marlin XL7 and Stevens 200 will give you a new rifle for around $300. I would go with the Marlin as it has a better trigger to start with IMO. Look at Wal-Mart you might find a Rem 700 ADL or Savage with scope for less than $500. Those cheap scopes will work for awhile until you can save money for a new one. Like said before I would avoid Rem M710, but I would add Mossberg ATR and 4X4 rifles as well.

August 31, 2009, 06:21 AM	#9
Waterengineer Senior Member Join Date: February 7, 2006 Location: Aurora, CO and Palm Beach, FL Posts: 863	Remington 700 BDL, Weatherby Vanguard and the young guys seem to like the Tikka. TaylorCE is right about the caliber thing but starting with a 30-06 is smart. Very flexible.

August 31, 2009, 07:05 AM	#11
MosinM38 Senior Member Join Date: August 23, 2007 Posts: 1,030	Go to a gunshop and check everything. WHatever companies you cannot get new for that price, you can probably find used. All depends on what feels comfortable

August 31, 2009, 11:41 PM	#12
native57 Junior Member Join Date: December 26, 2008 Location: Arizona Posts: 5	Thanks for all the insight everyone. Up till now I had thought that purchasing a rifle from a pawn shop was a bad idea. However, I assume that since all rifles are produced in the same place it wouldn't really matter where I bought the rifle from. In addition the couple of gun shops I have been too only had AR 15's and AK's with maybe one or two hunting rifles all of which seemed overly expensive. I have lots of leg work to do now. I'm going to call all the pawn shops and gun stores and see what they have. Thanks for your help and advice.

September 1, 2009, 10:05 PM	#15
native57 Junior Member Join Date: December 26, 2008 Location: Arizona Posts: 5	I have been doing some leg work and found a Ruger M77 mark II within my price range. How do those compare to the Remington 700's or Savage 110's? Also, the Remington 700 ADL, what does the ADL stand for?

September 1, 2009, 10:38 PM	#16
penceman Member Join Date: January 30, 2008 Posts: 32	I have an ADL in .270 and I'm about to get rid of it. I got it for $300 brand new. After using it for the past year I've realized that I want something a little better. The trigger is a little too hard for my liking, non-adjustable and it doesnt have a floor plate which gets annoying after a while. Compared to my new SPS Varmint, it doesn't cycle cartridges as well. I would look for a newer used 700, like a BDL, CDL, or an SPS. Ruger is also a good choice. My dad has hunted with Ruger's his entire life and swears by them.

September 2, 2009, 12:43 AM	#17
Sgt.Fathead Junior member Join Date: March 3, 2007 Location: Dallas, TX Posts: 1,637	Friend from Tucson was up north in AZ recently; your Cabela's outfitter has racks of good used hunting rifles and used means lightly used. As someone pointed out earlier, hunting guns usually get zeroed and then used to put meat on the table and trophies on walls. A box of rounds could be it for a year's time, maybe less. I like the Weatherby Vanguard Synthetic in .308 myself, so if you go new, check it out in .30-06....but I'd be willing to bet you could get a good deal on a nice used gun with glass for the same price (though not a top of the line scope). As an afterthought, have you considered a single shot H&R rifle?http://www.hr1871.com/Firearms/Rifles/handiRifle.asp Second one down, or the third if you like stainless. Get a nice scope and away you go!

September 2, 2009, 05:49 AM	#18
taylorce1 Senior Member Join Date: November 18, 2005 Location: On the Santa Fe Trail Posts: 8,249	The ADL which I don't remember what it stands for is Remingtons basic model rifle. I had three of these rifles, two .270 Win and one .30-06. The triggers on all three I had were adjustable, and I had all but one of them adjusted at a local gunsmith for $35. The two that I shot were very accurate and I killed my first and only black bear with the .30-06. I wound up trading all the rifles for others I wanted more so I don't currently own a M700 but I wouldn't hesitate to buy one again.

September 2, 2009, 07:40 AM	#19
jmr40 Senior Member Join Date: June 15, 2008 Location: Georgia Posts: 10,809	If you can afford the Ruger buy it. It will be the better rifle in the long run.