Home Forums Hunting & Shooting General Big Game Which rifle to buy?

I already own a 30-06 wthby, and a M70 338. Wife is buying me a rifle for the b-day . Since the 30-06 is so versatile, and I have the 338 for big game, I'm having trouble choosing a new rifle. Can I get some opinions on a new rifle? The budget is between $800-1000 .

Sure, you don't need a new rifle, you need a NIB SAKO "forester" in 243 winchester, check out ww.gunsamerica.com My dad gave me one and it is a dream, BEARHUNTER

I would suggest a Ruger MarkII SS in 223, will cost about $429 plus tax at Dallas Gun Show buy a Leupold 1.75x8 compact scope about $300 and two thousand rounds of sp ammo $280 to play with. Have a ball for a long time. -- no

Yeah it sure seems that something in the varmint catagory would be appropriate, but would you use a varmint gun? Maybe a guide gun in 45-70 for a camp rifle. Handgun? Freedom Arms 45 Casull would seem to be a worthy choice. <P>Do you target practice a lot? Spend a bunch of time at the range? Go plinking regularly? I suggest the gun that would lend itself to the most frequent use by you in your outdoor activity. My biggest gripe is that I just don't get out and shoot enough. A .223 or even a .22 Mag might allow you to get more shooting in as opposed to a big boomer.<P>Wade

You live in Alaska? Then the choice is clear! BIG BORE!!!!! BIG BORE!!!!!! BIG BORE!!!!! YEAAAAAA! BIG BORE!!!!<P>------------------<BR>"The only thing to fear is fear itself"

I suggest a stainless M92 levergun, in 45LC. They are beautiful! ~~~Suluuq(sporting a new stainless M92, 45LC)

I bet there is a lot more little stuff like rabbits and foxes and such like to shoot in Alaska than there is big stuff which you have covered anyway. I'd say a nice something in 223 with a good scope. Not necessarily a varmit configuration unless you want to go that route.<BR>BCR<P>------------------<BR>A 45 BEATS 4 ACES EVERYTIME

I'd go with a 243 also. Then again since you dont need another rifle, go big.

How bout a 25-06 for deer/caribou/wolves plunking? 30-06 pics up nicely where it leaves off. It or a 243 fills the whole in your linesup but if it were me ..........<P>Listen to the Alaska boys. Think BIG BORE. (grin) maybe a 45/70 or a lever gun if you want something a little differant. A 416 Rem Mag maybe if it jerks your chain? (smile)<P>Cheers<P>Tex<P>------------------<BR>Deja Moo - The feeling I've heard this B.S. before?<P>Apologies to Pete Millan for stealing his signature.

How about a good old fashioned "assault rifle"?Everybody should have two or three rolling around the cab of the truck ya know!<BR>Seriously.An AR-15 variant is like having 3 rifles in one.Take a look at the Bushmaster E3.Slap a scope on it and you have a low recoil,highly accurate varmint and small game rifle.Load up some barnes X's and I'm told that the 'bou drop just as fast as when shot with the .243.Put the Iron sights back on and you can bang it around till the cows come home without hurting it,chrome bore so no rust worry's either.<BR>Or lets face it,ya can always have another bolt rifle..(yawn)and be conservative about things.Take a look at the Tikka SS/Syn if so,they are real high on the bang for the buck list.Good luck to ya!!<BR>E4E<P>------------------<BR>Remove the mechanical variables,and then you can only blame yourself!

E4E has an excellent suggestion. After being a bolt-guy all my life, I finally bought an AR-15, and discovered that I had been missing out. You will get a gun which is the most fun you can get from a gun, and a good light-caliber varmint rifle all rolled into one.<P>------------------<BR><BR><I><B>Critr</B></I><BR> <A HREF="http://www.SaguaroSafaris.com" TARGET=_blank>www.SaguaroSafaris.com</A>