Aloha everyone!

I recently got interested in hunting.  I am interested in hunting for Axis deer or Mouflon sheep on Lanai.  I want an excellent entry level hunting rifle that is accurate yet decently priced with my budget of less than $650 (rifle with decent scope).

I have been looking into:
1) Savage Hunter Series 11/111
2) Savage Axis XP
3) Weatherby Vanguard Series 2
4) Ruger American Rifle.

From the 4 of the rifles indicated, which one do you guys recommend in me getting?  Some of the Savage rifles comes mounted with a decent scope (Nikon or Bushnell), so that I don't have to get a scope and still under my budget.  Where as the others I still need to get a scope and scope mounts.
I am interested in getting a rifle chambered in .270 or 30-06.  Any input will be appreciated and please let me know if I should consider any other hunting rifles.

Mahalo! 
 

Shameless plug for my rifle...  Is still for sale. 


http://2ahawaii.com/index.php?topic=2730.msg24962#msg24962

For hunting I don't think you can go wrong with any of the rifles you listed. I am partial to American iron so you know what my sentimental fav would be. And you might want to expand your list a little and check out Heavies rifle he has for sale. Remington 700's are SWEET IMHO.

^^^Yup the 700's are nice.

Also with consideration of 30-06, why not look into 308 Win instead?  You will get an even larger selection of ammo and you're basically the same on performance out to 600(800-ish?) yards.

Sports Authority has a pretty good selection to choose from--there's nothing like handling them side by side, if they are willing.  I thought the Ruger magazine release was pretty cheesy--just a little plastic tab holds it in, but the salesman said they've sold several and everyone who's shot one says they are accurate.

My first hunting rifle (25 years ago!) was a 700 BDL in 7 mag.  I spent more on the scope than the rifle and I've never regretted it.  I still have it, although I don't really hunt anymore.  It's never given me any problems.  I too can recommend the Model 700, but I'd buy a detachable box mag model with a synthetic stock if they've got one.  Shiny wood and metal looks pretty on the range but it's not the best choice for the field.

Handle as many rifles as you can, buy the one you like best, and buy the best glass you can afford.  The rifle will probably outlast you, so spending a little more money up front will pay off in the end.

As far as caliber goes, if I had to do it all over again I'd buy a .270.  I just bought a used one (Winchester 70 this time) and it cuts one ragged hole at 100 yards with cheapo factory ammo.  It also kicks way less than the 7mm, particularly in the wallet!

For what it's worth, that's my opinion.

I'd go with heavys 700 it's a good deal.  Can take down almost anything in north America.

But if you want a classic Hawaii big gun get yourself a 30 06 lever Acton

If you have your C&R license, there's a bunch of military surplus riffles you could pick up. Cheap as heck, $2-300,and you can use the remaineder on a great scope.
Now that I think about it, x ring has the 91/30s hex receivers for sale. Great guns.

You can also check out the gun show next weekend--there's always a lot of rifles for sale, sometimes there's even a good bargain if you know what you're looking for.

Shameless plug for my rifle...  Is still for sale. 


http://2ahawaii.com/index.php?topic=2730.msg24962#msg24962

Mahalo for sharing! Cherry rifle, but I think I am wanting a synthetic stock.

For hunting I don't think you can go wrong with any of the rifles you listed. I am partial to American iron so you know what my sentimental fav would be. And you might want to expand your list a little and check out Heavies rifle he has for sale. Remington 700's are SWEET IMHO.

The rifles that I listed were my top 4 in mind at the time.  Heavies rifle is cherry, but I think I want a synthetic stock.  The Remington 700 does look so sweet.  Any other rifles do you have in mind?

^^^Yup the 700's are nice.

Also with consideration of 30-06, why not look into 308 Win instead?  You will get an even larger selection of ammo and you're basically the same on performance out to 600(800-ish?) yards.

Besides the 30-06, I am also considering the 308 Win.  Got to admit it though the 30-06 ammo looks beastly compared to the 308 for a newbie like me.  Looks of an ammo might not be the factor for some of you experienced folks, it's how well you can hit the target/game, right?     

Sports Authority has a pretty good selection to choose from--there's nothing like handling them side by side, if they are willing.  I thought the Ruger magazine release was pretty cheesy--just a little plastic tab holds it in, but the salesman said they've sold several and everyone who's shot one says they are accurate.

My first hunting rifle (25 years ago!) was a 700 BDL in 7 mag.  I spent more on the scope than the rifle and I've never regretted it.  I still have it, although I don't really hunt anymore.  It's never given me any problems.  I too can recommend the Model 700, but I'd buy a detachable box mag model with a synthetic stock if they've got one.  Shiny wood and metal looks pretty on the range but it's not the best choice for the field.

Handle as many rifles as you can, buy the one you like best, and buy the best glass you can afford.  The rifle will probably outlast you, so spending a little more money up front will pay off in the end.

As far as caliber goes, if I had to do it all over again I'd buy a .270.  I just bought a used one (Winchester 70 this time) and it cuts one ragged hole at 100 yards with cheapo factory ammo.  It also kicks way less than the 7mm, particularly in the wallet!

For what it's worth, that's my opinion.

I might check out Sports Authority and see what rifle variety they stock up on.  Thanks for all of the tips you mentioned! Heheh, also yes seems like scopes are pricier than some rifles out there.

If you have your C&R license, there's a bunch of military surplus riffles you could pick up. Cheap as heck, $2-300,and you can use the remaineder on a great scope.
Now that I think about it, x ring has the 91/30s hex receivers for sale. Great guns.

What is a C&R license?  And what is it used for?  Seems like it would be a great price bargain range for me 

You can also check out the gun show next weekend--there's always a lot of rifles for sale, sometimes there's even a good bargain if you know what you're looking for.

A gun show will be in town?  I'll definitely check it out!  Thanks for the heads up!

I was watching the Outdoor channel the other night and seen an episode where they used the Thompson/Center Dimension rifle.
That is one bad ass rifle where the calibers are interchangeable.  Pricey but it seems to be one heck of a rifle.
Anyone of you have used/shot that rifle?

The rifles that I listed were my top 4 in mind at the time.  Heavies rifle is cherry, but I think I want a synthetic stock.  The Remington 700 does look so sweet.  Any other rifles do you have in mind?

From personal experience the Winchester Model 70 is another you can check out. I have my eye on a Ruger Model 77 that has been around for a long time and is another good choice. I do have to say that the Ruger American has been garnering GREAT reviews. Especially considering the amount of rifle you get for the price. And from what I have read the accuracy is better than good.

Your C&R is a FFL license to collect curio and relic firearms. So usually firearms that are 50 years old or older qualify and you can have them mailed to your house.

If not check out the x ring has, the 91/30 is a great gun. There's also a sniper version and it won't break the bank, the common version at least.

I have an old Savage 110 back home.  It's accurate and I like it, so there's that.  Savage makes a good rifle for a decent price.  The Remington 700 that several people have mentioned is never, ever a bad choice.  It's pretty much the AR-15 of bolt action rifles--any manufacturer who makes any sort of bolt gun accessory has stuff for the 700.  Barrels, stocks, triggers, bolt handles, you name it; there's a ton of aftermarket stuff available from all over the place.  When I get around to buying a long range rifle, it'll probably be a Remington 700 action.

Besides the 30-06, I am also considering the 308 Win.  Got to admit it though the 30-06 ammo looks beastly compared to the 308 for a newbie like me.  Looks of an ammo might not be the factor for some of you experienced folks, it's how well you can hit the target/game, right? 

If I recall correctly, depending on the load there's about 100-150 fps difference between the 308 and the '06.  Both are inherently accurate, with the nod going to the 308 if I had to pick between the two.  For all intents and purposes, there's really very little difference between the two cartridges--both will do the job, and you are right--what matters is how well you can place your shots.

308's will be slightly shorter overall, and lighter because the action will be shorter than that of the '06.

I've never shot one but a Tikka T3 looks good. Lightweight.