Looking for a new rifle.

[Michelle_Nelson]

We just got our tax return back and I am thinking I would like to get a new Rifle. 

I want something I can hunt Deer, Bear, and Elk with.  Right now I hunt with a 30-06 Savage model 110.  It's an alright gun but I am beginning to think it may be a bit to big for me.  I bought the 30-06 about 9 year ago I believe from my uncle so it is the only gun I have ever hunted with.

I am thinking about getting a .270 with a synthetic stock, but I am not sure.  I really don't have a huge knowledge on guns.  I've really never had anyone around to teach me. 

[Red Dawg]

well we could debate this all night long. The 270 would be a perfect choice fer anyone. Very flat shooting even better hitting power I dont think you could go wrong. Some people think the 270 is to small for elk but I know many people that kill elk every year with it. The 30-06 is probably the best all around gun out there. But the 270 is not far behind.

[jackelope]

why do you think your 06 is too big for you? like the stock is too big or the caliber is too big?

[ICEMAN]

I have shot Deer and Elk with a .270, awesome caliber, low recoil. Lots of bullet choice, we have shot 130 grain on both many, many, many times.

[Hunting Cowboy]

Choosing a rifle is a very personal thing, of course. My 2 cents..........you can't go wrong with a 270. It's a very flat shooting rifle. My son has one and he is very accurate with it. He also has a synthetic stock with a 3-9X40 Leupold scope.

[billythekidrock]

The .06 is the perfect elk gun. While I have killed a ton of deer, bear and a few elk with my .270, I think a .270 can be a little light for those without alot of experience.
Maybe try some lighter loads with the .06?

[Bookworm]

The first hunting rifle that I bought was a 270. I wouldn't be afraid to hunt anything in the lower 48 with it with a good bullet. My wife just got a 270 for herself this last fall.

[Head-shot]

Michelle,

I assume you are talking about the kick? If so try a .308, if memory serves my correctly it just about 200fps slower and almost the same ballistics 2-3 inches or so less@ 100yds, as the 06; Same size bullet, and has considerably less kick than the 30-06. I have one, a pre 64 model 70 feather weight Win. that is the best shooting gun I think there is. It feels like an extension of your arm, and doesent knock it off. Having had a couple shoulder rebuilds it's not too bad on my tender shoulders. Where the 06 would have made me piss myself and pass out from the kick.

I think it would do fine for Elk Deer and bear; infact that is what I use. The .308 is plenty of gun for any of those critters. Its all about shot placement.

Check it out, you may like it.

[jackelope]

this is turning into a whats the better for which game thread rather than help michelle pick  a new rifle thread...just as red dawg predicted.

if the caliber is too big, you can buy managed recoil or lighter loads for the 06, if the stock is too big or the rifle is too big...you can likely buy a youth stock for that savage. slenk has a guy's email address that sells savage parts that has a world of stocks.
 

[jackelope]

by the way...if you just want another rifle, well....thats ok too.
 

[Head-shot]

by the way...if you just want another rifle, well....thats ok too.
 

That's right , you can never have too many

[Red Dawg]

If you like the rifle you have just do what jackelope said, try some managed recoil rounds before you spend a bunch of money on a new rifle. I think just about every manufacturer of factory ammo makes them now and from what little i have heard about them they are good. But it is always good to go buy another gun.

[Michelle_Nelson]

I think I want to keep the 30-06 the way it is and get a new rifle.

I usually shoot Federal and Hornaday, aprox 165 - 180 grain. 

Yes I feel the stock is way to long.  When I shoot it, it feels like it's gonna knock my arm off because I can't hold it into my shoulder correctly to look through the scope.  The scope has been moved back as far as it will go.  I had a gun shop mount the scope when I lived in Oregon.  I have a hard time getting the group I want when sighting it in.  I also feel that the weight of the gun is a bit heavy as well.  My 30-06 has a solid wood stock.  I can handle the kick if the gun fit right.

[LongTatLaw]

so the real problem is...your a sissy lil girl!

Get something with a youth stock...period.

270 is a great caliber but I dont know that Id personally claim it to have less recoil than an .06

If ya wanted a significant difference in weight, length, and recoil then go to wally world and drop 300$ for a youth model 243...which lots of people are gonna say is too small for elk and bear...  but Im pretty sure its legal for deer,elk,bear in this state and probably would be legal for any big game in the lower 48 (although someone knows some state where Im probably wrong).

What do I suggest? Get a synthetic youth stock...the rest is details. That will mean shorter and lighter, ...but I like to bring a big gun to the fight but ur call.

so...options thus far?
1. use the .06 but switch stocks - very good option...cheapest option
2. get a 270 with youth stock - great caliber and size / weight will be right but no recoil decrease..but get new gun
3. get a 243 or a 25.06 with youth stock - on the light side of calibers ...bordering on a coyote caliber...but light, short, and huge recoil decrease

[Michelle_Nelson]

I can handle the recoil.  It's the weight of the rifle and the length of the stock. 

I'm not saying I'm not considering getting a stock for the 30-06.  I'm interested in my options on a new rifle.