New gun for me - your opinion??

[StacyDave97]

So this was my first year seriously hunting.  I was using my son's .243 until he came home on leave and joined us at the cabin.  Then borrowed a friends 7.08.  Nothing down with either one...but that's a different thread (and not one I care to think about!  )  My son, who's in the Air Force, asked if he could take his rifle back to base - North Dakota - as he'd like to hunt there next year.  Of course we told him yes but now I need a gun.  My hubby wants another 30.06 but I don't care for the kick.  I'm not real big and really don't want to be that flincher when pulling the trigger.  Planning on bear hunting next year, as well as deer.  Any suggestions? 
One last thing - I love buying guns...the hubby, not so much    so we argue on price a ton.  I know - most of you have the opposite problem...but you get my point, it's a problem all the same - so please don't suggest a $1000 rifle, cuz it ain't gonna fly unless he's in the dog house and that don't happen too often  and I don't wanna be because I purchased something behind his back.  Thanks much and have a good one!

[chester]

You might want to reconsider the 3006. it does everything you want it to.and i believe there are managed recoil rounds available for it aswell. as far as what type? its up to you but im partial to Tikka T3 or Ruger M77 

[Holg3107]

Id say go with a Thompson Encore in .270. easy gun to grow with and they shoot really well. If you feel like an additional caliber all you have to do is buy an additional barrel.

[CAMPMEAT]

270. It will kill varmints to elk. Very versitale. You can get ammo any place.

[wsucowboy]

if your looking to save money get a savage rifle. I've bought two and they have all been good rifles with no problems. You defiantly get the most "bang for your buck." I would recommend a 270. Very good all around caliber.

[270Shooter]

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[MHWASH]

If your comfortable with the 7-08, then get one of those. I'd suggest Savage or Tikka.

[44 Flattop]

It's tough to go wrong with a .243 due to light recoil.  It will do fine on deer and bear both, also varmints if you wish.  If price is a concern, go with a Savage.  Absolutely nothing wrong with them.  If you want to spend a bit more, then think about a Remington Mt rifle or a featherweight Winchester model 70. 

A model 70 in a feather weight is a hunters dream 

44

[StacyDave97]

Wow - you guys are quick!!  I was logging back in to say I was thinking of a .270, to get an opinion on it!!  I'm going to shoot his friends 7.08, just to see if I like it, but I know I'm comfortable with the .270.  I think the hubby wanted me to have something a little more powerful than the .270 because we hunt in separate stands sometimes and I hike alone to mine.  I'm guessing he's not confident in my shooting abilities??!!   

[MHWASH]

The .270 and 7-08 are basically the same. The 7-08 has a shorter bolt throw, and may be better for you than a .270 if you had a small to medium biuld.

[fair-chase]

Personally I prefer the 25-06 over the 270 but thats just personal preference. Shoot a couple different ones and see what you like best. If you are a proficient shooter there is nothing wrong with a 243 for bear. If your shooting skills are lacking a little bit then stepping up to any one of the forementioned calibers would be wise.

Virtually all modern rifles come in a plethera of calibers. Choose the rifle model that suits you best before choosing the caliber. Find one that shoulders well, is easily carried, and fits your frame i.e. length of pull. Once you find the model of rifle that you want in your price range then you can either order it in the caliber of your choice or find it used.

[thinkingman]

I shoot a 7-08 Tikka, but I reload.
For factory ammo, 270 is much easier.
I'd consider 308 or 30-06.

[BlackRidge]

Id say go with a Thompson Encore in .270. easy gun to grow with and they shoot really well. If you feel like an additional caliber all you have to do is buy an additional barrel.

Bbbbbbbbingo! If the hubby is still fiending for more oomf, 30-06/other barrels can be bought for around $200

[beagledog]

If you were already shooting and comfortable with the .243 then get one of them. If the hubby wants a 30-06 and you like the 243 split the difference and get a 257wby.mag. The Vanguard will not break the bank even with decent glass.

[MuleySniper]

Gunbroker has a few model 700's in 257 wby   Reasonable prices too.
MS