Do it all hunting rifle.

[magnanimous_j]

Despite my wretched financial situation currently, I’m still going to get to do some grouse, rabbit and maybe duck this year.

However, in 2012, I plan on doing some big game stuff. So I’m on the market for a big game rifle. I’ve been reading a lot of Chuck Hawks, and while a lot of the things he says makes sense, I wonder if he isn’t overly against new technology. He doesn’t seem to like synthetic stocks, free floating barrels, or anything plastic.

So over the next few years, I would like to try out Deer, Elk, Bear, and Coyote. I would like one rifle to do all that for me, and if I can get really unrealistic, one bullet.

So what do you guys think about caliber? I’ve narrowed it down to 7mag, 30-06, or .308.

As far as guns go, I was considering Savage 110, Rem 700, or maybe Weatherby Vanguard.

What do you guys think?

[Pathfinder101]

Rem 700 in a 30-06.  If you are going to own only one rifle for western big game, that's it IMHO.  I am a big fan of the .270 myself, but lot's of people would say it's a little light for elk and (if you ever happen to draw) moose. 

[300UltraMagShooter]

Rem 700

do I really have to say the cal? 


Of the ones you have listed, I'd go with the 30-06.

I'd even use it to hunt grizz and I use power level ammo for deer since I'm not into reloading just yet.

[BuckHunter23]

Check out the Tikka T3 Lite rifles.  Shoot incredibly straight right out of the box.  I have one in .270 and love it.

[Mike450r]

The calibers you listed are all good,  I personally would go with the 7mm or .30-06,  can't go wrong with either.

The brands you listed are all great choices too.  I would go with the savage myself to save a few bucks and still have a good shooter right out of the box. 

I have savage 110's in .30-06 and .308 and like them both.  I have a rem 700 in 7mm and it is a great shooter too.  I have a couple vangaurds in wby calibers that I really like as well.   So just pick one and you will have made the right choice.

[Skillet]

30-06
180 gr Accubond
Remington 700
Good 3x9 scope (If on a budget I say get the Bushnell 4200 for $200 - there was a link floating around here somewhere)
Use only quality components. Buy good used stuff if you have to - never by cheap new stuff.

[deerslyr]

Id go with a savage in 270 or 3006. Not a big fan of remmys.

[huntnphool]

 Hard to go wrong with either a Remington Model 700, Ruger M77 or Winchester Model 70. 7MM would be my choice of caliber.

[Buckmark]

If your ok shooting a 7mag it would be my choice, if not then the 06.
I would add an A-bolt to the mix, or the model 70 like phool said.
And i agree with skillet, good equipment used is better than ok equipment new...and therea re alot of great used guns out there, some with good glass already on them...

[huntnphool]

If your ok shooting a 7mag it would be my choice, if not then the 06.
I would add an A-bolt to the mix, or the model 70 like phool said.
And i agree with skillet, good equipment used is better than ok equipment new...and therea re alot of great used guns out there, some with good glass already on them...

 I knew my list would be leaving out obvious manufacturers, no disrespect intended. I agree the A-bolt would be another no brainer without breaking the bank. Good point on the "pre-owned", I think its a better way to go right now with the way the economy is and you are on a budget, lots of good deals to be had out there.

[pianoman9701]

Rem 700 in a 30-06.  If you are going to own only one rifle for western big game, that's it IMHO.  I am a big fan of the .270 myself, but lot's of people would say it's a little light for elk and (if you ever happen to draw) moose.

 

[dawei]

I would go with a Savage® 110 in 30/06. That caliber is the most versatile of the three you mentioned shooting 110-220gr bullets. Check out Big 5 Sporting Goods, they have Savage 110 "Package Series" in 270 Win, 30/06 Sprg, and 7mm Rem Mag on sale for $399.99+tax. You get the rifle, 3x9 scope, and sling.

[Miles]

I would go Tikka, then out of your list I would go 30-06.

I own Tikka, Ruger, and Browning.  IF I was to buy another rifle, it would be another tikka.  They just shoot great out of the box, and seem to like any ammo/bullet combination you throw at them.

[magnanimous_j]

If your ok shooting a 7mag it would be my choice, if not then the 06.
I would add an A-bolt to the mix, or the model 70 like phool said.
And i agree with skillet, good equipment used is better than ok equipment new...and therea re alot of great used guns out there, some with good glass already on them...

I've never shot a 7mag, but I'm a pretty big guy and can shoot my 870 express and AK47 all day. I don't have much high powered rifle experience, but I shot a 30-06 a few years back and don't remember having a problem with the recoil.

I think I'm going to stick with a traditional wood stock for this first one, with as few synthetic or plastic pieces as possible. I looked up the Model 70 and it is a really beautiful gun, but maybe a little out of my range.

I was drawn to the Savage because I read they were good, "out of the box" shooters that lasted forever. Also, they look nice, but not so pretty that I would be afraid to get a scratch or two on it. Plus, the accutrigger is a big selling feature.

I would go with a Savage® 110 in 30/06. That caliber is the most versatile of the three you mentioned shooting 110-220gr bulets. Check out Big 5 Sporting Goods, they have Savage 110 "Package Series" in 270 Win, 30/06 Sprg, and 7mm Rem Mag on sale for $399.99+tax. You get the rifle, 3x9 scope, and sling.

Yeah, I looked at those. I'm fine if the scope is cheap, because it can always be swapped out as I progress, but is there any difference in the actual rifle? I want this rifle to be my go to for many years and I don't want any cheap components that may break in the field or wear out before their time.

Thanks to all for your responses. Definitely giving me a lot to think about.

[Bean Counter]

I am interested in a Remington 700 chambered in .308. Seems the .308 is the way to go for amateur sniping/long range shooting for distances under 1,000 yards. Remington and Zeiss are running a promotion that I posted in the optics forum.  This might be my next setup even though I currently hunt with a .30-06... seems like lots of overlap.

I bought a used, beat up, and ugly Ruger M77 chambered in .30-06 for $300 a few years ago. I'm not sure if it classifies as a tack driver but I can easily hit a 20" iron target all day long at 550 yards--the longest distance at the range I shoot at. That's with cheap, $1/round ammo.