Which center fire rifle would you buy?

[m41]

I am looking to buy a center fire rifle and was wondering brand, model and caliber would you buy. I have had 30-06, 30-30, 22-250, but I am wanting just one center fire rifle and was wondering which would be the best for anything you would need a center fire for.

 

[Lonegle57]

I live in middle Ga, my main interest is deer hunting. Long shots are rare
around here. I usually carry a handgun to hunt but the rifle that trips my interest is usually a single shot. If I had to have one, more than likely an Encore, it would be easy to get a different barrel, my caliber choice for this area would be and is 7mm-08.

 

[LoboGunLeather]

For just about any game animal that roams the North American continent it is difficult to beat the .30-06 cartridge. With bullets in the 125-150 grain range, at velocities at or near 3000 FPS, the .30-06 will handle just about any varmint, predator, or medium game animal (deer, antelope, etc) out to 300-plus yards. With bullets in the 165-180 grain range the '06 is fully capable of handling larger western mule deer, elk, or moose at any reasonable range. With bullets of 200-220 grains the largest North American game (including the great bears, bison, musk ox, etc) can be reliably taken.

Ammunition is available just about anywhere ammo is offered for sale. Reloading components are available in wide variety.

As for the rifle, just about any variant of the Remington 700 series, Ruger 77 series, Winchester Model 70 series, etc will provide very good performance at reasonable cost. Several years ago the NRA published articles rating factory production rifles, and found the Howa Model 1500 to be the most accurate production rifle (out of the box) on the market. The Howa 1500 was also marketed as the Weatherby Vanguard and S&W Model 1500 in years past. Moderately priced and highly regarded.

 

[DWalt]

One cannot go wrong with a .30-'06 or .270 Win. For 99% of hunting needs in the lower 48 a bolt action in either caliber would be entirely satisfactory, and there are no bad bolt actions. For most, the best brand is whatever fits your budget.

 

[johngalt]

Several years ago I bought a Winchester M70 Sporter in 30'06. It was one of the ones built in the new SC factory. It is an accurate rifle, seemed a little cheapened compared to my mid 80's M70 in .223. It has a matte rather than a mirror finish, the stock is a little thinner and not quite as substantial. They went back to the controlled feed, while my 80's rifle is a push feed.

 

[Doug627]

Remington Model 700 in 243 Winchester.

 

[SC_Mike]

Don't rule out .308 or again the .270.

Both bolt rifles are Remington 700 built about 20 years apart.

 

[Cardboard_killer]

In KY, I'd go for an oldie but goodie--Marlin 336c either in 30-30 or, if you plan on having to face black bear, .35 Rem. They are light, fast handling, and will take any game outside of Alaska. They used to be very cheap as everyone had one, but they are becoming a bit more rare these days.

 

[DWalt]

If you plan to do any varmint shooting, the .270 does a very creditable job when handloaded with light bullets (90 or 110 grain). For use on larger and heavier game, say Moose or Elk, a .30-'06 with heavier bullets (180 or 220 grain) would probably be better. For anything in between, both are equally satisfactory. Everyone has their own personal fantasies about the "Best" caliber, but in fact no other exceeds the practical versatility of the .30-'06 and the .270. Especially so if you are a reloader. No trick to download a .30-'06 to .30-30 level ballistics for use by a recoil-sensitive woman.

 

[Rpg]

Over the years I’ve narrowed my rifle criteria significantly.

First is weight and handling: 7 pounds loaded with scope and sling. Barrel length needs to be 20” or less.

Next it needs to be in a cartridge that will take anything in the lower 48: 308, 30-06 or 270.

Finally, it doesn’t have to be new.

Used centerfire rifles are the bargain of the firearms world. These used guns usually haven’t been shot a lot, although some have been carried and handled a lot.

Keep your eyes open for early Remington M700’s (circa 1964) for long actions chambered in .270 or 30-06. These were available with very handy 20-22” barrels.

For the shorter action 308, look for a Remington Mohawk, M600 or 660. These are also 1960’s products but were way ahead of their time. These are the original Scout rifles.

Any of these are head and shoulders better than current production bolt actions of comparable price in today’s market.

 

[Struckat]

“Anything” says levergun to me. Pick a caliber based on local conditions.

 

[Cardboard_killer]

I'm not against used guns, but I'd say that there are a lot of cheap bolt action rifles right now that are better bang for the buck, including the Savage Axis, the Ruger American, the Remington 783, and the TC.

My own suggestion for a lever rifle has to do with that rifle's handiness, but if you are planning on taking game outside of 150 yards, a bolt action in a stronger caliber is what you should be looking for.

 

[Geno44]

I am looking to buy a center fire rifle and was wondering brand, model and caliber would you buy. I have had 30-06, 30-30, 22-250, but I am wanting just one center fire rifle and was wondering which would be the best for anything you would need a center fire for.

I think we need a little more information on what you would really be using this for. .243's are great but a little light for heavier work. 30:06 or .308 are heavier calibers but a little too heavy for lighter work. Would you ever encounter a bear? Do you see a possible foreign military invasion on the horizon? I think it is difficult to find one rifle that does everything well. A .223, a .243, and a .308 or 30:06 should cover all bases where it you are located. Somebody in the Northwest might want something bigger for large game at long distances.

 

[df06]

Rem 700
Stainless
Chambered in 7/08

 

[Narragansett]

I am looking to buy a center fire rifle and was wondering brand, model and caliber would you buy. I have had 30-06, 30-30, 22-250, but I am wanting just one center fire rifle and was wondering which would be the best for anything you would need a center fire for.

Anything you would need a centerfire for? Are you including grizzly bears? If you are going after bears, you no doubt need to go up from the 30-06, but I will answer you question assuming you are not going after big bears. If you want to shoot anything, from prairie dogs to black bears, including elk, moose, goats and sheep, you want a 270 Winchester. My favorite is the 30-06, but I say the 270, because it makes an excellent varmint caliber, and can reach out to 500 yards much better than the 06.

Now the rifle. I do not think there is a classier looking better built gun than a Belgium made Browning Safari grade bolt action built on a Mauser action. You just have to be careful of a few years that they produced " salt" guns where they cured the wood with a chemical that can create rust on the barrel. There is information on years and serial numbers for these guns. Beyond that, I do not think there is anything finer. Except my old Sako built on a Mauser action. Actually the Sako Mauser actions were only made in 2 calibers, 270, and 30-06. Start the hunt for one of those in a 270. Only other choice for me would be a pre 64 model 70 winchester

 

[Kanewpadle]

CZ. You won’t find a better value in a very well made gun. Available in several calibers.

 

[342ti]

For years I hunted everything in Northeast, Turkeys, Woodchuck and Deer, using an Old Remington 700/270win. Had a 243win Sako for Woodchucks, Bull bbl, nothing you’d take walking with, but Deadly! No matter your decision, get an OLD rifle, todays guns SUCK! Rem 700, Win M70, if your budget allows, the older Sakos are Fantastic shooters! One caliber, definitely 270win!

 

[Ματθιας]

I'm going to have to say Rem 700 in 308 or 30-06.

There's just so many loadings/options for those calibers - especially 30-06.

But for me, if I had to choose one centerfire rifle, it's a M1917 Enfield

 

[m41]

The reason I got rid of my other rifles is because I lost vision in my right eye and had to start shooting left handed. I am over 70 so recoil and weight is a factor.

 

[Model 19 6"]

As for make I would look for Ruger Mod 77 or a CZ. I think a 7mm08 would work.