What recommendations do you make for a rifle

[amazingflapjack]

I just got an email from CDNN, and they have the new Ruger American rifle in 30-06 for 339.00.

 

[SixGunHunter]

This is like asking what car should I drive to work?

As other members stated, several great options with none of them being out of bounds.
I ask myself, I have one choice, One rifle. Deer, Bear, Coyote and even a hog or 2.
I have several long arms, but I am going with Winchester Model 94 chambered in 30-30. Hornady 160 grain! 2" MOA @ 100 yards.

 

[mwtdvm]

I must say I agree with this sentiment. If....... IF a hunter were able to take 100% neck/ head shots, then a .223 is sufficient. But to consider things like property lines to not cross, clean quick kills, and swamps and impenetrable forest to dig thru, I want my game to drop right there with as little tracking as possible. I do not want them to get away injured.
Having seen a large Ca. muley take a tough to place 30-06 round 2 years ago, and the subsequent 1hr tracking job to catch up to him (He was in sight almost the whole time, and he was just so determined, he would not stop. We second shot him to end the whole fiasco) I can't endorse the little bullets for deer, or hogs.

In my "advancing years" I do not want to wade through the sawbriars and cane thickets of MS in search of a shot Bambi. I particularly hate the sawbriers. they are unbreakable and the thorns are a good 3/4" long. You have to get wrapped up in a couple of vines to really appreciate their ability to cause pain and suffering!

I endorse the theory that "A big hole results in a DRT deer." So while a 243+ cal is probably the caliber of choice for your friend, for "close work" (out to 150 yds), I have two that I use... a 9.3X62 with a 286 gr sp and a 460 S&W w 200 gr that have resulted in impressive instant deadness. I am too old for fun and games in the bottoms! These big bores are hardly a varmint rifle but do great on Bambi.

 

[forresth]

on the matter of minimal deer caliber, I'd steer someone buying a deer rifle toward a .243+. If they already have a .223, I wouldn't speak badly of them for using it to hunt white-tail.

 

[Andy Griffith]

I'm going to second the .30-30 or even the .35 Remington in a good lever gun such as the Winchester 94 or 336 Marlin, or maybe even one of the stainless Rossi's in .30-30.

The 94 carries so much better because of it's light weight over a 336 Marlin- both are lighter than most of the SKS rifles.
(plus, there isn't much cheap 7.62x39 ammo out there right now, and hunting soft or hollow-point ammo usually found is as expesnive or more so than .30-30 ammo)

Both calibers have plenty of range for woods hunting, but will hit like a ton of bricks on deer, bear, coyote and even an occasional groundhog. Follow up shots on a lever are going to be good and quick for a first timer, and most will hold between five and seven rounds in the magazine. Also, a lever action rifle will have plenty of curb appeal to a new shooter, and others in the household may find it a bit easier to swallow than a "black" rifle of any kind. .30-30 is available everywhere, even if it isn't the cheapest, it is the American caliber.