Help with new gun

[FG]

I need some help. The gun itch is beginning to start again and I need help with what to buy. I know I want a rifle that fills a void in my collection. I typically hunt whitetail. I always keep a second gun for family to use when they come in during hunting season.

I was thinking about a 338, but cannot convince myself to pull the trigger. I have no real interest in bear hunting. I have elk and moose guns in the collection and the 338, as much as I would like one, does not seem to have any practicality.

I was thinking about an AR, Bushmaster, DPMS style rifle, but cannot decide that way either.

While a duplication of many rifles, I have also thought about a 30-06. I would probably get it in a CZ with the Mannlicher stock. I know Ruger also makes it with the Mannlicher and would look there too. I really like this style stock and the 30-06 just seems right.

I am wide open to suggestions. Please explain your rational for each recommendation.


This is my current rifle collection:


Ruger #1 223
Ruger Skeleton Stock 25.06
Ruger #1 270
Winchester Ult. Shadow 270 WSM
Tikka Whitetail Hunter 7Mag
Wheatherby Vanguard 300 WSM
Ruger 77-22 22
Marlin 60A 22
Savage 93 17HMR 17 HMR

[Auk1124]

I don't see any 6mm calibers in there - how about one of those Mannlicher stocked rifles in 243? Or how about a good old 30-30 lever action? Or maybe one of those single shot H&R's in 45-70? Or maybe a CZ carbine in 7.62x39? I don't really see any holes in your collection so I'd suggest you get what you like.

[aceoky]

Talking "my language now" :)

While I really don't see any "holes" either, a .243 is a cool thing to have and shoot! Great for smaller stuff and works great on deer-sized game as well....hard to beat....

I'll be honest, I'm just not a .338 fan, no real reason, other than IF I needed a "big one", I'd pick a .375 H&H.....but that 's "just me" :)(and the .375 is legal for ALL game in Africa, in case you win the powerball):D

OR a .35 Whelen, both of these 'big guns", have much history and "that" feeling to them, though honestly probably neither is really needed here(though would be great for Elk, if you're ever drawn)..

A 30/06 would IMHO pretty much duplicate the 7mm mag...though it's an awesome round, pretty much what one can do, so can the other.......

Do you reload?

[trust me]

What about a Marlin Lever in 444 or 45-70? Put a draft horse in that stable of race horses.

[Multidigits]

Buy a Contender or Encore. Start collecting barrels.

[bloodhounder]

Multi beat me to it, but I'd also suggest a Encore or Contender. The initial cost is a bit much, but once you've gone that far, drop another $200 or so and you've got another rifle, shotgun, bp rifle, pistol etc..... But be warned, they can be VERY addictive.

[Josh7.62x54]

Dude, you need a milsurp! Buy a mosin nagant 91/30 or one of the carbines. They shoot a 7.62x54r, and fall ballistic wise between a .308 and .30-06. The best thing is the price. They start around $69.

[Auk1124]

Yep, how could I leave out the milsurps? If you want a high-dollar gun, a nice Garand or Springfield 03, or one of the nicer variants of the Mausers would be a great choice. At the last gun show I went to some guy had a slicked up Mexican Mauser action in 300 Win Mag that was a work of art, I drooled when i saw it.

[Josh7.62x54]

Thats right Auk, the M1 or 1903 both would be great choices.

FG, if you want a really nice work of art for $99 buy a k-31 from AIM. They're highly accurate. They even have a neat swiss cross on the reciever.

[moreammoplz]

Get an AR-15 you will love it. You can find a gently used one for around $600 - $700. :) Most the brands you listed are fine. Might want to look at a Double Star AR they are assembled in Winchester, KY. I just picked up a DS Lower today for my kit gun.

[TROPHYTAKER308]

i just put me a tikka t3 lite in 7mm-08 cal in layaway today...this caliber is a awsome round,and is getting more popular everyday...

[Josh7.62x54]

Tikka makes a well built rifle, as does sako. Very nice rifle you got yourself!

[beaver396]

I see something mising in your collection and it a a remington 700 bdl. no collection of hunting rifles is complete without one of the best rifles ever made.

[WBBP]

FG: My favorite and most accurate gun is my Marlin 45-70 lever action. I always seem to gravitate toward that gun when I hunt, unless I am hunting where I might have a 200 yard shot, then I take the horse.........Wby 30-378, but it is not as fun as the ole trusty Marlin.

[aceoky]

FG: My favorite and most accurate gun is my Marlin 45-70 lever action. I always seem to gravitate toward that gun when I hunt, unless I am hunting where I might have a 200 yard shot, then I take the horse.........Wby 30-378, but it is not as fun as the ole trusty Marlin.

K.....

Did you see where that guy, was taking his 45-70, all over the world, and taking all game with it? It's been a couple of years now(I think), very interesting stuff, special bullets and such, but still an interesting "task", to me at least..

[Josh7.62x54]

There is a guy doing the same with a 8mm mauser. Kinda neat

[love the woods]

you need a brush gun! the only gun i own that i would never part with is my marlin guide gun in 45-70. get some custom 500gr. ammo and literally have a blast.

[winchester3030]

the 270 is a great deer hunting gun but can't kill and elk in one shot. the 300 is an awsome gun but is a little more expensive ,but it will roll a deer and will defentily kill and elk!!!

[jeff ward]

i've been using the encore's for a couple years now and thought i had everything coverd, but the itch hit me again and this time not for another barrell, so i got myself the 1895g 45-70...awsome gun
i have only had it for about a week now and it is rapidly becoming my favorite gun to shoot..it's a BLAST..so i must put in a vote for the 45-70 guide gun..you wont be dissapointed !!!!!!

[maxcam]

You can build your own AR platform and then change from 22 LR 223 9mm on the upper just to name a few......The 6.5 Grendel is an awesome round but could get costly if you dont reload.....

Ive built a few AR's and you can build a better gun as you can buy already assembled dollar for dollar spent......Not to mention have a blast doing it....

[Born to Hunt]

I agree with many who have already posted...you need a 6mm. Might I suggest a 6PPC...especially if you handload...