Rifle recommendation for a newbie

kaizer_soze

I'm looking for some advice. I want to buy a rifle for deer hunting. I'd like advice from experienced hunters on what to go for and how much to spend. I don't necessarily want to spend a fortune, it doesn't have to be new and doesn't need to have all the bells and whistles on it, just something solid that would be good to start off with. Any pointers about where to get your recommendations would also be helpful. Originally I was thinking about getting a gun for bird shooting but we just don't have the space or time to look after a dog. I've only been out deer hunting a couple of times but it's frustrating waiting and relying on others being able to take you out. I'd prefer to go out when I want instead.

Jonty

I'll presume you have some stalking/shooting experience and suggest a Tikka T3 in a .243, if you're flinchy or 25-06 if you don't mind recoil.


If you've got very little experience you should really start out on something smaller and cheaper to get the basics right, I'd suggest a .22 in a bolt action CZ.

It wasn't me!

If you don't know how to shoot well already, do not get a deer rifle off the bat. It will cost you a monumental fortune to learn the basics. If you can shoot, then something like a Tikka T3 won't break the bank. Calibre will depend on your own requirements, but there are plenty that will do the trick. Get the best glass you can for it as well. A great rifle needs a better scope.

kaizer_soze

Thanks. Any idea how much I'd pay for a used Tikka T3 and where would be the best place to have a look for one? If I went with a 25-06, is the ammo relatively cheap and easily sourced compared to other ammo?

jwshooter

kaizer_soze wrote: »

Thanks. Any idea how much I'd pay for a used Tikka T3 and where would be the best place to have a look for one? If I went with a 25-06, is the ammo relatively cheap and easily sourced compared to other ammo?

federal 117 gr soft points just over 20 bucks a box .the 25,06 is a exclent choice ammo is readly available .a tikka will cost 900 new

kaizer_soze

Thanks. Where would be the best place to buy a new Tikka T3 25-06 for €900? I'd be happy with a used one at the moment with a half-decent sight. If I managed to get a used Tikka T3, what sight would you recommend to go with it?

Jonty

Try John Lambert in Camolin, Wexford, he's usually got a good stock of affordable rifles.

kaizer_soze

Thanks. I'll give him a try. Does everyone agree that the Tikka T3 in a 25-06 is the best rifle for a newbie deer hunter? Any suggestions on a scope to go with it would be much appreciated. I phoned Duffy's and he recommended a Remington 700 SPS in a 308. IT's a little cheaper than the Tikka.

Kev

Jonty

kaizer_soze wrote: »

Thanks. I'll give him a try. Does everyone agree that the Tikka T3 in a 25-06 is the best rifle for a newbie deer hunter? Any suggestions on a scope to go with it would be much appreciated. I phoned Duffy's and he recommended a Remington 700 SPS in a 308. IT's a little cheaper than the Tikka.

Kev

The SPS is a good rifle IF you are lucky. Quality Control wouldn't be very high with them. I've heard of a lot of bad ones, and also a lot of good ones.

tiny-nioclas

Theirs a good review here for the Remington kaiser, as far as i remember it doesnt have a free floating barrel, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rirkVy9PFuI

My advice would be to buy your scope from abroad, you get excellent quality for a great price with a Zeiss Conquest, i bought mine from these guys, www.act-optics.com, im very impressed with the quality, ive mine mounted on a .243.

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kaizer_soze

Thanks for the advice. I think I'm going to hold out for the Tikka T3 and a decent scope. I reckon it'll be worth the extra money. I'll need to hold off for a while anyway as joining a rifle club is €600 joining fee + €150 per year which I didn't realise was going to be as expensive. It's a pretty heavy joining fee they charge. In the meantime, if anyone could do with a hand while out shooting for deer or birds, I'd be happy to help out in exchange for experience.

Kev