Searching for an objective opinion
First high powered rifle..
I was looking at a russian m44 for $300. I tested the gun at a range in cheney Ks. and hit the target ten out of ten times, but was still advised against buying it- or anything military for a first weapon.
I thought maybe I could get an objective opinion on the net. Any suggestions for a deer rifle would be helpful, thanks.
I was looking at a russian m44 for $300. I tested the gun at a range in cheney Ks. and hit the target ten out of ten times, but was still advised against buying it- or anything military for a first weapon.
I thought maybe I could get an objective opinion on the net. Any suggestions for a deer rifle would be helpful, thanks.
0
-
First,welcome to the board!!
unless I"m missing something,you are looking at a russian military rifle at a huge profit to the seller.They are all over the place for a third of that price.
for three hundred you could get a very nice used american made rifle that takes easy to get,but more expensive,ammo.
What will be the main use of the rifle??
Throckmorton SASS #231490 -
Thanks for the welcome...
A third of the price? I give up.
I went deer hunting last season for the first time. And although I didn't shoot anything but the hosts water heater (ahem) I got hooked.-29 yrs old.
I've been from gun store to gun store, the chisolm trail gun show at the Ks. collisieum, even put an ad in the wichita eagle- WANTED "deer rifle". I can't seem to find anything for around $300 worth buying.0 -
Keep looking or do a search here on Gunbroker. I ran into a Remington model 742 today for $325.00. It had a nice Bushnell varible scope mounted on it and was chambered in .308. Check them out on Gunbroker. There's more than one and most priced under $300.00 used. Good Luck.
Stay Alert! Stay Alive. Good luck out there.0 -
If it's a deer rifle your after,the market is glutted with Marlins in 30-30,and someitmes .35 Remington,at 250.00 and less.They will take down deer quite easily at 100 yds or so.And ammo runs about 12 bucks a box most places.the Marlins will flat get the job done on deer,pigs,etc.
Throckmorton SASS #231490 -
THanks. 0 -
I am not familiar with the terrain in Ks. but for a best all around hunting rifle I would suggest the .308. May well be the only hunting rifle you will ever need. I don't think you would be happy with a military rifle for hunting. And I too am assuming a rifle for deer hunting. 
Believe nothing you hear and only half of what you see !!
NRA Life Member0 -
For my money the 257 roberts is by far the best of the best for deer.Light recoil light rifle and plenty powerful.Stay safe and then have fun..
BILL
KEEP YOUR POWDER DRY.BUT NOT HOT.....single action S&Ws are keepers0 -
Chloader, go out and get a new stevens bolt action model 200. Good guns, you can get one for around $225 and they come in all the calibers. I'm not a walmart fan, but I'll bet you can get a new stevens witha scope and sling for right around that $300 mark... 0 -
the rifle you are looking at is way over priced , like others have said it should be in the 100 to 150 range , plus its not the best choice for deer hunting althought it would work uing the correct ammo
having lived and hunted in KS i would say that just about any of the standard cartridges will work just find , if you 're hunting a river or creek bottom ranges can be short but if you're on the edge of a field then you can sure get a long shot
anything from a 25-06 , 243 ,257, 6mm, 308, 270, 280 , 30-06 all are find calibers and easy to find in store and low cost,,,
if your hunting is all going to be short range say 150 yards are less then any of the lever action rifles will do the job , from 44mag , to 30-30 ,35rem , or 45-70 , in a Marlin or Winchester , Rossi or Browning
just to give you a case in point I have a fine older Savage 110e, now this is the work horse of the Savage line, good bolt action rifle comes with factory sights , decent wood stock , mine as a Tasco 4power scope on it sling, IF i where to sell it , it would bring around $300 ,, like other have said used lever action can be had for under $300 ,, you can step up to a little newer rifle and still stay below $500 without trying very hard .
one more thing stay AWAY from the Remington 742 if its not allready a jam-o-matic it will become one and Remington will not repair them
if you want to , feel free to email me at rjgaede@centurytel.net
I would be more than happy to offer some advice off line0 -
In my opnion an old Russian 44 is poor choice even at a third of the price.
ammo,scoping it etc. creates unnecessary problems. Caliber is not as complicated as most people make it to be. 308,270,30/06 a new short magnum will all suffice. If you will have very long shots you may want to pick one of the more powerful, if you are recoil sensitive one the milder.
If you want to hunt deer and varmints with one rifle a smaller caliber that makes a good combination rifle like the 25/06, 6mm. 243, 257 Roberts might suit you . you will have to decide what you prefer for your use.
Most gunshops with a good inventory have a used Savage or Remington bolt action in the $300 range.Stay away from Rem. 742 used semiautos ,they are nothing but trouble when they get some wear on them. Remington factory wont accept one for repairs.
The best buy on the market is the Stevens 200 made by Savage , it is the exact same rifle a the Savage 110 and comes in a variety of calibers. It costs a dealer $220-$230 wholesale and Walmart sells them for a few dollars over this. It is ready for a scope right out of the box and will shoot vey good. The trigger is adjustable
and this rifle serves the purpose as well as one costing several times as much .
<BR>0 -
Ditto all the above comments. I just want to add that any dealer or associate that would try to sell me a mediocre rifle at a huge price would be considered by me to be a cheat and unethical and I would never, ever deal with that person again. I would also spread the word about him to protect others! 0 -
Hello choader, You have gotten some really good advice so far, but if I might add one thing. If I'm not mistaken the last time I checked you could pick up a nice Savage 110 w/sporter barrel for about $285 in just about any cal. you want from .308 to .22-250.
Good luck in your search![:)]
AC-Tactical
"There are those who make things happen, those that watch things happen and those that say, what happend?"0
Please sign in to leave a comment.
Comments
12 comments