1st center fire rifle: .223? 7.62x39? other?
I'm considering buying my first centerfire rifle. I grew up using my father's guns so I only have a .22 rifle and a .32 pistol I inherited.
I'd like to resume hunting and would like to get a centerfire rifle for general purpose hunting. Which caliber would you recommend and what makes of gun? I am leaning towards .223 or 7.62x39 b/c the ammo is cheap, and from what I hear I have affordable, reliable gun choices in those calibers (such as an SKS or a Saiga sporting rifle).
I live in GA now, but could move in the next several months to anywhere in the country, although somewhere on the east coast is most likely (rural Florida or even rural Maine).
Thank you,
David C.
I'd like to resume hunting and would like to get a centerfire rifle for general purpose hunting. Which caliber would you recommend and what makes of gun? I am leaning towards .223 or 7.62x39 b/c the ammo is cheap, and from what I hear I have affordable, reliable gun choices in those calibers (such as an SKS or a Saiga sporting rifle).
I live in GA now, but could move in the next several months to anywhere in the country, although somewhere on the east coast is most likely (rural Florida or even rural Maine).
Thank you,
David C.
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I like them both. If you are not looking at an AR or a bolt action rifle then I would go with thw 7.62X39. If you are loking at the AR family then the .223. My 2 cents [8D]
Greg
Former Marine
A N G L I C O0 -
quote:Originally posted by gap1916
I like them both. If you are not looking at an AR or a bolt action rifle then I would go with thw 7.62X39. If you are loking at the AR family then the .223. My 2 cents [8D]
Greg
Former Marine
A N G L I C O
Thanks, Greg. Some clarifications for a newbie. AR = Assault rifle or AR = AR-15 and its variants? Or neither?
David0 -
Other.
308Win, in a bolt action rifle. 7.62x51 (7.62NATO) ammo for practice is quite reasonable, and the choices in hunting grade ammo are much better.
Your other two caliber options might be adiqute for 50-100yd hunting in the hands of a experanced hunter/shooter, but they wouldn't be their first choice as a "all purpose" cartridge either.
As you haven't mentioned the other key requirment for a hunting weapon, let me. Accuracy, you won't get there with either of the rifles you mentioned VS a Savage or even a (yuck, gag) Rem 710 package, both of which are designed for the entry level hunter.
Some guys like a mag full of lead, I still prefer one round to the head.0 -
7.62 VERY LIMITED "HUNTING" ROUND. General purpose,,,243 cal. hard to beat IMO. nambu 0 -
Get a bolt action .308
SKS is semiauto, holds ten. Too complicated for a rookie, too much ammo to be taking hunting. Get a bolt action, practice a lot at the range, learn to make the first shot count.0 -
AR type being a varient of the AR15. [8D]
Greg
Former Marine
A N G L I C O0 -
CZ 550 in 308. Mine shoots cheap GI Ball in under an inch at 100 yds. Rifle is not very expensive. It is very well made and the 308 round is more versatile than a 7.62x39. I have a 223 but I find I use the 308 for hunting more often. If you going to hunt and not spray and pray then IMO the bolt action is your best choice. Although an M1A or an HK 770 is fun to shoot. 0 -
My first and probably many of us was a Marlin lever 30-30.
Guns kill people like spoons made Rosie O'Donnell fat0 -
If you are going to mainly hunt with it then go with a 270, 308, 243 or 25-06 for anything on the east coast. Guncontrol-The ability to hit what your aiming at.0 -
Still havn't told us what you want to "hunt" for, but if it is anything bigger than a coyote most will tell you a .223 is not enough. That can be argued untill hell freezes over, but there are MUCH better choices. I also would recomend a bolt action. No reason to be carrying 10 rounds throught the woods. Unless, ofcourse, you are out of practice.[}:)][;)][:(]
SALLY
Committee member-Ducks Unlimited0 -
Another about the .223 to consider not being enough is that it may also be illegal in your area for bigger game such as Deer, with the 7.62x39 the accuracy may be hard to come by. I would recommend a .308 0 -
quote:Originally posted by bsally
Still havn't told us what you want to "hunt" for, but if it is anything bigger than a coyote most will tell you a .223 is not enough...
SALLY
Committee member-Ducks Unlimited
Thanks, Sally. I'll primarily be hunting deer, but I would like something powerful enough to save my a-- if I run into something bigger along the way, like a black bear or wild hog.[:0]
David0 -
308, woodchucks to moose with the right ammo. Might be a little light for Grizz and Brown bear, but more than enough for black bear and hogs.
Some guys like a mag full of lead, I still prefer one round to the head.0 -
i personally have bagged at least 10 deer with my customized sks. i use a 270 for distance shooting but if hunting in cover, brushy areas the sks shines for 100 yd or under shots and a well placed shot will drop a deer.
dennis0 -
30-06. Tried and true. Versatile. Kills deer and bear. 0 -
Some time ago, I looked at all the choices, and posted various threads,
and decided my first real rifle would be a Savage 111G in .243. It has iron sites, and is about $400.
They rarely come up used in this part of the country, but I hear one, with a scope, can be found for about $200 elsewhere.0 -
What ever you do get a Remington 700, they are a great gun!!!!!!
I wouldnt get a 223 for Deer, it would be good for varmints, but not much else. a 308, or a 30-06 would be good (and not break the bank with ammo costs) My favorite is the 25-06, they are fast, flat, and easy on recoil. perfect for everything from varmints to deer size game.
ben0 -
David C.: With the game you mentioin I would say the .223 is out. it is in no way a bear gun. The 7.62X36 might get the job done but might is not what you want when it comes right down to it you want what you know will get the job done. I will have to amend my statement and say go with a .308. It will do everything you said you want to do with a rifle. My 2 cents [8D]
Greg
Former Marine
A N G L I C O0
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