The Right One For Me

[TXBlkCld]

Of the calibers you listed, go with the .243 but as stated above, seriously consider the .260, 7-08 and 25-06. The whole ammo availability issue is not really an issue at all unless you decide to start shooting on a regular basis and putting a lot of rounds through it. Since most people only sight their rifles in the first time and then periodically kill an animal with it or check the accuracy, two boxes of shells should last you for quite some time. Consequently, you should have plenty of time to get your hands on more ammo should the need arise.

As far as guns go, due to their inherent "out of the box" accuracy, I'd stick with a Remington or Savage. Others will shoot well enough to kill a critter but going by your post, "good enough" is just not good enough. And you couldn't GIVE me a browning.

In the optics department, seriously consider Vortex optics. I'm also a huge fan of Burris and Nikon. I am not a Leupold fan boy. Decent glass but overpriced in my opinion. You definitely get more quality bang for your buck with Vortex. If you choose to go the Vortex route, look up Mike Smith, Arrowsmith here on the GS. His prices won't be beat.

If I were buying a gun for my wife or one of my daughters, I'd buy the following
Remington 700 or Model 7 (synthetic for durability or wood for looks)
Chambered in 7-08
Topped with a Vortex Viper 3.5-10X50


Eternally in His grip

[junkmanhunter]

Wow you You guys are awesome!! so i forgot to mention i have used and shot many guys and very comfortable with them, i just want one for myself!!

Dave you beat me to it!!!

Good luck on your search.. Keep in mind a shorter rifle will probably work better for you, being you are a small frame lady.

[jeremy360]

CZ 452/457 in .243 get whichever model you like the best. .243 because ammo is popular and relatively cheap. Its a decent round that will take anything you ever plan on hunting. CZ are one of the most under rated guns I have seen. I have shot one and wow. Perfect sized (smaller than a ruger or remington), light,fit to finish was amazing, operated like GLASS. Very clean bluing. Very tight tolerances in the action. And accuracy was second to none. Also don't overlook they have a detachable clip which makes unloading and loading faster before or after the hunt. If I had to do it over again, that's what I'd get. Do yourself a favor and handle one, you will be glad you did. As for optics, spend a good chunk on them. You don't need swarovski unless you just want it. Nikon always works the best with my eyes and looks the clearest, but leupolds are decent too. Any 3x9x32 will work just fine powerwise. Figure around $300 for a quality scope. You can spend more or less of course if you find something you really like.


I'd also reccomend the new "texas gun company" to get it from. A lot of people like champions and I have heard they have gotten better, but I dealt with the guys on hwy 21 and they are SUPER nice and will match anyones prices. I've had much better experiences with them than Champions.

Take your time. Handle a bunch and shoot a bunch. Pick what you like cause its a long term decision. You want it to be something you look forward to using when season rolls around.

Good luck in the search!

[brunner]

.243 or .25-06 should suit you well. Especially the .243, should be able to find shells for it nearly anywhere.

Top it with a 3-9x40 scope and you're set. Nikon or maybe a Leupold VX-II if you can find a deal.

X2

[Double L]

I'll throw another vote in for the .243. It's a caliber that has been around for years and not going anywhere. You can buy ammo everywhere even in the smallest store in the smallest town. I have seen it for sale in a gas station in hunting country before. That's important because you might head to your hunting grounds someday and forget your ammo. Don't ask me how I know this!

[donfish84]

Wife shoots a savage 25-06 and she loves it. It's topped with a leupold 3x9x40. Also like the nikons glass for rifle scopes. Ammo is pretty much everywhere. Couldn't to wrong with this caliber.

[haztech3]

Lots and lots of good advice here so far.My recommendation would be what my wife shoots.She has a Thompson Center Encore in 25.06.with the bull barrel.And topped with a Ziess Conquest 3x9x40.It is a killing machine.Easy manageable recoil....easy to find shells, and it packs quite a punch on the delivery end.Glass on a Ziess will run you about 400 but it's well worth it IMHO and they have about the best quality optics in that price range.My only other rifle choice woyld be a Ruger M77.

[holdem]

Remington SPS youth in 7mm-08, Leupold 3-9 X40 glass. My daughter has one and it's a buck/hog buster.

[dgilbert]

You are going to get so many different answers on this one, the one's you mentioned will do fine.

[Cuatro361]

Where were the girls like this when I was 21 and in college...???

[hammackc]

243, then 25-06

[PinkMathewsGirl]

Ahh shucks. Well that might be a good thing since you like shooting guys lol

Oh, I thought you wanted a hunting rifle. Sounds like you need a sniper rifle.

Haha dang!! Y'all got me!! I meant guns!! Lol

[PinkMathewsGirl]

You are going to get so many different answers on this one, the one's you mentioned will do fine.

Yeah I figured this as well!! But I'm thinking I'm leaning towards the 243... I have a friend who has a Remington and is going to let me shoot it first before I buy anything!!

[chancito1]

Ok count them up, looks like 243 or 25-06 getting most votes both great guns now just figure out brand, then scope, decisions, decisions!

[Poppy]

Rem.243 or 25/06 Nikon or lupe