Best deer hunting combo for under $800

wheelingranger · 09-28-2008, 12:49 PM

Im new to big game hunting and after just receiving the go ahead to join my friends and there fathers to go hunting this season i was left one question
what should i use?

Ive got around $800 saved up from my last job. i was originally thinking about getting an ar15 for target but if i can combine the two that would be great. but is there a ar15 under 800"complete upper and lower receiver" that is good for hunting?

**and another thing, how do you adjust a scope on the fly.?

lefty o · 09-28-2008, 01:13 PM

an AR is not the best choice in hunting rifle's, at least not in .223( in many states the .223 is not legal for big game). best bet is to go look at either a remington or savage bolt action in a larger caliber, and put a decent scope on one.

big boomer · 09-28-2008, 01:29 PM

Weatherby make a bolt gun for 399. so you could scope it with a good scope and still be in your price range. also marlin,TC,and a host of others make bolts in your range. If you must have an auto maybe an M-1 garand from the cmp? an AR in cal 6.8 would fill your needs but is not in your price range.

wheelingranger · 09-28-2008, 02:14 PM

if not an ar15 my second want would be a bull barrel any good guns with a decent bull barrel

jd1911 · 09-28-2008, 03:06 PM

i paid 325 for my remington 700 in 30-06 in almost new condition and paid 75$ for a scope and was good to go it shoots a real good group at 100 yds and i am prepared for just about any game in the lower 48 i think

deputy125 · 09-28-2008, 03:16 PM

Quote:

Im new to big game hunting and after just receiving the go ahead to join my friends and there fathers to go hunting this season i was left one question
what should i use?

i would not buy anything just yet.....matter of fact, if you are new to the sport, i would see about borrowing a gun from the friends/fathers to use. You can get introduced to the sport that way and get a general idea about what is needed for what you are hunting and the style of hunt.

the ar-15 is a fine rifle but as stated, it can be illegal in some States for various reasons. if the .223 is a legal hunting round there, the .223 will work for some game such as white tail deer with a proper load and excellent marksmanship but you are placing a tremondous amount of responsibility on your shoulders to get the job done.

bull barrels are fine if you are stand hunting and not moving around much but if a lot of walking and stalking is involved--again you are handicapping yourself with size/weight.

there has been a many debate over the "best" rifle/caliber/ammo over decades. See if you can borow one, go hunting and enjoy yourself. the hands on knowledge you gain being out in the field with others hunting would be far more valuable than anything i can offer........

if you can not borrow and must make a purchase, there are many standard rifles available in good calibers such as the 30-30, 243, or 270 in various action types from various makers. Get in lots of range time before you go.

Quote:

**and another thing, how do you adjust a scope on the fly.?

in my opinion, there is no such thing. Find a legal place to sight in properly and go from there............get a decent scope----a 4x is my favorite but i'm out of date and in the minority nowadays.................

Palladin8 · 09-28-2008, 05:24 PM

I agree with the previous posters. I would suggest borrowing a rifle and see if hunting is what you want to do. If you can't then I would suggest buying a rifle either used or new. You can find some good deals on used guns especially with the economy in the condition it is in. As for caliber for hunting deer you really can't go wrong with .243, .270, .308, or 30-06. You can pick up anyone one of those calibers in just about any rifle out there.

marinevet1010 · 09-28-2008, 07:20 PM

Buy a Mosin-Nagant M44!! They cost $100 and you can buy ammo for about $.20/round (a lot less than most other guns). Mosins are truly the best bolt action rifle (in my opinion) ever made!

Rambo · 09-28-2008, 08:41 PM

Just about all manufacturers make a "Package gun", equipped with a scope, sling and case for around $400. Either a .270, 30-06 very popular for deer hunting and anything else.

Ferroflame · 09-28-2008, 09:34 PM

Get a Mosin Nagant. They're no more than $80 and they pack more than enough punch.

If you really want an AR-15 platform, I'd recommend getting a 6.5mm Grendel upper. That should be enough power for a deer. Especially if you hit it where you're supposed to.

If you want a more modern bolt action, look for a Remington Model 700 in 30-06 or .308.

Winchester Model 70's are good too from what I hear.

30-30 Lever Actions are good.

I'm no expert, though. Those are just what my friends and a lot of the guys that I know use.

wheelingranger · 09-28-2008, 09:34 PM

haha,
to the guy that suggested an m44 i already have a 91/30 and wouldn't the 7.62x54r leave quite a mess?

deputy125 i have a cz452 scout with a ten round mag, bipod, and 9x scope and it is sited in at about 75 yards, but when shooting do people change the "tic marks" on-top of the scope or do they just memorize on the cross-hair where to line up the target?

deputy125 · 09-28-2008, 10:09 PM

as for myself, i sight in my rifle to be nowadays 1" high at 100 yds.

i don't mess with click counting or holding over on the deer. The bullet will land in the sweet spot from 25 yds to 250 yds with a dead on hold.

any further than that---i ain't got no business shooting at it as it is getting beyond my capabilty for a clean kill...

Ferroflame · 09-28-2008, 10:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wheelingranger

haha,
to the guy that suggested an m44 i already have a 91/30 and wouldn't the 7.62x54r leave quite a mess?

deputy125 i have a cz452 scout with a ten round mag, bipod, and 9x scope and it is sited in at about 75 yards, but when shooting do people change the "tic marks" on-top of the scope or do they just memorize on the cross-hair where to line up the target?

lol yeah maybe they are a bit over powered for that job. ;]

The guy that works at Centerfire told me that he took down a deer with a 8mm Mauser. He said you could fit your fist in the exit "hole". Haha.

wheelingranger · 09-29-2008, 04:05 PM

haha wow....I think Im going to Cabelas sometime this week to get some arrows ill probably go in there just to ask questions and insidently come out with a gun.

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/Vie...Item=111252730

what do you think..
i love! czs

RimfireSpaz · 10-08-2008, 10:51 PM

Its no suprise as to what that 8mm mauser did, your old 30-06, or 308 will do the same thing, as of many others as well if you have hopped up loads in them, seen it done, and its not very pretty, or good for the meat, but not suprising either.

ackspac · 10-08-2008, 11:18 PM

Ive got a safe full of "deer guns" and my favorite of all is my "cheap" Remington mod. 710 in .270 win. I have had all one shot kills out over 100 yards with this gun. Last season I dropped an 8 pointer at 75 yards and he was dead before he hit the ground. I only paid $350 at Waly-World for this gun. I love my other more "expensive" guns but this is a gun that doesnt mind getting caught in brush and thickets. I have never missed a shot with my 710 and hit the kill area every time. The Bushnell scope comes mounted on top and suits the gun just fine! Doug Giles :: Townhall.com :: Hunters Against Obama

Aaronb2245 · 10-09-2008, 09:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RimfireSpaz

Its no suprise as to what that 8mm mauser did, your old 30-06, or 308 will do the same thing, as of many others as well if you have hopped up loads in them, seen it done, and its not very pretty, or good for the meat, but not suprising either.

No doubt your right bro.

solman · 10-11-2008, 02:44 PM

yea i shoot a 8mm/06 ackley improved. if your not into bears or moose, id go either 270, or 7mm mag. Ive hunted with both and are just flat shooters and real forgiving on shooters both in accuracy and recoil.

Cole K · 10-11-2008, 11:20 PM

Quote:
Best deer hunting combo for under $800
Im new to big game hunting and after just receiving the go ahead to join my friends and there fathers to go hunting this season i was left one question
what should i use?

Ive got around $800 saved up from my last job. i was originally thinking about getting an ar15 for target but if i can combine the two that would be great. but is there a ar15 under 800"complete upper and lower receiver" that is good for hunting?

I recommend a Stevens or a Weatherby for $400 or little less in a .308 Win, .270 Win or .30-06. Plus $200-$300 for a scope, that’s leaving you over $100 for ammo for practicing and hunting.

I don’t think you can get a good AR15 for $800. In some States the .223 Rem cartridge that the AR15 uses is not legal. An AR10 and the .308 Win cartridge that it uses is legal.

The .223 is a great varmint cartridge but is a pizz poor big game cartridge.

Quote:
Best deer hunting combo for under $800
**and another thing, how do you adjust a scope on the fly.?

There ain’t no such thing.

The Ol’ man said, “Son, don’t brag to me about the long shot you made! Brag to me about how close you got!”

nathangdad · 10-11-2008, 11:35 PM

plenty accurate for deer hunting. It comes in a wide range of calibers including the always versatile and proven .30-06.

Most important and quite often overlooked is the fact that the price of the Savage leaves some room for a quality scope.

I have so often seen people with higher cost guns coupled with cheap scopes that cripple the effort.

09-28-2008, 12:49 PM	#1
wheelingranger Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: wheeling ,wv Posts: 89	Best deer hunting combo for under $800 Im new to big game hunting and after just receiving the go ahead to join my friends and there fathers to go hunting this season i was left one question what should i use? Ive got around $800 saved up from my last job. i was originally thinking about getting an ar15 for target but if i can combine the two that would be great. but is there a ar15 under 800"complete upper and lower receiver" that is good for hunting? *and another thing, how do you adjust a scope on the fly.? Last edited by wheelingranger; 09-28-2008 at 02:12 PM. Reason: just thought id ask*

09-28-2008, 08:41 PM	#9
Rambo Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Iowa Posts: 949	Just about all manufacturers make a "Package gun", equipped with a scope, sling and case for around $400. Either a .270, 30-06 very popular for deer hunting and anything else. __________________ If you run, you'll just die tired.

09-29-2008, 04:05 PM	#14
wheelingranger Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: wheeling ,wv Posts: 89	haha wow....I think Im going to Cabelas sometime this week to get some arrows ill probably go in there just to ask questions and insidently come out with a gun. http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/Vie...Item=111252730 what do you think.. i love! czs Last edited by wheelingranger; 09-29-2008 at 06:12 PM.

10-11-2008, 11:35 PM	#20
nathangdad Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 2,936	Savage has an excellent bolt action that is plenty accurate for deer hunting. It comes in a wide range of calibers including the always versatile and proven .30-06. Most important and quite often overlooked is the fact that the price of the Savage leaves some room for a *quality* scope. I have so often seen people with higher cost guns coupled with cheap scopes that cripple the effort.

09-28-2008, 01:13 PM	#2
lefty o Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: mn Posts: 5,116	an AR is not the best choice in hunting rifle's, at least not in .223( in many states the .223 is not legal for big game). best bet is to go look at either a remington or savage bolt action in a larger caliber, and put a decent scope on one.

09-28-2008, 01:29 PM	#3
big boomer Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Minn. Posts: 1,254	Weatherby make a bolt gun for 399. so you could scope it with a good scope and still be in your price range. also marlin,TC,and a host of others make bolts in your range. If you must have an auto maybe an M-1 garand from the cmp? an AR in cal 6.8 would fill your needs but is not in your price range.

09-28-2008, 02:14 PM	#4
wheelingranger Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: wheeling ,wv Posts: 89	if not an ar15 my second want would be a bull barrel any good guns with a decent bull barrel

09-28-2008, 03:06 PM	#5
jd1911 Banned Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 125	i paid 325 for my remington 700 in 30-06 in almost new condition and paid 75$ for a scope and was good to go it shoots a real good group at 100 yds and i am prepared for just about any game in the lower 48 i think

09-28-2008, 05:24 PM	#7
Palladin8 Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Las Vegas, NV Posts: 598	I agree with the previous posters. I would suggest borrowing a rifle and see if hunting is what you want to do. If you can't then I would suggest buying a rifle either used or new. You can find some good deals on used guns especially with the economy in the condition it is in. As for caliber for hunting deer you really can't go wrong with .243, .270, .308, or 30-06. You can pick up anyone one of those calibers in just about any rifle out there.

09-28-2008, 07:20 PM	#8
marinevet1010 Senior Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Goodrich, Michigan Posts: 314	Buy a Mosin-Nagant M44!! They cost $100 and you can buy ammo for about $.20/round (a lot less than most other guns). Mosins are truly the best bolt action rifle (in my opinion) ever made!

09-28-2008, 09:34 PM	#10
Ferroflame Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Kentucky Posts: 427	Get a Mosin Nagant. They're no more than $80 and they pack more than enough punch. If you really want an AR-15 platform, I'd recommend getting a 6.5mm Grendel upper. That should be enough power for a deer. Especially if you hit it where you're supposed to. If you want a more modern bolt action, look for a Remington Model 700 in 30-06 or .308. Winchester Model 70's are good too from what I hear. 30-30 Lever Actions are good. I'm no expert, though. Those are just what my friends and a lot of the guys that I know use.

09-28-2008, 10:09 PM	#12
deputy125 Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Texas Posts: 212	as for myself, i sight in my rifle to be nowadays 1" high at 100 yds. i don't mess with click counting or holding over on the deer. The bullet will land in the sweet spot from 25 yds to 250 yds with a dead on hold. any further than that---i ain't got no business shooting at it as it is getting beyond my capabilty for a clean kill...

10-08-2008, 10:51 PM	#15
RimfireSpaz Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Somewhere eastern washington Posts: 111 Images: 5	Its no suprise as to what that 8mm mauser did, your old 30-06, or 308 will do the same thing, as of many others as well if you have hopped up loads in them, seen it done, and its not very pretty, or good for the meat, but not suprising either.

10-08-2008, 11:18 PM	#16
ackspac Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 26	Ive got a safe full of "deer guns" and my favorite of all is my "cheap" Remington mod. 710 in .270 win. I have had all one shot kills out over 100 yards with this gun. Last season I dropped an 8 pointer at 75 yards and he was dead before he hit the ground. I only paid $350 at Waly-World for this gun. I love my other more "expensive" guns but this is a gun that doesnt mind getting caught in brush and thickets. I have never missed a shot with my 710 and hit the kill area every time. The Bushnell scope comes mounted on top and suits the gun just fine! Doug Giles :: Townhall.com :: Hunters Against Obama

10-11-2008, 02:44 PM	#18
solman Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Posts: 21	yea i shoot a 8mm/06 ackley improved. if your not into bears or moose, id go either 270, or 7mm mag. Ive hunted with both and are just flat shooters and real forgiving on shooters both in accuracy and recoil.

10-11-2008, 11:20 PM	#19
Cole K Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Mississippi Posts: 60	Quote: Best deer hunting combo for under $800 Im new to big game hunting and after just receiving the go ahead to join my friends and there fathers to go hunting this season i was left one question what should i use? Ive got around $800 saved up from my last job. i was originally thinking about getting an ar15 for target but if i can combine the two that would be great. but is there a ar15 under 800"complete upper and lower receiver" that is good for hunting? I recommend a Stevens or a Weatherby for $400 or little less in a .308 Win, .270 Win or .30-06. Plus $200-$300 for a scope, that’s leaving you over $100 for ammo for practicing and hunting. I don’t think you can get a good AR15 for $800. In some States the .223 Rem cartridge that the AR15 uses is not legal. An AR10 and the .308 Win cartridge that it uses is legal. The .223 is a great varmint cartridge but is a pizz poor big game cartridge. Quote: Best deer hunting combo for under $800 **and another thing, how do you adjust a scope on the fly.? There ain’t no such thing. The Ol’ man said, “Son, don’t brag to me about the long shot you made! Brag to me about how close you got!”