New guy question about gun models

Nanders · 01-31-2008, 11:59 PM

Hello, I am new here, and had a couple of questions regarding the quality (ie durability, accuracy) of different gun models for calibers that I am eyeballing. (I am fairly new and ignorant to guns, so be patient)

I am interested in a .223 bolt as well as a .30-06 bolt.

I figured that 450-500 per gun, is what I would spend. I would rather spend less, but am afraid that I would buy a crappy gun (could be wrong about that, like I said, I am new to this)

I saw a .223 at the store today used for $200 (It said "stevens" on it) Is that a gun worth buying? or should I stick to more of a name brand model like rimington, rueger etc?

Also I read in numerous places that the savage 110 is the best gun for the money, is this true? Is the model of gun less important in a lower power caliber (.223 for instance) than in the more powerful calibers?

finally, I read a post by Arkansashunter that .223 ammo was going to be increasing in price. Is this true, and if so, why? Should I consider a .243 in place of a .223 if the ammo goes up a bunch for the .223?

Don't mean to ramble much, but you guys really seem educated about this stuff, and I am really green to it. Any input would be appreciated!

nathangdad · 02-01-2008, 08:18 AM

Personally, I consider the .243 superior to the .223. I suggest you check ballistics before making your own decision. The .243 would give you a wider range of hunting capability to include antelope and deer. Also, the .243 is very accurate without the recoil and muzzle blast of larger calibers. You might want to check out single shot rifles such as Rossi or H&R (Marlin website). They give you a lot of value for the money and you can include a scope on your budget. I have experienced great results with my Rossi.

The current Savage/Stevens guns are of high quality and would be a good value purchase should you decide to stay with a bolt action as your purchase.

Nanders · 02-01-2008, 11:30 AM

Is the quality of a gun less important for lower power calibers?

samuel · 02-01-2008, 11:35 AM

Quality is important,even in bb guns.If it breaks easily or doesnt shoot straight it is the most expensive gun you can buy,even if it was given to you. sam.

SwedeSteve · 02-01-2008, 11:55 AM

Great advice given! Do not shy away from Savage/Stevens they make great rifles. 243 instead of 223! ALL ammo is going up in price! ALL ammo goes up in price every few months. 223 is up again from just 2 months ago. Thats because there is little to no surplus available and the commercial guys can charge what they want. The quality of the gun is ALWAYS important, regardless of caliber! The axiom that is tossed around here daily is, when it comes to rifles and scopes, buy the very best you can, even if it means saving for another month or two. A quality rifle with a quality scope, that is well taken care of, will last you the rest of your life, and will hold its value better if you decide to sell it later. Another bit of advice, keep all the documenttion, AND THE BOX your rifle comes with in case you decide to sell!

ArkansasHunter · 02-01-2008, 01:30 PM

All posts here are perfect !!! About the 223 ammo I have seen side notes at some websites and recently in the Cabela's new Shooting catolog saying 223 ammo availability is not gauranteed.

Windwalker · 02-01-2008, 02:15 PM

A quality firearm will probably last you a lifetime with proper care and may last either your son or daughter a lifetime as well. P.S. Welcome to the site.

utahvarminter · 02-01-2008, 05:04 PM

the quality of the gun is just as important and the quality of the ammo, and power for that matter.

If you're looking into .223, and 30-06 bolts, Savage makes excellent rifles. Ruger, Remington, Winchester, Weatherby, etc have good reputations for accuracy and reliablity, but can be pricey. My Savage 10 has never had any problem, and can put all the bullets touching at 100 yards.

Nanders · 02-01-2008, 08:32 PM

great info. guys. So is it safe to say that If I were to buy a savage or rueger (or any other name brand), my goal is to find a model that I feel comfortable aiming? I assume that the quality between models doesnt vary a whole lot within a certain brand, does that sound about right?

thanks again for your input!

Shootester · 02-01-2008, 11:50 PM

I have a Savage 200 in .223 and it is awsome! It is my first rifle, and I love it. The ammo is still cheaper than other calibers. Ultramax 55gr fmj box of 50 will be around $21, but also I bought 100 rounds wolf ammo for $30! If your just starting out perhaps you should wait before you get the 30-06, and if your THAT concerned(sp?) about ammo just get a nice .22. The ammo is the cheapest and the gun will be cheaper as well.

Quote:

Originally Posted by ArkansasHunter

All posts here are perfect !!! About the 223 ammo I have seen side notes at some websites and recently in the Cabela's new Shooting catolog saying 223 ammo availability is not gauranteed.

It might just be certaint brands. I have seen plenty of Ultramax, Black Hills, Wolf, and various types of Remington. 5.56 specific ammo I have seen VERY little bulk. That could be what they are talking about. IDK for sure though.

slaughterhouse · 02-03-2008, 10:54 PM

No exactly true of course it varies but most of them are pretty capable rifles just ask a gun shop clerk what he thinks what he likes and remember just cause he likes it don't mean you will. Make sure you pick out a rifle that you are comfortable with. well for instance barrel length stuff like that some people like different models better than others because it fits them better and what they are going to use it for. Just pick what you are comfortable with. Make the gun you pick match your needs. don't pick a gun that you have to use differently than you planned.

meatloaf · 02-04-2008, 03:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by slaughterhouse

No exactly true of course it varies but most of them are pretty capable rifles just ask a gun shop clerk what he thinks what he likes and remember just cause he likes it don't mean you will. Make sure you pick out a rifle that you are comfortable with. well for instance barrel length stuff like that some people like different models better than others because it fits them better and what they are going to use it for. Just pick what you are comfortable with. Make the gun you pick match your needs. don't pick a gun that you have to use differently than you planned.

I have found alot of gun store clerks dont know jack, but they can feed you a believable line of bs. I start with wycopedia first to find my information then check the web sites of the gun manufactorer. Basic knowledge like this can help you know if the clerk knows what he or she is talking about. Educate yourself and they wont take you for a ride.

Nanders · 02-04-2008, 08:07 PM

That is some sage advice. Education is never a bad thing.

nathangdad · 02-04-2008, 08:23 PM

I understand your feelings about the people behind the counters in modern stores. I went through this with my three children before they graduated from college. The stores in general are all the same in that they want to pay minimum wage with no training. It is just the pressure to sell higher profit items (the store tells them what to push). If you work hard and develop expertise it is still the minimum wage or perhaps a 50 cent per hour wage increase. I was in shock to learn what the kids experience from the employer. The only thing our family learned was to avoid retail as a career. Please do not blame the people behind the counter as they are more victim than employee.

270wsm · 02-04-2008, 08:33 PM

Nanders,
What exactly do you plan to use the rifle for?
Hunting a specific animal?,targets?
You can find a quality rifle in any of the above manufacturers stated.Make sure you choose a caliber that will fill your need!

jaeger · 02-04-2008, 08:45 PM

Not sure if I will be answering your question but here we go anyway. You will cover every game animal in NA if you buy a .223 and an 30-06. The cheapest and most reliable route I have found is a stevens 200 .223 and mossberg atr 30-06. I bought both at wally world the stevens for 275 and the ATR for 295. I have not had a problem with either. Both will hold better than MOA and fire regardless of ammo. And by the way .223 might go up, but even if it doubles it will not be more expensive than .243. So there is my .2 cents. Have fun..... be safe.

also check out a .308 for big game and cheap shooting..

two-70 · 02-04-2008, 10:20 PM

the stevens 200 is an awesome gun for the money, vey good shooter

jaeger · 02-04-2008, 10:23 PM

I agree 100% the 200 is the hands down "best eco rifle out there" but the mossberg is very very close.

01-31-2008, 11:59 PM	#1
Nanders Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Omaha Posts: 59	New guy question about gun models Hello, I am new here, and had a couple of questions regarding the quality (ie durability, accuracy) of different gun models for calibers that I am eyeballing. (I am fairly new and ignorant to guns, so be patient) I am interested in a .223 bolt as well as a .30-06 bolt. I figured that 450-500 per gun, is what I would spend. I would rather spend less, but am afraid that I would buy a crappy gun (could be wrong about that, like I said, I am new to this) I saw a .223 at the store today used for $200 (It said "stevens" on it) Is that a gun worth buying? or should I stick to more of a name brand model like rimington, rueger etc? Also I read in numerous places that the savage 110 is the best gun for the money, is this true? Is the model of gun less important in a lower power caliber (.223 for instance) than in the more powerful calibers? finally, I read a post by Arkansashunter that .223 ammo was going to be increasing in price. Is this true, and if so, why? Should I consider a .243 in place of a .223 if the ammo goes up a bunch for the .223? Don't mean to ramble much, but you guys really seem educated about this stuff, and I am really green to it. Any input would be appreciated!

02-01-2008, 08:18 AM	#2
nathangdad Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 2,437	.243 Personally, I consider the .243 superior to the .223. I suggest you check ballistics before making your own decision. The .243 would give you a wider range of hunting capability to include antelope and deer. Also, the .243 is very accurate without the recoil and muzzle blast of larger calibers. You might want to check out single shot rifles such as Rossi or H&R (Marlin website). They give you a lot of value for the money and you can include a scope on your budget. I have experienced great results with my Rossi. The current Savage/Stevens guns are of high quality and would be a good value purchase should you decide to stay with a bolt action as your purchase. Last edited by nathangdad; 02-01-2008 at 08:20 AM. Reason: Additoin

02-01-2008, 11:55 AM	#5
SwedeSteve Bullet Maintenance !! Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: The anchor point, Alaska Posts: 10,281 Images: 1	Great advice given! Do not shy away from Savage/Stevens they make great rifles. 243 instead of 223! ALL ammo is going up in price! ALL ammo goes up in price every few months. 223 is up again from just 2 months ago. Thats because there is little to no surplus available and the commercial guys can charge what they want. The quality of the gun is ALWAYS important, regardless of caliber! The axiom that is tossed around here daily is, when it comes to rifles and scopes, buy the very best you can, even if it means saving for another month or two. A quality rifle with a quality scope, that is well taken care of, will last you the rest of your life, and will hold its value better if you decide to sell it later. Another bit of advice, keep all the documenttion, AND THE BOX your rifle comes with in case you decide to sell! __________________ Thank God we don't get as much Government as we pay for! -Will Rogers

02-01-2008, 02:15 PM	#7
Windwalker Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Oklahoma Posts: 3,541	A quality firearm will probably last you a lifetime with proper care and may last either your son or daughter a lifetime as well. P.S. Welcome to the site. __________________ America: Love it and protect it or leave it

02-01-2008, 05:04 PM	#8
utahvarminter Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Utah Posts: 487	the quality of the gun is just as important and the quality of the ammo, and power for that matter. If you're looking into .223, and 30-06 bolts, Savage makes excellent rifles. Ruger, Remington, Winchester, Weatherby, etc have good reputations for accuracy and reliablity, but can be pricey. My Savage 10 has never had any problem, and can put all the bullets touching at 100 yards. __________________ My Photo Album

02-01-2008, 11:30 AM	#3
Nanders Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Omaha Posts: 59	Is the quality of a gun less important for lower power calibers?

02-01-2008, 11:35 AM	#4
samuel Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 5,087	Quality is important,even in bb guns.If it breaks easily or doesnt shoot straight it is the most expensive gun you can buy,even if it was given to you. sam.

02-01-2008, 01:30 PM	#6
ArkansasHunter Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: South Arkansas Posts: 10,678	All posts here are perfect !!! About the 223 ammo I have seen side notes at some websites and recently in the Cabela's new Shooting catolog saying 223 ammo availability is not gauranteed.

02-01-2008, 08:32 PM	#9
Nanders Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Omaha Posts: 59	great info. guys. So is it safe to say that If I were to buy a savage or rueger (or any other name brand), my goal is to find a model that I feel comfortable aiming? I assume that the quality between models doesnt vary a whole lot within a certain brand, does that sound about right? thanks again for your input!

02-03-2008, 10:54 PM	#11
slaughterhouse Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 26	No exactly true of course it varies but most of them are pretty capable rifles just ask a gun shop clerk what he thinks what he likes and remember just cause he likes it don't mean you will. Make sure you pick out a rifle that you are comfortable with. well for instance barrel length stuff like that some people like different models better than others because it fits them better and what they are going to use it for. Just pick what you are comfortable with. Make the gun you pick match your needs. don't pick a gun that you have to use differently than you planned.

02-04-2008, 08:07 PM	#13
Nanders Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Omaha Posts: 59	That is some sage advice. Education is never a bad thing.

02-04-2008, 08:23 PM	#14
nathangdad Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 2,437	To Meatloaf I understand your feelings about the people behind the counters in modern stores. I went through this with my three children before they graduated from college. The stores in general are all the same in that they want to pay minimum wage with no training. It is just the pressure to sell higher profit items (the store tells them what to push). If you work hard and develop expertise it is still the minimum wage or perhaps a 50 cent per hour wage increase. I was in shock to learn what the kids experience from the employer. The only thing our family learned was to avoid retail as a career. Please do not blame the people behind the counter as they are more victim than employee.

02-04-2008, 08:33 PM	#15
270wsm Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Georgia Posts: 326 Images: 2	Nanders, What exactly do you plan to use the rifle for? Hunting a specific animal?,targets? You can find a quality rifle in any of the above manufacturers stated.Make sure you choose a caliber that will fill your need! __________________ THIS IS MY COMMANDMENT,THAT YE LOVE ONE ANOTHER,AS I HAVE LOVED YOU-Jesus Christ(John15:12)

02-04-2008, 08:45 PM	#16
jaeger Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: NJ Posts: 290 Images: 3	Not sure if I will be answering your question but here we go anyway. You will cover every game animal in NA if you buy a .223 and an 30-06. The cheapest and most reliable route I have found is a stevens 200 .223 and mossberg atr 30-06. I bought both at wally world the stevens for 275 and the ATR for 295. I have not had a problem with either. Both will hold better than MOA and fire regardless of ammo. And by the way .223 might go up, but even if it doubles it will not be more expensive than .243. So there is my .2 cents. Have fun..... be safe. also check out a .308 for big game and cheap shooting.. Last edited by jaeger; 02-04-2008 at 08:46 PM. Reason: Automerged Doublepost

02-04-2008, 10:20 PM	#17
two-70 Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: ponca city, oklahoma Posts: 1,778	the stevens 200 is an awesome gun for the money, vey good shooter __________________ What Would Jesus Do ????? Just Ask Him.

02-04-2008, 10:23 PM	#18
jaeger Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: NJ Posts: 290 Images: 3	I agree 100% the 200 is the hands down "best eco rifle out there" but the mossberg is very very close.