Quote:
Originally Posted by SPECKulation
I have pretty well narrowed down my selections for a new rifle & would appreciate some input. This will be my first rifle. My stepson has a 25.06 and a 7mm-08. I was thinking about another 25.06, but starting to lean toward getting a larger caliber. The gun will be used primarily for deer hunting, usually in & around Lavaca County, with an occasional trip to S. Texas. Most shots in the areas we hunt are within 150 yards, but some longer shots are possible. Hogs are a possibility as well.
Here are the rifles I am considering, and the calibers that are currently availble at my local retailers:
Savage Model 111 Composite Stock w/ AccuTrigger, available in 30.06 and 7mm Mag
Weatherby Vanguard Composite Stock, available in 25.06, 30.06, .308 and 7mm Mag
Price is about the same. I have pretty well decided on a Nikon Pro Staff scope either way.
Would appreciate any input on these 2 models, and on choice of calibers.
Thanks
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Since you asked -
Stick with the 30.06. It sounds like your a little unsure of the caliber. A 30.06 is popular for many reasons - availability of ammo, availability of different grains and loads. I consider it more versitile than the other calibers you've listed. You can hunt anywhere in Texas or North America and find ammo readily available.
Futhermore, as it is your first rifle a 30.06 is a good base to build on. Look at it as your utility or 'goto' rifle. Than you can start buying lighter and heavier calibers as money permits.
Now that you got the caliber figured out - the maker is the next fit. I've shot both, and you'll be happy with both. If your a new shooter and plan on spending time at the range honing your skills, I'd lean towards the Savage - the acutrigger is kind of nice for a new shooter in that you can get a feel for trigger pull. The Weatherby would need a gunsmith to do a trigger job, and being a new shooter you may be hard pressed to tell the gunsmith where you wanted it initially set.
I think the Weatherby's are actually a little more expensive as they are likely better built. Make sure you retract the bolt on both. I think you'll find the Savage clunky compared to the Weatherby.
In the same price range I'd take a look at the Ruger 77. Ask the guy at the gun counter to line all three of them up. You really can't go wrong as it is a matter of personal taste.
One last word of advice - don't settle for anything less than the one you really want. If a store has the model but not the caliber or vice versa - you got plenty of time before next season. Order the gun, you'll be much happier.
PS. If you have a little more money you may want to step up to a Luepold scope and don't skip on the rings.
When you make a decision - post pics and tell us why you bought what you bought.
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