Brand new hunter looking for advice

[Josh J]

Hey all!

I am a brand new hunter. I've been looking to get into it for the last few years (got my Hunter's Ed back in 2002), but I haven't actually been proactive about it till this year. I am just beginning my research as far as buying a rifle is concerned. If anyone is able to give me any advise, that would be greatly appreciated!

My plan is to enter a moose draw and a deer draw (probably Mulie). I need an economical option in terms of a gun. Does anyone have any suggestions? I've looked into Savage rifles somewhat, and they seem like a good option for around $500. Are there any brands that would be a better option? $500 is probably close to my limit for a gun at this time, unfortunately. I haven't looked into the buy/sell portion of this forum yet, but I plan to shortly.

Also, being completely green, I would like some advise on what caliber to go with. I've heard that the 7mm mag or the 270 are good options, but really I have no clue.

Other than that, I really have no idea what to look for in a gun. I figure that if I get a cheap first gun, then by the time I can afford a more expensive gun I will know what I am looking for. But I want to at least get a gun that will be good for me right now.

Also, I have no idea about optics. I don't know what brands are good or not, and I have no idea what kind of magnification is best. Again, my budget does not allow much expense. Thanks a bunch in advance!

[Fisher-Dude]

That Savage combo for $500 is a good deal for a new hunter just getting in to it. I'd go with the 7mm mag over the 270 for that bit more punch when you need it, especially on moose.

The best optics for the "on a budget" dollar are Leupold. The Chinese crap and Japanese crap are not worth the money, IMO. The Savage package comes with a crappy but usable scope, but if you keep your eyes open you may be able to find a used Leupold Rifleman or VX1 for ~$200, which is a much better bet than a similarly priced Bushnell or Vortex POS.

[powderburns]

Have you given much thought into buying a used rifle. There are alot of different cal's that would be suitable for moose and deer such as .270, 30-06, 308, .303, 7mm and more. There's always some for sale on AO. Also check out Canadian Tire on south end of Edmonton,as they sell used rifles, they are supposed to be great to talk to for any questions you might have.
As I asked you on the other forum "do you have your PAL yet"? If not you'll be lucky to get it in 2 or 3 months.

[Josh J]

Thanks guys! And powderburns, I saw that and I am going to the CFSC on July 2, if everything works out. Hopefully the PAL will come in time. They say around 8 weeks, so we'll see. Thanks for giving me the heads up!

[Dad and Son]

My suggestions to you are this
1) buy a used rifle
2) try and buy a rifle with a detachable magazine
3) ideally get a bolt action rifle, as compared to pump action or semi automatic (lever action would be my second choice)
4) dont worry too much about brand name, as a new hunter there will be very little difference for you.
5) the calibre you buy is determined by what you plan to hunt. You do not know that yet so you need to be prepared. So for example a 308 will probably be the cheapest rifle you will find (except a 303 British which if your funds are very limited might be a suitable choice )but in my opinion and many others not the best moose rifle. Or the rifle (308) I would want my hunting partner shooting while fending off a charging bear as I am gutting my deer. I would suggest the only calibers to buy would be 30-06, 7mm rem magnum, 300 winchester magnum. Some would add the 270 but not a good bear or moose rifle in my opinion.
6) get a scope a 3-9 power is fine dont spend money on a 50 mm scope right now a smaller one is fine
7) practice shooting a lot. Most new hunters miss the first few animals because of nervousness, inexperience shooting and a gun that is not sighted in well. You will see at the gun store they sell expensive and inexpensive ammo. Decide on a weight you will use. I suggest using 180 gram bullets. Then buy some cheap ammo in the same weight as your hunting ammo. Shoot enough so you are comfortable shooting. That would be at least 3-4 boxes of ammo in my opinion over several days maybe more. You will be glad you spent this time and money when you harvest your first animal.
that is my advice to you have a great time in the wilderness

[Fisher-Dude]

You'll have to tell the 30 odd moose and 30 odd elk my dad shot with his .308 (with old style Remington CoreLokts, no less!) that they shouldn't have buckled in their tracks.

[carball]

I am learning too~

[the rifleman]

Love those old photo's!

Yup, even the little 30-30 was responsible for a lot of meat on the table over the years. For many, it was probably the cheapest center fire rifle they could afford though.
I would tend to start with something a little better if your going to get serious about hunting..