Looking for advice for first time gun buyer

[Patty mcgee]

I’m a new shooter, I’ve shot several .22 guns but I’m looking to get a gun for hunting as well as target shooting. I’d love some suggestions as to what a first time buyer should be looking for.

[Dweb]

If you type in the search function there’s lots of threads with good advice on this.

243 , 7mm-08 , 25-06 , 308

Rifle and scope depend on budget

Lots of nice entry level rifles or buy a nice used one.

[elkhunter11]

Decide what and where you want to hunt, and how much target shooting you are going to do. Those two things will be a big factor in what you choose.

[Patty mcgee]

More target shooting than hunting for sure. I’d like to get a moose or elk.my price range is 1500-2000 scope included

[Dewey Cox]

Patty McGee shoots a 303.

That just rolls off the tongue.
I suppose if you want a calibre that was invented within the last 100 years, you could use a 243 and it would still rhyme. (And it is a good suggestion for actual important reasons as well)

[elkhunter11]

For a lot of target shooting, and moose or elk, the 308win would be a good choice, long barrel life, reasonably priced ammunition, and enough to kill moose or elk. I would look at a bolt action like the Tikka T-3, or the Weatherby Vanguard, with a decent scope in the 3-9 or 3-12 range.

[cody c]

Some smoking deals at wolverine online in some older inventory.

A Weatherby vanguard in 270 at $423 for example.

[barsik]

If you are a bit recoil sensitive, a Howa mini action chambered for the 6.5 Grendel cartridge for target shooting and medium size game is an option, otherwise I'd pick a Tikka CTR in 308 or 6.5 Creedmore. add a Limbsaver recoil pad and a 4-14X leupold or watch for a black friday sale for a Nightforce SHV scope. prudent shopping and a bit of patience will get you a very respectable hunting/target combination. Weatherby Vanguard (Howa built) are also very good rifles. some people have had good luck with Savage rifles, I have no experience with them. Bergara are a nicely manufactured rifle too, plenty of good reviews but i have no personal experience with them yet either. for a new shooter, stick with either the above calibers, 243Win, 260 Remington, or 7mm08. good luck, don't feel shy about asking questions, most members here will try to help.

[catnthehat]

There is a Bergara in 6.5 Creedmoor with scope and extras on the exchange right now .
Lots of info and factory Ammo available
Cat

[Nyksta]

308 with 165-180gr bullets if you want short action, 270 with 140-150gr bullets if you are going long action. Both good enough for elk and moose, moderate velocity so you dont kaboom too much meat damage if you happen to shoot a deer up close, decent barrel life, and youll find ammo in any store that sells ammo, and for a decent price for lots of practicing.

[6.5 shooter]

FIT, FIT, FIT....find a rifle that fits...then worry about caliber, optics etc. Most hunting calibers will put down an animal. Some will hurt the hunter almost as much as the critter....some will leave you wishing for a little bit more....But all will take a critter cleanly IF your willing to wait for the proper shot....

If your looking at long range....hard to beat the 6.5's. They are excellent hunting rounds, not to hard on the shooter and deadly on game, but many will disagree....

And if I forgot to mention it ...FIT

[shooter12]

If I were you , I would look into 270 WiN or 308 WIN.
Those two will take care of everything in Alberta with a proper bullet selection.
S12

[amosfella]

Go to a gun store with a big supply of guns. Shoulder as many of them as the store clerk will allow. See which ones fit you the best.

Many guys I know like the kimber or CZ rifles.

[huntingfamily]

Originally Posted by shooter12

If I were you , I would look into 270 WiN or 308 WIN.
Those two will take care of everything in Alberta with a proper bullet selection.
S12

Agreed 100%. Good variety of factory ammo and can be found pretty much anywhere ammo is found.

[bsmitty27]

Originally Posted by Dewey Cox

Patty McGee shoots a 303.

That just rolls off the tongue.
I suppose if you want a calibre that was invented within the last 100 years, you could use a 243 and it would still rhyme. (And it is a good suggestion for actual important reasons as well)

I think this is the best reason I have ever heard for cartridge choice.

At least it narrows the choices a bit. You have 2 options!
Hell get them both!

[Flight01]

Since you are primarily going to target shoot and then maybe hunt , My vote will be 308win. Bolt action in any decent rifle that fits and feels good. $1000 in glass and $1000 in the rifle seems like you will be laughing.
Try a few rifles if you can.

The upside to 308win is surplus ammo for target shooting if you just like to hear things go bang. If you are looking at precision target shooting then surplus won’t cut it.
Still even if precision is your intended game I’d vote 308 and then 6.5 creedmor.

[Flight01]

Originally Posted by catnthehat

There is a Bergara in 6.5 Creedmoor with scope and extras on the exchange right now .
Lots of info and factory Ammo available
Cat

Just checked out that rig. Yeah for sure OP. That package is within your budget and a proven shooter. Use the left over $300 for good sand bags and targets

[vic1]

I would strongly suggest that you look at the triggers and safety, can it be adjust and if safety locks the bolt mechanism. I would by Tikka SS in 308 synthetic stock.
Vic

[marky_mark]

Originally Posted by catnthehat

There is a Bergara in 6.5 Creedmoor with scope and extras on the exchange right now .
Lots of info and factory Ammo available
Cat

That’s the perfect fit