New Hunter - First Hunting Rifle Suggestions

skipperbrown

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Oct 6, 2021
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Birchwood
One other thing I would consider is buying a gun with a threaded muzzle for a later suppressor purchase. I cannot stress how much more pleasant shooting is with a suppressor and your children's ears will thank you for a lifetime.
 

Tenntrapper

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Just want to clarify, are you specifically talking about the Axis/Axis II when you mention Savage, or Savage as a whole?
Mostly savage in general. Are there more accurate rifles? Sure there are...but not at the price point most of your examples are in.
I bought a SS axis ll when Walmart was clearancing them out...for less than 300.00.
It out shot my 1500.00 Christensen. Pissed me off to the point I sold the Christensen... 😂
There are shooters and non shooters in every brand. I'm just finding that my odds of getting a good one are high within the savage brand.
To be honest...never had a savage that wouldn't shoot.
I've had rifles from a bunch of brands...aside from a win model 70 that I've got my eye on, any future center-fire rifle purchases will be from savage.
Someone above suggested Bergara...these are excellent rifles....just not at your price point.
The more I think about it, the more I'm leaning towards the creedmoor as my suggested caliber. 100 yards may be all you intend to hunt...the creedmoor will be good at that range...plus a lot further if you decide to stretch it out. Unless you just want multiple rifles...no sense in buying one that will limit you to "150 or less".
 

SolaBeard

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Mostly savage in general. Are there more accurate rifles? Sure there are...but not at the price point most of your examples are in.
I bought a SS axis ll when Walmart was clearancing them out...for less than 300.00.
It out shot my 1500.00 Christensen. Pissed me off to the point I sold the Christensen... 😂
There are shooters and non shooters in every brand. I'm just finding that my odds of getting a good one are high within the savage brand.
To be honest...never had a savage that wouldn't shoot.
I love the price point of the Axis II XP just to get started. I'm not looking for a "lifetime" gun here. I want one that will get me in the woods at a decent price (even with a subpar Bushnell scope) and leave some room for all the other gear I'll be needing. All that to say, it's encouraging to hear some positive things about the Axis. I've also heard the Savage warranty is remarkable!

Last thing, I also tend to be someone that doesn't like to jump in with whatever is most popular. I like finding good, budget-friendly, get-the-job-done kind of gear and tend to root for the underdog (hence considering a single shot rifle as well). And I realize Savage makes much more than budget guns. Lots of things going on up there in my mind 😂
 

Tenntrapper

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I love the price point of the Axis II XP just to get started. I'm not looking for a "lifetime" gun here. I want one that will get me in the woods at a decent price (even with a subpar Bushnell scope) and leave some room for all the other gear I'll be needing. All that to say, it's encouraging to hear some positive things about the Axis. I've also heard the Savage warranty is remarkable!

Last thing, I also tend to be someone that doesn't like to jump in with whatever is most popular. I like finding good, budget-friendly, get-the-job-done kind of gear and tend to root for the underdog (hence considering a single shot rifle as well). And I realize Savage makes much more than budget guns. Lots of things going on up there in my mind 😂
I was just talking to another member last night...a friend of mine, about all the money I've spent/wasted on gear/brands that were suggested on these forums. None of it has made me a better hunter. Just like the new cars with all the fancy gizmos...they don't make you a better driver. I contend that most are nothing more than a crutch. If you want to be a good hunter/woodsman, you have to get out there and learn...you can't buy it...at any price.

If buying a 400.00 gun gets you in the woods faster than a thousand dollar gun...then buy the 400.00 one and go get out there.
 

SolaBeard

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East Tennessee
I was just talking to another member last night...a friend of mine, about all the money I've spent/wasted on gear/brands that were suggested on these forums. None of it has made me a better hunter. Just like the new cars with all the fancy gizmos...they don't make you a better driver. I contend that most are nothing more than a crutch. If you want to be a good hunter/woodsman, you have to get out there and learn...you can't buy it...at any price.

If buying a 400.00 gun gets you in the woods faster than a thousand dollar gun...then buy the 400.00 one and go get out there.
Totally agree! Thanks for your feedback, bud.
 

Longbow2240

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Nov 17, 2016
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135
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Lincoln County
The Ruger American in 243 is great rifle. My son has one and it's a flat out shooter.
I own a Henry Single shot in 243 and love it. My personal choice out of the ones you have listed.
 

Remi

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Jun 27, 2021
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TN
If you buy a bolt action and want a single shot just load one round in the chamber and none in the mag.


If you buy a single shot and decide you need to load more rounds for follow up shots you're SOL.

I can make my AR's single shots, I can not make my TC Encores and Contenders repeaters.
 

SolaBeard

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East Tennessee
The Ruger American in 243 is great rifle. My son has one and it's a flat out shooter.
I own a Henry Single shot in 243 and love it. My personal choice out of the ones you have listed.
Now I'm intrigued 😂 Do you use a scope on your Henry or the iron sights? What are your thoughts on a new hunter using a single shot? Do you think you tend to be a more methodical hunter with the Henry?
 

SolaBeard

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If you buy a bolt action and want a single shot just load one round in the chamber and none in the mag.


If you buy a single shot and decide you need to load more rounds for follow up shots you're SOL.

I can make my AR's single shots, I can not make my TC Encores and Contenders repeaters.
Yeah, I totally get that. Like I said before, that mentality can carry over to any weapon. Not sure why, but I've been drawn to the single shots. And the quality of the Henry at that price range is intriguing. But then again, I think about running into some hogs. Don't really want a single shot then 😂
 

Tenntrapper

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Now I'm intrigued 😂 Do you use a scope on your Henry or the iron sights? What are your thoughts on a new hunter using a single shot? Do you think you tend to be a more methodical hunter with the Henry?
My opinion would be that a single shot can help. But, most modern single shots can be reloaded in not much more time than it takes to work the bolt on a bolt action...if ammo isn't buried in a backpack, etc.
I do think they help to control just blasting away at game....but so will a muzzleloader....and it will extend your season.
 

SolaBeard

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East Tennessee
My opinion would be that a single shot can help. But, most modern single shots can be reloaded in not much more time than it takes to work the bolt on a bolt action...if ammo isn't buried in a backpack, etc.
I do think they help to control just blasting away at game....but so will a muzzleloader....and it will extend your season.
I have thought about a muzzleloader just briefly only because, like you said, it would extend the season. But I just don't think I would enjoy it. Could be totally wrong, though!

I was speaking with someone the other day that said their state (Mississippi, I think) has a primitive season in which they allow single shot rifles. That would be great!
 

Tenntrapper

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I have thought about a muzzleloader just briefly only because, like you said, it would extend the season. But I just don't think I would enjoy it. Could be totally wrong, though!

I was speaking with someone the other day that said their state (Mississippi, I think) has a primitive season in which they allow single shot rifles. That would be great!
Seems I've heard that. Like you, don't remember what state it was.

Someone else mentioned getting a 22lr to practice/small game hunt with. Is this something you have considered?
 

SolaBeard

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East Tennessee
What is your budget?
For a rifle and scope, probably less than $600 considering other gear I would need. I like the idea of the Axis II XP to get me through a season or two with that scope and upgrade as I go. Or even the iron sights on the Henry for closer range.
 

ttf909

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Dec 31, 2006
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cleveland,tn
Do you think you'd recommend the Axis over the American?
The axis is far below the ruger.
Got an axis as a gift and really couldn't find a use for it . Decided to send it off to get the barrel threaded. The actual barrel had been drilled at an angle . So bad so that you could actually see it being off center . Jmho they are junk.
 

Tenntrapper

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tellico4x4

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Killen, AL
I have thought about a muzzleloader just briefly only because, like you said, it would extend the season. But I just don't think I would enjoy it. Could be totally wrong, though!

I was speaking with someone the other day that said their state (Mississippi, I think) has a primitive season in which they allow single shot rifles. That would be great!
With Encore you can have as many barrels as you can afford or want, including a ML or shotgun barrel. Just swap them out on same frame. ML will require a different forearm though.

I use Butler Creek Alaskan slings on all my single shots. They have 4 ammo loops on them which is handy if a follow up shot is needed.
 

44 mag

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Jul 11, 2019
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Dickson
I love the price point of the Axis II XP just to get started. I'm not looking for a "lifetime" gun here. I want one that will get me in the woods at a decent price (even with a subpar Bushnell scope) and leave some room for all the other gear I'll be needing. All that to say, it's encouraging to hear some positive things about the Axis. I've also heard the Savage warranty is remarkable!

Last thing, I also tend to be someone that doesn't like to jump in with whatever is most popular. I like finding good, budget-friendly, get-the-job-done kind of gear and tend to root for the underdog (hence considering a single shot rifle as well). And I realize Savage makes much more than budget guns. Lots of things going on up there in my mind 😂
If you are looking for a single shot then look at CVA scouts. They are very nice guns and you should be able to find one well under $500. They are extremely accurate with good triggers
 

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