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First Rifle
#8103063
12/25/20 04:55 PM
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Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 12,206
wp75169
OP
THF Celebrity
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OP
THF Celebrity
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 12,206 |
I’m wanting to buy a young man his first hunting rifle. He just turned 20 and has only been exposed to guns and hunting in the last 3 years since I’ve been with his mother. He seems very interested, but is shy to ask anything. He’s killed a few pigs with my rifles and I bought him a 22 a year or so ago. I went on a doe hunt earlier this week and he actually said “I wish I could do something like that one day” when I got back. I wish he would have said it 3 days earlier.
First question: something cheap to get him started, or something quality and classic to hand down. I personally want to get him something nice, even if he doesn’t know the difference right now.
Second: I’m 100% a Tikka is the only answer guy but I’m trying to open my options on this. Hell I think I shoot a savage more than anything else.
I’m looking at
Tikka Hunter
Sauer 100 Classic
What else??
I’m leaning hard towards a decent wood stock he can scratch up on his terms, maybe he can have a story for each scratch, maybe not.
Looking to stay under $1200 out the door for the rifle alone. I will not buy me a Sako 85 or a Cooper so he doesn’t get one either.
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Re: First Rifle
[Re: wp75169]
#8103075
12/25/20 05:06 PM
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Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 15,639
QuitShootinYoungBucks
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 15,639 |
Buy him a TC Compass for $250
https://web.archive.org/web/20170223065011/http:/www.rrdvegas.com/silencer-cleaning.html
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Re: First Rifle
[Re: wp75169]
#8103080
12/25/20 05:10 PM
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Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 4,194
Korean Redneck
Extreme Tracker
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Extreme Tracker
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 4,194 |
Dang, u r one generous dude. Kinda a standard question from my curiosity...have u considered a lesser rifle with a way of boosting a scope budget?
I get trying to get him something sentimental so the logic is get something nice on the front end. However, if there is a chance this young man is the tinkering type, then a rifle with a robust aftermarket maybe a better long term option. Some of us really like tricking out things, more specifically having the ability to make something really of their own making.
Otherwise, my boring vote is Tikka hunter or I'm still a sucker for mauser style actions, Ruger M77.
I'm a dude who likes long barrels!
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Re: First Rifle
[Re: wp75169]
#8103086
12/25/20 05:13 PM
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Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 11,658
GusWayne
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 11,658 |
Something well under budget but still a solid keeper is an older yet clean Ruger red pad
.22-250,.243,6mm, 270, 30-06 lots of good options and they aren’t real hard to find
I’ll never get rid of mine and it doesn’t bother me a bit to get muddy or scratched up
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Re: First Rifle
[Re: wp75169]
#8103092
12/25/20 05:19 PM
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Joined: Nov 2019
Posts: 464
Gw123
Bird Dog
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Bird Dog
Joined: Nov 2019
Posts: 464 |
I’m a huge fan of the weather by vanguard s2. Many many options as far as stocks and configurations go. They even have a wood stocked version that’s not fancy but still very nice that won’t break the bank.
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Re: First Rifle
[Re: wp75169]
#8103093
12/25/20 05:20 PM
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Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 12,206
wp75169
OP
THF Celebrity
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OP
THF Celebrity
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 12,206 |
I’d also like to add that he is particular about things and takes care of them. Way better than I did at his age. That’s another reason I’m leaning towards a nicer rifle. KR he’s miles away from tinkering. He has a lot to learn between here and tinkering. The rifle budget does not effect the scope budget at all. What do you think about the Sauer? https://www.gunbroker.com/item/883305512
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Re: First Rifle
[Re: GusWayne]
#8103096
12/25/20 05:22 PM
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Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 12,206
wp75169
OP
THF Celebrity
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OP
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Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 12,206 |
Something well under budget but still a solid keeper is an older yet clean Ruger red pad
.22-250,.243,6mm, 270, 30-06 lots of good options and they aren’t real hard to find
I’ll never get rid of mine and it doesn’t bother me a bit to get muddy or scratched up I really like the Rugers, especially the older tang safety ones. I wouldn’t be against that at all. As to caliber, it will be a 7-08 or 308. Either one is fine.
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Re: First Rifle
[Re: Gw123]
#8103098
12/25/20 05:26 PM
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Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 12,206
wp75169
OP
THF Celebrity
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OP
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Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 12,206 |
I’m a huge fan of the weather by vanguard s2. Many many options as far as stocks and configurations go. They even have a wood stocked version that’s not fancy but still very nice that won’t break the bank. I know for a fact they’re good rifles but for whatever reason I can’t warm up to the Vangurad/Howa/Smith rifle.
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Re: First Rifle
[Re: wp75169]
#8103106
12/25/20 05:41 PM
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Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 5,173
scottfromdallas
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 5,173 |
Tikka Stainless Laminate. Best looking Tikka hunting rifle.
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Re: First Rifle
[Re: wp75169]
#8103111
12/25/20 05:48 PM
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Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 3,771
P_102
Extreme Tracker
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Extreme Tracker
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 3,771 |
The rifle itself is far less important than the time spent together, learning and molding good firearm habits. The keepsake rifle should come after he has proven to be a responsible hunter/shooter who loves and respects the firearms. (my opinion).
Do not trifle in the affairs of dragons, for thou art crunchy and taste good with ketchup.
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Re: First Rifle
[Re: wp75169]
#8103129
12/25/20 06:10 PM
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Joined: May 2011
Posts: 1,987
TAB
Pro Tracker
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Pro Tracker
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 1,987 |
Man I’d get a tika, and a VX3 leupold and call it done, and enjoy!
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Re: First Rifle
[Re: wp75169]
#8103132
12/25/20 06:12 PM
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Joined: Dec 2020
Posts: 208
Jsarmory
Woodsman
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Woodsman
Joined: Dec 2020
Posts: 208 |
Tikka would be a solid rifle.
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Re: First Rifle
[Re: wp75169]
#8103156
12/25/20 06:33 PM
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Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 4,503
syncerus
Extreme Tracker
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Extreme Tracker
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 4,503 |
I've got two Sauer 100's. There's a lot to like about them at the price point. For one thing, you won't need to replace the trigger.
NRA Patriot Benefactor & DSC Lifer
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Re: First Rifle
[Re: wp75169]
#8103166
12/25/20 06:40 PM
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Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 5,173
scottfromdallas
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 5,173 |
Bergara B14 Timber would be a nice classic style rifle as well.
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Re: First Rifle
[Re: wp75169]
#8103231
12/25/20 07:42 PM
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Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 6,287
scalebuster
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 6,287 |
Tikka is too ugly for a first rifle. Get him a new model 70.
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Re: First Rifle
[Re: scalebuster]
#8103318
12/25/20 09:38 PM
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Joined: May 2017
Posts: 5,189
Smokey Bear
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 5,189 |
Tikka is too ugly for a first rifle. Get him a new model 70. You could stay within your budget and get a model 70 super grade. Serious eye candy.
Smokey Bear---Lone Star State.
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Re: First Rifle
[Re: wp75169]
#8103340
12/25/20 10:16 PM
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Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 5,453
Big Fitz
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 5,453 |
As to caliber, it will be a 6 CM or 6.5 CM. Either one is fine. FIFY Is he a utilitarian type guy or would he appreciate a nice stock? For a first rifle, I'd prefer a nice wood stock myself. I like the looks of stainless and wood as someone mentioned. If I were to purchase a rifle for family/friend, it would be a Tikka.
I was wrong...on anything technical. Fitz............. is right, ya know............
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Re: First Rifle
[Re: QuitShootinYoungBucks]
#8103346
12/25/20 10:28 PM
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Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 1,239
QMC SW/EXW
Pro Tracker
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Pro Tracker
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 1,239 |
Buy him a TC Compass for $250 I second this. I just picked one up in 308 to use as a truck gun. $249 at Academy Sports. They have them in 6.5 Creed as well. He can always upgrade later and chances are his first one if going to get dinged up.
Retired Navy Chief NJROTC Instructor for Tascosa High School
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Re: First Rifle
[Re: Big Fitz]
#8103347
12/25/20 10:28 PM
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Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 12,206
wp75169
OP
THF Celebrity
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OP
THF Celebrity
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 12,206 |
As to caliber, it will be a 6 CM or 6.5 CM. Either one is fine. FIFY Is he a utilitarian type guy or would he appreciate a nice stock? For a first rifle, I'd prefer a nice wood stock myself. I like the looks of stainless and wood as someone mentioned. If I were to purchase a rifle for family/friend, it would be a Tikka. You bumped your dang head. I really think the wood stock is the way to go too. It may be wrong of me but it’s what I want him to have to start off with. Tikka always has my first vote. I’m just trying broaden my tunnel vision.
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Re: First Rifle
[Re: wp75169]
#8103351
12/25/20 10:32 PM
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Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 27,091
Nogalus Prairie
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 27,091 |
I like the Winchester 70 or Tikka suggestions. I bought my daughter a Tikka T3 Hunter for her first rifle. My other daughter got handed down my first rifle - a Remington 700. I agree with you and others on the wood stock.
Truthfully, he will cherish whatever you get him.
I learned long ago you can't reason someone out of something they don't reason themselves into.
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Re: First Rifle
[Re: wp75169]
#8103359
12/25/20 10:43 PM
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Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 513
kman2017
Tracker
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Tracker
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 513 |
Weatherby vanguard or Mark V
Last edited by kman2017; 12/25/20 10:44 PM.
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Re: First Rifle
[Re: wp75169]
#8103368
12/25/20 10:59 PM
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Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 267
AZ_Hunter_2000
Bird Dog
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Bird Dog
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 267 |
Take a look at the Savage 110 Storm. I picked one up in 6.5 CM for a practice rifle and it shoots extremely well. It shoots both the commercial 143 gr ELD-X (2726 fps) and 147 ELD-M (2685 fps) equally well. No issues taking it to 550 yards (not had an opportunity to take it further).
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Re: First Rifle
[Re: wp75169]
#8103384
12/25/20 11:25 PM
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Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 15,694
603Country
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 15,694 |
The neighbor has a Savage Axis in 270 and one in 6.5 CM. I’m not a Savage guy, but I have to admit that they shoot pretty darn well. That said, I vote for Tikka.
Not my monkeys, not my circus...
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Re: First Rifle
[Re: Big Fitz]
#8103437
12/26/20 12:37 AM
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Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 5,173
scottfromdallas
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 5,173 |
As to caliber, it will be a 6 CM or 6.5 CM. Either one is fine. FIFY I think he wants to hunt with it, not much paper targets.
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Re: First Rifle
[Re: wp75169]
#8103450
12/26/20 12:53 AM
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Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 5,926
angus1956
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 5,926 |
Buy him the Tikka .270 in camo in the classified only has 20 rounds down it. Sharp looking rifle.
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