Joe,

I would stay with a bolt action, mainly because of what commercial cartridge choices are available for it.

As far as caliber goes, since you're just starting out, I'd go with a .308 Win.  Its a very good all-around caliber plus it doesn't kick extremely hard.  In fact, my son went right to it without problems right from a .22.  And, there's a lot of ammunition choices out there for varying hunting conditions.  Another potential choice is the .25-06, though I think the .308 is more flexible.

One of the most common choices you'll hear for starting deer hunters is the .243 Win (which is a decendent of the .308).  Yes, when an animal is shot right it will go down with a .243.  But, I've had to chase more than one deer that didn't go down because of a less-than-optimal hit.  Another choice you'll hear is the .270 Win, and it is a pretty good roound.  But, it does kick more than the .308, and if you want to use the .270 for its flat-shooting abilities the 7mm Remington Mag does a much better job.

If I were going to buy a rifle today I'd try to get a Remington Model 700 stainless (several models to choose from).  Problem is, not all 700s come in a 24" stainless barrel. And, if you're like me where you're not going to buy 5 rifles to hunt with, getting one that does just about everything is a key.  Both my son and I have Weatherby Vanguards in stainless.  At the time we couldn't get a Remington in stainless in 24" barrels and this was the next best thing.  These Vanguards aren't made by Weatherby but Howa, and their a real cost-effective, reliable alternative to a Remington.

I also wouldn't skimp on a scope.

David - That was great advise!!! GOOD LUCK TO YOU JOE!!!

As a former Marine Sniper I am split on the advice David gave you. I think a .243 is a good choice for a child, but the goal in hunting is to produce the maximum amount of damage with your shot to gain an instant kill. The larger caliber is the easiest way to accomplish this goal. My suggestion is a minimum of a .270. As a grown man, the difference in the kick should not be the decision maker because neither are that bad. I am a big fan of the .308.

The other thing to consider is the type of bullet you are going to shoot. As a reloader, I love the accubond. It creates an immense amount of damage within the animal while still retaining enough weight to give you an exit wound. Many folks like ballistic tips as they generate the most damage within the animal. I dont like them as they rarely leave an exit hole. An exit hole is great because there is more blood loss and it is easier to track the animal should you have to do that. There are a variety of other bullets available and they are all great for certain situations.

Another thing to consider is the terrain you are hunting in. If there is a lot of brush and trees you may want to shy away from a polymer tipped bullet and stick to a lead of copper bullet. It will retain its mass if it comes in contact with any obsticles on its way to the animal.

As far as action is concerned, I would suffest a bolt action. They are the most accurate and generally require the least amount of hassle when cleaning and maintaining. Also, they dont destroy the brass so you can save it to reload. If you ever get into reloading, a bolt action chamber can handle a "hotter" load as well.

your best bang for your buck with tespect to rifles is going to be the Remington 700, the Weatherby Vanguard, and the Tikka. All are great rifles!

As far as a scope is concerned you will get what you pay for. Reticle pattern is important. Pick something oyu are comfortable with. Make sure the cross hairs are not too thck as it will interfere with your accuracy when aiming. I am a big fan of the mil dot reticle for obvious reasons.

If you need any pointers when getting into shooting feel free to contact me. I will do my best to help you via email.

Good luck hunting!

I agree with the remington 700. I like the 308. I have been hunting for 25 years,and still only own two center fire rifles. A 223 rem. and A 30-06. Both in rem. 700. Every year I think about buying a new gun, but just cant find anything I cant do with what I got.  The 308 round can be bought almost any where  From wallymart to mom and pop stores. I like luepold v-x ii scopes. You get what you pay for.

Thanks for the advice guys, I will definetly consider all this before purchasing. Hoping maybe I can find some good deals on black friday.

Wanted to also mention, I had been looking at a marlin 336, but i'm guessing lever actions aren't that popular with you guys from the response. My reasoning was since I was a beginner, I wouldn't really be taking shots from long distances initially and they seem like a good beginner rifle with a good following. Any comments or opinions on this?

Joe,

If you are thinking long term I'd still go with the bolt.  Levers are quicker in brush and in short distance situations, and you will get a faster second shot.  But, if you ever want to shoot at longer distances you'll be very glad you have a bolt action, even when compared with a scope on a lever.

The 30-30 is the most common rifle cartridge for a lever, although there are some chambered for the .308 and Browning has them in .30-06 and 7mm Rem Mag as well as several others, link here.  But, the Brownings probably ain't cheap.

Get a bolt action for sure!!!  Much more reliable and accurate in my opinion.  When deer hunting the first shot is what counts, heck I am even a fan of the single shots, they are really accurate and there are some beautiful looking ones out there!!  I agree with all that has been said above because I believe we are all entitled to our opinions and none are right or wrong.  I cant stand when people argue and fight on these forums over their opinions.  Thats one of the reasons I love TxHuntFish, good folks on here.  But there are not that many active users who post, if you want to read alot on guns go over to www.texashuntingforum.com  Its great, you just have to read past and through the bull malarkey of the people who cant get over them selves!  With all that said, onto your actual question, sorry to side track, just wanted to give you another avenue to explore and learn as you are new to our great sport God created for us!!  Oh yeah and WELCOME!!

I am kinda in the same boat, except I am just looking for a new caliber to do all with as I want to retire the gun Ive been hunting with for years to the safe as a "Safe Queen".  It was my grandfathers and I want to keep it in the shape it currently is in so its gonne sit in the house until I hand it down years from now to one of my kiddos.

Ive pretty much narrowed it down to a 270wsm, you can get it in a very nice remington 700, winchester model 70 or one of the Tikkas or Savages.  All 4 are good guns, Ive just always been a fan of remington, although Im really liking the looks of some of the Winchesters Ive found.  People will argue about ammo not being readily available, but I say hooey to that as I always find the load I like (accubonds) and then stock up on them so I always have them.  People also say the ammo is more expensive on the WSM caliber, and it is, but if you look into all ammo prices they are all expensive in the better quality rounds or at least more desirable rounds.  With any of the guns recommended you could kill any animal you decide to hunt in TX and in the mountains.  Get online and study the ballistics charts, recoil charts, velocity charts, down range energy charts, ect and then pick out the bolt action platform you want and then start searching for your new gun! 

You also need some glass sitting on top of it, on a budget I say a Bushnell Elite 3200 4x12x40 is a great scope, I love mine and dont really see any reason to pay more.  If money is not an object then get a Zeiss, great quality and clarity on them german scopes!!  Just outta my league. 

Study the vitals charts of the critters you plan on hunting and then make your first shot count!  Thats my advice and opinions, take them for what they are, opinions, lol.  Take care and hope you enjoy your new adventure and brings some kids to the field with you when you can.

DannyG

Shoot often, Shoot Well and Shoot a Hoyt!

My first Deer rifle was a Remmington 788 in .243.  very accurate bolt action.  I never lost a deer with it, and never had to track one more than 70 yards.  That being said, I stepped up to a Savage .270 because I never got a really good blood trail from the .243.  Most recently, I bought a 45/70 lever and stuck with the iron sights for nostalgia purposes.  I can print a 4" group at 100 yards with the iron, and hopefully will put meat on the table with it this weekend.  Anyhow, the whole reason for this post...if you are interested, I would be willing to part with the .243.  It needs a new scope, but it is a very reliable, very accurate bolt action, and I need som extra money to buy the rediculously expensive 45/70 ammo :)

great advise guys!!! the only thing left that i would tell you is to find several makes of rifles in your price range and choose which one feels comfortable to you as you just hold it and bring it to your shoulder. as for caliber????? well all the above mentioned rounds are good choices. just remember, that the bigger the bullets case the more it kicks so make sure you get a good kick pad on the gun you choose

BTW, since you are doing to research into the subject here are some basic tips on cartridge and bullet selection, link here.

Also, as a disclaimer to one of my earlier posts (and to state for the record I'm not trying to rain on anyone's parade) I've never owned a .243.  The animals we had to chase down were shot by another hunter, so it was hard to tell how well hit they were.  And, I agree that the .243 is a very accurate round.  But, along with the cautions on the ability to take deer-sized game down if not hit properly, that size a bullet (100 grain or below) is also very subject to deflection.  I'd at least be very careful where I hunted with it, as well as the shots I took.

But, this is like a lot of opinions...everyone has them, and for a cup of coffee and 10 minutes you could hear a lot more!

Thanks again for all the responses guys, this is going to take alot consideration, I appreciate all the input. Unclebubba, thanks for the offer, I was really hoping to start with at least a .270, I mean no offense, i'm sure it's a good rifle, hope you find a buyer. Looks like i'll be continuing my research on this matter. Don't want to rush it and regret it.

Hope everyone has a good Thanksgiving!

Let us know whqt you end-up with!!

.300 Win Mag well suit cha just fine. Best beginner rifle i have. gonna get my 10 year old on it this next year. Hope that help ya there bud.