Thread: First Rifle Setup (need advice)

Originally Posted by Ben.NZ

Managed to pick up a cleaning kit pretty cheap from bushbuck, seems like it'll do the job.

Edit : https://bushbuckoutdoors.com/product...-most-calibers

Is this all i need?

If it works great but I would have bought a fixed rod etc for home cleaning and a pull through for when out and about.
While I wouldn't 100% expect it I would think some places will be happy to put together a package for you based on your money that would cover the lot.
Take someone with you who knows guns etc and like all have said don't buy on impulse. A lot of hunting shops want you as a loyal customer cause you are going to spend money so are willing to work with you and get you set up with what you need.
I also use a suppressor but is there a reason you want one from the start? Possibly break the rifle in and then look at adding a suppressor- DPT for the win by the way.
Oh and don't forget the little cases with pills that go bang, they cost money the damn things!

Lots of new toys for you to look at so good luck.

Originally Posted by Willie

...I also use a suppressor but is there a reason you want one from the start? Possibly break the rifle in and then look at adding a suppressor- DPT for the win by the way.

Basically to keep the noise down and save my hearing, also so I'm not annoying everyone at the range when I'm shooting. I'm not too fussed about having the best one, just one that does the job.

fukn cleaning rods are a topic in itself I started out with a hoppes kit with the alloy 3 piece rod it works fine then got a 1 piece rod down the track a bit still use the tips that came in the original kit have a read up on cleaning and ask any questions

If you are looking for a good rifle, second hand that is reliable, accurate, good for new shooters and retains value when you sell it later, check out the Husqvarna and Carl Gustav 6.5x55 M96 rifles. Yes they are older, but you should be able to pick up a decent shooter for between $350 and $600 and have plenty for a decent scope. Later if you want a newer rifle, they usually hold their value well, and you simply sell it without the scope and use the good scope you have with the new rifle....I never sold mine and use it as a spare.

Originally Posted by Ben.NZ

Basically to keep the noise down and save my hearing, also so I'm not annoying everyone at the range when I'm shooting. I'm not too fussed about having the best one, just one that does the job.

Honorable intentions Ben however it's only those with a 300winmag and a break that annoy anyone at the range and that cause we would all love one. Hearing protectors are fine for everyone else.
Can't wear hearing protectors out hunting so the best thing for a suppressor is to reduce recoil- it works it give confidence and damn yeah I prefer not to shoot without one.
My honest opinion find a rifle you are happy with and save for it if it's above your budget, then save for the rings and then the scope and give yourself a wonderful present. Once you have done that drive down from north of the Bombays- something does exist- and visit DPT in Hamilton and get them to fit you a can.
It's not a bad idea to get the rifle to perform before you thread, crown and plant a suppressor on your rifle to make sure it works in the first place.
Then go for a walk and don't fire a shot for a year cause everything is hiding from you!
Goat's restore your faith in shooting!

I just picked up a Remington Model 7 in 7mm08 (blued) for $450 with a couple of packets of ammo in 8/10 condition, there are deals out there you just need to keep your eyes open and know what you want - I definitely recommend trying out a few guns ie shouldering them in the store. Reloaders is a good place to have a look (in auckland) with your budget its hard for you to adopt the time tested "buy once cry once". Just get something that fits you and will work (ideally second hand) and get out hunting. You might find huntings not for you or you might find you love it, then you have the time to save and sink some money into it.

Originally Posted by Timmay

I just picked up a Remington Model 7 in 7mm08 (blued) for $450 with a couple of packets of ammo in 8/10 condition, there are deals out there you just need to keep your eyes open and know what you want - I definitely recommend trying out a few guns ie shouldering them in the store. Reloaders is a good place to have a look (in auckland) with your budget its hard for you to adopt the time tested "buy once cry once". Just get something that fits you and will work (ideally second hand) and get out hunting. You might find huntings not for you or you might find you love it, then you have the time to save and sink some money into it.

Nice, unless you are a big bloke, the model 7's are little honeys of rifles i reckon.

I have not read all three pages just your first post so something similar may have been said already.
I started off with a Howa 7mm08 with the Nikko Stirling scope. First thing I did was put a dpt suppressor on it. Not much price range between the major brands but its one of the lighter ones in the $3-400 price range.
I shot a few deer with it, one at 236m and another at 290 something meters with that set up and it worked well.
When funds allowed over a year later I put a vx3i on it which cost the about the same as the rifle.
Don't be in too much of a hurry to upgrade glass straight away. The package deal will work and allow you to bring home fresh meat

Im in auckland to bro, so if you want a second opinion or a hand when looking give me a shout. Always keen to go fondle some rifles, haha

Originally Posted by Nick-D

Im in auckland to bro, so if you want a second opinion or a hand when looking give me a shout. Always keen to go fondle some rifles, haha

Cheers mate, may be in touch.

A model 7 at $450, even with a rusty barrel is a steal not a deal! It is almost as rare as a tikka t3 below $1000! :-)

I picked up a savage mod 111 243 with a weaver for $550

Thought I'd follow this up. Just purchased a 308 Howa with scope from trademe for $950, will be picking it up this time in July, or earlier if I can get away!
Howa 308 with nikko stirling diamond scope | Trade Me
Cheers guys!

that will do you for a while

Nothing wrong with that.

Get that DPT though...