Thread: New Hunter Firearms

Am a new Hunter looking for a reliable and quality first hunting rifle, something that can take down large stags but is affordable as in under $800. Suggestion and advice please. Cheers

Marlin X7 comes to mind comes with a scope good enough to get you going if you want brand new failing that you will be looking at second hand with that budget and then there is no guarantee you won't be buying a lemon

Will an air rifle handle birds, possums, rabbits etc..?

Originally Posted by youngy

Will an air rifle handle birds, possums, rabbits etc..?

I love these threads, in my opinion just get a .22 or 12 gauge for the animals above, choosing a centerfire isnt just getting what you think you may like or what the first person recommends.

If like me and most of your hunting is bush stalking where all shots are under 100m then larger calibres (.30cal+) are neccesary. Firstly because you want to make sure your bullet hits where you aim and larger calibres fly straighter through scrub. When they do hit you want the animal to drop on the spot or near to it because a wounded animal can get down into a shit arse gut real quick.

If your going to be hunting more open country and your a good shot I suppose a .270 or .243 (as long as your a bloody good shot) would suffice.

For a new hunter planning on shooting big stags Id try to find a second hand rem700 or similar in .308 or bigger, if your worried about recoil get your mate to thump you in the arm before you go out shooting and when your lining up for your shot just tell yourself it'll only be half as bad

Now a few people are gunna tell you that .223 is the way to go

Welcome to the forum Youngy.

You fellas seem knowlgable and willing to help which is much appreciated cheers,i live in Tauranga so do you know what the hunting is like in the kaimais?

Real good hunting in the Kaimai's, lots of Deer in there!

Originally Posted by big_foot

I love these threads, in my opinion just get a .22 or 12 gauge for the animals above, choosing a centerfire isnt just getting what you think you may like or what the first person recommends.

If like me and most of your hunting is bush stalking where all shots are under 100m then larger calibres (.30cal+) are neccesary. Firstly because you want to make sure your bullet hits where you aim and larger calibres fly straighter through scrub. When they do hit you want the animal to drop on the spot or near to it because a wounded animal can get down into a shit arse gut real quick.

If your going to be hunting more open country and your a good shot I suppose a .270 or .243 (as long as your a bloody good shot) would suffice.

For a new hunter planning on shooting big stags Id try to find a second hand rem700 or similar in .308 or bigger, if your worried about recoil get your mate to thump you in the arm before you go out shooting and when your lining up for your shot just tell yourself it'll only be half as bad

Now a few people are gunna tell you that .223 is the way to go

Nothing wrong with using a 270 in the bush doesn't have to be a 30+ caliber as you suggest although the 308 and 30-06 is a bit more forgiving even the 7mm, 6.5 are good bush calibers it is all about placing that shot in the right place ensuring a clean and humane kill, the .223 is for experienced hunters only IMHO

Last time I was in the kaimais I had a .303 and was happy I brought that with me

I'm with hunter308 Marlin in .308 would be alright otherwise keep an eye on trademe for a good second hand rifle

As for birds,possums,rabbits just go .22lr

Originally Posted by hunter308

Nothing wrong with using a 270 in the bush doesn't have to be a 30+ caliber as you suggest although the 308 and 30-06 is a bit more forgiving even the 7mm, 6.5 are good bush calibers it is all about placing that shot in the right place ensuring a clean and humane kill, the .223 is for experienced hunters only IMHO

I only give advise based on personal opinion in which I have had/seen a couple of cases where a .270 didnt cut the mustard, but its a popular caliber so Im not saying there not good, just I dont like them.

Placing the shot is important with any caliber, it just gets easier as the diameter goes up when its likely to graze a twig/vine/leaf on route

@youngy welcome abound bud some thing like this would see you right. 6.5x55 | Trade Me

Whatever rifle fits you best in 308

Honestly tho anything 243 and up based on the 308 case or 30-06 case will serve you well.

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more likely bullet selection and shot placement than caliber i reckon aye broski. ive pole axed red deer with .223s and had fallow walk away from the 300 ultra mag . damn haha . on a side note, the 'what gun should i buy' threads should have there own lil section in the forum aye haha . buy a .303 and take your other $600 to the brothel - win win

Originally Posted by big_foot

I only give advise based on personal opinion in which I have had/seen a couple of cases where a .270 didnt cut the mustard, but its a popular caliber so Im not saying there not good, just I dont like them.

Placing the shot is important with any caliber, it just gets easier as the diameter goes up when its likely to graze a twig/vine/leaf on route

Originally Posted by ARdave

buy a .303 and take your other $600 to the brothel - win win

You have a very balanced perspective on life Dave. I like the way you think.

My pick for a new rifle would be a ruger american in 308 reloaders have them for 700 or in stainless for 750 ive shot one and id definately buy one awesome rifle for the price