First Gun Purchase for new Hunter

[jruby]

I would start with a medium weight 30-06 for starters. My first rifle was a 1903 springfield that had been sporterized. The second rifle would be a 9.3x62. Too much gun starting out can be counter productive. Just my opinion.

 

[Velo Dog]

.30-06 with 4x scope.

 

[Trogon]

somewhat new to shooting, want to be recoil conscious (nothing bigger than .338 cal)
- max shooting distance 400 yards. Realistically 99% of shots will be inside of 250 yards.
- assume all factory ammo usage
- primary shooting will be TX whitetail deer and feral hogs, or at the range to practice. Maybe move up to something Elk sized in the future.
- likely to add a suppressor, but not necessarily immediately
- preference is a bolt action; definitely not an AR platform for this one

I've let him shoot my 25-06, 6.5 Creed, .308, and a couple ARs that dont really count. He only really felt the 25-06, which is why I excluded 30-06 from this list. However, im quite confident with regular repetition shooting my 308, he could do 30-06 no problem very soon after.

I think .30-06 will cover most of your requested requirements as has been mentioned previously by other members. I've had a Winchester M70 in.270 Winchester that wasn't an optimal fit for me and the recoil was sharp and noticeable, affecting my shooting. Not a knock on the .270, more so the rifle. I have a .30-06 Marlin X-7 that I don't have an issue with recoil with a decent recoil pad, stock fit, etc.

 

[KY Hunting Guy]

7 mag or 7 PRC in any modern bolt gun. I say this because he has already taken animals with that caliber and has probably built up confidence in it. The recoil is not a huge issue and can be easily mitigated with a Suppressor. Also this is a very good 400 yard and in cartridge.

 

[Ontario Hunter]

Make what you will of the price, but I think something like this would be a fantastic option for your new hunter:

FN Mauser Supreme 30-06 Unfired w Original 3 Position Aperture Sight for sale

FN Mauser Supreme 30-06 Unfired w Original 3 Position Aperture Sight for sale online.

www.gunsinternational.com

Two-position scope relief safety and doesn't appear to have a front sight on muzzle. I have one of those safeties on my Springfield. Not very safe when the scope is removed. The wing is sticking up in the air when safety engaged and too easily disengaged with a light bump against clothing, etc. Ask me how I know! 3-position Model 70 style shroud and safety for 98 Mauser is $200 in the white.

 

[rdog]

Make what you will of the price, but I think something like this would be a fantastic option for your new hunter:

FN Mauser Supreme 30-06 Unfired w Original 3 Position Aperture Sight for sale

FN Mauser Supreme 30-06 Unfired w Original 3 Position Aperture Sight for sale online.

www.gunsinternational.com

I would love to buy that rifle, but with the current government in Australia a sex change would be less paperwork & most likley funded by the tax payer if you are in the defense force.