Frank Bates’ top 22 deer rifles
Rifles have come a long way since pioneer days. Today, this modernized weapon is the top choice of many hunters who seek white-tailed deer east of the Rocky Mountains, mule deer west of the Rockies and black-tailed deer along the West Coast. Whether it’s stand hunting, still hunting, deer drive hunting, spot and stalk hunting or dog hunting, rifles are used to keep deer populations in check and feed families.
Check out this article Top 10 Best Bolt Action Deer/Big Game Hunting Rifles. The author does a good job covering some of the most popular, commercially-produced bolt-action deer hunting rifles of our time, but I think there are quite a few he overlooked.
Below is a list of the 10 rifles mentioned by the author, plus 12 more that I think should be in a list of the top 20 or 25:
- Savage Model 110 – Well-deserved reputation for strength and accuracy, thanks in part to the barrel locknut.
- Winchester Model 70 – Simple, adjustable trigger; a new version was introduced in 2007.
- Browning A-Bolt – Features include glass-bedding, 60-degree bolt throw and ergonomically-designed bolt knob.
- Remington Model 700 – Possibly the most popular American bolt-action rifle of all time, despite trigger safety problems.
- Ruger Model 77 – Includes non-detachable box magazine with hinged floorplate and integral scope mounts.
- Sako 85 – Slick action with a fairly short bolt-throw, which can add up to quick follow-up shots.
- Tikka T3 – Criticized for “manufacturing shortcuts,” but praised for smoothness.
- Weatherby Mark V – Adjustable trigger, non-detachable box magazine with hinged floorplate and side-mounted thumb safety.
- Weatherby Vanguard – Built to be a less expensive option for those who wanted the Weatherby name but couldn’t afford the Mark V; guaranteed accuracy.
- Marlin X7 Series Rifles – Relatively new on the scene; uses a barrel locknut.
- Others include the Winchester Stealth 308, Steyr Mannlicher, Remington VSFS 22 250, Winchester 300 Win Short Mag, Winchester Model 70 Super Shadow, Remington Model 7 Magnum, Remington 300 Ultramag Sendero, Browning Stainless Stalker 300 Win Mag, Mossberg 100 ATR, Ruger American Rifle, Weatherby Vanguard Series 2 and Konus 4×32 Riflescope.
Do you hunt with one of the rifles listed above? If so, what’s your opinion of it? What other rifles have you used? Are there certain rifles you would recommend to others for deer hunting? I’d love to hear from you.
I have a pre-64 Winchester Model 30-30. Shot a 14 point buck with it in the U P of Michigan it was the 4th larges buck in Michigan in the year of 1967. Being a very young man then I didn’t realize what a great thing a trophy Buck was. I Had the pleasure of being on Michigan outdoors that year. I still have the horns and the people that have looked at them are really impress.
I have a Browning 7MM auto that I have had for a little over 40 years. It has virtually no kick and this is good for me since I hurt my shoulder playing football many years ago. Stopped counting the deer killed with it at 50! I also have a 308 that is sweet too!
My old Army M-1 is a great 30-06 if you are hunting from a stand as the weight keeps me from carrying it around all day. The sights that came with it were good enough for thousands during WWII and are still good on all our big game.
I love my Sears lever action 30/30. Have taken hundreds of white tail with it.
Bought an FN Mauser in 1958 30-06. Put a Leupold straight 4 power. With 165 gr. hand loads have taken everything from rabbits and deer , antelope, coyotes in NM to moose, caribou, Blackbears in Alaska. Of all the big game I can remember only 2 times did I have to take a follow up shot. Beautiful combination. It will still put 3 shots at 100 yds. Under a nickel size group.
I have used my Springfield forever!
As I prefer lever action my go to rifle is a Savage 99 in .308 Win or .300 Savage. I prefer the .300 Savage but because of ammunition availability I would go with the .308 Win. Wish Savage still made this sweet firearm or that someone could get the rights to it and produce it. Arthur Savage was way ahead of the times when he started manufacturing the 99.
I use either my 95 gewehr mauser, or my Ruger mod. 77 carbine when in low brush or “less than clear” days iron sights very accurate up to 75 yards, easy. For stands, and “clear” days I have my choice depending upon mood or nostalgia, of my left handed A-bolt, model 70, or 1958 spoon stock mannlicher carbine. All refit with variable bausch&lomb or Nikon scopes. Love them all in their own capabilities. Never a stray on the range or in the field!
My go to deer rifle is an 1895 Mauser converted from 7mm to 308 and my second choice is my 6.5mm Swedish Mauser.
I bought a bolt action Rem. 700 ln .270 caliber in 1972…43 yrs. Ago. I’m now 72…still deer hunt, and never had a reason to change rifles. Shot desert mule deer in Texas and white tail deer in the Southeast.
Living in the NE, used husband’s Marlin 30-30 to drop at least 8 deer in as many years. In Texas used my Browning BLR 7mm08 for long and short range bucks, little trouble. Also used same BLR for coyote pests at very long range. Am a Browning fan, to say the least.
I’ve used my 33 Hex mosin, but I much prefer my Remington 600 in .308 With my 3×9 Nikon you can hit base of skull and not have to chase. If you miss you don’t injure the animal.
have used many calibers and types. from .223 to .54 black powder mz loader. .223 requires more skill and shorter ranges, (up to about 200 yds)., .54 mz loader ranges up to about 250 yds. .32 win.spec. on a martini single shot needs good shooting and shorter ranges, up to about 200 yds. but, at 4 and a half lbs. you can carry it all day without tiring. a good brush gun., .300 win mag. ranges up to about 500+ yds. great stopping power. many bullet weights from 147 to 220 grains. 8 and a half lbs. Pick a gun for conditions you’ll be hunting in. personally, I usually drag around a .30-o6, it will do it most everthing bullet weights from 110 gr. to 220 gr. good for rabbits to polar bears and anything in between. and for those occasional times, a 37mm antitank gun works well.
My Remington 721 in 270 win.cal does the job very nicely. 1 shot drop with Bushnell 3.5x10x45.
My favorite deer rifle is a Ruger No. 1, .223 Winchester cal.
Do you mean .223 Rem or .223 WSSM?
Here in Wisconsin lever action rifles by Marlin or Winchester have taken more game out of the woods than probably any others. I use a Marlin 1895 in 45-70 works equally well on deer here and big boar hogs in florida.
I have a savage 110 it and the browning a5 are the ones I love the most the A5 it amazin how many rounds you can put through it before you have to put a little oil on shell tub not that big of fan of Remington I have a 700 and a 1100 now I like my 20ga 1148 it a good little gun but a h&r are hard to beat on accuracy
I use a Styer SSG in .308. Leupold scope. Many, many deer and hogs taken at 200 yards +, all one shot kills, most were base of the skull shots That disconnected the animal.
I have the weatherby vanguard in 300 mag with leupold gold ring, bought for elk hunting. outstanding knock down power. I have an old model 17 springfield in 30 06, with such variety of ammo you cant go wrong. For brush hunting the marlin 336 in 35 cal is outstanding, 150 to 200 grain this bullet can penetrate the thicket and make the kill. any of these is an excellent choice, add a rem 870, and you’ve got a great setup.
I HAVE AN OLD RUGER 77RS 30.06 WITH A BELL&CARLSON STOCK AND NIKON 3X9.COUNTLESS ONE SHOT DROP ON THE SPOT WITH 165 GR HANLOADS
I had an 1886 Winchester in .33 Winchester, a .338 200 grain flat nose on a 45-70 necked down case made in the 1930s. Good in heavy brush and short to medium ranges. Got it in Alaska should I run into Brown bears while hunting smaller game.
I inherited my fathers 25/35 Winchester. Is ammo available?
My Winchester bolt action 308 works just fine. It will reach out there just fine. A. Lot of guys say that they need a semi auto 308. I say if you can’t do it with one round. You need more practice. Knowing your rifles capabilities is the single most important factor.
6.5×55 Swedish Mauser, mod-38. synthetic stock, var. scope w/bipod. 300yrds, no problem. Easy on the shoulder, unlike the 8mm, great reloaded with hp/bt or ballistic tip.
I like the Savage model 111 in .30-06.
I have shot many deer in IA with 12 guage slugs because that is all we are allowed to use in the regular deer season. When I started big game hunting, I only had enough money for one rifle. I wanted something big enough for anything on the North American continent. I started with a 338 Win. 70. It make you pay attention! So far two ellk, tow Caribou, moose American Bison and musk ox, Hit black bear, but never did find that tough bugger. 400 yd. shot over open water. Pleased that I was that good and it reached out that far.
I started out many years ago hunting with a savage model 10 with a bull barrel in 308 cal with the accutrigger. I absolutely loved that rifle. My brother needed a hunting rifle so i gave it to him (he is still using it) and have used a Browning A bolt Eclipse ever since. I just bought a Marlin xl7 in 308 last year and plan on trying it out this year. It looks almost identical to the savage i used to have except that the bull barrel is longer. It even has the accutrigger.
I have never really been a big fan of bolt action rifles though I have had a few and still have an old Schmitt-Rueben 7.5X55 Swiss that I shoot for fun. most of my hunting is for rabit or deer and I tend to use a hand gun for both, A browning bull barrel (10″) for rabit and a 44 mag Smith for deer, the last few years I switched to the 44mag Desert Eagle as its easier on my wrists. As for Rifles I hunted for years with a 336C marlin in 35 Remington with only one complaint, it was contancerous to reload for. These days I have a 1895 Marlin in 45/70 that more than fills the bill for the type of hunting I usually do, and also a Ruger No 1 in the same caliber, and for the rare occasion I hunt long range I have a Ruger No 1 in 300 win mag that I often kill gallon milk jugs with until my shoulder gets sore. at 800 yards or more no bolt action has an advantage over me that I have seen. More than the gun you use (and I am not knocking fine guns) its the shooter that matters and if he or she put in the work to learn the gun and how to shoot it well.
I am wondering about trigger problems on the Remington 700. I have them in various calibers and no problems. 30-06 is my favorite all around rifle but I have killed more deer with a model 94 30-30 than most anything and the reality is even in the west you can generally get within 100 yards or closer for a shot.
Born in 1939 on a farm in Pennsylvania (Columbia county) I got my first legal deer at the age of nine with a model 94 30-30 Winchester. Hunted every year up until about five or so years ago (still would but lost my hunting partner a few years back) and you can count a deer pretty much for every year I hunted since. Many years two one in Pa and one here in Arizona, occasionally more if I went to Wyoming, Montana or Colorado. Although I have several rifles that would do the job my favorite is a 7MM Remington model 700 magnum which I got in the mid if not early 70’s. It is a gun I can use for deer with the lighter loads and the heavier ones for Elk. Taken a few of those also. Oh I have two 30-06’s (model 700) a Weatherby 300 Mag. And a couple 7mm 06’s in a model seven but I always go back to the one I have the most confidence in reaching out and getting them when it is needed. It is a little overkill for Antelope (we have quite a few here in Arizona) but lighten the load and it works great. The Remington model 700, in the 30-06 is great as well with the lighter loads but I just like the 7mm mag but I really think it is the scope that sets it apart. By the way I never had a trigger problem with any of Remington model 700. I’ve got five.
I’m 65 and have used a Savage model 99 in .300 Savage caliber 150gr or 180 gr depending on the game animal since my 14th birthday when my dad gave me a brand new one with a 4x scope. Just a few years ago I got my hands on a Remington 7400 Pump in 30-06 … it is my new go to gun especially since I put a Williams peep rear and red fiber optic front on this rifle … With 165 gr PSP Federal ammo it will drive tacks at 100 yds if I use a solid rest like a large tree. I still use the Savage 99 as my nostalgia gun to remind me of my father but the Remington is now the choice for me.
My 12 year old son, on his first real hunting trip, bagged a sika buck at 100 yards (in the heart) using a Taurus break action .308 with scope. This is my son’s first hunting rifle. It is one of those rifle combos that comes with the interchangeable 12 gauge barrel.
my first deer ,at age 9.was killed with one shot at about 75 yards.30-30 winchester carbine.since i have used major brands.i have hunted with 222-250,30-06 savage model 110. ruger model one single shot in 30-416. i sight in for 200 yards.personally i feel the gun you are comfortable with is the one you should use
Was sure glad to read some folks speaking up for the lever actions and the 30-30 and the Henry rifles. I’ve hunted whitetail in the Ark-La-Tex for over 40 years with my Marlin 30-30; see through mounts, Weaver K-4 wide-view and they have all been clean, one shot kills. I use the 170-grain Silvertip.
For Elk and larger and/or long distance I use a Browning BLR in .300WSM with a 4×12 drop comp. I use the 180-grain Ballistic Silvertip.
For Squirrel, I use a Henry Golden Boy 22LR with 4x.
However, in the last 10 years I started using my Henry Big Boy 45LC with a special load sometimes. The only critter I shot twice with it was a Black Bear. We startled each other and the second shot was possibly more of a panic shot.
Stay Safe,
Bull
What about the Winchester 30-30 Lever Action I live in South Eastern PA where shots are usually 100 yards. I shoot open sites and usually use 180 grain bullet. It’s short easy to throw and has plenty of stopping power.
I also use a Winchester model 1914 30-06 with military iron sites. I have found however that in this area of PA you need to to stay at or below 180 gr. I loaded some 220 gr and red lined them and at 100 yards they went straight through.. Took me 4 shots to put down the deer.
I have a Weatherby Vanguard in 308 that was very reasonable in price and is very accurate. It shoots under and inch at 100 yds with my handloads. I have taken deer, pigs, and elk with one shot kills. it shoots minute of angle out to 500yds. The 4 to 12 Leupold scope is versatile as cleqr as any one could want. Really, If you are comfortable with it and it works for you, practice and have a supply of ammo. In reality confidence is a great comfort and lets you worry about other things.
I have a Remington 700 ADL. My brother bought it for me ,what a guy! I have been hunting with it for over 30 years now and have not had the desire to replace it. It is good in brush and at long distance. I have used it for deer, elk, bear,and just about anything I want to put on the table.
Frank
I got a rifle from my dads estate that was taken off of a German sniper. Had it chamber molded and it is a 8 X 57 mm. It has a hair trigger and a periscope type scope on it so the enemy cannot shoot at the scope and hit you in the eye. It’s a treasure of a gun and I just got ammo for it. Can’t wait to get it out and shoot it, has not been fired since WW2. Keep well and God Bless.
Over the years I have shot just about everything from a 22 to a 460. If I had to narrow down to just one rifle it would be the Browning A-Bolt 270. Zero it in at 300 yds and it’s only a couple of inches high at 100 yds. Has more than enough power to get the job done and want shake my old bones to pieces.
I have deer hunted with my Marlin 30-30 for the last 20 years and have never been dissapointed.
I like yourself also prefer the Browning A-Bolt but in a .280 Cal , a little better ballistics and like you said not too much of a wallop
FOR ALL YOU NEW HUNTERS JUST STARTING OUT,OR FOR SOME OLD TIMERS JUST LOOKING FOR SOME THING NEW TO PLAY WITH.I LIKE AND STILL LOVE MY 303 ENFIELD RIFLE.NOW YOU GUYS CAN GO OUT THERE AND SPEND A GRAND OR MORE ON SOME BIG NAME GUNS WITH THERE NEW HI-TEC ITEMS,BUT AS FOR ME(MADDOG PARSONS) I KNOW FROM YEARS OF TEACHING FORN. REBEL ARMYS W/U.S.SPEC.FORCES COMMAND THAT THE 303 IS STILL ONE OF THE BIGGEST HITTERS OUT THERE.YOU CAN GET A 303 SPORTERRISE RIFLE FOR ABOUT 300.00 DOLLARS OR LESS SOME TIMES W/SCOPE,THE MILITARY WILL COST YOU MORE BECAUSE ITS A WAR RELIC,BUT ETHER ONE WILL DO A NICE JOB TAKING DOWN A DEER, AND FOR THE MOST PART ARE EASY MAINT. ONCE YOU LEARN AND MASTER YOUR LONG RANGE REAR SIGHT OR YOUR SCOPE PATTERN,YOU WILL FEEL LIKE YOUR KING OF THE WOODS WITH THIS BEAST.
Same holds true for the 8mm Mauser, it will drop them like rocks. But unless you have the components to reload the ammunition is pricey.
SAIGA IZ123 IN 308 CAL. HAS A SCOPE RAIL ON THE SIDE FOR A QUICK RELEASE SCOPE MONT REMOVAL. IT’S ACCURATE TO 400 YARDS. 1.5 INCH GROUPS AT 100 YARDS. SOME WENT TROUGH THE SAME HOLE. VERY LIGHT WEIGHT AND 922R COMPLIANT. HAS A 10 ROUND DETACHABLE MAGAZINE. COST AROUND $499.00
I HAVE HUNTED FOR MANY YEARS AND THIS IS MY OPINIUN ONLY i THINK A 243 OR A 223 IS ALL ONE NEEDS FOR DEER,i THINK THE BEST ALL ROUND RIFLE IS THE 30-06 IT HAS THE MOST CHOOSES IN LOADS,WHICH i USED FOR MANY YEARS,ALSO HAVE A 300 MAG ,WHEN i HUNT IN G-BEAR COUNTRY,My first deer I got was with a 22,that was in the late 50’s. thank You, Kel Lavallee
dear Frank, I`m not into killing animals, but I wouldn`t mind haveing a riffle for protection for home invasion. Would you write article on this.
Ray,
if you out for home protection all you need is a 20 Gauge shotgun pump action and either buck shot or if you are not into killing or hurting get some bird shot take out the pellets and put in Salt Now why a pump ?
Well once you learn how to “pump” the shells or just pump the shotgun who ever is giving you grief once he hear that sound he will be running.
Victor was absolutely correct. A 20 gauge pump is all you need for home protection. The sound of chambering a round will be a great deterrent to anyone trying to break in. If salt in the first round doesn’t do the job, it’s quick and simple to have the next round loaded with lead – either bird shot or buck
Tikka T3 Lite stainless! I have both .223 and .243, both
tack-drivers, extremely slick function, excellent trigger, 6#. Had lots of Rem 700’s- all accurate, hard to beat.
In a survival situation, a .223 is all you need, and an AR
is OK. No FMJ’s, 53gr Vmaxes put them down like lightning.
never have been a big fan of bolt actions. Quite possibly because I’m left handed. Yeah, I know they make tem for lefties as well, but eh. lever action I like, and semis I like. shot a little 7 mm up in Michigan that really liked but I couldn’t talk the owner out of it. can’t remember the brand, but it was a WW2 collectable. only took me two shots to his the center a little to the left. Liked it a lot.
I agree with the handling and utility of the Marlin 30-30 here in the Southeast and use a Modified Remington 700 Mag. Got used to doping scope on long shots w/.308’s as sniper in Marine Corp. Have several other rifles including some hidden from this administration!!
I got a Remington A3-03 back in 1966 with a Monto Carlo stock I shot it till around 1985 when it started to lose it’s accuracy and I had it check and was told it would need a new barrel, someday I will replace the barrel. I got me a Browning A-Bolt 30/06 with a boss and found it to be very very accurate . I have found that the bolt action rifle is the most dependable and accurate and the 30/06 to be the best round for all game.
Frank,
I am partial to a Win 270cal. I use a Remington 700. Very accurate. My daughter uses a Savage-Stevens bolt in a 270. this is a good caliber for most women to use…recoil is med-light. Much less than a 30-06.
The Rem 700 does not have trigger problems anymore. This model in a Rem 7mm Mag is a great deer/bear/elk…gun
Bullet placement is more critical than which caliber.
I have a Savage model 10 in 243 but around here your lucky to get 40 yds so I have a Winchester 94 in Rem 35 cal .Brush does not disturb the shot
Up here I kind of prefer My Winchester 07 in 351 cal with the Williams Peepsight and original King front.
Works every time I have fired it. My other rifles I am not as comfortable with.
This survey has no validity without including Remington 760 or 7600. I’ve shot a 7600 in .30-06 most of my life, and my cousin has used a 7600 in .270 most of her life. Classic, quintessential deer rifle. Needs to be included.
Back in 1982 I purchased my first very accurate Deer rifle, a new Savage 110E, 30-06, for $137.50 from a Wholesale Sports Center in Tucson, AZ. Also purchased a cheap 3X9 Scope for less than $30.00 . I always use 150 gr. Federal Ammo, and have always dropped my Deer on the first shot, as I only care to do neck shots that give an instant kill from my many years of hunting experience. I am now 67 yrs. old and have been hunting with the Savage 110E since 1982. The only draw back is that I do not have any bragging rights when with all the other hunters when we are at our Hunting Lodge, as my Savage was cheap and even looks cheap, compared to the other hunters very expensive guns. I would recommend this gun for anyone that hunts big game. One last thing, is that, I have never had to sight it in since the first time I used it. Savage Fire Arms built a great accurate Rifle when they built the model 110E, and at a great price as well!
I hear you Wayne, My savage 7mm is accurate and I love it as much or more than my remingtons or weatherby. And I think you have better bragging rights. I learned years ago, never make fun of the guy with the old hockey equipment. Means it has been used, ALOT. Same with your rifle, it’s put a lot of meat in the freezer.,
I am still shooting my old 03-A1 Springfield with a Redfield 3X9. I thas been working well for since about 1964 and I see no reason to change. You can load 30-06 to take anything from prairie dogs to grizzlies.
The Remington trigger safety issue is actually modified rifles that have had the trigger pull adjusted to unrecommended lbs. of pull. CNBC even knew this when they reported it and the US Army does not allow their snipper to adjust trigger pull any longer.
Hi Frank, my Reminngton 7mm Rem. mag. (180 grain) has never let me down, @ 600+ yards, you need a gun that can hit the mark. I also use my Ruger 300 Win. mag. (180 grain) for moose hunting, it has alot of knock down power, saves on the walking later. For bush wacking I use the always popular 30-30 winchester (180 grain) for its quick responce time in those tight spots in the bush, lighter in weight, a most when you need to pack-out the harvest.
Frank . . . what a troublemaker you are with this classic statement . . . its like religion, politics, and dutch oven cooking !! Although my preferred therapy is reloading, I think available of ammo in a crisis is an important consideration. I have harvested deer with many 30-06s (’03, 1917, M77) as well as 30-30 and 7mm. Getting to be an older guy, I love the older stuff the best.
What about the Blazer rifles? You only mention American rifles nothing compares with the design & performance of a Blazer.
I have shot over a thousand red with a .270 BSA rifle which I bought back in 1959, it has new barrel & is still going strong.
One thing to remember is, it’s only a good rifle if you can easily find ammo for it. The three most popular calibers in the south east are the 30-30 win., 270 win., and 30-06 springfield. (the 270 win. is a necked down 30-06) These calibers can usually be found in any Mom and Pop Store where you are hunting, in case you forgot to pack your ammo in a hurry to get to the woods. Of course I’m speaking of a time before the government created a false shortage of ammunition.
This administration has done more for gun sales and bulk ammo sales than any other administration. And they are anti-gun? Anyway, these guns with some skill and common sense can take care of you.
1 used a Winchester 308 magnum lever action. it’s good 4 all types
of hunting.With 180 grin
Hi Frank:
My favorite deer rifle is my Browning BAR safari 25-06. I have had it for three years and only fired it four times and have three deer. One for each of the last three years.
I have the Weatherby Mark V in .300 Weatherby Mag. I use it for elk in Colorado with 220 gr
nosler partition bullets. Last kill was 540 yds, one shot. Went down like a billboard in the
wind.
Also Sako 30-06 for deer and have taken 35 bucks with 36 shots–shot one twice as it was
nearly dark and he was pushing himself into a swamp. Here I use 150 gr nosler partitions.
Gary
Frank
For a good brush gun, I really like my pre-64 30-30 Winchester. It’s easier to carry through the brush than a longer rife, and it appears to work OK. For longer shots I like my 1917 Enfield 30-06 with the flip up peep sites. It will definitely reach out and touch somebody. For a good varmit rifle my hands down favorite is my 1927 Remington pump .22. I have to try to miss with that one.
I also enjoy brush hunting with pre 64 model 94 Winchester using a 32 Winchester shell. I received this gun for my 16th birthday in 1958. I also enjoy my Remington 700 ADL calibrated for a Winchester 270 shell. I enjoy both rifles for different reasons.
Mosin Nagant 91/30 open sights.
Cheap accurate shooting and surplus ammo.
What more can one ask for?
Yup! I added a timney trigger, bent bolt monte carlo stock and a compensator. It is good for 800 meters.
I too am surprised that you are such a proponent of the bolt action. I have had first hand knowledge of two men killed when the bolt came back and went through their eye. I always hunt lever action or semi. I do tend to favor Remington or Winchester. Since having my first buck stolen by a member of my hunting party (relatives no less) I stepped up from a 30-30 to a 444. They will not hunt with me now as the deer will probable not run as far as it did then. Besides I have let be known I will not tolerate the same shenanigans again I am a middle aged woman who thinks that strong young men should shot their own deer not steal the ones I shoot. I enjoy your columns and have learned a great dea. Keep up the good work!l
I currently own and shoot several of the rifles listed. They are: 700 Remington in 25/06. A .300 RUM built on a 700 stainless action, Ruger M77 in .223, 7mm Rem Mag., .338 Winchester Mag., Tika T3 Lite 22-250 and Sako 85 in .270 Win. Some of these I’ve owned since the 60’s.
I have taken varmints, deer, antelope, bear, elk, caribou and moose with these firearms. I also do a lot of long range shooting with my custom .300 RUM and have shot 5 shot groups under 4 inches at 1354 yards.
Every rifle in my list is primarily there due to it’s action. To date, I don’t think one can beat Remington’s 700. I don’t agree that it is an unsafe action whatsoever! I think it is the idiot that is pointing the rifle.
My fav is my trusty, old, bolt action 22-250, 1-9 variable scope, bench loaded ammo. Used it for YEARS when farming for pigs, deer, ground squirrels, and crows in the corn field. I loaded variable heights, used super explosive bullets (no ricochet), did not hunt in heavy brush and always waited for clean and sure shots. Flat trajectory, has good reach, great hitting power with careful placement (head only on pigs and deer), never had to chase anything down,,, they dropped where they were standing and I didn’t ruin any meat (unless you were after the brains for scrambled eggs or some such). No kick but a very loud report. Would still be my go to rifle if I needed some meat – I am and was NOT a hunter for the “sport” but for keeping the critters out of my crops (truck garden, wine grapes and apples mostly) and putting the meat in the freezer. Worked one year pretty well knocking mistletoe out of some oaks too but the report bouncing off the tree trunk was VERY LOUD even with ear protection. Have 22’s, 30-06, 30-30 but my go to is and will be (except where it is an illegal cal.) the 22-250 with bench loads.
I’ve used a 1903A1 which was sporterized in 30/06 cal. the barrel had 4 lands and grooves bedded in fiberglass very accurate, a Browning lever action in 308 Win., a Winchester mod 98 in 30 cal., a Ruger 77 in 338 Win.Mag. Jon
Frank,
I’m surprised you made no mention of Kimber rifles. I have a Kimber Model 8400 Montana in a 300 WSM with a synthetic stock and stainless barrel and it has become my favorite rifle. I dropped an elk at 370 yards in 2006 and a whitetail at 350 yards in 2008. I put a 4 1/2 to 14 Leopold scope on it as well. It is lightweight to carry and very accurate. It shoots the Federal Premium Vital-Shok 150 gr Nosler ballistic tips the best (at least for factory ammo). I shot the elk with the Federal Fusion 165 gr. It is above average in cost but, in my opinion, worth the extra expense. After all our guns are one of our best investments.
Keith
No Lever-actions? I’ve used Winchester,Marlin, Etc. and found them equal to, or Better than Bolt-Actions in many cases. if not all . Chambered in everything from.22 cal rimfire up to and including .45/70 Govt. I’ve also used a few Bolt-Actions, Arisakas,Mannlicher/Schoenauer,etc, and a whole slew of Govt./War Surplus Rifles in the late 50s-to-the-early 60s [incidentally my stepdad Sporterized,custom-stocked. and modified barrel-length, and on some, re-chamberedr for different Ammo.a Very talented man}, and I found them to be Very Suitable for the task at hand……… Meat Hunting, Or Sport-Hunting. As a youngster POP started me out carrying a 30/40 Krag/Jorgenson to Deer hunt with, he said “It’ll develop your character, AND make a man out of you! Out here in the North West, much of our deer hunting areas are Very Steep/Big Country,[we say “standig on its head!”] Although it was a Completely Capable Cartridge the Rifle I used seemed to me [at the time] to be like carrying a “Cannon”[weight-wise it was So-o-o-o Heavy!!} At 68 years of age,I’m gettin’ close to bein’ useless[not a jumping Kid Anymore!] At Present the rifle I use is a Marlin Lever-Action Stainless-Steel chambered in 45-70 GOVT., with the optional Large-Ring Lever, [I find the Large-Loop to be Very beneficial in winter with gloves on!!!! At this ageI’ve been thikin’ ’bout gettin’ one of thse new-fangled scopes that have built-in range finder-windage indicators, etc. it’s called TERMINATOR III, abit pricey, but I think worth it after trying it on someone else’s gun! Reality Bites Again…. My eyesight is still great….Thank God…… One of the FEW THINGS still working, so-o-o-o, I’ll pobably continue doing what has worked for a lifetime……… just keep using the open-iron-sights as I always have!!!!! J.B.
Notice that several people use the Mosin Nagant 91/30. I bought a lot of 10 and proceeded to customize them. If ind that a barrel length of 22″ is an ideal hunting compromise, as well as a unique looking weapon if you blond the stack. It is much lighter and handier than either the M-44 or the full length rifle. As to the bayonet on the M-44, I hope you were kidding. The next 300 pound plus boar that tries to run over you will if you try the bayonet. And bite your leg off. As to ammo, the commercial 180 grain is great if you don’t handload. And if you want to fire those corrosive rounds that came in the com blocks, go ahead if you want a completely ruined steel finish on the bolt and inside the rifle barrel. I empty them and load into brass, reusing the bullets and powder while lowering the powder load. Also, a pistol scope on one of the custom mounts works quite well.
I grew up shooting a shortened 30-40 Krag with military sights. Right now, there are quite a few of these on the market and they are ideal rifles for the handloader. The only other rifle that I have killed more than one hog at a time with is hitting three with a 30-06. Otherwise, the Krag is the only bolt action, with the possible exception of the .303 Enfield, that is fast enough to get two in succession within two seconds.m Surprised you did not mention the all-time deer killer, the .30-.30 Winchester.
Frank I just want too make a statement about you asking about peoples Deer guns and what type they have. I dont think you should be asking people this due to fact NSA can get info the internet and the Gov. already wants to take our guns and I just know you from the internet and not your real background and how do we know whom you really are Patrick
I have used the old Springfield 06 for a long time but lately I have been using a Henry lever 45 colt carbine. It’s a great brush gun for deer and hogs too
I love my Marlin Lever Action 444, and my Mossberg 338WM, I lkie to shoot by stalk and shoot method. I use open sights and only shoot under 100yds. It makes the hunt harder and when you get one you know you worked for it and gave it the fairest hunt. I also think I go big and close because I want the deer to go down and stay down. One shot one kill, no chasing or wounding and no suffering on the deers part. Just my humble opinion, but the 444 and 338 should have been mentioned. they are all around brush guns and dead on accurate. They also put the animal down where it is standing and it doesn’t get up and run.
I have and love my Remington 700 BDL it is 7mm Remington Mag, very accurate, I have a Leupold scope on it 2.5X12 power. I had a Winchester model 94 it was a 30-30 caliber, when I was in high school loved that little gun for hunting in heavily wooded areas. I also own Remington 760 in 30.06 it is not as accurate at long range but a good mid range.
Circa 1940 Winchester Model 94 in the ancient .25-35 that my dad gave me, and 1979 Rossi M-92 in .357 Magnum. Recently acquired a surplus Yugoslavian M-47/24 in 8mm Mauser. Haven’t gotten the cosmoline off it yet.
one of the best all around rifles is the Henry 22 mag . it is light easy to carry , accurate and ammo doesn’t cost like the heavy cal. the lever action has a very short through and can be very fast with a second round .
I like the Rem.A3-03 also, very accurate. My uncle, a gunsmith, added a Monto Carlo, hand-made, hand-checkered, pistol-grip stock of walnut. It’s heavy, kicks like mule with 220 grain rounds, but steady as a rock at the shoulder. I started using it at 16, very rapidly I learned one shot, one kill. I did all my hunting, still hunting, for the first 20 years. We did a lot of logging as kids selling pulpwood. this created a lot of nice trails. I walked carefully and slowly. When the deer jumps, you only have time for one round. I learnt quickly to put that first bullet home. That what counts! This rifle is very dependable, but altimately, it is only as good as I am. Over the years, I’ve learned to shoot very rapidly and very accurately. I don’t know how many deer I’ve shot, but most have been, one shot-heart and lungs. That doesn’t mean that only always shot once. Some deer take more than one. This is what really important. Get a rifle that you are comfortable with, learn to shoot accurately and rapidly, and you will always have meat on the table.
For those on a budget a good buy would be one of the Russian surplus Mosin-Nagants, a 91/30 for long range(28″ barrel) or a M-44 carbine. Many consider them a poor mans Springfield. The 7.62x54R is quite comparable to the .30-06 when similar bullet weights & barrel lengths are used for comparison. They are not pretty guns but they are quite accurate, very durable & very reliable. If you like hunting pigs in brush the permanently mounted side-swing bayonet on the M-44 could be a life saver, if you miss you can spike him & Keep him on the Other bloody end of the rifle while you work the bolt.
My all time favorite rifles are the Ruger M77 in 30/06 and 338. They are very dependable tools and I have used them for many years to shoot deer, elk and moose. I also am very fond of my Marlin lever 45/70 which I use for brush hunting larger game.
If you are a reloader, bolt action rifles are much preferred over semi-autos as they are easier on brass and can be loaded with a much broader spectrum of components. I prefer control feed actions (the classic Mauser action) over push feed which Ruger generally makes available.
There are many fine rifles and over the years I have used many of them – but still – the rifles I mentioned have been my most reliable – comfortable to carry equipment.
I have used my Ruger 77, .270 for many years. Love this gun. I grew up with a Winchester 94 30.30. It is still fun to shoot and I killed many deer with it when I was young.
My 700 has never let me down,,
Okay, but when are we going to be able to buy ammo? Without standing in line at Walmart at 7:00A.M.
Quit going to walmart and start using your patriot act partners…on line!
Remington model 760, simply because it’s not a bolt action, I find that a pump action rifle is much more friendlier to use. You don’t need to bring the rifle down or take your hand away from the trigger to chamber another round. Pump action is the way to go.
Frank, I’m throwing in my two cents about hunting rifles as of late say the last 15 years my thoughts of having the arsenal of my dreams has gotten further away instead of closer. I always figured that my protection rifles and shotguns would be of a military type and my sporting rifles would be a separate group of weapons. Then the cost of military type weapons went right through the roof so now I’ve got a new plan to combine certain weapons that could not only perform a dual role but do it well after just a few modifications. I just bought a Remington model 7400 in .270 and will get another in .308. On the .270 I have a large 50mm 3X9 scope replaced the wood stock with a synthetic in black and have started collecting 10 round magazines. This rifle with a custom flash suppressor could rain down a world of hurt at long and even shorter ranges. The .308 will be similar only with open peep type sights same type of flash suppressor, stock and magazines. This format of rifle I feel is being overlooked it comes in a variety of calibers is semi auto, dependable can be affordably customized and with the quick switch of a magazine can fill a dual role and do it well. I’m shying away from having too many bolt action rifles because of an actual experience that happened to me last hunting season in Walla Walla Washington. During a large drive hunt 18 people were pushing deer in a steep draw after downing one deer it turned into a bear hunt when we jumped three black bears in this draw. I had a Savage bolt action .270 but unknowingly during one my falls on the wet steep grassy banks had bumped the bolt to the unlocked position. So when I went to shoot at a bear the rifle didn’t fire unfortunately that was the only chance to shoot that I would get. So now after some consideration for certain applications a semi auto platform is better for my needs. Of course I looked at many of the semi auto weapons that are considered sporting but look very military in design most of which are well over $1500.00. So I’m going to try out a couple of Remington 7400 models to prove if my plan is as effective as it is practical. With the AR craze raging these 7400’s are sitting there on the racks at many gun stores, I know where there’s one in .308 with open sights that will hopefully get a new home at my place soon.
I have had a few of the rifles you listed in your article, I must say that I love my Winchester model 70 in 300 win mag, it fits into several hunting venues since there are so many bullet weights to choose from. The composite stock is tuff so I don’t need to worry about it getting scratched up and the boss on the end of the barrel adds to the accuracy and the trigger and action are smooth as silk, I got my first elk with it, the shot was 200 yards up hill and he was down with the first shot..
living in michigan where half of the state is shotguns only and very few shots taken are beyond 150-200yds. a good brush busting rifle in the .30-.35cal. such as the winchester or marlin lever action work great for those 40-100yd. swamp or pine scrub shots. these rifles lenghts help when swinging around for snap shots.I also love the savage rifles action.being an avid lifelong deerhunter in mich. it seemed the most popular rifle was the Remington models 720 or740 semis.but the last 10-15yrs. I’ve seen more hunters switching to bolt actions
8mm mauser
There is NO safety problem with the Remington 700 trigger. The safety problem lies with the owner that doesn’t know how to adjust the trigger. There’s a reason all rifle and trigger manufacturers say that ONLY a qualified gunsmith should adjust any trigger. Not that your average gun owner can’t figure it out, but most can’t, and when they adjust the trigger on their 700’s, they adjust so light that simply closing the bolt will make the rifle discharge.
A safety issue with Remington’s trigger is an internet myth! Being a gunsmith, I cringe at some of the posts on gun forums about how many un-qualified people “tune” their rifles. It’s a recipe of disaster. And a good way of killing someone by accident!
If you don’t know what you’re doing, then do some research on how to adjust these triggers, or take it to a gunsmith!!!
addendum-ranges anywhere from 25 yds to 400yds
Herters XJ-9 bought it via mail order just before 68 gun control act became effective. M98 Yugo action in .270. whitetail,coyote, mulie and antelope lost count of number of animals I have taken with it. got to be well over 250.
I use a Browning BLR lever action 243 and have shot moose,elk,caribou,bear and dear at from 50 to 600 yards with one shot kills without any trouble at all. I think that the 243 is the best with the least spoiling of meat there is.
I own a Blaser 300 Weatherby Mag and the action for the bolt is straight back. This allows you to look through the scope and eject the spent round, load the next round with out losing site of the target or deer. This gun is very accurate. Lica scope
Second best is the Ruger Model 77 25-06 bull barrel. Many deer have passed through the sites of this gun. I shot a deer in New Mexico approx. 600 yd with 117 gr. bullet. Two others were shooting as well using 7MM Mag and 270 Weaterby and missed several times before I shot. Luck was with me until I had to cross the ground it had covered and drag it back.
I have hunted with a Savage 110L since 1966.This was a 110L(K) barrelled action in 30-06.It was fitted into a Fajen Supreme grade European Classic Hunter semi-inletted stock,which was fitted with a Niedner buttplate and grip cap.Triggers (yes triggerS) were Anschutz double-set triggers/with shotgun style trigger guard.Hand-rubbed oil finish,topped off with a Bausch and Lomb Balvar 8 scope in Kuharsky mounts.She shoots a consistent 3/4″ MOA.Finest darned rifle I’ve ever owned,and I still have it.In 1995,I purchased a Savage 110FLP in .308 Win.This is a left-hand,heavy-barrelled,parkerized,synthetic stocked Law Enforcement sniper rifle with the Accu-Trigger,which is one slick trigger.Mounted with a Leupold Mk.4 ER/T scope in one-piece tactical base and rings.She’ll shoot the rectum out of a housefly at the sight-in distance of 500 yards.For shucks and giggles,I usually hunt with my Ruger #1S in 45-70.I’ve semi-retired my ’06.I’m saving it for my great-grandson.It looks like he’s going to be a southpaw too.
Has anyone else used an AK-47 to hunt deer with? I have used a Remington 7mm mag and love it, but I have an AK now and was wondering if anyone has used one for deer?
Over the years I have narrowed my choice of shoulder arms down to one. The rifle that I feel has
both long range accuracy for hunting, coupled with the rugged reliability and combat qualities for potential home defense…the Springfield M-1A.
I have numerous other makes, models and calibers, but if I had to select just one, it would be
the M-1A.
Remington triggers are not unsafe. I hunt with Rem 700, Win 70, and Sako older actions. In Oklahoma calibers above 30 cal are usually over Kill. Wyoming and Colorado have larger animals and 30 cal Mag and larger produce quicker kills
I love the Savage bolt action rifles- Their accuracy is legendary. In years past they were a bit on the homely side, but in recent years have become beautiful rifles as well as accurate & durable. My favorite for more open country is the 25-06- I am not recoil sensitive but don’t believe in carrying anything heavier or harder kicking than necessary. The 25-06 shoots extremely flat with light recoil & will easily put down any deer. I’ve even heard of it being successfully used on elk although I never have. (really think it’s too light for that) For hunting deer where you must wade thru thick brush & shots will be short I still find it hard to beat the good ‘ol lever action 30-30- easy to carry & easy on the shoulder. I like the 16 to 18 inch Bbl models- Mine is the discontinued Winchester wrangler & I wouldn’t trade it for all the tea in China. I also like the levergun for feral hog hunting, some of these bad boys are as big as a cow and for these I like the Marlin guide gun in 45-70- not so easy on the shoulder but they don’t move around much after a good hit from this!
I read some time ago that the 30.30 has killed more deer than any other will. I bought a Jap Arasaka way back when, and paid twenty five bucks for it. I had it re-chambered to a .300 Savage. I changed the old plum bolt handle and trigger guard, made a full length Manlicher stock out of maple, with a pistol grip, roll over cheek piece and Lyman aperture sight, I got a beautiful bull elk and have never used it since. I gave it to my son. I don’t understand why so many rifles now have to have what looks like model railroad tracks, collapsable stocks, and huge magazines. If you can’t hit a bull in the ass with a hand full of wheat, a bigger handfull probably won’t help. They might be handy though if Obama tries to confiscate all firearms. If he does he should start with box knives. They have caused the death of more people than guns ever have.
Haven’t used those in the list, Frank. In sixty years of hunting in the mountains of Colorado and taking hundreds of deer (in mid-1900s some areas allowed mulltiple deer per license), I nearly always used the “old reliable,” the Winchester Model 94 in 30-30 cal. I don’t believe in fancy elevated stands where deer are lured in with feed, or in motorized hunting. Stalking and trying to outwit the animal seems more appealing to me, so carrying a heavy gun was impractical while walking most of the day — and even crawling under brush sometimes — led to my choice of carbines. Nearly all my kills were at less than a hundred yards, mostly on purpose, but four times by accident when crazed deer nearly ran right into me. A carbine with hooded front sight comes up and onto target fast, and also is more friendly in thick undercover. Guess I’m just an old-fashioned octogenarian, but even so, only once in all those years did I only wound and lose an animal.
I have used a 1917 Eddystone 30-06 with a Baush and Lomb 4 power scope with stationary cross hairs with a V mount. All adustment are made through the mount. The scope is removable and can be remounted at anytime and still be sighted in for immediate use. Very accurate. I also have a mount on my 243 and have switched the scope back and forth. Ira
All I have to do is lure deer into the yard with some fresh apples and next thing you know I am having a deer friend for dinner….But I don’t. They are on the guest list for my EMP banquet dinner party. I prefer salad for now. However….I really did enjoy this article. I want one of each!
They are tools. I prefer bolts but will use any action type and caliber.
I have used an SKS for years as a meat stick,That being said my Remington made A3-03{circa 1943/,as per Remington} is still the most accurate and take a deer rifle I have ever owned,{30-06 for the non-knowing,and @ 180 gr.bullet}….peep sight btw,no scope….:).
What is the best 380 made????
222 is smooth and deadly, If I were to shoot further than Id grab the 22-250 and if I were in an area I didn’t know much about for the all around shot, the remington 700 BLT 30-06
I am a spot and stalk hunter. I use a real old Marlin model 336c in .32 win. spec., I’ve been using it for the last 25 years, and I don’t miss. I have tried others, but I still haven’t found anything as good. I hunt in NY and Penn., and this is the best rifle I have ever used, with the exception of my .50 cal. Hawken.
remington 700 270 is the my choice
Winchester 30-30 lever action most deer are shot at close range. Less than 100 yards.
At longer distance you cannot be sure of what is in the back ground.
I like a 280 Remington cal. I also have it in Winchester that’s awesome at 600 or 800 yds somehow
I have the Sako in 7mm, with a Nikon Monarch 3×9 scope. this is a one shot rifle! i have never taken a followup shot. one shot one, tag filled. my longest shot was 458 yds. in Wyoming, scored a heart lung hit. i used federal premium grade ammo 140gr vital shock for deer and 165 for elk. once this rifle was set up and I charted balistics info for ranging 14 years ago, i have never messed with it since. i got my son a T3 with a Nikon and he has had sucess out over 300 yds.
I grew up with a 8mm mauser in my hands. That old K98 with a 140gr silver tip would drop a dear every time. The accuracy and range were both unbeatable. As a 16 year old kid I was used to 300 and 400 yd. shots with that weapon. As I grew older I purchased other weapons but when I went dear hunting, I ended up taking the mauser every time. 55 years later, that old K98 is still one on my favorites and I have some of the top of the line weapons.
I’m with “Glen Price” I favor my Winchester .22mag. lever action Rossi. Doesn’t kick like a mule, or go BANG like a cannon but does the trick without the kick. I also have a .44 mag. Rossi an a 454 Rossi. Both like to bust my shoulder! Prefer vermin loads, a litter less meat but they go down on one round.
Great article Frank, but here in Wisconsin, it is illegal to hunt deer with a 22. They reason you need a bigger slug to down a deer, otherwise you could hit it and the deer could run a long ways before it bleeds out and that deer would be wasted. I realize if SHF and you needed food – we would use whatever means were at our disposal, just wanted to let you know – the bigger the animal, the bigger the slug needs to be.
I normally hunt deer with the muzzleloader Remington genesis stainless steel barrel and shoot barnes hollowpoint bullets although I do also hunt with the Remington 700 Bolt action 30.06 and 3 x 9 x 50 VX three Leupold scope also have several other muzzleloaders and shotguns too hunt with. I was raised to respect landowners to be safe when hunting, grew up shooting all kinds of different type weapons.
I have a less expensive alternative to get you an accurate weapon. The 7.62 X 54R Russian Nagant model. 91. Put a monte carlo stock on it and you have a rifle that is as accurate as any you have in your article. Ammo costs $84.99 for 400 rounds in weather proof cans. You supply the can opener. The Nagant goes on sale once in a while for $69.00 at Big Five. If not $99.00 other places on the net. The stock is about 45 and up on the net also.
I find the slower the bullet the more meat you get to eat because there is less hydroshock.
The preference in rifles is personal. Ask other shooters at your gun club to try different models to see what suits YOU.
I usually hunt with a winchester Model 70 30-06. Its good for whitetail one shot kills at 100 to 150 yds. Usually, they drop when and where hit. Sometimes I hunt with a 30-30 winch. I just grab one. I have 4 that I use. They all shoot well. Once in a while I will take the Winchester Big Boy. A lever action in .375 winch. , with a 2 power Leopold scope. And on some occassions I take my Lend/lease .303 Brit. Enfield. It is a great gun made by Savage during WWII. An excellant shooter and plenty of power. My hips is hurting, don’t know if I’ll get out this year, but if I do I’ll take my newest piece with me. . I just purchased a Marlin 336 in.44 Rem Mag. With a 4 power scope. Small, not too heavy. Lot’s of follow up shots without taking extra ammo and more than enough firepower to take a whitetail.
I have always loved my .22 magnum. I have yet to see the deer, rabbit, or squirrel that wouldnt go down with one shot to the head. If i had to choose just one gun Frank. It would be my .22 magnum. I know it sounds under powered for big game like deer but I have killed more deer with it than you would probably believe. I live in the city and I haven’t seen any Elk roaming around Beaumont Tx. But I’m only 20 minutes from the woods and I am considering moving farther into them. I have fallen in love with your “Power for Patriots” program and I really appreciate what you do. Keep it coming and the drawings while the videos play are genius.
Glenn Price
@Troy Lamb
Marlin was acquired by Freedom Group, but they are not affiliated with Soros.
My wife has an old model Ruger 77 in 7X57 Mauser. Excellent rifle. She no longer hunts, but when she did it was great.
I have a Remington 788 in 6mm Rem. It is also a great rifle for mulies and antelope. It was somewhat of an embarrassment for Remington as it sold for the same price as a Mod. 94 Win. at the time ($94.95) but it shot about as well as a Mod. 700.
I just picked up a World War One Surplus Mosin-Nagant 91-30 for $129. Cleaned it up and sighted it at the Range yesterday. Iron sights and hitting 4-6 inch groupings from 100 yards right from the start. It is a very powerful and accurate rifle. Used by the Russians as a sniper rifle. Ammo is cheap also. I got mine from BudsGunShop.com I have heard people call it the poor mans 30-06. It is a BEAUTIFUL and very useful piece of history.
Frank I hunted for years with an ArmyEnfield. It is a good tough old rifle. I think it orginated in
WW1. I had it trimed down by removing excess wood. and triming the front sight. I had an
ajustable rear peep sight. Then I had a scope mounted, Never killed another deer with it.
It is a heavy old rifle. I also killed acouple of Moose, and sheep with it. It spend a week or
two in a lake in Canada, before is was fished out.
My Father paid $8.00 for it from the NRA.
Cecil Shelley
I use Remington model 700 in 30:06 and in my western hunts I like the Browning A-Bolt in the
300 WIn Mag. I have had very good luck with both of these rifles and wouldn’t give up either one of these.
I have used everything from old blackpowder rifles ( snider,martini henry,vetterli, etc and also most of the commercial brands . favorite bolt rifle is the super slick sako action and also the manlicher schoenaer one is new and the other is a relic but smooth and very reliable . Deer don t seem to notice the difference when they are hit properly . I just like to try something different every year .
I have used a Winchester pre1964 model 70 for many years and have had exceptionally good results deer hunting. I also love my Remington 700 .270 which has been very effective on elk. I have had no problems with either one.
For me my 7mm mag rem is the best all around hunting rifle and my 270 is not too bad but also my 12ga. rem tac shotgun shooting slugs does take down bears very well.
I recently, hear that Marlin sold out to George Soros!! If you don’t know who he is and what he represents, do the research and connect the dots! I don’t know the future of Marlin, But I will not be buying new Marlins, only pre-owned!