New hunter looking at a rifle

30-06 is a great overall caliber for both of those species, and even though it’s a little over your stated budget, a Ruger American is a solid choice. I have one in 6.5 and love it.

 

i would be all over that, good all round caliber and old world craftsmanship.

 

This is another hobby you can easily go down the rabbit hole on.

$400 for that rifle and lens on top is a good deal and good way to get started.

I will say though if you’re going elk hunting and trekking for a weekend you’re gonna want to build a rifle lighter than that thing.

 

That’s good advice. This thing is definitely not lightweight.

 

Yea for hunting I want to be like 7-8 pounds all in. Which is tough.

My precision rifle weighs 16 pounds. I’m not hunting with that ever. I’d probably leave it in a ditch after about an hour

 

pull the bolt and MAKE SURE it’s unloaded. look at the barrel from the bolt side into a light source. Check to make sure the rifling is present and that there aren’t any rust spots or discolored spots. At least as much as you can. Check the state of the feed ramp and look at the face of the bolt. Depending on cartridge and condition, it would be a good idea to the get the head spacing checked. Otherwise, your looking for cracks/imperfections, cleanliness, etc. Then flip it over and do the same from the muzzle side. Again, make sure it’s empty etc. Also check the end of the barrel and ensure the crown is still present and not chipped, damaged, or evidence that it’s been dropped onto its end. If so, it’s not the end of the world, since the crown can be recut, but it would knock some off the price. Otherwise, I normally borescope barrels on weapons when I buy them. It’s always an option with a smith, but the looking into the light option can get you by. For the rest of it, just make it it functions as it should. Ideally, he’d let you shoot it to make sure it functions. If so, spend the ridiculous money ammo costs right now and do so. If all checks out, pull the trigger. Pun intended.

 

Good advice. I never got to the point of an in-depth inspection because I couldn’t get over how much that thing weighed. He did offer to let me take it and shoot it. I told him thanks but I’m going to look for a lighter rifle.

 

If I needed / wanted to hunt, this would be the rifle in my collection that I would take. It's an old school semi-auto M14 rifle in an ultra light Chinese Chu wood stock. The rifle weighs 8 pounds unloaded, and it fires .308 & 7.62mm x 51.

 

a 308 is a really good all around hole punch.