Type of gun/rifle

[Joe2SCH]

Since I am a young hunter I was wondering what kind of rifle and shot gun would be best for me I will be using state lands and hunting deer now and than turkey in the spring. I am just looking for a little advice for a rifle to use and a shot gun as well.

[mossy725]

Depends on how much you want to spend. A nice economical slug gun is the Mossberg 500.

[Joe2SCH]

I am going to have a budjet of about $700 when I get back to work

[mossy725]

I am going to have a budjet of about $700 when I get back to work

For both guns?

[mossy725]

Just stick to one gun for this year. It is an expensive sport to get into. No sense in breaking the bank the first year.

[jr.deerslayer]

I would check into a Thompson Center Venture, for a lower budget gun, I have one in 223 and love it. Plus the coyotes dont seem to mind if their killed with a $400 or a $1000 gun

[covert]

If you're looking for something within a smaller budget for versatility for awhile, you could get by with just a 12ga shotgun. If you really want a rifle too I'd go with a .30-06 or .308 to start. Ammo is widely available with a huge variety of bullet weights and power levels, and if you get into reloading someday then your options increase dramatically.

Which model is just Chevy/Dodge/Ford. Everyone has their preferences for their own reasons. The best you can do is handle as many as you can to see what fits the best. If you can find a way to shoot as many different makes/models/action types as you can that would be even better.

[Joe2SCH]

Next year I am borrowing a gun for this year. I am getting a better job so I can get excillent guns if not next year the following year and yes both kinds a shot gun and a rifle I was thinking about a 20 ga. and a .308

[Culvercreek hunt club]

If it is turkey and deer the .308 would be great....but I would go a 12 ga route....skip the 20 for now. a 12 gives you the option for light loads for small game and heavy loads for turkey and waterfowl.

[Enigma]

12 and .308 is what I shoot. Hard to go wrong with that combo. I second the Mossberg 500 for the shotgun. And some may roll their eyes but look at a Stevens/Savage package in the .308. I've killed deer with it every year for the past 10 and counting and the deer never cared. Less than $400 for an out the door rifle and scope combo and when you drop it in the mud you just smile, wipe it off and keep hunting baby! Best of luck!

Edited November 2, 2011 by Enigma

[tughillhunter]

Honestly, if ur hunting state lands, u may want to go with a .35 rem, or a 30-30 for deer. they are great brush guns, and the .35 is great for a lil more long distance. Marlin is the best in that breed, i personally think, and the price is typically around 400. but if you want a shotgun, go with a 12 ga mossberg 500.

[Joe2SCH]

I did recently look at a variety of guns and I must say I absolutely fell in love with the Mossburg 500 12ga shot gun the looks of it the feel of one that is the gun I am going to get first on my list thank you guys my brother also suggested that for me as well since he used to have one before he got his Savage .308

[mossy725]

I did recently look at a variety of guns and I must say I absolutely fell in love with the Mossburg 500 12ga shot gun the looks of it the feel of one that is the gun I am going to get first on my list thank you guys my brother also suggested that for me as well since he used to have one before he got his Savage .308

Awesome. Glad to hear it. You'll like the gun. It's a great price point, and the gun is MUCH lighter than a Remington or other similar model. Enjoy and good luck!

[WNYBuckHunter]

I have a Mossberg 500, was my first shotgun. Its a great gun, and the price is hard to beat. The biggest complaint I have about the gun itself is how noisy it is to carry. The tolerances on the slide are pretty loose, and it rattles quite a bit. For a stand gun, its not much of an issue, for still hunting though, not great.

This year I picked up a Remington 870, and from shooting it and getting it dialed in, I love it. Nice and quiet to carry, smooth action and very accurate. I havent carried it on a hunt yet, but have no worries that it will be anything less than expected.

The price on an 870 is a bit more than the Mossberg, but there are literally tons of them to be had used for a price more in line with a new Mossberg 500, possibly less.

Just my 2 cents.

[mossy725]

I have a Mossberg 500, was my first shotgun. Its a great gun, and the price is hard to beat. The biggest complaint I have about the gun itself is how noisy it is to carry. The tolerances on the slide are pretty loose, and it rattles quite a bit. For a stand gun, its not much of an issue, for still hunting though, not great.

This year I picked up a Remington 870, and from shooting it and getting it dialed in, I love it. Nice and quiet to carry, smooth action and very accurate. I havent carried it on a hunt yet, but have no worries that it will be anything less than expected.

The price on an 870 is a bit more than the Mossberg, but there are literally tons of them to be had used for a price more in line with a new Mossberg 500, possibly less.

Just my 2 cents.

You're right, it is a bit loud. However, I would take that over carrying something that's about 3-4 pounds heavier. That makes a big difference, on a long day of still hunting.

[WNYBuckHunter]

You're right, it is a bit loud. However, I would take that over carrying something that's about 3-4 pounds heavier. That makes a big difference, on a long day of still hunting.

Synthetic stocks and a good sling help. I do have to say I liked the light weight for carrying my Mossy, but the extra weight of the 870 helps a bit with recoil.

Its all personal preference

[WNYBuckHunter]

I just looked at the specs of my 500 20 ga with the deer barrel, it weighs 7 lbs. The specs for my 870 12 ga Sureshot Cantilever show 7 3/4 lbs. Not much difference between them.

[mossy725]

I just looked at the specs of my 500 20 ga with the deer barrel, it weighs 7 lbs. The specs for my 870 12 ga Sureshot Cantilever show 7 3/4 lbs. Not much difference between them.

Hmmm...the guys at my camp and myself, who have both guns, think there's a considerable difference. Oh well - like you said, personal preference.

[WNYBuckHunter]

Yep. Plus, my Mossy has wood stocks and the 870 is synthetic. That could be why they are close. An 870 with wood stocks would probably be heavier.

[Culvercreek hunt club]

BUT...if you compare guage to guage I bet they are the same. What are the numbers for a mossy 12 with wood and and 870 in syn...both 12 guage

[WNYBuckHunter]

7 1/4 lbs for the Mossy 12 Ga wood stocks with 24 inch barrel with iron sights - from Mossberg site

8 lbs for the 870 12 Ga synthetic with 23 inch barrel and iron sights - from Remington site

[Suilleabhain]

with the economy, the shops have a good supply of used. Just take your time and visit often as the stock moves pretty quick. I saw a bunch of scoped Marlin 336s in 30-30 and .35 for an asking price of $360. They'd come down when they see cash. Not to say that's what you want, just an idea of what's out there