Ok, I need a rifle, I want yalls opinion on which one, so in the style of my family, argue it out, discuss, which is the best entry level rifle (one I can afford on a fixed budget) chambered in .243 or something similar with very little to no kick. I need something to take down a white tail or a hog. I will be replacing the stock with a thumbhole stock so I cant break the bank on the gun. whatcha think guys? and gals of course.

If your replacing the stock of an "Entry Level" rifle with what I would assume would be a Boyds thumbhole. It is all a matter of money. Some consider the Remington Model 700 to be entry level, but I don't see them as an entry level price point. My suggestion would be a Savage Model 10 in 7mm-08.

whats the kick like on a 7mm-08, I have a muscle disease so I cant handle much.

Ok, I need a rifle, I want yalls opinion on which one, so in the style of my family, argue it out, discuss, which is the best entry level rifle (one I can afford on a fixed budget) chambered in .243 or something similar with very little to no kick. I need something to take down a white tail or a hog. I will be replacing the stock with a thumbhole stock so I cant break the bank on the gun. whatcha think guys? and gals of course.

Ok, I need a rifle, I want yalls opinion on which one, so in the style of my family, argue it out, discuss, which is the best entry level rifle (one I can afford on a fixed budget) chambered in .243 or something similar with very little to no kick. I need something to take down a white tail or a hog. I will be replacing the stock with a thumbhole stock so I cant break the bank on the gun. whatcha think guys? and gals of course.

Ok, I need a rifle, I want yalls opinion on which one, so in the style of my family, argue it out, discuss, which is the best entry level rifle (one I can afford on a fixed budget) chambered in .243 or something similar with very little to no kick. I need something to take down a white tail or a hog. I will be replacing the stock with a thumbhole stock so I cant break the bank on the gun. whatcha think guys? and gals of course.

what kind of budget are you talking about...with scope included?

Can't go wrong with the 243 for hogs, deer, coyotes and other varmints. I shoot Hornady ammo and grains range from 58gn to 115gn(give or take). I would look for a nice used Remington 700, Ruger Mark II or Savage.

I would start out with a gun that has open sights and cheap ammo. I think my biggest problem over the years has been that I do not shoot the gun that i hunt with enough. I think a .308 is a great way to go. I just bought a ruger gun sight which is a bolt action and it is a strong gun but really doesn't kick hardly at all. get something with some weight to it and do some real shootin. never underestimate familiarity with your gun, hitting a running hog takes some skill especially with a hunting rifle as opposed to a AR burping out 30 rounds.

if you are confindent (sp?) in your accuracy, I would consider a 22-250, use a higher grain bullet with solid shot placement and it will be a deadly combo, remmington 700 sps is what I would start with, but savage has made a name on here recently and would consider them as well.

I'd buy something used.

why would he start out with an open sighted rifle? really, what purpose would that serve?


since you did not list a budget, I assume that you need it to be cheap, so I would go find a savage 110 at a pawn shop somewhere in a .243 or .270 caliber rifle. ammo is as cheap as your gonna find and available.

replace the stock with a thumbhole at your convienance. if you want very little recoil you need to find a .243, although a .270 is pretty mild

what do yall think of a savage 11 trophy hunter xp in .243, with a nikon 3-9x40, for 466.00

I need the kick to be as mild as possible, I am a disable vet with a muscle disease so I cant take alot of kick at all.

Lots of variables to consider.
If I were you I would stick with a reputable mfg. remington, ruger, winchester, savage if possible.
Like a Rem 700 adl or ruger american rifle maybe?
Don't be scared of a used gun.
Lots of people love trading guns and shoot them very little.
Just be sure and check them over real good.
Also dont go cheap on a scope, you will regret it.
The nikon, burris, and leupold lower entry scopes are pretty nice.
Just my opinion of course.

My $0.02 ... Except in some rare cases any rifle is better than no rifle. If it is a tight budget look for used or look at the Savage, Weatherby, Remington 770, ect rifle/scope combos at Walmart and Academy (watch sales flyers and use internet - cheaper than gas). Or go with Remington 700 ADL WITH iron sight and wait on scope. .243 would be great for little recoil and ammo can be found at reasonable price, so no argument there. My question is why the thumbhole stock? If price/budget is a huge issue why spend the $ on aftermarket stock? Yes, they are cool and they CAN increase accuracy, but most shooters would be better served putting that $ towards better optics.

Savage 10 in 7mm-08. Bout $400 to $450 would get it purchased and it is plenty capable of any Texas game as well as some long range work.

Mossberg model 100 in .243. See if Wal Mart sells them.
Inexpensive scope, you're ready to go. Academy has good combo deals with rifle/scope in different brands/calibers.

Been a couple of yrs, but bought a Mossberg .270 at Wal Mart for $340, ordered a scope, will kill most anything in Texas.

Hard to beat a Stevens 200 .243 or 7mm-08

308 or 270

Ammunition is available everywhere, both are excellent calibers for just about anything in North America.

Look for a Remington 700 BDL and a 3x9 Ziess Conquest scope and you will be set for life. Probably looking at around $1000.

true, the reason behind the thumbhole is the muscle disease I have, I dont always have a great grip and the angle of a regular stock puts more strain. I lose strength randomly so having that stock I can put my hand into it will help me not loose an animal because my bs disease acts up.

I cant shoot 308. as much as I wish I could.

used Remington .270!!

thanks gregg, I know I said i am on a budget but I will sacrifice something to make sure I get a good rifle, is a mossberg a reputable bolt action? ive heard good things about them on shot guns but dont personally know anyone who shoots a bolt action made by them.

ok again whats the kick on a 7mm?