Hey Guys I'm looking to purchase my first whitetail rifle and would like some advice. I live in Northern Michigan and most of my hunting will be in areas where the shots rarely exceed 70 yards but want to leave the door open for longer shots. I'm thinking a good all-around caliber would be 30-06 and I'm currently looking a Tikka T3 hunter and a Browning A-Bolt but am open to any other suggestions. My budget is around $600 for the rifle and $300 for a decent scope. Can you give give me some input on both? By the way, I've hunted the last two years with a WWII rifle with a Tasco scope that has a mashed end so I'm sure anything will be an improvement.

Thanks for your input! - Dan

i would go with a 270 remington and spend alittle more on a scope or save the extra.

I would spend $400 on a Weatherby Vanguard and the rest on a good Leupold scope.

As someone that uses mostly lower-end gear. I like Savage synthetic stock Model 10 (or 110, I forget). I also think a Redfield is a better introductory scope. I know Leupolds are great, but I wouldn't make it your first purchase. Plus check on here often you might find a good deal with a THFer. And although a .270 is an excellent whitetail rifle, on the off chance that you may get to hunt bigger game out west it is a little short on power. 30-.06 is much more versatile. MHO.

Up there I would go with the 30 caliber 308 or 30-06 Shells are resonably accessible and priced right. You also get a good knock down and can take it anywhere to hunt if that's a factor.
I'm sure I'll get some laughs about that.

Go with a .30-06 hands down. You can hunt anything in North America with it using the right round for the application. Anything from varmits to bear. Although I have never fired one in .30-06, my Dad has a Savage 110 in .270 and it is a great gun.

In other words I agree with Grey!!
You go grey!!

good suggestions all. But I would go with "The" most accurate rifle on the planet. Savage 270. IMO. I have one "Lefty" And at 230 yards dropped a yote "dead in the head". Even I was amazed.

Sailor I would put the 6mm right up there on accuracy they are hard to beat.

Marlin 336 in 35 Remington.

Tikka in a 7mm-08, 308 or 30*06

Nikon Buckmaster 3-9x40
http://www.swfa.com/pc-1856-220-nikon-3-9x40-buckmaster-riflescope.aspx

Nikon 4.5-14x40 Buckmaster
http://www.swfa.com/pc-1885-220-nikon-45-14x40-buckmaster-riflescope.aspx

Nikon Monarch 2-8x32
http://www.swfa.com/pc-12680-2201-nikon-2-8x32-monarch-riflescope.aspx

Bushnell 4-12x40 Elite 3200 Rifle Scope
http://www.swfa.com/pc-967-184-bushnell-4-12x40-elite-3200-rifle-scope.aspx

Burris 3-9x40 Fullfield II
http://www.swfa.com/pc-8479-203-burris-3-9x40-fullfield-ii-rifle-scope.aspx

Thanks, tradetx.

Most all rifles are accurate enought out to a couple hundred yards. I just don't think you should limit yourself with your first rifle. And although Leupld, Zeiss and Swarovski make great optics they are supremely over priced.

BTW- The Snipers in my BCT use BSA scopes! No kidding, I just found that out this past week.

The 270 and 30-06 and 308 have the best availability of ammo on the market. The best rifle is the one that fits you the best. You will only know that when you handle as many as possible. I prefer rifles with a rollover cheekpiece mysely. Remington, Browning and Weatherby are good rifles and I have heard good things about Savage as well. I have looked through a number of scopes and own mostly Leupolds, but recently bought a Nikon Monarch that is a little less money. Some good rifles and scopes out there. Just test a bunch and see what "you" like. Good luck!

there is a ruger M77 30-06 on here somewhere with a decent bushnell scope. I adore mine and couldn't be happier with it.

The Tikka is a little light and the recoil is heavier than my 700 BDl. Find the 30-06 in a 700 action and get a Nikon 3x9x40 have it floated and bedded get the trigger lightened up and you will never have to buy another gun. Unless of course you get the sickness and then your done for and will need a larger house to have room for all the guns. Just ask my wife! Haha.

ANY Remington 700. And go with the Nikon Buckmaster 4.5x14-40. I like the .308 over the 30.06

Ruger 10/22 open sights

As others say, 3006 best all around. Even with the current ammo scare, I can go to several stores near me and but all the 06 ammo I want, most of the other cals are hit/miss, 308 has been had to find

Howa, who happens to build the Vanguard.....Good Buy $$.

I would go with the browning A bolt with the boss option. If you want a sweet deal on one with scope, let me know, I may end up selling one of mine in a month. I have 2 30.06's and 1 300 win mag, I love the abolt's and with the boss they are like shooting a .223! I will make a package deal for you well within your budget if interested. PM me if you are and we can take it from there.

45-70! It will take any game animal that walks in North America.

If you reload, you can load it mild or wild.

Nothing like the sound of a 500 grain bullet slapping flesh, and crushing bone.