texashuntingforum.com logo
Main Menu
Advertisement
Affiliates
Advertisement
Newest Members
victorcaoh, gtmill6619, cpen13, Huntinkid, garey
72055 Registered Users
Top Posters(All Time)
dogcatcher 110,797
bill oxner 91,416
SnakeWrangler 65,527
stxranchman 60,296
Gravytrain 46,950
RKHarm24 44,585
rifleman 44,461
Stub 43,927
Forum Statistics
Forums46
Topics538,032
Posts9,732,167
Members87,055
Most Online25,604
Feb 12th, 2024
Print Thread
Looking for the best all around rifle for hunting/target shooting/defense. Any sugguestions?? #3292691 06/13/12 10:25 PM
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 5
C
CoachRod Offline OP
Green Horn
OP Offline
Green Horn
C
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 5
I've been looking for awhile on different rifle/assault rifles. I'm more inclined to look for an "tactical" style rifle in which i can use pistol grip, along with front grip as well. 223/556 or 6.8 would be nice. Found many AR's ranging from 900-3500$, any direction would be appreciated!

John 12:45



"When people see me, they will see HIM who sent me" John 12:45
Re: Looking for the best all around rifle for hunting/target shooting/defense. Any sugguestions?? [Re: CoachRod] #3292696 06/13/12 10:31 PM
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 26,548
J
JCB Offline
THF Celebrity
Offline
THF Celebrity
J
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 26,548
What kind of critters you wanna hunt?


Re: Looking for the best all around rifle for hunting/target shooting/defense. Any sugguestions?? [Re: JCB] #3292807 06/13/12 11:43 PM
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 212
K
kstringer Offline
Woodsman
Offline
Woodsman
K
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 212
He will most likely be hunting just Whitetail and pigs and varmints. I showed him my AR and now he gets all excited. I suggest a 6.8 for better penetration.



Re: Looking for the best all around rifle for hunting/target shooting/defense. Any sugguestions?? [Re: kstringer] #3292892 06/14/12 12:37 AM
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 44,585
RKHarm24 Offline
sergeant
Offline
sergeant
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 44,585
On an AR Pistol a pistol grip up front is a NO NO.
Must be a rifle to have a front vertical grip.




Re: Looking for the best all around rifle for hunting/target shooting/defense. Any sugguestions?? [Re: CoachRod] #3292932 06/14/12 12:56 AM
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 3,900
J
JJH Offline
Extreme Tracker
Offline
Extreme Tracker
J
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 3,900
Coach: who is the one best player for LB, OL, WR, and QB? And which is the one best club for driving, putting, and chipping out of the sand? laugh


Re: Looking for the best all around rifle for hunting/target shooting/defense. Any sugguestions?? [Re: JJH] #3293289 06/14/12 03:18 AM
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 5
C
CoachRod Offline OP
Green Horn
OP Offline
Green Horn
C
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 5
haha dont have have enough patience for golf....
as far as football, you talking past or preseent?



"When people see me, they will see HIM who sent me" John 12:45
Re: Looking for the best all around rifle for hunting/target shooting/defense. Any sugguestions?? [Re: RKHarm24] #3293382 06/14/12 04:05 AM
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 1,449
T
theserxtremedays Offline
Pro Tracker
Offline
Pro Tracker
T
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 1,449
Originally Posted By: RWH24
On an AR Pistol a pistol grip up front is a NO NO.
Must be a rifle to have a front vertical grip.


You can use that grip magpul makes though since its angled its in a different classification BATF put out a letter about that recently.

http://store.magpul.com/product/MAG411/117



Si Vis Pacem Para Bellum

Speed has never killed anyone, suddenly becoming stationary, that's what gets you.

you must realize that fear is not real, It is a product of thoughts you create. Do not misunderstand, danger is very real, but fear is our choice!
Re: Looking for the best all around rifle for hunting/target shooting/defense. Any sugguestions?? [Re: theserxtremedays] #3293477 06/14/12 04:53 AM
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 4,517
E
Earl Offline
Extreme Tracker
Offline
Extreme Tracker
E
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 4,517
6.8 would certainly fit the bill, my personal choice for that place in my safe though was a .308 AR.

Earl



[Linked Image]
[Linked Image]
Re: Looking for the best all around rifle for hunting/target shooting/defense. Any sugguestions?? [Re: Earl] #3293693 06/14/12 12:45 PM
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 1,197
C
Chris42 Offline
Pro Tracker
Offline
Pro Tracker
C
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 1,197
I would always recommend your first AR should be a lightweight profile, 16" chambered in 5.56Nato. For around $1100, you can get a BCM, Spikes or a COLT. LMT, Larue,are another few. (I know I'm missing a few) Make sure the twist rate is either 1/7 or 1/8 so it can handle the heavy bullets for hunting. (You dont need it, but its nice).

Avoid DPMS, Bushmaster, Stag, RRA, et al in a serious gun. They aren't terrible guns, but for just a few dollars more, you get a quality weapon that you can stake your life on that is a better rifle.

I'm not sure where to put PSA.

5.56 is really good, in terms of cost, power, recoil, weight, and accessories. 6.8spc is probably the best for hunting in terms of power and ballistics, but it requires specialized magazines and bolt. The 5.56 works for hunting and has lots of really cheap ammo when your not in an election year.

As for a rail. I'd either spend $30 and get a magpul handguards, or $200+ and get a nice rail. A troy flip up back up iron sight to be followed by an aimpoint or an eotech. A scope can be added with either one of the AR mounts from ADM or Larue. or normal scope rings with a riser.

There is a lot of cheap, airosoft crap out there for AR's. Don't buy it.


Last edited by Chris42; 06/14/12 12:47 PM.
Re: Looking for the best all around rifle for hunting/target shooting/defense. Any sugguestions?? [Re: Chris42] #3293745 06/14/12 01:20 PM
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 4,200
K
Korean Redneck Offline
Extreme Tracker
Offline
Extreme Tracker
K
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 4,200
Unless you're full on committed to a semi-auto, then to me what fits your bill is a nice tactual style bolt action chambered in 308. Something with a lighter 20" barrel so it's some what easier to carry. I hate to say it, but there are a few really good Remington 700's that fit this bill.

Just be aware that some guides do have rules about calibers when it comes to deer hunting. They thinking nothing smaller than 270. If you never plan on using a guide service then it's a mute point.

Regardless, I jet think u can get better accuracy for the cost in a bolt. Semis are mostly for fun when blasting around.
How many people here who have had the opportunity for a follow up shot couldn't get it down with a bolt action?



I'm a dude who likes long barrels!
Re: Looking for the best all around rifle for hunting/target shooting/defense. Any sugguestions?? [Re: Korean Redneck] #3293752 06/14/12 01:21 PM
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 6,203
K
Koenig Offline
THF Trophy Hunter
Offline
THF Trophy Hunter
K
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 6,203
AK47




Originally Posted By: SnakeWrangler
never trust a man that rents pigs....
Re: Looking for the best all around rifle for hunting/target shooting/defense. Any sugguestions?? [Re: Koenig] #3293781 06/14/12 01:40 PM
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 26,198
KRoyal Online Sleepy
Texoma Legend
Online Sleepy
Texoma Legend
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 26,198
I would go with an AR in 308. Same great design as the AR15, has a huge accessory availability just like the AR15. Also you can find good surplus ammo for cheap if you just want to hammer some rounds down range. 308 is plenty for white tail and piggy’s.

That is what my next build will be. Have my 556 AR in a CQC config but I want an AR in 308 in a long range config.



[Linked Image]



Re: Looking for the best all around rifle for hunting/target shooting/defense. Any sugguestions?? [Re: KRoyal] #3294215 06/14/12 04:51 PM
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 282
A
Adraper Offline
Bird Dog
Offline
Bird Dog
A
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 282
For me, targets are just a fun with .22lr as they are with more powerful and expensive rounds. The ranges around here are not set up to let you run an AR or AK. They are mainly geared to shooting scoped rifles at 100 yds. The any gun plinking pit is only 20yds. Benefits of powerful cartiges are lost there.

Hunting throws in another wrinkle. I set up an AR for hunting and it just never made it in the stand with me. The calibers even 6.8 at the time seemed a bit light to me. Why gamble when I already had a 7 mag and .270 bolt action.

So, I can't answer your best all around gun question. I'm still looking for it. I think you need three guns Ruger 10/22, Daniel Defense M4, and Remington 700 in a powerful caliber.


Re: Looking for the best all around rifle for hunting/target shooting/defense. Any sugguestions?? [Re: KRoyal] #3294217 06/14/12 04:52 PM
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 41,173
J.G. Online Content
THF Celebrity
Online Content
THF Celebrity
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 41,173
I gotta go with KoreanRedneck on this one and get a bolt action.

Savage model 10 in .243 or Rem 700 in .243

After putting 1200 rounds through a .308 then getting into a little bit slimmer/ faster bullet (.260) I'm not as much of a fan of the .308 as I used to be.

.243 can be a high performance round in a factory chambering.



[Linked Image]
800 Yard Steel Range
Precision Rifle Instruction
Memberships and Classes Available
Re: Looking for the best all around rifle for hunting/target shooting/defense. Any sugguestions?? [Re: J.G.] #3295776 06/15/12 03:34 AM
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 5
C
CoachRod Offline OP
Green Horn
OP Offline
Green Horn
C
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 5
Man this is great input and suggestions guys! Thanks alot, I'm a big Ruger guy, I've been looking into their SR556. Very tactical and seems reliable. Quad rail, iron sights are all made by troy.

What ya think?



"When people see me, they will see HIM who sent me" John 12:45
Re: Looking for the best all around rifle for hunting/target shooting/defense. Any sugguestions?? [Re: CoachRod] #3295789 06/15/12 03:38 AM
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 11,099
D
devildog28 Offline
THF Celebrity
Offline
THF Celebrity
D
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 11,099
Is it really necessary to use terms created by the anti gun nuts? It's a rifle not an assault rifle.


Re: Looking for the best all around rifle for hunting/target shooting/defense. Any sugguestions?? [Re: devildog28] #3295838 06/15/12 03:55 AM
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 44,585
RKHarm24 Offline
sergeant
Offline
sergeant
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 44,585
Daniel Defense, BCM, Spike's, Noveske




Re: Looking for the best all around rifle for hunting/target shooting/defense. Any sugguestions?? [Re: CoachRod] #3296308 06/15/12 02:09 PM
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 26,198
KRoyal Online Sleepy
Texoma Legend
Online Sleepy
Texoma Legend
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 26,198
Originally Posted By: CoachRod
Man this is great input and suggestions guys! Thanks alot, I'm a big Ruger guy, I've been looking into their SR556. Very tactical and seems reliable. Quad rail, iron sights are all made by troy.

What ya think?


I know it can be done, I hunt hogs with 223, but I'd never hunt deer with it. I would step up in cal if you are using it for deer hunting to atleast a 6.8, if not a 30 cal. Just my opinion.



[Linked Image]



Re: Looking for the best all around rifle for hunting/target shooting/defense. Any sugguestions?? [Re: KRoyal] #3296781 06/15/12 05:37 PM
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 527
M
mattm Offline
Tracker
Offline
Tracker
M
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 527
This is only my opinion, so take it for what its worth, but I never liked the idea of using "deer cartridges" for home defense because I live in a neighborhood and ultra penetration would cause other problems; rural residents don't necessarily have that problem. If I had to pick a good defense gun that I could hunt deer and hogs with, I'd have to say something like a 12Ga. slug gun, but that limits your range when harvesting animals. My thoughts on tactical weapons, is that you pretty much have to be tactically trained to receive the full benefit of what the weapon offers. On the range, they sure are alot of fun though.

Let us know your results or if you come up with something else. You do ask an intriguing question: Deer and hogs are one thing, but throwing in defense and "one gun"...not alot of people consider that.



...as He died to make men holy, let us die to make men free...
Re: Looking for the best all around rifle for hunting/target shooting/defense. Any sugguestions?? [Re: Korean Redneck] #3296877 06/15/12 06:38 PM
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 105
C
cinchup Offline
Woodsman
Offline
Woodsman
C
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 105
308 AR nice round and gun combo for animals, not so much for home defense!


Last edited by cinchup; 06/15/12 06:39 PM.
Re: Looking for the best all around rifle for hunting/target shooting/defense. Any sugguestions?? [Re: cinchup] #3296891 06/15/12 06:49 PM
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 3,527
O
Old_Town Online Content
Extreme Tracker
Online Content
Extreme Tracker
O
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 3,527
I would get a quality M4 profile AR chambered in 5.56, A 12 ga. pump shotgun with both an 18.5" and 26" barrels, a Glock 17/19, a Ruger 10/22, a quality .308 bolt gun with a good 3-9x40 scope and maybe a Browning Buckmark or Ruger auto in .22 LR. Plenty of ammo, and mags for all.

That should get the basics covered.


Last edited by Old_Town; 06/15/12 06:49 PM.
Re: Looking for the best all around rifle for hunting/target shooting/defense. Any sugguestions?? [Re: cinchup] #3297203 06/15/12 09:01 PM
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 4,517
E
Earl Offline
Extreme Tracker
Offline
Extreme Tracker
E
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 4,517
Is if it is a horde of zombies or mutant bikers..or both (MBZ's)....I'm ready for them I tell ya! smile



Originally Posted By: cinchup
308 AR nice round and gun combo for animals, not so much for home defense!




[Linked Image]
[Linked Image]
Re: Looking for the best all around rifle for hunting/target shooting/defense. Any sugguestions?? [Re: CoachRod] #3302086 06/18/12 01:16 PM
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 202
S
SOTB Offline
Woodsman
Offline
Woodsman
S
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 202
Originally Posted By: CoachRod
....I'm a big Ruger guy, I've been looking into their SR556. Very tactical and seems reliable. Quad rail, iron sights are all made by troy.

What ya think?
From people I know that have handled it or bought, it appears to be reliable enough. But those same people point out it is heavy, has a crappy center of gravity/balance, and has a 1:9 twist.

Personally, I think piston guns are a fad. They aren't giving anyone extraordinary performqnce over DI guns, but people will flock to new stuff, because it is new. Nly the piston gun concept for the AR platform isn't new, is it? IE, the idea was put forward in the Vietnam war.

Anyway, whatever. I'd buy another solid option before this gun....


Previous Thread
Index
Next Thread

© 2004-2024 OUTDOOR SITES NETWORK all rights reserved USA and Worldwide
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.3