Gun help

[RevSmoke]

Someone broke into the cabin up north, and I had been foolish enough to leave firearms up there in the closet. Someone broke into the cabin and stole the TV, Play Station III, Huscvarna chain saw, and 5 firearms.

Replacing the 22, 22mag, and 12 gauge & 410 shotguns are easy decisions. However, my .303 hunting rifle is another matter. I never looked for another. The action was butter smooth and would allow me to get off 2 shots very quickly. I was one shot - one kill with that weapon for the last 37 years.

I never really looked at other hunting rifles because I watched me budget, and hey, you can only shoot one at a time, and why mess with success. So, I now find myself sort of unprepared. I have not really investigated long guns much, and while I did some internet searching, I found reviews and suggestions all over the map.

I will predominantly use this for whitetail deer, coyotes, and maybe in the future black bear, elk, or antelope.

So, I am thinking another bolt action chambered for 270...? (gives me possible distance in the future and decent knock-down power) Thoughts?

Which manufacturer?

Remember, I am functioning on a pastor's salary, so I do watch my budget.

Peace of the Lord be with you.

[Weelok]

.270 sounds good to me. The Elk and Black Bear force you to that as a minimum is my guess. For the rest, a simple .243 served me well. You may want to consider a .308 as my father likes his and the Ammo is relatively easy to find.

I liked the small size and low weight of the .243 but we hunt in Nevada and you end up doing quite a bit of hiking.

[Ripplingh2o]

That's a pretty far spread (coyotes to black bear & elk) Pastor. But ask a dozen people get a dozen answers. I'd suggest looking at the Tikka T3 hunter for about $600.00 and have it chambered in 300 wsm (Winchester Short Mag). Most versatile cartridge out there and it will do absolutely everything you ask of it. -(P

[WhiteMamba]

I'm pretty faithful to Ruger. I have a 243 for deer and whatnot and over under 20 gauge for birds and clays.

[RevSmoke]

Found another .303 British Enfield. So, I am a happy camper.

[The Poet]

Good for you, Todd, and damn lucky you are. There were only about 17 million of them made. :D

[dijit]

303 Enfield is a great weapon and in my usually not so humble opinion a slightly better choice than a .270 considering the larger game you may be encountering. The only downfall is weight but even that is not unbearable. Congratulations on the great find.

[RevSmoke]

An update:

I found a 303 for $300 online at a gun broker, had it sent to a local shop with an FFL who did the background check on me. Got a Nikon Prostaff 3-9X40 BDC scope and am happy as a clam. Sighted it in today and it is dead nuts on at 100 yards. It has basically the same composite stock I had on my old one, so it is nearly identical.

I am stoked.

[SmokeyJoe]

Great! Enjoy your new rifle.
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[Dave128]

Enjoy it, Rev.