First gun

Hi
I'm just getting into hunting. I'm after a first proper gun (deer, pigs) that will hopefully last me a good wee while. I'm not fussy about calibre at this point just want something that will knock deer and pigs over in the bush easily... I'm also a student so am on a pretty tight budget (as far under $1000 as possible), and am not fussy about being cool.. I just want something simple that does the job. I've got a couple of questions:
-- Would you buy off trademe? The firearms people tend to advise against it but it seems like it shouldn't be more of a risk than buying anything off trademe.
-- is an old 303 worth it? Or would you recommend just sending a little bit more and getting a newer gun?

Please feel free to push me in the right direction!

Cheers

Here's some guns from the watch list, let me know what you think if you can be bothered:
Remington 308 model 700 | Trade Me
Savage Axis .308 | Trade Me
Parker Hale 270 - 4x40 Tasco Scope | Trade Me
Zastava .308 model M70 (Serbian made) | Trade Me
bsa monarch 270 | Trade Me
Zavastra M70 Bolt Action 308 - Synthetic Stock | Trade Me

Remington 308

Anything over $600 in 308

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Originally Posted by 7mmsaum

Anything over $600 in 308

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What 7mmsaum said: you mention bush hunting - a 308 will do this and more admirably. As a student, it will also be cheap to run and give you plenty of options for reloading in the future. A Remy 700 will also give you plenty of options for upgrades in the future if that is your buzz. Get it suppressed and you may never consider another rifle... just saying...

sounds like i should try for that remmington then.. I don't really want to have to get a new gun in a few years so it sounds like a good option.
Is surpressing really worth it? I figure earplugs are cheaper!?

if you want cheap and 100 meters for deer and pigs an sks would be ok. cheap gun and cheap ammo

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Originally Posted by huglife

sounds like i should try for that remmington then.. I don't really want to have to get a new gun in a few years so it sounds like a good option.
Is surpressing really worth it? I figure earplugs are cheaper!?

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often dont have time to get them in, if you hunt with others they will thank you and if a dog is in the group... i am yet to see someone try and get earplugs in a dog!

true true good advice... I do plan on hunting with a dog eventually (old mate died, new mate is forbidden by the landlord). I was thinking I'll get a sausage dog as a deer tracker haha because while I'm at uni it'll be easier than a heading dog!

problem with a sausage dog is they are so low to the ground theres no way you could get through the small holes in the scrub they could lol

Suppressing removes felt recoil, noise, and helps the ears of you, others around you, and dogs ( if hunting with them) - once you have gone suppressed (particularly when bush hunting) you won't go back...

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Originally Posted by 223nut

problem with a sausage dog is they are so low to the ground theres no way you could get through the small holes in the scrub they could lol

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id probably have to get another dog just to show me where my sausage dog is it would be so stealth

Sausage dog!! :thumbsup: Funny carnt :D

Where are you based?

based a bit all over the show.. I'm in Palmy North right now for uni but my girlfriends on a deer farm near Raglan where I spend most of my time and then I'm from the Coromandel so I'l be hunting all over the show I guess

Cheapest half decent gun that will do everything you want with no fuss and defiantly no fashion piece would be a sported m96 I started out with one over 20 years ago and still have it

You could use electronic ear muffs and hear better than normal and protect your ears.

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Originally Posted by bully

You could use electronic ear muffs and hear better than normal and protect your ears.

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hes a student though! can remember those days, always on a budget

If this hasn't sold it would be a good buy I think.
http://www.nzhuntingandshooting.co.n...23/#post497122
Also @Savage1
He had a 7mm 08 for sale recently I believe for an excellent price.

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Originally Posted by bully

You could use electronic ear muffs and hear better than normal and protect your ears.

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just get good ones, ive repaired some of the budget ones and they are total crap

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Originally Posted by bully

You could use electronic ear muffs and hear better than normal and protect your ears.

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Electronic muffs are shit in a situation where you are climbing a bloody steep hill sweating and something pops up - you either take the muffs off because its so bloody hot, or leave them on. Just carry the suppressor weight on the rifle and man up (especially if its a bush rifle). Just my opinion.

Rem 700 308 would be a excellent platform to start with.

My favourite and rifles of choice are the good old HOWA's(Weatherby vanguard with a different name but made by HOWA). For your budget you can get it in stainless , scoped(Nikko Stirling) and for only a touch more over 1k suppressed.

Either will do the job well but for calibre-308. Simple, gets the job done and a calibre that you can grow into. I will never not own one!

Howa's are great and come threaded for a suppressor but get new steel rings as a minimum. The package ones are crap alloy and won't hold zero.

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Originally Posted by Nickoli

Electronic muffs are shit in a situation where you are climbing a bloody steep hill sweating and something pops up - you either take the muffs off because its so bloody hot, or leave them on. Just carry the suppressor weight on the rifle and man up (especially if its a bush rifle). Just my opinion.

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He was looking for cheap alternatives not weight issues. 80 bucks vs about 500.

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Originally Posted by bully

He was looking for cheap alternatives not weight issues. 80 bucks vs about 500.

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Point taken sir. My recommendation would be to save for a suppressor if money is tight. Cheers.

The Remington would be fine.
I have bought off trademe.
Have had no problem with what I have bought.
Check their feedback as this is an indicator of whether they are ok to deal with.
In reality most rifles are better than most shooters (personal experience).
When you buy from the dealers at most you get to see it it fits and have a look down the barrel.
You would still need to shoot it to see what it is like.
Just remember to smack something like a deer at 200m you don't need to shot cloverleaf groups.

Bought my Omark 44 off TM - ex TR rifle - owned by an old bloke (according to his son), who shot on an occasional basis.
Came with case, jacket, A class approved wooden safe (which I've mounted) and a weatherproof mat - for $550.
Have spent a few dollars more (less than $700 - Nikko Stirling 6-24 x 56 IR scope, 30 mm rings, 20MOA Rem SA rail adapted, 30 magnum suppressor).
Bolt currently being modified for longer, straighter handle with larger knob.
Hope to fire 'first' shot early next week.
Being a 'bit' OCD, spent more than I'd originally planned.
From what I've read here, and elsewhere, 1 shot is all that's necessary. :D
Oh...I'm a bloody pensioner, so know all about 'lack of funds' and 'obsession' :ORLY:

Keep an eye out on here and trademe. I picked up a pretty much brand new tikka in old mate 7mm08 with a nikon scope for 900 bucks.
Little bit of patience and alot of research will get you onto somthing good for a steal sooner or later.
Guy on here was selling my old howa in 6.5x55 supressed and with a scope for around a grand I think. Good rifle great calibre. Have a scroll through the Buy and sell

Get some binos, go for a wander, take photos, let me live vicariously while doing 70 odd hours per week, 17 last Sat. Its a good time of year for deals to pop up.