Thread: First rifle

The scope is equally important as the rifle. You can get good results with a very average rifle if your scope is sound.
Plan on paying half to the same as for your rifle. The package ones with howa are likely not ideal but they come as a package.
A scope that adjusts where you expect it and holds zero will save you a lot of money in ammo and worry and lost animals.
As a rough guide, the entry level standard is the Leupold VX-1 series but redfield, bushnell and vortex seem to be OK too.
Better quality scopes include zeiss & swarovski which have different quality grades and kahles which are all top notch.
Go for 2-7x or 3-9x40 and a plain reticle like a duplex. If you've got the money get a Leupold VX-3 and it will likely last you forever and be really good.
Around Rotorua, you won't need capability to dial. Capped turets are OK. If you're over 50 then parallax adjustment can help focusing up closer than 50m but you will need to go to at least 12x and the scope will cost twice as much (not recommended in a first scope).
It's also worth paying more for good mounts. Leupold are good and Warne probably too. Go for steel if you can; I wouldn't "upgrade" to aluminium because the threads can strip.
Give some thought to getting a .22LR as well, again, with a good scoepe. A second hand Norinco JW15 or Toz with 2-7 Hawke, Leapers, bushnell, redfield or leupold would be my recommendation. If you can get in regular practice, it will much increase the effectiveness of your deer gun.

Also, remember there are heaps of reasonably good second hand rifles out there that people cant get what they are really worth. Fair price is 2/3 what it is new but some will be happy to see it to a good home for less.

As said, the forum loves these threads - there are hundreds of experts like me here.