Thread: First rifle considerations

Gidday all,

The age old question: I'm in the market for my first centrefire rifle. I'm sure this is a well trod topic and I have done some searching. I'm in the information gathering phase so any new perspective is appreciated

Some background:

I'm a new hunter wanting to get a good versatile rifle that will last me a while.

Prefer to get the whole package i.e scope/suppressor so I can get out to the range and into the bush, and figure out where improvements can be made later. But not opposed to getting rifle/optics/can separately if the right deal/s come up.

I've only really looked at .308 so far but I'm open to most calibers (opening the proverbial can of worms here), as long as it does the job for deer (reds mostly) and goats. I have shot a bit before so not too worried about the bite. I would like to get a lot of range time in with this gun to get some practice so (factory) ammo price is a consideration.

I'm based in Auckland, but two areas I've done a bit of looking around in are the Waikato side of the Kaimais/Thompson's Track & Pureora forest/Piropiro Flats. They're accessible to me and I'd like to hunt around these areas to start with.

My budget is around $1400 - 1800 for the whole package and there seems to be a bit out there in the price range if I'm buying second hand. I've been through the local stores and had some helpful and not so helpful advice & handled quite a few different rifles to get a feel for them. I've yet to shoot anything in my search but I'm once I've gone through the membership process for NZDA (next week) I'll hopefully get out to the range and give a few different rifles a go.

Some questions:

-If you were buying now what would you be looking at? This is different for everyone but I'm interested in where you all see value at the moment.

-How short is too short on a .308 barrel? 16? 18? I've read 18 is the sweet spot for a bush rifle but have seen a couple rifles locally I like the handling (and price) of at 16 -- will this just cause me headaches as a first rifle?

- Quality optics -- should I focus on getting a quality rifle and a serviceable scope or is it worth the investment off the bat for something good? What would you be looking at as decent optics to start out with?

- Buying sight unseen. Silly if you're in the market for a car, same with a rifle? If I'm familiar with the handling of the rifle etc. is it sensible to buy off Trademe -- I know they have buyer protection but I could see that coming apart in the case of a firearm. Again there are a few I like the look of but are a bit far afield to get in person. As a first rifle I'm erring on the side of something I can pick up and give a look over.
(Alternately I'd be happy to buy off here, although I'm a new member I can't yet see the buy sell page from what I've read it's just a matter of waiting)

- And basically anything else you lot have picked up in your dealings. I know there's a lot of experience here and surely a few cautionary tales. It will be a big purchase for me so I'm not in a huge rush -- although I am keen to get out there soon.

Thanks for your help.