Thread: Get My Priorities Right

Hey Guys

Need your opinions - I am looking for a first rifle to use primarily on goats and (hopefully) deer, but will be learning as I go. I am based in Hawkes Bay, so likely to spend most of my time in the Kawekas (Sika) and Ruahines (Red).

As a family man, budget is a huge factor (at least till I show that I can fill the freezer). Cos I'm not pretty, I won't get hung up on aesthetics...

Because I know very little, I am looking just to get out there and learn with the best version I can get for a budget around $2,500 from .270 up to 30-06.

My question then is this: Should I prioritise a decent scope, or just focus on the rifle and use a passable scope? I assume that a suppressor/brake and rangefinder are things that I can add to my set up later, once I develop a shooting style (range etc)?

It's very old advice but still highly relevant, spend the most money on your binos, then scope, then rifle. A cheap scope might last a long time but it's a heck of a lot more likely not too. A good used Leupold will set you up for a very long time (noting it's lifetime transferable guarantee). Nothing wrong with the calibres you mention but most new shooters will get on a heck of a lot better with a 243, 6.5CM or 308, a Tikka or Bergara with a good scope up will fill the freezer for ever! Used rifles are usually a safe bet if you have a reputable 3rd party check them out.

I’m just down the road from you

Likely there’s a Sako 7mm08 or 308 here that will fit your budget and I can set you up with a free scope and ammo that will get you going

Originally Posted by 7mmsaum

I’m just down the road from you

Likely there’s a Sako 7mm08 or 308 here that will fit your budget and I can set you up with a free scope and ammo that will get you going

Attachment 274404

Nice offer, get right onto it!

Originally Posted by 7mmsaum

I’m just down the road from you

Likely there’s a Sako 7mm08 or 308 here that will fit your budget and I can set you up with a free scope and ammo that will get you going

Attachment 274404

Brilliant offer mate - but I'm one of the weird lefties...

$2500 is plenty heaps enough to set you up...browning BLR suits lefty and will do anything you ask...yeah triggers can suck and blow at same time but they still easy to shoot well.they very hard to beat in the bush environment.

Single shot would work fine for your leftie’ness Get a good setup for $1500-2k
https://www.trademe.co.nz/sports/hun...5295564846.htm

There is a very accurate left hand 7mm rem mag for sale from Gadgets estate here.
Would suggest quite a bit under budget

https://www.nzhuntingandshooting.co....s-gear-114386/

Doesn’t mean you have to get a left handed rifle, my old man shot left with a right hander his whole life, slightly slower on follow ups but not much.

Originally Posted by GettingThere

Brilliant offer mate - but I'm one of the weird lefties...

I think he was offering you a scope and ammunition, not a rifle. Fortunately scopes and ammo are not handed.

SH Tikka in 7-08 or 308 for under $1500 easy.
$400 suppressor
Take @7mmsaum up on his offer while you save some more for a decent scope.

Originally Posted by csmiffy

There is a very accurate left hand 7mm rem mag for sale from Gadgets estate here.
Would suggest quite a bit under budget

https://www.nzhuntingandshooting.co....s-gear-114386/

I'm not yet permitted to view the Buy Sell section...

Originally Posted by kiwijames

I think he was offering you a scope and ammunition, not a rifle. Fortunately scopes and ammo are not handed.

Did I mention that I am a bit dopey...

Are you the type that will only have a couple of rifles or do you have hoarding tendancies like some of us

Originally Posted by blip

Are you the type that will only have a couple of rifles or do you have hoarding tendancies like some of us

I am likely to only have a small number...