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Thread: Get My Priorities Right

  1. #1
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    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)?

  2. #2
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    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.
    kiwijames and 257weatherby like this.

  3. #3
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    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

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    A big fast bullet beats a little fast bullet every time

  4. #4
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    Quote Originally Posted by 7mmsaum View Post
    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!
    Micky Duck likes this.

  5. #5
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    Quote Originally Posted by 7mmsaum View Post
    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...
    7mmsaum and Shearer like this.

  6. #6
    Member Micky Duck's Avatar
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    $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.
    75/15/10 black powder matters

  7. #7
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    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

  8. #8
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    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/
    Rich007, Shearer and Micky Duck like this.

  9. #9
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    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.

  10. #10
    Lovin Facebook for hunters kiwijames's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by GettingThere View Post
    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.
    The range of what we think and do is limited by what we fail to notice. And because we fail to notice that we fail to notice, there is little we can do to change; until we notice how failing to notice shapes our thoughts and deeds

  11. #11
    Lovin Facebook for hunters kiwijames's Avatar
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    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.
    The range of what we think and do is limited by what we fail to notice. And because we fail to notice that we fail to notice, there is little we can do to change; until we notice how failing to notice shapes our thoughts and deeds

  12. #12
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    Quote Originally Posted by csmiffy View Post
    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...

  13. #13
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    Quote Originally Posted by kiwijames View Post
    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...

  14. #14
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    Are you the type that will only have a couple of rifles or do you have hoarding tendancies like some of us
    Rich007 likes this.

  15. #15
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    Quote Originally Posted by blip View Post
    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...

 

 

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