Do you hunt with expensive or cheap guns? - Page 2

[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Do you hunt with expensive or cheap guns? (Page 2 of 2)

Posted: 1/30/2019 3:12:21 AM EDT

[#1]

Well, since I only use one...it's pretty damn expensive...of course, I never know if it is going to be a 20 foot shot or a 1000 plus yard shot...the only animal I harvested this year was a moose at 720 yards...

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Posted: 1/30/2019 10:48:46 AM EDT

[#2]

Quote History

Quoted:
Well, since I only use one...it's pretty damn expensive...of course, I never know if it is going to be a 20 foot shot or a 1000 plus yard shot...the only animal I harvested this year was a moose at 720 yards...

https://www.AR15.Com/media/mediaFiles/404934/fullsizeoutput_6ae_jpeg-826711.JPG

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You ought to just make that pic your avatar

Posted: 1/30/2019 11:39:30 AM EDT

[#3]

I have expensive guns, but my go to deer rifle is a Remington pump 30-06 my father-in-law gave me used when I started deer hunting.

It has a leather sling on it that my best friend gave me for my 15th birthday 43 years ago.

I still use it for sentimental reasons.

I killed my first deer with it and my son killed his first deer with it. Maybe in a couple of years my grandson will kill his first deer with it too

Posted: 2/10/2019 12:41:46 PM EDT

[#4]

I’m just finishing up putting together my soon to be go to rig, Bergara Ridge 7mm with leupold rings, base and a VX5HD 3-15x56 firedot. All in just below 2k but I know it will last and be accurate. Where I hunt a close shot is 150-200 most of the time so glass is king, but a nice rifle boots my confidence

Posted: 2/10/2019 12:47:39 PM EDT

[#5]

I have a 1960s Remington 721 in .30-06, I paid $200 for it years ago. It has a zeiss American 3x9 which cost me twice as much. It doesn't look pretty but shoots great and is all the deer gun I've ever needed.

Posted: 2/13/2019 11:52:39 PM EDT

[#6]

Inexpensive. All my big money goes to semi auto guns.

I have a Savage Axis 30-06, Winchester 1300 12g and little Savage 22 that does all the hunting. Except for hogs then I use ARs.

Posted: 2/22/2019 9:04:24 PM EDT

[#7]

Most of my guns are cheap. Usually I hunt with a sporterized Swedish Mauser, which cost me about 300 bucks, with a 300 dollar scope.

I definitely recommend cheaping out on the gun before you cheap out on the optic.

Posted: 2/22/2019 9:34:33 PM EDT

[#8]

I have been hunting coyotes and hogs with my mk18 and a can...

I have a decent amount of money into the setup but expensive/inexpensive is a very subjective term.

Posted: 2/25/2019 10:04:31 PM EDT

[#9]

I ended up consolidating a bit. Sold my 450 Bushmaster Ruger and am going to scope my Magnum Research BFR for deer hunting in southern Michigan. I sold my Ruger No. 1V .204 and my Winchester M70 Safari to get a Ruger No. 1 in 416 Rem Mag for elk and larger game should I ever go hunting out of state. Then I sold a couple other guns to get a Browning BLR in .243 which will be my close range deer gun as well as double as a occasional varmint rifle.

Posted: 2/26/2019 11:10:05 PM EDT

[#10]

I hunt with more budget type rifles. My old rifle which I haven’t shot in a few years is a 700 adl in 7mm Rem mag and it has a Sightron Big Sky scope on it. The two rifles I hunt with the most now are a Ruger Hawkeye in 280 Rem with a VX3 3.5-10x40. It’s close to about $1100. Which is a lot for me but I’ve shot a truck load of hogs and some deer with it. My other budget gun is a Savage axis ii 25-06 with a Weaver Superslam 2.5-10x50 scope. The Savage axis was a $325 rifle but the scope was $500-600 new. I only paid $280 for the scope on closeout. I agree with those that say get the best glass you can afford.

Posted: 2/27/2019 11:03:10 AM EDT

[#11]

Quote History

Quoted:
I hunt with more budget type rifles. My old rifle which I haven’t shot in a few years is a 700 adl in 7mm Rem mag and it has a Sightron Big Sky scope on it. The two rifles I hunt with the most now are a Ruger Hawkeye in 280 Rem with a VX3 3.5-10x40. It’s close to about $1100. Which is a lot for me but I’ve shot a truck load of hogs and some deer with it. My other budget gun is a Savage axis ii 25-06 with a Weaver Superslam 2.5-10x50 scope. The Savage axis was a $325 rifle but the scope was $500-600 new. I only paid $280 for the scope on closeout. I agree with those that say get the best glass you can afford.

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I agree with the glass part. My Model 70 300 Win Mag has a Viper HS-T 6-24x50 MOA on it, and the BLR is getting a Diamondback HP (I believe they used old gen Viper glass) 4-16x44 BDC on it.

Posted: 2/27/2019 11:11:33 AM EDT

[#12]

My main hunting rifle is a Ruger American 7mm-08 purchased for around $300. It is a tack driver and can kill the things I hunt, deer, hogs, coyotes and black bear. I see no need to pay more but kudos to those that like buying nicer ones. Shoot what you like!

Posted: 2/27/2019 12:01:32 PM EDT

[#13]

License, lease, stands, food plots, gas, time, etc. and people want to scrimp on bullets and guns. Sheesh!

Posted: 3/3/2019 10:56:58 PM EDT

[#14]

Both

Most of my luck has been with old Milsurps

My cheap rifle, M38 Mosin
My expensive my 1400$ M1 Garand

Posted: 3/5/2019 12:39:51 PM EDT

[#15]

I agree that upgrading to nice Glass can potentially go further than an expensive gun. Also the less expensive guns seem to be performing very well for their respective owners. Everyone has a price range in the cost:benefit ratio that they feel comfortable with. I feel that a mid-priced rifle shows big gains in feel and finish which is well worth the price of entry. Then to fully appreciate the differences, I want to use it in the field for what it was built for.

I do not have a wealth of different rifles yet, having only recently begun to grow my collection. However I am trying to adhere to quality over quantity, however difficult that may be for me.

My hunting rifle was a gift, so the value is largely irrelevant to me, however the action is the best I have every tried. It is not really broken in much, but other "smooth" actions seem sloppy by comparison. I greatly enjoy hunting with it and try not to worry about the value because its like others mentioned, after the time and energy we spend hunting and money on land and equipment, the cost of a rifle and scope pale in comparison. Using a high quality rifle is more of an experience than an investment.

Posted: 3/12/2019 12:53:05 PM EDT

[#16]

I buy buy the best I can, so normally expensive knowing it will be used and abused. It's a tool so it should be getting used.

Posted: 3/17/2019 7:53:30 PM EDT

[#17]

My primary hunting rifle is my aero m5 build. Rifle, can and glass is pushing 4K but to me using rifles that cost that much is the only way I can justify having them, they are tools.

Posted: 3/17/2019 8:11:29 PM EDT

[#18]

Ive done both and they both do the job.

Posted: 3/17/2019 10:13:44 PM EDT

[#19]

I started with a trashed 30-30 and a side mounted Simmons scope I bought for $150. And have slowly spent more and more upgrading. Started with $50 Bushnell binos and scopes, then replaced with $100 Leupolds then 300 leupolds and so forth. Now using Swarovski binos , spotter and Leupold Mark 4 scopes. Most of my hunting guns are right at 3k without optics , some more . Not because the other stuff didnt kill animals , but because I now can afford nice things .

Posted: 4/6/2019 2:08:13 AM EDT

[#20]

My most expensive rifle/scope for deer that I've used is around $1400, the cheapest rifle/scope combo is around $800. Nothing too fancy.

Posted: 4/6/2019 4:43:12 PM EDT

[#21]

Stainless Tikka and a 3-9 SWFA. Suppose $1200.

More than I used to spend, but I'm really happy with it.

Posted: 4/6/2019 5:03:40 PM EDT

[#22]

Don't know if mine is considered expensive or not.

When I bought my M1A it cost me a months pay (E4 in 1978) at $500. Well, a month's "take home pay." That was my deer rifle from then on.

I have deer hunted with my Rem. 03A4. Not very expensive when I bought it at a pawn shop in 1978 or 79, at $125. But it's worth a pretty penny these days. I see them on the tables at gun shows for $3400 to $3800. Is that expensive?

Posted: 4/6/2019 5:15:46 PM EDT

[#23]

Fairly cheap, Rem 700 SPS in .308

Posted: 4/6/2019 6:28:45 PM EDT

[#24]

Mid tier mostly. But mostly I hunt muzzleloader, so pretty cheap there especially since no optics. Picked up a Tikki T3x modern rifle that has not yet seen the woods. Benelli pump turkey gun. I used to use a DPMS Lite Hunter AR10 with a Trijicon scope, but I've mostly moved on from that rifle.

Posted: 4/6/2019 6:50:32 PM EDT

[#25]

Do not hunt.

Posted: 4/6/2019 10:07:05 PM EDT

[#26]

I have used both. My favorite hunting rifle rifle right now is a new production M70 in 7mm mag. But I don't have anywhere that I can really take advantage of the 7mm mag now, so I ended up snagging a Sears M53 in 30-06 for about $300.

Posted: 4/7/2019 10:09:15 AM EDT

[#27]

Expense is irrelevant.

Make sure its reliable and shoots true.

Were taking lives in the process if harvesting food. We owe game the quickest most ethical kills possible.

Posted: 4/7/2019 10:11:18 AM EDT

[#28]

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Quoted:
Expense is irrelevant.

Make sure its reliable and shoots true.

Were taking lives in the process if harvesting food. We owe game the quickest most ethical kills possible.

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Indeed. These days, you can get a reliable, accurate rifle gently used for 200 dollars, easily.

Posted: 5/14/2019 6:37:04 PM EDT

[#29]

ETA:

not worth it

Posted: 5/14/2019 6:51:09 PM EDT

[#30]

Quote History

Quoted:
Firearms/hunting are an extension of me. I do not have any other hobbies. So I buy the best and use them.

https://i.imgur.com/RfTGVuy.jpg

This was a hunting trip last month. Both guns are used during deer season, for different locales. Shot a nice buck at 575 last year with the Defiance and a nice fork with the Larue tOBR. Shit the glass is more expensive than a lot of the guns in this thread. I use three different bird guns, all Beretta. Again not cheap.

Life is too short for inaccurate guns, untrained dogs, and women that don't give BJ's.

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lol that you think your flexing on the poors with a bunch of gear that looks brand new.

Posted: 5/14/2019 7:07:16 PM EDT

[#31]

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Quoted:

lol that you think your flexing on the poors with a bunch of gear that looks brand new.

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LOFL that I keep my shit clean. Sorry that your girl lost.

Posted: 5/14/2019 7:38:49 PM EDT

[#32]

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Quoted:

LOFL that I keep my shit clean. Sorry that your girl lost.

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It's easy to do if ya don't use it. People with nice glass and gear are laughing but your right its nicer then most.

Posted: 7/19/2019 9:26:53 PM EDT

[#33]

I hunt with a Winchester model 70 supergrade in AAA maple chambered in 243 Winchester with a Kahles 3-10x50.

yep. its a expensive rig. killed 6 deer in the last 2 years with it. used it rain or shine. been on atvs, it has gotten dirty, but i always take care of it.

it is a tool and it gets used.

i have always been a rifle nut/gun nut per sae.

i have had firearms not work at the moment i needed them and it really pissed me off.

I buy dependable and reliable firearms that i know when i pull the trigger they work.

at the end of the day it does not really matter, just use what works and what you like and that works for the situation and game you are hunting.

Posted: 7/25/2019 9:08:21 PM EDT

[#34]

I hunt with my 6.5 06 Ackley built by Bob Jourdan. Tack driving derr killing son of a bitch. Savage action McMillan stock and Hart barrel. I dont own a gun I wont take in the woods and bang around. My guns are tools to me

Posted: 7/26/2019 2:35:49 PM EDT

[#35]

Quote History

Quoted:
Firearms/hunting are an extension of me. I do not have any other hobbies. So I buy the best and use them.

https://i.imgur.com/RfTGVuy.jpg

This was a hunting trip last month. Both guns are used during deer season, for different locales. Shot a nice buck at 575 last year with the Defiance and a nice fork with the Larue tOBR. Shit the glass is more expensive than a lot of the guns in this thread. I use three different bird guns, all Beretta. Again not cheap.

Life is too short for inaccurate guns, untrained dogs, and women that don't give BJ's.

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@KPog
What kind of boots are those?

Posted: 8/8/2019 11:26:53 PM EDT

[#36]

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Quoted:
With glass I'd say mine are approaching $1K; so I'd say moderate

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Same with me. My A-Bolt is probably closer to $1300.

Posted: 8/10/2019 10:07:09 AM EDT

[#37]

Like Buddha, middle of the road. My rifle package that I put together came in under $1500. I think that’s a good spot for quality and durability. I’m also getting to the point where I don’t go out of my way to show use on my gear, but if it gets wear from being used, I’m ok with and proud of that. That’s the whole point in having it, right? To use it? That’s what I’m going to do. Use, but not abuse my gear.

Posted: 8/15/2019 2:13:09 PM EDT

[#38]

I started cheap, and have gone to more expensive. My first several deer were a .270 R700 ADL and Leupold VX2 from my dad. About $600. Priceless to me now.
The last several were a 6.8 SPC AR build that is about $2500 with glass. This year will probably be a 6.5 Creedmoor bolt gun that's close to $2500 with glass.
I don't worry about tearing them up, they were built to hunt with.

Posted: 8/15/2019 2:45:22 PM EDT

[#39]

Both. I don’t care. It’s a tool. Period. I don’t own anything I would not use as designed or intended.

Posted: 8/26/2019 3:03:55 PM EDT

[#40]

Remington pump in 6mm Rem gets the job done for me. I even just shoot Remington corelocks from it lol.

Posted: 8/26/2019 3:29:37 PM EDT

[#41]

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Quoted:
Remington pump in 6mm Rem gets the job done for me. I even just shoot Remington corelocks from it lol.

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You fucking disgust me.

Posted: 8/26/2019 3:57:02 PM EDT

[#42]

More on the expensive side, I like high quality stuff that I know I can depend on for my lifetime.

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Posted: 8/26/2019 9:12:40 PM EDT

[#43]

Quote History

Quoted:
More on the expensive side, I like high quality stuff that I know I can depend on for my lifetime.

https://www.AR15.Com/media/mediaFiles/277473/20180805_185826_resized_jpg-1068160.JPG

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Is that a savage?

Posted: 9/4/2019 4:30:16 PM EDT

[#44]

Quote History

Quoted:
Is that a savage?

View Quote View All Quotes

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Quote History

Quoted:

Quoted:
More on the expensive side, I like high quality stuff that I know I can depend on for my lifetime.

https://www.AR15.Com/media/mediaFiles/277473/20180805_185826_resized_jpg-1068160.JPG

Is that a savage?

I think so, I have a half of a box of 270 around and I'm pretty sure they fit in this gun.

Posted: 9/6/2019 1:56:39 PM EDT

[#45]

I've got a Savage 25-06 combo that came with a Nikon 3x9 scope and it does everything I want it to.

I keep wanting to buy a nicer hunting rifle, but I just don't need to.

Planning on buying a 7 mag here in the next few seasons so I'll go a little nicer with that one just for the sake of doing it.

Posted: 9/27/2019 7:59:53 AM EDT

[#46]

The only hunting I do with a gun nowadays is deer hunting. I use a smokeless powder stainless steel Ruger with a custom thumbhole stock, aftermarket trigger, and 1-6 Nikon scope. Not cheap but not expensive.

Posted: 11/9/2019 9:14:49 AM EDT

[#47]

I use all my guns for hunting. In fact it's something that kind of bothers me until I get something down with them.

That being said, I hunt with both. I use the caliber I think is best suited for the job and don't think much about the cost.

Most of my guns have dings, and the rest will eventually get them. Other than the ones that I get from being stupid (door slamming on it or something), it's just a blemish on a tool.

I have holes worn in cerakote, scratches from banging my gun against a ladder stand while climbing (still more pisses about spooking the deer that day), and other various knicks in wood.

Bring what you want, but do you want to look cool in your pictures or not

Posted: 11/9/2019 9:28:01 AM EDT

[#48]

Yes.

Posted: 11/9/2019 6:57:56 PM EDT

[#49]

Is it really a hunting gun if if it doesn't have some bumps an knicks?

When I was a kid of 9, I got my first new gun. A Remington 870 wing master 12ga.
to use the statement ......."like a kid at Christmas " would be an understatement.

I saved every birthday check, tooth fairy money, mowed yards for $2 a yard.
Deal was I paid half, Dad would pay the other half.
Came time to go buy, and I was disappointed. I had nowhere near half.
Dad paid for it all, because I had shown the effort.

The very first scratch I put on the buttstock ( I scraped a barbwire fence while walking a fence line).
I was devastated. I thought Dad would be mad. He wasn't, and said now it was a broken in hunting gun. Enjoy!
I still remember that incident like it was yesterday.

My go to deer rifle is a Remington 700, 243 "youth" model , synthetic stock. ( bought from pawn shop for $300).
sports $700 scope. It has been killing deer for 20+ years with me.

The flip side of that, I have several O/U shotguns that get used.
They are not cheap, and some have some bumps and bruises over the years.
I have gotten some funny looks showing up with a quality O/U to the duck blind

But, as a friend of the family said many years ago.....
"you bought it, enjoy it. Because when you are gone, someone else will".

Posted: 11/10/2019 5:48:47 AM EDT

[#50]

For open country hunting it's Dad's old Rem 700 30/06 and for woods hunting it's a sporterized SKS bought in the early '90s when they were dirt cheap.

ETA: So price wise, pretty damn cheap. But if they don't get melted down, they'll both be functional a hundred years from now.

[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Do you hunt with expensive or cheap guns? (Page 2 of 2)

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