It's getting to be Christmas time, and I want me a new rifle. I was looking into a gun for big game (deer) and was wondering if anyone has any advice. The only rifle I've ever hunted with was a Marlin .30/30, and it's been a dream. Anyway, thanks!

It's tough to beat a Remington Mdl. 700. Rock solid reliability, outstanding accuracy, and quality that will last for generations.

What is your price range????

Less than $500, generally cheap.

I like remington model 700. They should be under $500 if you go with a ADL in wood or Syn.

Another option you might want to check out is the Mossberg ATR.

http://www.mossberg.com/products/default.a...ection=products

With or without scope?

Scope doesn't matter, I have a few...

I've got numerous rifle combo's of various calibers and brands.

As you'll read over and over alot depends on where you'll be hunting and what for.

I'm sure you've noticed if you look much that the prices have really shot up the last few years.

The 700's are great, but the CDL and BDL are getting kinda nuts in price. The ADL's will shoot well, but are heavy and just don't look that great (my opinion).

Haven't scene any new prices on the new Model 70, but I'm guessing that will be 600-800.00?

Savage makes a very accurate rifle, still a little heavy and still not the prettiest out there. But they are reasonably priced.

I own several Rugers as well and while I do not own the new Hawkeye they can be found for under 500.00 and they've improved the triggers on them, which was a weak point of the old models. I guess if I were in the market for something reasonable I'd look at them first.

Always the option of a used one as well?

Out of all the deer rifles I have the one I grab the most often is my Remington Model 7 (Stainless/Synthetic) in 7mm-08 with a Leupold 2-7 on top. I've probably taken a 8-10 deer with it from 50-350 yards. With scope it's not much over 7lbs.

Wow have they ever gone up! I have not looked for a few years.

When I bought my last rifle I was looking at the Win model 70, Ruger, Browning A bolt.
I liked all of them but after looking at these on gunbroker.com they have all gone up to $500+.

For me it came down to the Ruger and the Browning. I ended up buying the Browning, I loved how it felt in my hands and the trigger had a nice feel. Barrel was floated from the factory, 3lb trigger and last I got a good deal on gun, scope, case and bipod.

Once I started shooting it I was actually disapointed in actrecy but with the right ammo that came in great.

I have had this rifle for 5 years now and still love it.

Another rifle to look at is the Tikka T3. I bought one a few years back in 22-250 for varmint hunting. Very accurate gun and it won't break the bank.

Didn't even think of the Tikka's. Would agree they're not a bad gun at all for the price. My step-father bought a 7mm mag a few years ago and he's been happy with it.

Only gripe would be the detachable magazine. The magazine isn't so bad, but an extra or a replacement is nuts (80.00 or probably more now) for a plastic piece. He bought the rifle, stainless/sythetic for not much over 400.00 and it's nuts to even think the magazine is almost 20% of the guns price.

Remington SPS in Black Synthetic in 7mm 08, great deer gun. Light, little recoil, and very hard hitting. Should be able to buy about $500.00.

Just going off the sites MSRP, I haven't talked to any dealers, I think my three best options are the Mossberg ATL, $400, the Remington 700, $600, and the Savage FFL or something like that, $500.

I'm leaning towards the Mossberg, I have one of their scatter guns and I really like it...anyway is the Mossberg any good??

You can get the Savage for @ 450$$ with the scope ready to shoot at BPS right now....
I bought mine back in August for 5 -- Very nice rifle -accurate light and lil recoil in .270
They weigh @ 6.5 pounds

I bought a savage in 270wsm a couple of years ago and it is by far my favorite rifle. Cheap, great trigger and very accurate right out of the box.

Best bargan for the money is one of the Savage packages.

Since you have been using a lever action for a long time perhaps you would like to stay with one but get a gun with a better caliber. Take a look at the Browning. You could get it in calibers up to 308 the last time I looked. Familier action, Browning quality, and pointed bullets.