Right-wing gun whackadoos, need yer help

[Seamus]

I'm not a gun owner -- haven't been since me childhood -- but am thinking about it now.

I live in Cali, and they have a restriction (10-round) on magazines. Have always been interested in the M-16, so I am considering the AR-15. Primarily for target practice.

I realize it isn't much of a hunting rifle, should I decide to do that. If I did get into hunting, what would you recommend?

I haven't fully decided to do this, but I figure something this serious needs a fair amount of input and research.

Thanks for your input.

[Turd_Ferguson]

what's wrong with a .223 for hunting

[1890MilesToNorman]

We need info on rifles and wood blinds! Kin ya hep?

[Seamus]

what's wrong with a .223 for hunting

.223 is the caliber for an AR-15, yes? Tell me more -- if an AR-15 is a reasonable hunting rifle, etc.

[Turd_Ferguson]

.223 is the caliber for an AR-15, yes? Tell me more -- if an AR-15 is a reasonable hunting rifle, etc.

Depends on what your hunt'n.

[olevetonahill]

Sorry I cant help you
Ima Flying Dickwheel

[Okla-homey]

You can hunt deer and smaller animals with .223.

I wouldn't however. But that's just me.

I prefer 180 grain .30-06 for deer in open country. There are any number of good bolt-action rifles you can pick-up used at gun shows and what not for around $500.00.

Plan on spending around $350.00 for a decent optics package for same.

When I hunted in the SE US in dense foliage where most of the shots were under 30 yds, I used my good old Winchester Model 94 firing 30-30 over iron sights. Not so effective west of the Mississippi. Your mileage may vary.

[SoonerBorn68]

you can get an AR-15 chambered in .308 if you're worried about the .223 not having enough punch.

[MojoRisen]

Any long Winchesters still out there, buffalo bill style? You would have to duck if you were firing from the top of the bluff!

[Tulsa_Fireman]

Buy a shotgun instead.

[Boomer Mooner]

Buy a camera.

[SoonerBorn68]

Buy a shotgun with a camera on it, chambered in .308.

[Seamus]

Shotgun, meh. Not so much for target practice.

Okla-homey, excellent insight. Thanks. Any manufacturers you recommend for/against?

Thanks to all, btw.

[captain_surly]

Homey's advice is spot on. The 30-06 Springfield is the most versatile caliber available for hunting in North America. I wouldn't reccommend it for Elk, Moose, Grizzly or Polar Bears but all have been killed using it.

The Remington Model 700 and Ruger M77 Hawkeye are a couple of reliable bolt action rifles available in that caliber at reasonable prices.

For plinking at the range or home defense the AR 15 is a better choice IMHO. But putting a 10 round clip in an AR 15 is like putting a four cylinder engine in a Corvette.

[Okla-homey]

Homey's advice is spot on. The 30-06 Springfield is the most versatile caliber available for hunting in North America. I wouldn't reccommend it for Elk, Moose, Grizzly or Polar Bears but all have been killed using it.

The Remington Model 700 and Ruger M77 Hawkeye are a couple of reliable bolt action rifles available in that caliber at reasonable prices.

For plinking at the range or home defense the AR 15 is a better choice IMHO. But putting a 10 round clip in an AR 15 is like putting a four cylinder engine in a Corvette.

FWIW, I own a Browning A-bolt in 30-06. It is a veritable tack-driver. I equipped it with a Leupold VXII 3-9x40 scope. I am fond of 30-06 because you can find and buy it virtually anywhere that sells ammo, from a gas station in Alaska to a Wal-mart in Puerto Rico. Not so the more "boutique" calibers.

[Curly Bill]

For a superior bolt action rifle at a very competitive price I'm fond of the Tikka T3 line of rifles. They can be had in .270, 30-06, .308 & many of the other hunting calibers.

[Boomer Mooner]

If you like the scary black rifles but you still want the option to be able to hunt most big game animals with, the AR-10 is chambered in .308.

Then you could mount your camera to it.

[LosAngelesSooner]

You can hunt deer and smaller animals with .223.

I wouldn't however. But that's just me.

I prefer 180 grain .30-06 for deer in open country. There are any number of good bolt-action rifles you can pick-up used at gun shows and what not for around $500.00.

Plan on spending around $350.00 for a decent optics package for same.

When I hunted in the SE US in dense foliage where most of the shots were under 30 yds, I used my good old Winchester Model 94 firing 30-30 over iron sights. Not so effective west of the Mississippi. Your mileage may vary.

^^^ THIS

Couldn't agree more with everything in this post.

[Curly Bill]

Where I hunting deer with a .30-06 in open country I'd use a 150 grain bullet. More velocity & flatter shooting than a 180 grain bullet, and more than enough bullet for deer.

[LosAngelesSooner]

I've killed more deer with my Model 94 Winchester 30-30 using iron sights than any other gun I own.