Short range rifle

[Chas]

I think a 260 rem or 7-08 would be perfect. Also both fit a short action/short barrell real well. Matched with a variable scope in the 2-7 power range and you have the optimal setup for your needs.

 

[RedTape]

Personally I'd go with a 1873 lever action in .45 Colt

Sounds like you need a short barreled Ruger M77 International. I'm shooting one in .243 and it is a great woods rifle.

 

[44minimum]

Ruger bolt action 44 magnum, I like the idea of the cz 527 in 7.62x39 too, a handy rifle in ??? Whatever caliber you choose, stevens 340 30-30.
You can get a handy rifle for round $200 or a new Stevens 200 bolt action in different calibers for around 300, why bother building?

 

[Thorgrim]

Reading over this again....I would look at something like a .223 or a carbine shooting a .357 or .44 mag round. The 7.62x39 & 30-30 actually go through trees better than you think. A .223 to the head or neck might be best. Or you may consider buck shot. Forget slugs, too much penetration for what you want.

 

[orion]

its prolly a bad werd n here but a hipoint 9mm carbine would prolly be just fine for what you are lookin for hi point will be comin out w/ a 45 here soon but the 9mm ammo is cheaper just my thought


and before peeps get to bashin on hp remember they are a cheap american made line of guns with lifetime warranties

 

[brennan]

But you can not hunt with a 9mm.

 

[Ksmirk]

I believe after a weekends thoughts I'm going to try and sell off my Mossberg 500A parkerized since I've never shot it in the year I've had it and pick up a Steven 200 in 223, cut it down to 20" might put a straight 4X on it, a B&C stock and if I can't get the trigger good just purchase a SSS trigger I know they are good and have me a nice little rig that the 9 yr. old can get her first deer this year ;-) that would stoke me more than me getting a monster buck!

Why build? I don't like factory rifles, I'm too picky!

I looked at some of the Handi-rifles and they just didn't do it for me for some reason, maybe fthe fact that another $50 bucks I could have a bolt gun that I could make it to fit me like I want. Nothing wrong with them just personal preference I guess.

I think going with a 223 and since I load I can get me a bullet/powder combination that will shoot well enough to add that confidence to take those neck shots, heck the 223 and 243 I have now I know if I put the X on it and squeeze the trigger the bullet IS going to hit wherever the X was when it goes BOOM.

Fella's again thanks for your imput now the trick is to get the Mossy sold off and find a Stevens in 223 I looked this weekend when I was in MacAlister and didn't find a single one! Later,

Kirk

 

[Dr. Tad Hussein Winslow]

I posted a long reply but it got erased when I tried to submit it - connection problems.

Bottom line, I think the .223 rem is an excellent plan for reasons I'll mention later. I think it will work great for both vitals and neck shots with something like a 64 gr powerpoint or similar, and be in fact superior to a .22-250 (which uses a long twist and light bullets).

Fine fine plan, IMO, in your situation, both cartridge and rifle (Stephens 200). Good luck and report back with deer pics please!

 

[Ksmirk]

I have shot many deer with a 22-250 and 55gr. Sierra Gameking bullets and a few with the 223 and same bullet, I like the idea of the Stevens and 1-9 twist barrel same as my Savage so I know I could shoot up to the 75gr. pills and be ok. I'm loading some of the 55gr. GK bullets for a friends 250 right now. I think the little 223 is a very underestimated hunting rifle it all boils down to can you get the bullet in the right place.

Has anyone seen any of the Stevens 200's in 223 around town? I promise this will be the last rifle for a littlewhile! do AI mags and mag conversions count against rifle purchases? if not then I'm golden! well as long as the girlfriend doesn't find out that is Later,

Kirk

 

[ignerntbend]

The ideas expressed in this thread concerning over penetration are legitimate concerns. Avoid the .680 Rip Snorter. It could circumnavigate the globe and smack you in the ass.