CA Hunting rifles

I really need some help and advice.
Here it goes: so just recently completed my Hunters Ed. Online course. Before I go and purchase a license, I need the help of this community to help recommend a nice, budget friendly rifle/AR for big game. Looking for a budget of 1,200 or under. Thank you! You guys are the best!

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What game, deer, elk, bear?

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You state AR, which in normally chambered in 223 or 556. Be sure to check regulations as they are not allowed in that caliber for some taking. I think I read they are not eligible for deer, and would imagine that applies to Elk as well. Would not want to try and stop a mad bear that is charging with either one.

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The State you hunt in and the game you’re targeting are the big factors. I started with a bolt action 30-06 but in some states like Ohio you have to use straight walled cartridge, 45/70 for example.

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Mainly deer. I never hunted before and beginning a new hobby of it.

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My local gun store said that it is legal for AR use for hunting, I just don’t know the calibers just yet. Still doing more research in my state (California). I’m mainly just looking for deer to start with.

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Thanks! I’ll look into that for sure

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I use a Remington 700, 30-06 for pronghorn deer and elk.

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You want a bolt action rifle in the .30cal range, .20cal-anything are varmint rounds.

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  1. Decide what you want to hunt.
  2. Identify the organizations dedicated to hunting what you want to hunt.
  3. Use YouTube to develop perspective and expand your basic knowledge.
  4. Identity retailers and organizations supporting your preferred hunting goals.
  5. Talk to gun store staff and hunters.
  6. Identify ranges with a good range of rental rifles.
  7. Shoot a variety of rifles so you can relate to comments and reviews about them.
  8. At this point join an organization supportive of your hunting preferences.
  9. Develop an understanding of the things you will need to purchase beyond the rifle itself.
  10. Prepare a budget and stick to it.
  11. Be safe. Have fun. Kerp learning.
  12. Did you think doing it right would be easy?
  13. Have fun.
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I love this response by far, THANK YOU

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I have hunted for years with a bolt action 30-06 or a 308 reasons good for most big game and allowed in most states. But @Larry130 points are a great list of steps to be sure.

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Welcome to the community, Scott455, we’re glad that you’re here and hope that you enjoy it.

Take care & be well

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Also see… :deer:

Latest Hunting topics - USCCA Community (usconcealedcarry.com)

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I have had a lot of different calibers, but like the 308 for all around hunting current mod Ruger 77 compact That,s what my brother shoots elk with.

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You are right on point,to do anything hobby / interest takes time and money.

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I’m a small bore guy. Deer I use 22-250 or 243, Elk Moose 270 or 30-06, Bear Probably if I’m feeling brave and stick with the 270 or 30-06.

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Remember that lead is verboten for hunting in CA, so you’ll probably want a rifle with a twist that will stabilize lighter weight (copper seems to be the norm) projectiles if you want precision accuracy.

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Not AR platform.
Not asking you to drive to Nor-Cal if you’re in So-Cal.
But sharing to give you an idea, see S&W 1854 and Tikka.

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Been a hunter for over 40 years with more game under my belt than many others. Just about any “budget friendly” rifle made today is capable of exceptional accuracy out of the box. And quite frankly just about any round from .223 to .338 Win Mag will be usable on most NA game IF you use the correct bullet AND put it in the right place.

Sooooooo, buy a lot of ammo and practice, practice, practice. It’s shameful how many new hunters go afield with a new rig after shooting 1/2 box of ammo off a bench. After you sight in your gun practice shooting from field positions and learn YOUR limitations.

Optics!!! Spend as much or MORE on your scope as you do on your gun or you will end up spending money twice.

Drop the AR idea because a good bolt action gun will be a much better choice for hunting under any circumstances I have ever faced. If you do you job well you will only need ONE shot, MAYBE two. I have never had to fire more than two round in a hunting situation and that was once in my life. I don’t take bad shots, that’s the mark of a rookie.

There’s probably a couple of dozen hunting bolt action rifles in my safes today. Some of them pretty specialized guns. But, if I was going out for my first hunting gun today I’d get a Ruger American in 7mm-08 (my favorite all around medium game round) or .308 (my second favorite and widely available) and top it off with a nice Vortex scope. Ignore the Crossfire line and go straight to the Diamondback line with the 3.5-10x50 as a good all around entry level option that will allow you to grow as a shooter. This combo should be in the slightly over $1,000 mark new. If you can stretch the budget jump to the Viper 2-10x40, an outstanding optic!!!

That’s a nice high quality entry level rig that will do for just about anything your likely to hunt in this continent.

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