My go to hunting rifle for big game is my Browning X-Bolt Hells Canyon chambered in 7 mm Magnum.
I’d go with a bolt action over a semi-auto for better long range accuracy in all weather conditions.
If you mainly want to hunt deer, I would recommend less than 30 caliber. There’s plenty of good options like .270, 7 mm Mag, .284 Win, .28 Nosler, etc.
The main reason is less meat wasted on the exit wound, typically the shoulder, when using .30 calibers. All the calibers I mentioned are great for long range but even for close range. I was successful from 30 yards to 360 yards with the 7mm and they dropped instantly.
Next will be your scope. I have a Sign Sauer that my wife bought me for Christmas. But price wise, I would go with Vortex. They make excellent scopes for a decent price.
You are most welcome. Just passing on what some amazing mentors have shared with me over the years and the benefit of a thing or two I’ve learned on my own.
I hope you have great success! Few things in life are more fulfilling than consuming and serving your family healthy game you hunted yourself!
One last thing I forgot to mention. Scope mounting! I HATE excessive weight in a hunting rifle, another reason to pass on the AR platform. My ideal weight for a hunting rifle is under 8lbs and and I have several in the sub 7 and one in sub 6 range.
Hunting can be an exhausting endeavor, there is little need to make it worse by carrying unneeded lbs.
For rings/bases I’m a huge fan of aluminum DNZ and Talley one piece mounts. They are strong as brick outhouses, weigh only ounces and I now have them on EVERY hunting rifle I own.
Oh and slings. I hate standard leather “hunting” slings. Tough or nearly impossible to adjust quickly if needed, and when they get wet they are a mess that requires remediation later.
All my slings at this point are Viking Tactical (VTAC) padded adjustable slings on quick detach swivels so I can take them off at the range or in a tree stand, switch them around for muzzle up or down carry, or move them from one gun to another to save money because good slings are not cheap.
They adjust to any size with one hand in a second, are totally weatherproof and weigh next to nothing. I also have several for my ARs.
After some time of bragging to my parents and family about my success with my Hunters Ed. Certificate along with my excitement of getting the license to get out in the woods…. My father owns a rifle and a shotgun that he considers his most valuable possession. He did some thinking and since he only keeps his guns for display purposes. He has passed them down to me for me to have use of them. I don’t have a picture of them at this time but here is the rifle he gave me to give you an idea. Remington 783 / as for the shotgun I haven’t gotten a chance to take a closer look but I found this that looks similar. It’s old fashioned with wood.
What choke does your shotgun have?
Lead isn’t allowed in CA, so you’ll probably be shooting steel(?) or very expensive Bismuth shot.
Check to see if your barrel can safely handle steel shot—most pump actiions can but steel will do very nasty things launched out of a full choke barrel.
Stay safe!
Really good question @JLC , I’m not exactly sure. My father gave me the rifle as is. I’ll take a closer look and I’ll @ you once I find out. But personally when I look through it, its pretty good scope and clear to see through.
Really great questions. I’m not in the realm of long arms to be very honest with you @Robert1246 and @John292 . Based on the ammo my father left me it’s a .30cal from what I can see from the box he left me. As for the shotgun I’ll be digging more into it. I’ll be taking it to an arms dealer for inspection and to educate me in these guns. I also gotta buy a cleaning kit and all as this is new to me.
Thanks everyone for the support and help you have given me. As for the ammo this is what I got for you. (This is what my dad gave me of ammo that was left at least)
I put a 9mm hollow point as visual for the rifle round.
And @John292 this is what my father left me for shells. He gave me loose shells, no box so I couldn’t tell you the specifics. But maybe you know just by looking at it.
The 12 gauge shell (red) is a birdshot round 1ounce of #8 shot, a light load for bird and rabbit and squirrel. The 2 3/4" chamber is the most common. J.C. Higgins Model 20. 12ga. I’m thinking.
The rifle shell is a 30-06 Full Metal Jacket usually used for target or military application. The 30-06 is arguably (my choice) the best all-around caliber for taking any large game in North America.
A magnet will tell you if the shot is steel. In this case, it’s lead and will be useful for familiarization, shooting clay targets and possibly HD–not for hunting in CA unless you want a citation and a stiff fine.
…… enjoy 
You have a bit of a lifetime of catching up to do.
