[25-5]

Originally Posted by sputnik1988

I'm sure that this has been beaten to death, but the search feature yielded no results.

A friend of mine wants a good 243 bolt gun for deer, he's says he doesn't need 'all the bells and whistles' and won't take a shot over 150 yrds, he just wants quality.

He also prefers a wood stock but will settle for synthetic and wants to keep it at around $400 with a decent scope, suggestions?

Thanks.

I have a Ruger M77 RSI. Just tried to look it up and can,t find it. The .243 has an 18" barrel and a Manlicher stock, Like Rugers Internationl, but holds 4 rnds. It is quick to the shoulder and eye. Great for the woods of TN. The caliber is a deer slayer, 150+ yds no prob. Not for WY. Have a look at Ruger Sporter or American. Cabela's Gun Library for used.

[Cheeseman]

I love my Rem 700 BDL LH in .243WCF

[zaitsev44]

I got a Remington Model Seven .243Win, and it packs a punch for the caliber. She's brought down 3 deer with 3 shots.

[ChicagoJoe]

"Buy used, young man!" Or was that go west? In any event, your friend would be better served buying a higher quality rifle used than a new one at that price point. If he is not set on hunting this season, he will get a better price after deer season is over. He should avoid Remingtons manufactured after The Freedom Group bought them and started consolidating manufacturing with other brands. If he insists on new, he could pick up a Weatherby Vanguard for cheap. Since the Vanguard S2s came out, the prices for the old models dropped like a stone.

[gunback]

I have 2 243s a custom built Mauser and a marlin. I have killed deer out to 400yds with the Mauser and hand loads I load. I just got the marlin and have not got it out yet.

[gunback]

My mistake my second 243 is a mossberg 800b

[Old_Crow]

I have killed a truck load of deer with a 22LR but that doesn't make it the best deer rifle. I would look for something that is going to create a decent blood trail, like a 308 or larger.

[JTJ]

$400 for a quality wood stocked 243 with decent glass is maybe used. You might come close with one of the synthetic stocked new economy rifles. Figure at least $300-$350 for the rifle and another $200 for the scope and rings. Dont forget taxes and fees depending on where you live. The quality, features and accuracy of the new entry level rifles is amazing.

[Old_Crow]

Originally Posted by JTJ

$400 for a quality wood stocked 243 with decent glass is maybe used. You might come close with one of the synthetic stocked new economy rifles. Figure at least $300-$350 for the rifle and another $200 for the scope and rings. Dont forget taxes and fees depending on where you live. The quality, features and accuracy of the new entry level rifles is amazing.

I have to agree with JTJ. A friend bought a savage axis with a POS centerpoint scope. We ran out of room before we were out of range on a golf ball. Due to grass and terrain quite often I only could only see a small portion of the golf ball. I would guess the shooting area was at least 200 yards long.

[huffmanite]

I'm not big on the .243 win for deer hunting, but lots of folks use it. However, I do agree with those recommending a Marlin X7 rifle. Own a couple of these Marlin bolt action rifles, one a 25-06 and other a .308 varmit heavy barrel. Own a few other entry type brand rifles and consider the Marlins a better over-all entry type rifle and more than accurate enough. Ruger American might be worth a look. Its fairly new. I've tried to monitor owner comments about it on this and other popular gun forums. General consensus of its owners is on positive side, considering it is in category of an entry level rifle.