[bgeddes]

While I know a few folks that hunt Whitetails with a .243, and given proper shot placement and correct ammo, it makes a great deer round. I would suggest upping your selection to a .270, .30-06, or .308. If you are new to deer, it might make a difference, it might not. You'll have many selections in these calibers, and you could consider used to open up an unreal amount of choices.

It's your deal, and I'm not trying to tell you a .243 is not going to produce game, just some other stuff to ponder. For the record, a 20ga is not to bad of a deer gun at close ranges.

[stalkingbear]

PLEASE do yourself a HUGE favor and stay away from Remington model 770. All it is is a revamped version of the model 710. I've seen too many bad 1s to even THINK about recommending them.

If I was you I'd go with something like the Marlin model XS-7 (1st choice), or the Stevens model 200. Both can be had for around 300$ or less. Then allow an extra 175$ for a Nikon Prostaff 3x-9x-40mm and set of rings. The Marlin comes with bases included.

For the record either the .243 or the 7mm08 (my choice) will both kill any whitetail that ever walked the earth and both are very easy on your shoulder. With you just starting out you don't need something like a 30-06 that MAY induce recoil related shooting mistakes such as flinching.

Originally Posted by Poink88

or this..

Remington 770 SPT BOLT 243 W/SCOPE fo...n Shop $301.00

[cpttango30]

I am not a big 243 white tail fan. Me I would go with the Stevens 200 in 25-06. The quater bore is a very over looked portion of cartridges. Oh and I would avoid that Remington 770 like it had 4 different STD's and the plague dripping off of it. I have looked them and the fit and finish is crap. They also are not as smooth as either the savage or the Howa/ Wearthby Vanguard......

Then look at spending about $200 for glass and $75 on mounts and rings.

GunsAmerica - STEVENS M-200 25-06 - Stevens Rifles - Guns For Sale & Gun Auctions B"H

Nikon 4-12x40mm ProStaff Matte Riflescopes 6324 / 6325 FREE S&H 6324, 6325. Nikon Riflescopes.

Burris 2-Piece Trumount Standard Scope Base Savage 10 Through 16, 110 Through 116 Round Rear Matte - MidwayUSA

Burris 1" Standard Rings Matte Medium - MidwayUSA