Hi everyone,
I'm new to this forum, and to shooting generally. I presently own compound bow, but have not hunted with it yet!
What I would like to ask is your advice/oppinions on two models of Remington rifles that I am considering buying.
I want a rifle that will deal with bear, deer and moose, and was told to look at both the Remington 7400 semi-automatic...30.06, and the 7600 pump-action...30.06. both look like very good rifles, but I know nothing about them, :confused: and would greatly appreciate your views!
Thanks in advance,
Eastman.

Eastman,
Good choice in the 30-06 for what you want to use it for. Both rifles you list have good reputations. The 7400 has a line of little brothers in the 740 & 742, and a friend of mine loves his 742. You don't say if you've had previous shooting experience.....I tend to steer new shooters away from semi-autos, but that's just me. If you're a new shooter, I'd steer you towards the 7600.

Welcome, and good hunting.

The .30-06 is the perfect choice for what you say you want to kill. Don't let anyone tell you anything different. I would get the 7600. (Actually I'd get a Model 70, but you said 7400 and 7600 are your choices). Buyer beware though, I hear the 7600 in that caliber is a real hard kicker.

If your wanting quick follow up shots and bear and moose are in the picture, the Browning BLR in .358 Win is a great choice as well.

I inherited a 7400, but would prefer a 7600. THe auto is finicky about the loads that can be run thru it. Light magnum/high energy loads or hot handloads are verboten as the excess gas pressure can batter the rifle too hard.

The 7600 is very fast for a follow up shot. 30-06 is dandy, but this year Remington is offering the 7600 in 35 Whelen. That rifle's on my short list after I win the next lottery.

God luck!

I try to leave the pumps and semi autos to the shotgunners and .22 shooters. I'd go with a good lever action, like the Blr, marlin or find an old 99 savage that can take the punishment. You'd still have to go a long ways to beat a bolt action for dependability, accuracy and strength tho. I'd hate to try to put my 35 Whelen load thru an autoloader or a pump, let alone my 06 or 7 mag loads. :eek:

After all I am the recoil junky :D

I try to leave the pumps and semi autos to the shotgunners and .22 shooters. I'd go with a good lever action, like the Blr, marlin or find an old 99 savage that can take the punishment. You'd still have to go a long ways to beat a bolt action for dependability, accuracy and strength tho. I'd hate to try to put my 35 Whelen load thru an autoloader or a pump, let alone my 06 or 7 mag loads. :eek:

After all I am the recoil junky :D


Can't argue with the BLR. It's the best of a bolt and lever. But is more expensive and I believe the barrel lengths are 22' or less.

Thanks for you oppinions guys. Firstly, let me say that I have no experience with rifles. I have done the relevant firearms/hunter course, and I'm now interested in buying and learning to use a rifle, with a view to hunting next year...probably deer/moose and bear. The two rifles I mentuioned in my post were recomended by a friend, who has the 7400, and loves it. But he did say that I might like to consider the 7600 pump action, because he had experienced a problem with the ejection of the cases on a couple of occasions, and thought the 7600 pump may be a little more reliable? I am open to suggestions on any model/type, and value greatly your views and comments! I moved to Canada this year from England, and all this is new to me.
I bought the compound bow with the intention of hunting, and will probably give it a go. I am getting better each week... with loads of practice! But I aren't getting any younger (59 ) and think I will probably do better with a rifle. There are deer around where I live, and I would like to have a go at them next season...meat for the freezer! There has been a bear hanging around the property also, so will have to keep an eye out!
I Had a read about the BLR marlin, and it sounds like a very good rifle. I could get on with a lever action, or any quick reloader! Just want to try and get it right for the job intended.
I realize everyone will have their favourites, so I will settle for a rifle that is generally accepted as more than adequate for what I need it for. i.e. deer,moose...and ?bear! I'm not a big guy at 5ft 6inches, and around 160 lb. My friend said his 7400 is easy on the recoil, but one of you mentioned that the 7600 can be a bit harsh??
Anyway, many thanks for your help with this, it is greatly appreciated.
Eastman.

Remington's 7400 and 7600 share many of the same parts. A very smart inventory and manufacturing decision. Their "parents" also shared many parts. The top brass at Remington are very good production managers.

The 740 auto-loader had many problems which were adressed early on, the 742 was the answer. For many years, Remington's 742 was produced with almost no changes. A very good rifle inded. I had one for a time. But I traded it off for a Browning BAR because I liked the stock better. Dumb but true. The Browning was heavier and did not balance the same.

Remington introduced their versatile 280 cartridge in the 742. It was supposed to set the world aglow. But the shooting press yawned with boredom. For some unknown reason, Winchester's .270 could not be chambered in the 742. But I think it had something to do with chamber pressures.

In the early 1980's, Remington improved the 742 and increased the size of the locking lugs to handle the .270 cartridge. The new and improved model was named 7400 and it continues in production to this day.

Remington's 760 was introduced in the mid 1950's. Easily one of the best selling Remingtons of all time. You'll usually find one on the used rack in 30-06 although this is just one of many cartridges chambered in the 760. These are very accurate rifles and extremely fast to operate. I love 'em! I do not not like the awkward clip insertion but that the way they're made.

The 7600 has the same improvements as 7400. The higher comb stock design makes use of iron sights less-than-ideal. But Remington knows most hunters will mount a scope and this is the reason for the comb style.

This year, 7600 is available in .243, 25-06, 270, 7mm-08, .308, 30-06, 35 Remington, and 35 Whelan. Hunter have never had a wider choice!
TR

Hi again you guys,
Thanks for your oppinions on the rifles. It is a hard decision, but It looks to be between the Rem 7600, and the Browning BLR Marlin. But I'm still not certain! I would like to hear more about them, and possibly a few more !!
I repeat, I want something to deal with deer, moose and possibly bear! I like the idea of a quick reload but, then again, I do tend to go for accuracy! I suppose I am looking for the best of both worlds eh? Maybe that sways me towards the BLR! Is it true that the bolt-actions are the most accurate?? Sorry if this is boring to you experienced shooters, but I am trying to get to know as much as possible before parting with my money!
Eastman.

Have you looked at the guns in person? Put them to your shoulder and cycled them?

That's an important test and will be very personal as to which one feels best.

Both actions are smooth and quick.

Here's an older thread comparing the 7600 to the BLR.



http://shootersforum.com/showthread.htm?t=24098

Thanks for the older thread re the two rifles Leverite. It provided a lot of varied comment and oppinion on the rifles.
I feel that either one would be fine, but I am slowly moving towards the BLR!! But I'm not sure what caliber :confused: Can't make up my mind between .358, and the 30.06!! Both are given excellent reviews! I am fortunate to be able to buy a NEW rifle, and wanted to get as much info as possible from people who know. With all that I have read, it would appear that either the 7600 30.06, or the BLR .358, or 30.06 would do what I want. i.e. take down deer, moose or ?bear. I must add that most of my hunting (when I get started) will be in the bush!
Then there's the whelan!!! What a choice!! :rolleyes:
Eastman

Eastman,

Although the 358 WIn could take a moose, I don't think I'd recommend that cartridge against such a tough and mean animal that can extract revenge for a poorly placed shot back on your body.

The 358 Win is the good old 308 necked up for the 358 (9mm) bullet.

I'm sure many will write that they've done it w/ a 358 or even a 30-30, and I respect that, but I'd want more cartridge. To me the 30-06 is at the low end of mooseability.

The 35 Whelen is ideal.

Have you hefted any of the rifles you are looing at?

and ain't this great fun?!

Hi again Leverite,
Yeah, this is great fun!! :) So you would go for the 30.06, or the whelan?? Would that be with a Rem 7600, or the BLR? I have been chatting with a mate of mine on another forum, and he says not to forget the bolt-actions! He favours one of these in 30.06. He says they are very dependable, and very, very accurate! And he says they are simple to clean...remove the bolt, clean, and put back! I like the look of the bolts, but are they a quick enough follow-up shot? If I get into a "situation" I want to be able to get off a second shot in time!! Mind you, I am a bit of a believer in the old Indian saying....."One shot...killed! Two...maybe! Three....you missed!! ;)
What would you go for in my position?? Moose will be a possibility, but I suppose deer will be the main quarry. Bear just might be a problem along the way!!
It's all new to me, and safety has to come into it...my safety! If I feel I will stop whatever I hit, then I will be happy!! I know that means accuracy, and I am confident that I will be on the mark, but I need to be confident in my weapon doing the job, without going too much OTT.
Eastman.

Well...there's not a fatally bad choice. One of the gun mags did a study a few years ago about accurate follow up shots and determined by testing that the pump action was the most reliably accurate and fast...but that's a matter of fractions of a second.

There's alot of good bolt actions in 30-06 or 35 whelen to chose from and it's largely personal preference which is "the best".

SInce you keep mentioning moose hunting, I'd be inclined to go with the 35 whelen either in the 7600 pump or a bolt action. You can find the 7600's for about $530, which is a decent price compared to some of the bolt actions or the BLR.

http://www.gricewholesale.com/specials_7600.php

I'd like to hear some moose hunters chime in to this thread as to what rifle/caliber they'd use. I'm not a moose hunter, but do hunt elk. The 30-06 is just dandy for elk, but I pine for the 35 whelen or a 350 Rem mag.

If one has never hunted with a 358 win, mediocre opinions will register. I have hunted with a Savage 99 in that caliber and it was the best black bear killer I ever used. Now if you are on the small side, the 358 has a mild recoil. Yet it will do what the 350 or 35 whelen will do out to 200 yds. Those of us who have used this caliber have only praise for it. Only one problem has to do with reloading. It can't handle longer bullets like the 250 grainers and you need a skilled reloader to tweek the cartridge to your gun. Factory loads are nonexistent. Really a **** shame!

If one has never hunted with a 358 win, mediocre opinions will register. I have hunted with a Savage 99 in that caliber and it was the best black bear killer I ever used. Now if you are on the small side, the 358 has a mild recoil. Yet it will do what the 350 or 35 whelen will do out to 200 yds. Those of us who have used this caliber have only praise for it. Only one problem has to do with reloading. It can't handle longer bullets like the 250 grainers and you need a skilled reloader to tweek the cartridge to your gun. Factory loads are nonexistent. Really a **** shame!


would you go after big moose w/ the 358?

Anyone know anything about the Ruger M 77 MK11, .338 ?? I have just been offered a new one with Bushnell elite 3x9, 3200 scope with rainguard, and loads of ammo!! What's it worth? And how good??

Hi Again,
Anyone familiar with the Ruger M77, MK11 .338 ? Just been offered one with Bushnell scope 3x9 2300, and loads of ammo. New rubberized stock to ease recoil. How good, and how much??? NEW!!
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b253/grizzled47/RugerM77MKII.jpg

Sorry, that was posted twice...getting tired!!
Eastman

Synthetic stocks don't really do that much to reduce recoil, in fact, I think it makes it worse sometimes, synthteics are usually lighter, therefore there is less mass too absorb the recoil, on something ligheter like a 243 or 7mm-08 it isn't an issue to me, start getting heavier load than that, I like to move to a heavier gun (your milage may vary) If you want a really nice gun, look at the winchester model 70 or savage 114 classic, you won't be disappointed

Well, I've certainly had a good response to my first post on this forum, and I want to thank each and everyone who responded!
I am now down to just two rifles, and would appreciate a little bit more help in deciding. I will almost certainly be buying either the BLR .358, or the Ruger M77 MK11 .338. I have been told that the Ruger is a top rifle and, although a little bit of an overkill for deer in .338, it can be used with something else for them (deer) but is perfect for moose etc.
I have also been told that the recoil of the .338 is a bit harsh...any comments/advice on that score??
The rifle I have been offered has a new Houge rubberized stock, that was put on as a recoil reduction measure ..see pic.....comments please. The guy who bought, and set up the rifle, sadly passed away before he could hunt with it, and he was a very experienced hunter who knew his guns. He put approx 15 rounds through it whilst sighting in, and it hasn't been fired other than that.
The BLR .358 seems to be accepted as a very good rifle, and i'm told the recoil is quite mild! I'm also told that it can be used for varmint with different cartidges...is that true?? Would it be possible to use the Ruger for varmint??
Please tell me all you know /think about these two rifles, and I will make a final decision. The Ruger, with scope, custom stock and all ammo comes for $900 CND.
Thanks again in advance, and sorry for all the questions.
Eastman

Eastman,
I guess if I was mainly after deer, I'd opt for the 358 and I would still be comfortable using it on moose, etc, if you're concerned about recoil. I don't have a 358 Win, but always wanted one (hmmm, maybe a M48 Mauser project for the future).

I do have 338 Win Mag in the Browning A-bolt and I love it. And I have used it on deer quite a few times, more on elk. Use the right bullet and you get very little bloodshot. The recoil is stout with 250's, but I'm wondering if you've heard horror stories about the recoil with respect to the old Ruger stocks. You know the ones, the refashioned conoe paddle?!! I have heard that they didn't do any good at helping absorb recoil and maybe the Hogue would help that a bit. Good luck...but I don't think you can go wrong with either choice.

unless your varmints weigh about 400 pounds, the 338 is WAAAAAAAAAY overkill for varmints. I am not sure what the conversion rate USD to CDN, but in US Dollars i would say probably 400 to 650 would be a good price

I'll add a factoid to the discussion.

with the 358 you can load .357 revolver bullets for cheap plinking.

The 338 is an awesome package and this could be a good deal for you.

jb, When I mentioned using the Ruger for Varmint, I was just wondering if it was possible with a different bullet, like you can with the BLR. I don't know about these things yet. I know that the previous owner paid around $800+ CND for the rifle alone, and then added the scope, and Houge stock. A friend of his told me he laid out approx $1600 CND altogether. I think it is a good deal, but I'm not sure which to go with, between that and the BLR. What other ammo could I use with the Ruger? I appreciate all your comments and views. I haven't heard from anyone who has actually used this Ruger model, so perhaps someone who has will post a thread. I feel a bit silly having to keep picking your brains like this, but It's better than rushing in blindly.
Thanks again,
Eastman.

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c146/rushmoreman/Remington760BDL.jpg

This is my new elk rifle. Deluxe grade 760 in .308 and it shoots as well as it looks.
TR

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c146/rushmoreman/basketweavedesign.jpg

Another view of my new rifle. Some hunters love this style of "checkering" ; others despise it. I love it!
TR

I wouldn't recommend a .358 or a .338 for a new shooter. They recoil sharply and are a poor choice for the amount of practice a new shooter should do, and will want to do. The poster who recommended a 7-08 is giving very good advice, and I would not recommend a heavier caliber than .30-06 for your first big game rifle.

As a new shooter, you probably don't load cartridges yet. Ammunition for .358 and .35 Whelan rifles is very difficult to obtain, and often must be made from .308 or .30-06 cases. You will be much happier with a rifle for which ammunition is readily available.

A 7600 is a very accurate and reliable rifle, and a BLR is a good rifle also. The 7600 is less expensive, and would permit you to also buy a Remington .22 slide-action rifle. If you shoot 1,000 rounds with the .22, and then buy the big rifle, you will be a much better shot. The accuracy of your shooting is far more important than the caliber you use. Also, the .22 is good to take to the practice range, to shoot while the big rifle is cooling. Finally, I enjoy hunting small game with a .22 when big game is not in season, and that sort of hunting (squirrels, where I live) is excellent training for big game hunting.

If you choose the lever action, I suggest you also buy a lever action .22 like the Browning BL-22. Your .22 should be of the same action type as the big rifle. If you choose a bolt action or semi-auto, the .22 should be the same.

I am not an expert, like some of the others who have posted, but that is my advice. Good shooting, whatever you choose.

Tumbleweeds makes some good points. I'm no expert...except in what I like.

How much shooting have you done, Eastman?

TR...mighty pretty gun. I do like that checkering.

Leverite, i thought I'd made it plain that I have no experience of shooting...except the bow! I'm not afraid of recoil etc, but I want what is easy to use and does the job. i thought the BLR .358 was low recoil? I am open to sugestions from anyone with experience. I would like to shoot at small game/varmint as well as big game...preferably with the same rifle, but I'm willing to buy a .22 or something for plinking, if that is the best way to go!
I like the look of the 7600 in 30.06 also. keep your oppinions coming, and thaks to you all!
Eastman

You might take a look at Savages, the barrel is easily replaced, you can do it easily in a half hour, probably less, look for one in 270, that will give you a long action to work with, meaning you can step up to any of the really big calibers later on, plus, they won't break the bank

Good points Tumbleweeds!
But I had heard that the .358 BLR was a mild recoil?? I do like the idea of a 7600 in 30.06, but I also like the idea of being able to use the BLR for small game with a .357 revolver bullet! How much would the .22's cost me? And is there any way i could use the 7600 for varmint with a different bullet? Thanks for your help.
Eastman.

you shouldn't have a problem find a 22 for around 150 or so. that would easily handle small game and most fairly close varmint work. learning to shoot with a heavy recoiler is the best way to pick up bad habits like flinching

OK, you asked for the opinions to keep coming, soooo.......get them BOTH and be done with it!

You will probably have to handload to make a varmint cartridge in a big game caliber, but Remington makes a .30-06 cartridge that loads a plastic sabot (boot, in English) that contains a .22 caliber bullet, in place of the .30 caliber bullet. Velocity is similar to the .22-250. So, an off the shelf varmint round is available.

Yes, the .358 recoils less than magnums like the .338 Winchester Magnum, and I should not have included it in my list of heavy recoilers. My objection to the .358 is the difficulty in finding ammunition. If you want to reload, the .358 is ideal for your purpose. Pistol bullets can be loaded slow for small game and plinking, and fast for varmints, while bullets like the 225 grain Grand Slam will drop anything in North America within 200 yards.

Even if you become a one-rifle man, I still think you should first buy a used .22 and put 1,000 rounds of cheap ammo through it. Use it for a trade-in on the big rifle, and it will cost you almost nothing. I don't know prices where you live, but I can buy two 550-round boxes of .22 ammo here for $20 US. Remington, Federal, and Winchester all sell inexpensive .22 ammo this way.

Thanks for your replies guys!
I have decided to buy a .22 rifle ( bolt-action) To practice with before shooting the bigger gun! I want a cheap model, and have heard good things about the Marlin rifles! Any advice, and anyone got one for sale??
Thanks,
Eastman.

Thanks for your replies guys!
I have decided to buy a .22 rifle ( bolt-action) To practice with before shooting the bigger gun! I want a cheap model, and have heard good things about the Marlin rifles! Any advice, and anyone got one for sale??
Thanks,
Eastman.

Eastman,

You might want to take a look at the Marlin XLR's that will be out soon along with the new Hornady ammo.

http://www.hornady.com/media/team_hornady_wayne_h.jpg (http://www.hornady.com/)

Reports have started to come in on the ammo and it seems it is everything Hornady claims. I've ordered a 336XLR in 444 Marlin from a local dealer but it will be sometime next year before it arrives. I will continue to shoot the Beartooth cast bullets through mine along with my home-cast bullets.

The geat thing with the Marlin's is their 39A (22RF). This rifle has the same heaft as the big game rifles. I have the same scope mounted on mine and shoot about 10,000 rounds of ammo through it a year. It keeps you very tuned up for big game hunting. Of course, the 39A has a big game rifle price tag on it but the experience it will give you if you are a Marlin shooter is priceless.

http://home.awesomenet.net/~ranch-dog/Hunting/Thumb%20Nails/Nilgai%20Kill.jpg (http://home.awesomenet.net/~ranch-dog/Hunting/2005/0_004_263x350.jpg) http://home.awesomenet.net/~ranch-dog/Hunting/Thumb%20Nails/Michael%20444%20Goat.jpg (http://home.awesomenet.net/~ranch-dog/Hunting/2005/Michael444GoatB.jpg) http://home.awesomenet.net/~ranch-dog/Hunting/Thumb%20Nails/Yard Hog 004.jpg (http://home.awesomenet.net/~ranch-dog/Hunting/2005/Yard_Hog_003.jpg) http://home.awesomenet.net/~ranch-dog/Hunting/Thumb%20Nails/Hog111405%20005.jpg (http://home.awesomenet.net/~ranch-dog/Hunting/2005/33644_Hog_263x350.jpg) http://home.awesomenet.net/~ranch-dog/Hunting/Thumb%20Nails/Deer111605%20002.jpg (http://home.awesomenet.net/~ranch-dog/Hunting/2005/Deer111605_002A.jpg) http://home.awesomenet.net/~ranch-dog/Hunting/Thumb%20Nails/Hog112405.jpg (http://home.awesomenet.net/~ranch-dog/Hunting/2005/Hog112405_003b.jpg)
RD's 2005 Marlin kills...
...the only rifle I hunt with!