Marlin XS7 bolt-action
 

Looking to buy my first deer rifle. Want something the wife will shoot too. She has shot a .270 and is okay, but finds it uncomfortable and only wants to shoot a few times. So, now I'm thinking .243.

I'm looking for "affordable" (aka cheap), but not crap. I was leaning towards the Vanguard, but saw this Marlin for $300 and have heard good things about Marlins in general.

Any thoughts on a Marlin XS7 bolt-action in .243 Winchester? 57844 - Marlin Model XS7 Bolt-Action Rifle .243 Winchester 22" Barrel 4 Rounds Black Synthetic Stock

Or should I just spend the extra money on the Vanguard? Other suggestions? I'm sure there are Vanguards and Rem 700s in my future. I'm looking to start with "affordable" and get better stuff later when budget permits.

There are a lot of better (and more expensive) rounds out there, but I'd stick with .223 or .308, as they are plentiful and cheap.

I have a few bolt-action rifles (including a Marlin) and hands-down my favorite is my Savage. I really like their Accutrigger.

My $0.02.

Personally, I think a .243 is perfect. Nothing wrong w/the lighter bullets, shot placement is way more important than anything else. If you aren't opposed to a used gun, check into old Remington model 788's. Some of the most accurate (affordable) guns made. I have owned one for the past 25yrs and it still cuts holes at 100yds.

I have hunted with a .30-06 Vanguard for the last 5 years. Great gun for the money. I bought their off the shelf scope rings, put a Burris scope on it, and its very accurate (and its stayed accurate).

If you are hunting in any sort of freezing conditions, I would warn you away from a Browning A-bolt. One of the guys in our hunting camp (We hunt in northern MI) had his freeze shut more than once in bad weather.

.243 is fine for deer. As stated above, shot placement is more important that caliber. .30-30, .223 would work as well.

I agree with that. I want to stick to the more common calibers. In searching the web a bit, it seemed to me the .243 was a common caliber. (Obviously not as common as .223 or .308, but maybe "next tier" in popularity.)

So let me ask you guys... is .243 generally a common caliber?

In the US the .243 is common. Plus it is offered in better bullet types than the .223 for hunting use. The .223 is common only because of the military guns. It is not a great hunting round.

I think your assessment is accurate. I try to stick with the "first tier" stuff as much as possible. But then again, I don't hunt, but do shoot very frequently.

.243 is a popular caliber. You should have no issues getting ammo.

why not a 7mm-08? this caliber is wonderful. pretty hard hitting, you can use a heavier bullet..and it kicks like a baby.

i know alot of ladies that shoot this round. kids even.

I bought a .30-06 from a well know Pelican five years or so ago...Springfield.

Jack and I worked the scope and set-up, starting at 50yds and walking it back to 150yds. We were helped by a cheap Walmart laser bore sighting tool.

The result, at 150yds (we each shot twice):

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1291756677.jpg

View from the home office: Virginia is in the distance.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1291756885.jpg

seahawk..that is a great group! i've never used a bore sighter. i used to just remove the bolt and sight down the barrel and get the crosshairs on the bulls. in a vice. i could get the first bullet on paper everytime.

There's a .30-06 in my future, but there's no way my wife will shoot that if she doesn't like the .270!

I'll have to look into the 7mm-08, I'm not familiar with it. But if it is shooting a heavy bullet with light recoil (can't be lighter than a .270, can it?) that must mean low velocity, so I assume significant bullet drop and limited range, especially for new shooters.

I was eyeing the .270 for light recoil and flat trajectory, but the wife doesn't like the recoil. That led me to .243 for lighter recoil and availability. I believe it has a pretty flat trajectory as well, can't really remember at the moment.

Any experience with the Marlin SX7?

Can't help with the Marlin, just wanted an excuse to post the target:)

Thanks!

With the right bullet, .243 is fine for puny California deer.

Keep an eye on here, you never know what you may find:
Private Firearms Sales - Calguns.net

.243 is a fine choice for deer hunting, with a nice flat trajectory.
I still have the Colt "57" (bolt action .243) my dad gave me when I first started hunting.

Brian
(upper rifle in photo)
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1291811411.jpg