Lookin for gear

[lurky1]

Longtime fisherman/outdoorsman in the (SF) Bay Area just getting into the hunting fray.

Lookin for my first bow. Don't wanna spend tons of $$ till I get a feel for what I need. Anybody got a good quality used bow at the right price? (Bear, Mathews, Bowtech, Hoyt, Browning, Parker, Ross, PSE)

Also looking for my first deer rifle. I've gotten close to a decision and wanted to see what y'all think. After lotsa research, and considering the criteria of quality, accuracy, functionality and cost, I've settled on the following options:

Savage 110, Bolt, .308 Win (or 7mm-.08 Rem Mag), 22" bbl, Walnut Monte Carlo stock

I see lotsa good press for Pre '64 Winchester M70, Browning A-Bolt & BAR, Remington Model 700, Mountain Rifle, and Modle Seven (LS) and others.

I also was looking at the Thompson/Center Encore (combo barrel) for versatility but they're expensive.

Anybody wanna chime in? All help appreciated.

(BTW, what are the regs for bowfishing &/or crossbows in CA?)

 

[Val]

I've got Savages, Remy 700s and Model 70s and I like them all. If your going to do a lot of hiking in rough terrain, I would recommend the 700 Mountain. I've got one in .280 Remington. I like this rifle very much. Any caliber from .243 and up will get the job done. If you're going to have only one rifle, I would go with the 30-06 since you may want to go for larger game later. However, if you go smaller, it will give you a good excuse to buy another rifle later.