Hi Roksliders,
Was looking for some opinions on my next rifle.
I live and hunt primarily in Virginia, 90% for whitetail, and always have a black bear tag in my pocket.
I spend 90% of the year hunting with my bow, but looking to mix it up this season.
Looking for a firearm that could cover a few bases.
1st- Hunting, either still hunting or from a saddle, in pretty dense Virginia public land.
2nd-Double duty for home defense (already have a handgun)
3rd- $750 or less
Here is what I’ve boiled it down to:
A: Marlin 844: $459
Pro: Good for close distance, with an optic could reach out to 200 yards. Probably an adequate home defense option. Mid-range priced. An optic not necessity, open sights ok.
Con: Limited range, limited capacity.
B: Howa 1500 (likely in .270 or 6.5 Creedmoor): $429
Pro: Good for long range.
Con: Would need an optic, no open sights. Low capacity. Likely a poor home defense.
C: AR15 in 300 Blackout ($?)
Pro: Best of the three for home defense, good capacity.
Con: Likely the most expensive option, optic not included. Doesn’t have the range of the Howa. Probably on a similar level to the Marlin. Availability seems to be pretty limited right now.
Open to any and all opinions, thanks for any feedback or ideas!
Enjoy the week, not too long until the season kicks off!
Was looking for some opinions on my next rifle.
I live and hunt primarily in Virginia, 90% for whitetail, and always have a black bear tag in my pocket.
I spend 90% of the year hunting with my bow, but looking to mix it up this season.
Looking for a firearm that could cover a few bases.
1st- Hunting, either still hunting or from a saddle, in pretty dense Virginia public land.
2nd-Double duty for home defense (already have a handgun)
3rd- $750 or less
Here is what I’ve boiled it down to:
A: Marlin 844: $459
Pro: Good for close distance, with an optic could reach out to 200 yards. Probably an adequate home defense option. Mid-range priced. An optic not necessity, open sights ok.
Con: Limited range, limited capacity.
B: Howa 1500 (likely in .270 or 6.5 Creedmoor): $429
Pro: Good for long range.
Con: Would need an optic, no open sights. Low capacity. Likely a poor home defense.
C: AR15 in 300 Blackout ($?)
Pro: Best of the three for home defense, good capacity.
Con: Likely the most expensive option, optic not included. Doesn’t have the range of the Howa. Probably on a similar level to the Marlin. Availability seems to be pretty limited right now.
Open to any and all opinions, thanks for any feedback or ideas!
Enjoy the week, not too long until the season kicks off!