First Deer Rifle

[walk213]

I am an upland and duck hunter about to make the move to deer/elk hunting. I have an opportunity to purchase a brand new Ruger M77 Hawkeye all weather (20" barrel). The price is $500 shipped (with scope rings). Questions:

-What do you think of the gun?
-.30-06 caliber or
-.270 caliber
-What is a good scope (price/performance) that I should mount on the rifle?

Thanks

[RoeStalker]

I think you should concentrate on the scope and spend at least the same if not more on good glass as basically any rifle can shoot straight more or less. Either .30-06 or .270 should be fine, I prefer .30-06, but I just like it better. I quite like Zeiss Conquest and you show find one second hand easily.

[tdhawkeyes]

Take a look at this tailored package. 308 MX Marlin Express rifle, Hornady 308 Marlin express ammo, and a Cabelas scope for the 308 Marlin Express caliber. A lever action setup good for 300 yards. Good Luck, tdhawkeyes