Going to do a bit of deer hunting this year and am looking for a good, solid rifle. Thinking 30 06 or .270. Just want something reliable and sturdy. What models or calibers should I be looking at? I don't mind buying used and in fact may prefer used. Price range probably $600-$1000 with scope.

TIA

Craig

...then put something like a Nikon Buckmaster on it and be just under $1000. The .308 will do everything the .30-06 will and it'll be a little gentler on the shoulder.

Depends on how nice of a scope you need. Good caliber picks, I'd add 308 as another good caliber. Bolt action.

Here in the rather dense wooded hills of SW Pennsylvania, I get the most satisfaction from still hunting, stopping every few steps while moving very slowly thru the woods. [Honest to goodness, I once smelled a buck before we saw each other!] Probably 90% of my shots were within 25 yds, and I can't even recall a shot longer than 100 yds. Before I switched to a handgun, I replaced the scope with a ghost ring rear sight with brass bead front. It's VERY quick, very accurate to 100+ yds, and cheap ... adding to what you can spend on the rifle.

Shots probably all less than 100 yards. Some areas have stands, other area are heavily wooded with swamp/wetlands

I just joined the Durham County Wildlife Club. They don't have places to shoot rifles, but they have shotgun and pistol ranges. Are you in the area?

Plus, the dot or reflex would enable him to reach out a little further if need be.

The ghost ring is lower and would be the least likely to get knocked, and it'd be more likely to survive if it did.

lots of very nice guns and optics in there that you can pick up used. I'd go with good, used equipment over mediocre new equipment.

It'll plant rounds tighter than you can shoot.