I would consider the Remington 783 based on this excellent “American Rifleman” article below the picture. It is cost-effective, works well and is accurate. Similar in mass manufacture to the Ruger American, a rifle for a hunter who want a hunters rifle and not break the bank. Retail is around $400 or so.  I would add a Leupold Scope, see below.

http://www.remington.com/products/firearms/centerfire/model-783/model-783.aspx

http://www.americanrifleman.org/articles/remington-783-review

Spec’s from Remington.com web site

(LEFT) Left Hand   (COMP) Compact   (SPEC) Special Run   (TAC) Tactical   (DISC) Discontinued

I would recommend a Leupold Scope for this rifle. A VX-1, VX-2 or VX-3 is the ticket.

http://leupold.com/hunting-shooting/scopes

From the Leupold Web site:

• VX-1 Riflescopes

  There’s much to tell about our new VX®-1, but here’s how the story ends: No other scope in its class comes even close the the quality, performance, and value of VX-1. With our revolutionary Quantum Optical System, with lead-free glass and Multicoat 4 lens coatings, the result is up to 92% total light transmission, and a sight picture that is incredibly bright, clear and razor sharp. Better have one atop your favorite rifle.

  VX-2 Riflescopes

  The VX®-2 is one of our most popular lines of riflescopes, for reasons that become clear to anyone who picks one up. It’s packed full of useful features, including precise ¼-MOA finger click adjustments; the Quantum Optical System with Index Matched™ lens coatings for exceptional image brightness and clarity; externally threaded fast-focus eyepiece; tactile power indicator; and for the first time, the option of our Custom Dial System™ in select models. The VX®-2 is built to meet the demands of today’s serious hunters and shooters.

• VX-3 Riflescopes

  We pushed everything to the limit to make the VX®-3 at home on your favorite rifle, whether you are hunting whitetail from a treestand, or stalking sheep in rugged terrain. We’ve loaded the VX-3 with optical technology: Xtended Twilight Lens System, DiamondCoat 2 lens coating, blackened lens edges, second generation waterproofing, twin bias spring erector system, and cryogenically treated adjustments. It’s all there to help you make the shots of a lifetime.

Most all shooters of rifles have heard of Matthew Quigley made famous by Tom Selleck in the Movie “Quigley – Down Under.” An American Hero of Mine. Wanna go to a Quigley Shoot? Better yet shoot in one. You can!

You can purchase a sharps from  http://www.shilohrifle.com/rifles.php The Actual Quigley Rifle is an 1874 Sharps Buffalo Rifle made for Quigley. Yes it is a very expensive rifle. Maybe I will buy one when I get the money up someday. Got to love that double set trigger and 34 inch barrel not to mention the aperture sight.

Military Buttstock
Patch Box
No Cheek rest
No Pistol Grip
Standard Grade Wood ONLY
34″ Heavy Octagon Barrel
45/70 or 45-110 Caliber
Pewter Tip
Hartford Collar
Double Set Triggers
Semi Buckhorn Rear Sight
#109A Aperture Card
Midrange Vernier Tang Sight
#111 Globe Aperture Front Sight
Antique or Std Color Finish (specify)
2 or 3 Gold Inlay Initials in Gold Oval

Course you can get Engraving Too. Wait till I wipe the drool from my chin…Can you say magnificent!

Quigley was all American born and raised. Like you and me and Tom Selleck. He is today what John Wayne was to my generation.

A Quigley Tradition Lives Today – Quigley 2014

http://www.quigleymatch.com/

    The Matthew Quigley Buffalo Rifle Match for 2014 will be held on 14 and 15 June, 2014.  The information flyer will be out by the end of January and will be emailed or physically mailed to all shooters in our database.

Tom Selleck attends the Shoot every year and authorizes the shoot and signs your award.

HOW BOUT THEM  APPLES!

Ruger, Thompson Center and Remington are trusted names in the Rifle Industry.

Wow Padnah! These rifles are so hot they Sizzle. All less than 500 bucks and in most cases guaranteed MOA or less accurate. If you are looking for more bang for your buck (pun intended) then look at these three synthetic stock rifles that I think will serve you well as a deer, black bear and Moose rifles with the right caliber for the game you are after. If you like wood stocks then the price will increase. I have listed the websites so you can check’em out then find your local retailer to handle them.

Ruger American around $350 retail. I tested the 243 Winchester Cartridge and shot 90 grain Nosler’s at 3/4 inch at 100 yards out of the box. http://www.ruger.com/products/americanRifle/models.html

TC Venture http://www.tcarms.com/firearms/ Nice looking fast handling. Shop around for less than $500 (below)

Remington 783 http://www.remington.com/products/firearms/centerfire/model-783/model-783.aspx

Shop around for $450 or less. Engineered for accuracy. Add shows a 3/4 inch 100 yd group. Below.

Check them out at your local Retailer!

Bear Populations in NH have been edging ever higher at an estimated 5100 animals according to the forecast here. http://www.wildlife.state.nh.us/Hunting/bear_forecast.htm

A great bear rifle is not overly long and handles well for a follow up shot. I prefer large wound channels and deep penetrating heavy large diameter bullets. That puts lever actions and standard action bolt rifles in the front seat. The new Marlin Lever actions  1895 GBL in 45-70 is one of those. See the Spec’s below. or go to http://www.marlinfirearms.com/Firearms/bigbore/1895GBL.asp and check-em out

A 45-70 with a 300 grain flat nose bullet comes out of the barrel at around 2000 fps in this rifle. Plenty of whump and penetration momentum with 2665 ft-lbs at the muzzle. With a 6 shot magazine you have a storehouse of energy and its overall length is only 37 inches (basically as long as a yardstick plus 1 inch. Wow! Talk about fast handling. This rifle is great for Moose and Deer too. Check this out at your local retailer.

There are many choices out there today for women who are interested in Self Defense weapons. I have just spent time with a woman firearms sales representative who shoots regularly herself and asked what is her best recommendation today in Women’s Self Defense pistols. She was forthright in asking, is she going to carry? Yes was the answer. When is she going to carry was the next question, all the time or when she goes out with friends on late night gatherings. I would guess when she is out late, I said. In that case she recommended the Ruger LCP Centerfire Pistol below in .380 caliber.

I noticed that the grip was very short when I held it but it was so small and light that you could hide it most anywhere. Women carrying in a purse, or in a internal -waistband holster. Out with friends, it is best to carry it on your person verses a handbag the sales woman said. If your hand bag is stolen you have no back up. Recoil increases because the gun is so light but not overly so. It works just by pulling the trigger. Point and shoot is all you need to know. Suggested Retail Cost: $300 to $375. They offer a small pinky grip extension for those with larger hands. Here is a demonstration below.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QrE371hU8m4

Go on youtube and look for other demo’s. Practice makes perfect at close range of say 7 feet. What I have observed is that those that practice with it on youtube are too far away from the target. Some women like it some don’t when it is shot but carrying is very easy.

Training with this pistol for 200 rounds and you will love this gun. Men like it very much too as it makes a fine pocket pistol.

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The “Lady Smith” is a fine all around 38 snubnose revolver that has 6 shots and no hammer to get in the way. It takes 6 rounds in the cylinder. A point and shoot firearm at close range. Larger than the Ruger LCP but not by alot. My saleswomen friend likes the Lady Smith too.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3M34sCIEt6Y

This a very good handling conceal carry gun and a great home revolver.

Both guns need to be shot regularly to maintain proficiency. Bullet stopping power is fine for both of these guns. Whichever is most comfortable to carry and shoot well should be the best. This will vary from woman to woman.

Call you local indoor range like Manchester Firing Line http://www.gunsnh.com/  to see if they have models that you can shoot to see if you like them.

Or go to Chester Rod and Gun in Chester NH this Saturday 9 to 4pm and Sunday 10 am to 3 pm are open to the public to shoot Smith and Wesson guns like the Lady Smith and talk to Smith Representatives to try it out.

Good Shooting! Be Safe!©