Advice

[Craigt]

Looking to get my first deer rifle. I have a bad back, so I do not want to deal with alot of recoil. Local gun shop has new Remington 700 ADL in 243 on sale with scope for $399. Opinions? (It also comes in 30-06, 270, and 7mm).

[WisconsinDeer]

243 would be an excellent choice. A few other rifles to look at in that price range would be a Stevens 200, Savage 111 (same action just different features and a different name), Howa 1500, Weatherby Vanguard (same rifle, different name), T/C Venture and the Marlin X7 rifles.

[on_the_fly]

i would personaly shy from the 243, yes it will get um but its the bottom of the wepons line up. I look at the 243 as a great yote gun or other small game and even a starter for a small kid only if they can not handle the 270. but thats me.

[VolHunter]

IMHO you can't really go wrong with the 243. It is a flat and smooth shooting gun. It won't be heavy to carry into the woods and it will get the job done up to a good distance. My younger cousin uses a 243 with a bull barrel and it is one of the best shooting guns I have handled.

I am partial to my 7mag. I don't think it has much kick to it but then again I don't have back problems.

You can put weight in the stock of any gun you get to help reduce the recoil. You can also put a better pad on the stock (I've heard a lot of good things about the Limbsaver recoil pad).

[Karl.Luhr]

If they have it in 243 Win they also probibly have it in 7mm-08 or 308 Win. In my opinion both of these are much better choices for you. The 7mm-08 will recoil less then the 308 Win and is perfect for Deer. The 308 Win is more commonly seen and ammo availability is better than with the 7mm-08. If you want something that shoots great and you will promise not to forget your ammo get the 7mm-08 you won't be sorry. If you are thinking about someday putting Elk in the crosshairs go with the 308 Win. The ADL doesn't have a dropping floorplate. It isn't a big deal and I prefer the 700 ADL over the 700 SPS that does have a dropping floorplate. Run don't walk away from the Remington 710/770 series they are not in the same class as the Remington 700 series rifles.

Karl