First Hunting Rifle: cheap or expensive

[u/Diamond_zT]

Hi all,

I've passed my CFSC and am just waiting for the PAL. My first gun is going to be an SKS. After that, I'd like to get something optimal for deer hunting. Should I buy something inexpensive like a Savage Axis for its relatively low price and decent performance or should I jump right to a Tikka T3x Lite?

Obviously there's at least $400 of difference between the two. Would it make sense to get an Axis now and maybe get a Tikka later in life for x,y,z reason? I don't plan on being a avid hunter. Just looking to feed myself and father so maybe 1-3 deer a year. Also some recreational plinking of course. I don't have much money at the moment and won't for a couple of years (starting teachers college in September), but I don't mind making an investment.

Would picking up a used Tikka be something to consider?

Thank you all in advance for the advice. Lmk if any more information is required.

[u/xx_rider]

Everyone pushes the expensive stuff on here and most people don't need it.

Is a Tikka higher quality? Yes is is going to make a lick of difference at under 200 yards nope not at all. Someone who bought a $400 cheaper rifle and used $200 to buy ammo and practice will probably shoot much better than less practice with a Tikka. If you want a better gun in a few years can you sell the Savage for what you paid for it, yep as long as you take good care of it as they keep getting more expensive.

Hell most of the places deer hunting is from a blind or stand at less that 100y and you could easily use a 12G shotgun.