Gun Deals: 6 Used Deer Rifles for Hunters 

Firearms are extremely useful tools for both hunting and protection. They are also a whole lot of fun. Unfortunately, they can also be quite expensive, particularly considering the technology and features available today. 

Firearms are more accurate, reliable and feature-rich than ever before. However, they are also cost quite a bit more. Sure, inflation and dollar evaluation factor into the equation, but the simple fact is that purchasing a new firearm can severely dip into the budget. 

That is one of the reason why folks might want to consider obtaining a gun on the secondary market. Used guns typically cost less, at least comparatively speaking. Another is that firearms easily last decades and much longer with proper care, particularly used deer rifles. Most are carried often and shot little. Sure, the technology of yesteryears might not compare with today’s CNC machining but most those rifles are still more accurate than the average shooter. 

Then, we can’t forget nostalgia. Lots of folks have memories of fathers, uncles and friends carrying certain rifles into the woods in search of deer. Some of those guns went to other people, but the memories didn’t. Especially, the memories of being closer to nature without the latest innovations of guns and gear. The Marlin 336 lever-action has taken more deer than any other rifle in history. Americans bought more 1.4 million Remington 742 semi-auto rifles before it was replaced with the Remington 7400. There are hundreds of other excellent used deer rifles that have fond memories with hunters. 

If you look, you just might catch a used deer rifle for a deal. Just go to the advanced search on GunBroker, enter the firearm you’re interesting in obtaining and limit the search to the price you’re willing to pay. Search results will appear. 

Used Deer Rifles You Can Get Reasonable

Marlin 336

There was little doubt that the Marline 336 would hit this list, especially since millions have been produced and sold in the U.S. It is, in fact, one of the most popular lever-action rifles, ever. There is not a hunter or shooter in the country who doesn’t own or know someone with a 336. 

Mine came from my dad, chambered in one of the two most popular calibers for the 336, the .30-30 Win.; .35 Remington is the other. This rifle ruled the woods for decades because of its reliability, speed and brush-punching ability. The 336 worked especially well in the pine-forests of the South. It worked anywhere requiring quick, short to medium shots. Also, the Marlin more easily accepted a scope than the Winchester, so it could be used to reach targets at the longer ranges. 

A good, used Marlin 336 can be purchased for less than $500, with potential deals being found for between $300 and $400. When paired with modern ammunition, such as Federal HammerDown 150-grain, this lever-action rifle provides the power to take down deer while also taking hunters back to simpler days. 

Remington 760 Gamemaster

While not as popular as semi-autos and lever-actions, the Remington 760 had its following. The pump-action rifle received some of its design from the Remington 870, such as its dual-action bars. However, this rifle holds spare loads in a detachable box magazine instead of a tube. 

Using a magazine where rounds sat atop each other, instead of behind, allowed this gun to use more power chamberings with pointed bullets. These include .30-06 Sprg., .270 Win. and .308 Win., as well as numerous others. Because of these chamberings, hunters could fire at longer ranges than with lever-actions, along with faster follow-up shots. In fact, with practice, some hunters could just about keep pace with semi-autos. 

Now, a used 760 varies in price, with pristine models bringing around $1,000 depending on features, such as shorter barrels and sights. However, rifles that were used but cared for can be found for $600 or less. These guns might have nicks or blemishes but are still completely functionable and accurate. 

Savage Model 110

Savage has been producing the Model 110 since 1958. Over the years, this bolt-action rifle has received upgrades and modifications that greatly improved its function and feel. However, the original was pretty good on its own, especially the barrels.

Regardless of chambering, this rifle was accurate and reliable. It’s only issue was the trigger. I’ve shot quite a few over the years, both at the range and in the field. And while I have found older models with decent triggers, none were great. The main problem was inconsistency, along with some being gritty. 

Savage fixed this issue in 2002 with the AccuTrigger. Since then, Savage has turned the Model 110 into a premium workhorse deer rifle. The price, while still reasonable, has increased. Shooters can, however, find older Model 110 rifles for much less than new models. Some might have already received a trigger job. If not, finding a good gunsmith isn’t that hard or expensive. 

Ruger M77

Hunters and shooters have long debated push feed versus controlled feed in bolt-action rifles. Those who prefer a controlled feed often lean toward the Ruger M77. Introduced in 1968, this rifle became popular in part because of its Mauser-style extractor.

At the time, it was one of the few controlled-feed sporting rifles after Winchester went to a push feed on its Model 70. Of course, early models of the M77 weren’t a true controlled feed, but it was based off of the Mauser 98 action. 

In 1991, Ruger revamped the M77, making it a true controlled feed, listing this rifle as the Mark II. It also added a three-prong safety, which allowed the bolt to be worked while on safe. The company even made both stainless and blued versions available. 

Ruger revamped the gun again in 2006, calling it the Hawkeye, changing the trigger system and recontouring the stock. Currently, shooters can purchase a variety of models, from Hunter to Predator to Target. Of course, older models can be found, many for quite a lot less than the $1,200 plus of new deer rifles.

Tikka T3 

Many might not realize it, but Finland makes some great rifles. And they’re not as expensive as one might think, especially if you can find a good used Tikka T3. 

The T3 was produced by Tikka, which is now owned by Sako. Before that, the company manufactured firearm parts for other companies. Tikka brought the T3 out in a variety of calibers and stock configurations, as well as barrel lengths. For quite a few years, the Tikka T3 has been known for being accurate and affordable. In 2016, the company upgraded the series, calling it the T3x. 

Since the T3x’s introduction, T3 models have come down, partly because all T3 models are now used. This brings an already affordable bolt-action to an even better price. 

Winchester Model 70

Known as the Rifleman’s Rifle, the Winchester Model 70 has around since 1936. This gun has been produced in numerous chamberings, lengths, styles and configurations. There is literally a Model 70 designed for every type of shooting and hunting. It has also undergone a couple of different redesigns, some of which have not made shooters or hunters happy. In fact, in Model 70 nomenclature, there are three time frames that matter. 

The first is based around 1964, which is when Winchester changed from controlled feed to push feed in the Model 70. To some this was a sacrilege. A really good pre-64 Model 70 can bring quite a lot, depending on features and chambering, but pristine models are getting harder to find. The next change happened in the 80s, when U.S. Repeating Arms started building these rifles. Then, in 2006, production stopped. However, FN revised the Model 70 in 2012, moving production to Portugal the next year. 

There are proponents and detractors of each version. What’s nice, though, is that every Model 70 makes a good used deer hunting rifle. Some have more collector value than others, but this rifle is still a rifle that works quite well in the woods. And you can find some for less than $600.