Oh and for you AR 15 fan boys............. thats not a hunting rifle. No matter what you say. It was designed as people killer turned fun gun. The ammo is designed to fragment inside the human body to kill. Shooting a larger sized animal (deer, and especially elk) would not kill it unless preciesly placed. Since the OP is asking for all this information, he is obviously not an experienced shooter. Do not buy an assualt rifle for hunting.
I suggest the hi-point before I even read anything. Now moving on what is your budget?
Oh and 17, you dont need home defense crap. Im sure your parents have that covered. You've gone 17 years with out needing one for home defense, im sure you will be just fine with out a 'home defense gun' anyways. Besides, any gun can be used for home defense. THE BEST home defense weapons are the shot gun (12guage with 00 buck). Thats beside the point.
I'm going to finish my ramble. But before I do, forget anything about a full automatic gun. Not going to happen for several of hundreds of reasons. So drop it.
Your best options for what you are wanting is .270, .308 and .30-06. My personal favorite is the .308 and this will also open to a HUGE selection of weapons. There are many other caliburs out there, but those are what your going to want.
I am partial to lever action rifles, so I have wanted this particular one because they can be made to look amazing.
http://www.thegunsource.com/item/71458_Marlin_Rifles_Shotguns_MAR_308MXLR____308EXP_SS_.aspx
Thanks ArrizX. Nice looking gun BTW.
Um, is that manual, or semi-auto? Just wondering. I'm looking for something semi-auto.
Its a semi auto. 10+1.
But its a fun gun. Its not ment for hunting. It can, but the 9mm is not an effective hunting round.
Afterall its another round designed for war, and more importantly handguns and small arms. It is in no way a long range round.