Lookin for a new rifle

[nbeline25]

I was just wanting to get some of your opinions on what deer rifle i should get. Im leaning towards a Tikka T3, a Remington 700 or the new TC Dimension in either a .270 or 30-06. any suggestions or opinions would be appreciated.

 

[Tigerstripe]

i love my Rem Model 7 Stainless Synthetic in 308. shot my 2nd deer this year a couple of hours ago with it. this is it with a Rem 700 Youth 308. they are shorter than a 700. model 7 has a 20 in bbl. not sure about the youth. its my wifes and she has a copy of it in 243.

 

[bigfutz]

Read some reviews of the Ruger American. Lots of higher end features on a reasonably priced rifle.

 

[nbeline25]

my brother has the 700 in a 30-06 and absolutely loves it. i've shot it a few times and started falling in love with it.

As for the ruger i have heard nothing but great things about it and will also take a look at it

 

[LuckyStrike]

The Tikka T3's are very nice rifles-- lightweight, smoove bolt, guaranteed accuracy out-of-box. Tikka shares technology w/ Sako($$), both are Finnish and both part of the Beretta Holdings. Integral scope bases, but i hear the Tikka-supplied rings are weak. Also, the detachable box magazine is polymer, you won't bend the lips but could break or lose, and the mags were/are expensive--like $85!? Being so lite, I think the Tikka in .270, 7mm-08 or .25-06 would offer noticeably milder felt recoil than the .30-06. Wouldn't let any of the above stop me from buying a Tikka! Shot several, don't own one. Sweet rifles.

Rem M700's are legendary--durable and any decent gunsmith can work on it should you need it. I like mine. Millions of shooters don't need my added endorsement. Best value is in the ADL for $379!

If you are a value buyer, take a look at the Savage Trophy Hunter Combo-- a Savage Model 11/111 comes w/ a Nikon ProStaff 3-9x40($170), mounted in bases and rings(+$30)---and includes the Savage Accu-Trigger--- ready for range sight-in at $499! Decent scope that you prob will never need nor want to replace--much better scope than what usually comes on a combo pkg! Never seen a pretty Savage, never owned one that didn't shoot lights-out. Best scoped value out there under $600 IMHO--and its a hunerd less.

Howa 1500's--- great reputation, they make the Vanguard models for Weatherby.

Were i in the market for a deer rifle, I'd buy any of the above, based on my budget, without reservation--and I'm a Browning Man---go figure.. Hope this helps-- Good luck! Great time to be buying a deer rifle...somebody stop me...

 

[armaborealis]

I ended up with a browning Xbolt in 308. Great rifle, the short bolt through is smooth and fast, and the short cartridge means a lighter handier rifle. I almost went with a Tika as well but was nervous about the small extraction port. The Browning seemed to incorporate a lot of the best parts of the Tika. It makes a nice light mountain rifle that I humped around in Alaska... That extra half pound shaved off kind of adds up depending on the type of hunting you do.

My wife shoots an '06 but I'm a wimp and prefer the 308 in the 30 calibers. I think for just about any game on the continent except for brown bears and buffalo the 308 will do the job, with less recoil and expense and in a short action to boot. Unless you're already committed to the '06 caliber then it may be worth thinking about its little brother the 308.

Finally, have you checked out the Weatherby Vanguards? I was pretty impressed with the value for them when I was in the market. There are some great prices and they seem like very well built rifles for the money. They were a bit heavier than some others but that may or may not be an issue depending on your style of hunting.

 

[nbeline25]

thanks for the input. My dad has the nikon package in .308 with a weaver scope and it shoots lights out. my brothers 700 is sweet shooting gun and like it alot. i have used a browning xbolt in .270WSM and it is a tack driver no matter the distance. i also really like the Tikka cause its just so light and a great looking gun. There are just so many good guns out on the market that it is really hard just to pick one.

 

[Tigerstripe]

who said pick one?

 

[nbeline25]

i wish i could pick more than one that would make this decision a lot easier

 

[reloadin223]

It really depends on how much you want to spend. When I bought my first hunting rifle, I had no clue what I was going for. Best Bang for you buck (Pun intended) would probably be Savage Axis. Well priced and reliable. The Axis XP series comes with a scope, not the greatest , but for under $500 it's a steal, in any caliber. I still have to factory scope on mine because it suffices. Depending on where you are located I can help you get a really great deal. I buy all of my stuff through one place, because they have always hooked me up, it may take a little longer to get some things, but in the end, the best around for anything firearms related.

 

[Shrapnel762]

whatever you get I recommend 30.06 i like the wide range of factory ammo choices. 125 to 220 grain. never any question if I brought enough gun either. not saying 308 isn't enough for deer, just my personal preference

 

[dreamerofdreams]

I have a savage 30.06 I picked up at a pawn shop. Sweet, sweet gun.

 

[mcdaniel]

I love my Weatherby Vanguard in 308. Mine has a better trigger than most and all i did was scope it and shoot it.