$1000

[bobcat]

This Savage is a pretty good rifle and in your price range. American made too, which is always a plus.

http://www.savagearms.com/firearms/model/11FCNS

[Karl Blanchard]

I'd dump a new trigger in that tikka, top it with a viper pst and bed it in a new stock.  You'll be amazed how well it will improve.

I'm looking for something with less recoil due to shoulder surgery. I will definately consider this later.

Ya in that case I'd go with a savage 116 or a Rem 700 in .270 or 25-06.  6.5 creed is a great round too.  I'm partial to the .270 though.  Feed it some 130 gr anything and it will shine.

[bobcat]

Another option in the Howa is the new Alpine Mountain rifle. Legacy Sports is offering the Alpine in a package deal with a Vortex Viper scope and the MSRP is $1577. The actual price is probably lower but I don't know if it's low enough. You could get it in 243, 7/08, or 6.5 Creedmoor. All would be low recoil. The Howa 1500's are on the heavy side, that's why this new Alpine Mountain rifle is nice. It's only 6.7 pounds.

http://www.legacysports.com/alpine-mountain-package

[opdinkslayer]

 Savage 116 weather warrior 6.5x284 w/ vortex viper hslr 4-16-44. You will be over budget by a couple hundred but deer & antelope will hate this combo! Cameraland has that scope back in stock for 399 down from 549.

[RadSav]

Weatherby has come out with a Vanguard/Leupold package for a suggested retail price of $1049.  The scope is a 3-9 VX2, so nothing fancy but it's a darn good product.  Could get it in a 257 Wby.  Of course you would need another $1,000 in ammo to sight it in, but who worries about the cost of ammo these days?

[jasnt]

Could put the money in to the 7mm and put a nice break on it so it's not so hard on your shoulder

If your set on a new rifle then I'd go with a rem 700 in 243 and put a viper on it

[BOWHUNTER45]

I would go with the 7mm-08 ..I own most of the most popular calipers ...243 and .270 being my most favorite ...then I finally convinced myself to buy a 7mm-08 ..I love the way it shoots , has plenty of knock down power for bear and elk and it is good enough for the wife and kids to shoot .. I really enjoy shooting it too ! 

[ffbowhunter]

I would go with the 7mm-08 ..I own most of the most popular calipers ...243 and .270 being my most favorite ...then I finally convinced myself to buy a 7mm-08 ..I love the way it shoots , has plenty of knock down power for bear and elk and it is good enough for the wife and kids to shoot .. I really enjoy shooting it too !

The more I read about the 7mm-08 the more I want one. What rifle do you have.

[jackelope]

I'd dump a new trigger in that tikka, top it with a viper pst and bed it in a new stock.  You'll be amazed how well it will improve.

It's already got a vx3 on it.

[jackelope]

I'm not sure if I'd buy another 7mm rifle if I already had one.

I'd go with something small like a .243 or a .25 caliber something.

A savage rifle and a Vortex Viper will keep you close to $1k

[BOWHUNTER45]

I would go with the 7mm-08 ..I own most of the most popular calipers ...243 and .270 being my most favorite ...then I finally convinced myself to buy a 7mm-08 ..I love the way it shoots , has plenty of knock down power for bear and elk and it is good enough for the wife and kids to shoot .. I really enjoy shooting it too !

The more I read about the 7mm-08 the more I want one. What rifle do you have.

Winchester 70 classic featherlight ...sweet looking & shooting rifle ...Shoot 140 gr Hornaday or Accubond

[C-Money]

Browning A-Bolt in 7mm-08. Put a Leupold VXIII on it. You can use the same bullets as your other 7mm for reloading. The 7mm-08 is a winner for sure. Accurate, soft shooting, and packs a punch!

[ellensburgpo]

I'd go with a used Kimber Montana and put a VX2 2-7 or 3-9 on it.