New rifle help .... input needed

[GHETTO GUIDE]

 I have gone rounds with myself for long enough. I have been beating this around for ~ 2 months as I have saved and saved.  Its now time and still undecided .  I am a cheap *censored* and always will be. But something that will perform exceptionally and be passed to my kids could be worth a little extra.

TOPIC:        Lightweight rifle in 300 WSM is the topic.   

QUESTION: Is it worth the extra money to go from a $600 Tikka to say $1200 rifle.
Sako?  X-bolt/ A-bolt?  Kimber?  Redhawk custom? Browning?

[HighCountryHunter88]

my  , the tikka can shoot better than you or i can. its light. and around 600 buck, what more do you need? i say save the extra money and put it towards optics. i plan on buying a tikka 300 win mag and planning on spending at least the same amount on a scope.

[JLS]

The Tikka is a very nice rifle.  I have an older one in a 30-06 and it's a shooter.  The new synthetics are really light, not sure I'd want a magnum cartridge in them.

[jackmaster]

ruger #1 single shot falling block, a little heavy, but well built, it will last forever

[Bob33]

I have a $500 Tikka 30-06 and an $1100 Browning X Bolt 300 WSM.  I like them both and accuracy is very good on both.

The Browning is nicer, but to be honest I don't think the deer or elk know when they've been shot with the cheaper Tikka.

[wapiti hunter2]

Which one would you rather trapes around with in the wet, soggy muddy weather all day?  Something that you will worry about the finish on or a simple rock solid shooter.  If your focus is on what you look like get the Sako, if not, there are lots of great rifles for $400-$600.  Put the difference into a better scope. 

[predator guy]

I learned my lesson on this one. A fey years ago I bought a Remington 700 XCR in 7mmRUM, pimped it out with a Zeiss scope, and had a Vais muzzle brake installed and a trigger job. Total cost before buying ammo was around $2100.00. I couldn't shoot that rifle worth a crap. I have since sold it for 1/2 of what I invested. Last year I went to Cabela's and bought a Stevens in 22-250, paid $250.00. (Rifle was on sale and I used my gift card.) I have a Nikon Buckmaster 4.5x14 on it, cost around $250-$300.00. I rarely miss with that rifle and if it gets a little scratched up I don't worry about it. In my opinion its' all about the optics you mount on it. My Winchester Model 70 shoots real well also.

[arrowflinger]

Which one would you rather trapes around with in the wet, soggy muddy weather all day?  Something that you will worry about the finish on or a simple rock solid shooter.  If your focus is on what you look like get the Sako, if not, there are lots of great rifles for $400-$600.  Put the difference into a better scope. 

 

[CAMPMEAT]

Maybe think about a T/C Encore. I've got a SS frame with a trigger job and Bergara barrel in 300 mag. Pentax scope on top. The complete gun was nearly $1000. Composite stock too. You can buy any barrel for $225-$350ish depending how hard you look online. Shillen has something to do with the Bergara barrels. They are made in Spain and shoot very well I might add.

[GHETTO GUIDE]

Sounds about right.  I would baby the hell out of a $$$ rifle,  pack in hunting I would have to bring its own sleeping bag. As long as the Tikka can shoot like the reviews say then I should be happy.

[jackelope]

Those Tikka rifles definitely have their fans and they definitely shoot. I don't like the look of them, which certainly doesn't hurt the functionality of it of course.
functionality is utmost for sure, but if you don't like the look of the gun, that'd bother me personally.









With that said, I also shoot T/C Encores and they are the same for a lot of folks...wierd looking rifles. I dig them though. If you like the Tikka's then get one....you likely won't go wrong.

[Curly]

I'm cheap too, but I think I'd go for the X-bolt............it is only a couple hundred more bucks.  http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=233618734

[Buckmark]

You can get a brand new A-bolt stalker in 300wsm for $640.00

[carpsniperg2]

I am a huge sako and tikka fan. You can't go wrong with either one in my mind. If you want a good light weight shooter that can drive tacks buy the tikka and put the other 600 you would spend into a good scope like a Leupold vxII.

[Alchase]

I am a huge sako and tikka fan. You can't go wrong with either one in my mind. If you want a good light weight shooter that can drive tacks buy the tikka and put the other 600 you would spend into a good scope like a Leupold vxII.

I agree, I have owned a tikka, and now own a Sako finlight. Both shoot extremely well. What it boils down to is what you prefer. Both will kill elk. The Sako is allot more refined then a Tikka. My Finlight is the best rifle I have ever owned. Neither of my Brownings, Winchesters, Remington's, Tikka or Rugers I have owned, are as good a package as the Sako. Yet all of those shot well, just not as well as the Sako.

[D-Rock425]

I really like the feel of the Browning's.  I don't like how the tikkas feel at all.

[bobcat]

Of those listed, I only have experience with the Browning A bolt, so that's what I would go with. I've had mine for about 14 years and have been really happy with it. The only thing I did to it was to buy a replacement trigger spring from Timney for $15 and it now has an awesome 2 1/2 pound trigger. And it's accurate with just about anything I put in it.

If I had the money though, I'd be tempted to try the Sako. I've heard great things about them. But I also agree with some of the others- why not save some money on the rifle and spend it on a better scope?

[wsmnut]

I have one of the new Winchester Model 70's.  The Extreme Weather stainless model.  It is awesome.  The least finicky rifle I own.  Trigger is owner adjustable.  I have mine set at 3 pounds.  Very crisp.  No creep.  Rifle shoots almost anything I feed it MOA.  I haven't weighed it, but it's nice for hunting/carrying.  I put a Leupold VX-III 2.5 x 8 on it.  I don't worry about it while hunting because I don't have a fortune in it.
     Give these a look.  Very smooth actions.  Nice rifles.

wsmnut

[bhylton]

i own a browning a bolt left handed hunter in 300wsm. i think it weights around 6lbs without scope. it shoot right around 1/2 - 3/4in at 100yds, light and easy to carry, really is handy to have spare loaded clips. "tika does also" even with 185gr bullets and a hot load i can shoot a decent number or rounds without being bothered by recoil. prob set you back around 600-650. not a bad lookng gun either for as plain as it is.

[brokenvet]

Can't go wrong with American made guns like the model 70 or a Ruger Model 77, Howa 1500. 

Yes the Tikka, browning, Sako are very fine guns, but I prefer American made.  Take notice I left out Remington.  I am not saying they are crap, just saying they are made elsewhere these days.

I do own foreign made guns, but they are VZ.24, Brazilian 1908, K98 and soon a Swede 96 

I have one of the new Winchester Model 70's.  The Extreme Weather stainless model.  It is awesome.  The least finicky rifle I own.  Trigger is owner adjustable.  I have mine set at 3 pounds.  Very crisp.  No creep.  Rifle shoots almost anything I feed it MOA.  I haven't weighed it, but it's nice for hunting/carrying.  I put a Leupold VX-III 2.5 x 8 on it.  I don't worry about it while hunting because I don't have a fortune in it.
     Give these a look.  Very smooth actions.  Nice rifles.

wsmnut

[bearpaw]

my  , the tikka can shoot better than you or i can. its light. and around 600 buck, what more do you need? i say save the extra money and put it towards optics. i plan on buying a tikka 300 win mag and planning on spending at least the same amount on a scope.

This is good advice. I would choose the 300 Winmag over the WSM because they are very similar in ballistics, but the 300 Winmag cartridges are much cheaper and more available at most sporting goods stores. The tika or any of the other basic brands are good enough rifles, spend the extra money to get good optics. 

[GHETTO GUIDE]

Lets put optics aside . 

Part of my trouble here is availability.  I have not been able to handle / hold/ fondle anything other than the Tikka and the Kimber Montana.  I went to the last gun show/ Portland and nothing I was looking for was there.  $200-$300 is nothing for an upgrade for a better rifle.  I am still wondering if it shoots / feels that much better?   

[carpsniperg2]

  I go to most all the gun shows in portland the bigger ones, at the expo center. I have almost always found what I was looking for at them. Why you are there you should go by wholesale sports as well. They should have most of what you are looking for. Another great place, looking at your profile location is Bob's in longview. I like that store a lot and they have a lot of guns in there.

[BOWHUNTER45]

I am a huge sako and tikka fan. You can't go wrong with either one in my mind. If you want a good light weight shooter that can drive tacks buy the tikka and put the other 600 you would spend into a good scope like a Leupold vxII.

ya I agree with Carp . on this one ..that tikka 3  FOR THE MONEY IS HARD to BEAT !! Bought one for my son in a 25-06 and it will dot your eye... Plus I bought a 300 wsm in a winchester and it to will dot your eye... both good guns and for the price you can not go wrong !!

[BOWHUNTER45]

I have one of the new Winchester Model 70's.  The Extreme Weather stainless model.  It is awesome.  The least finicky rifle I own.  Trigger is owner adjustable.  I have mine set at 3 pounds.  Very crisp.  No creep.  Rifle shoots almost anything I feed it MOA.  I haven't weighed it, but it's nice for hunting/carrying.  I put a Leupold VX-III 2.5 x 8 on it.  I don't worry about it while hunting because I don't have a fortune in it.
     Give these a look.  Very smooth actions.  Nice rifles.

wsmnut

ya thats what I have in a 300 wsm and it shoots awesome and will definately up end a bear !!!

[bearpaw]

I have one of the new Winchester Model 70's.  The Extreme Weather stainless model.  It is awesome.  The least finicky rifle I own.  Trigger is owner adjustable.  I have mine set at 3 pounds.  Very crisp.  No creep.  Rifle shoots almost anything I feed it MOA.  I haven't weighed it, but it's nice for hunting/carrying.  I put a Leupold VX-III 2.5 x 8 on it.  I don't worry about it while hunting because I don't have a fortune in it.
     Give these a look.  Very smooth actions.  Nice rifles.

wsmnut

ya thats what I have in a 300 wsm and it shoots awesome and will definately up end a bear !!!

I killed a sambar at 350 yards in Australia and several other animals with that exact gun, I have to admit it was sweet shooting, belonged to a friend.

[bobcat]

Can't go wrong with American made guns like the model 70 or a Ruger Model 77, Howa 1500.

Howa is made in Japan.

[bearpaw]

I can understand his dilemma, there are a lot of good choices available and you just don't know without handling and shooting them what will be best for yourself.

Here's my best advice on make, the ruger is a tough rifle, but if you don't like much recoil, avoid them, they seem to kick the worst of about any make. Better go shooting with some buddy's and try out a few guns and see what is best for you.

[brokenvet]

Can't go wrong with American made guns like the model 70 or a Ruger Model 77, Howa 1500.

Howa is made in Japan.

Oops, did not know that.

[addicted]

gotta look around. see more options.

your looking for a family heirlom which in my book is going to have a wooden stock.

gotta look at weatherby, CZ, or maybe bump it up a notch steyr, sauer, or any other true family heirlom.   

a lot of american guns arent what they used to be lol    

[addicted]

Doesnt get much lighter than this for the money. Is this kinda what your looking for?

Sako A7 300wsm $720
http://www.eurooptic.com/sako-a7-rifle-synthetic-blue-300-wsm.aspx

[GHETTO GUIDE]

Doesnt get much lighter than this for the money. Is this kinda what your looking for?

Sako A7 300wsm $720
http://www.eurooptic.com/sako-a7-rifle-synthetic-blue-300-wsm.aspx

Yea that would work !!!  Prefer stainless but could settle on that.  I think I am waiting untill the next gun gunshow to hold, feel , fondle, stroke other makes/ models than what I have seen.  That would surely be a nice option,  Thank you . 

Carp ...  I took my digital scale and notes on the rifles I have found so far and nothing at the last show in Portland.  Every booth was checked and talked to the majority.  We will see at the 3 day show coming up. 

   I said "stroke"   

[addicted]

No problem ghetto.

And yeah definately feel them in your hand first. a lot of sakos have nice palm swell which many people dont like(i love it) I'm not sure about their synthetic models though.

[bhylton]

wow! i had never really looked, but i didnt know you could get a sako for under 1000! thats awsome

[addicted]

there are lots of sakos under a grad. this is the one i want

7lbs, adjustable trigger, and super accurate. not to mention 338 federal will down anything in north america with the kick of a 308. 

http://www.eurooptic.com/sako-hunter-338-federal-jrs1a43.aspx

When you buy a nicer rifle more technology(money) is put into ergonomics and fit making the rifle fit better therefor not kick so much and promote maximum accuracy from the shooter.

[GHETTO GUIDE]

The Sako finnlight I held yesterday felt like it fit right in to me.  The Tikka was a nice feel , but nowhere the Finn.  $700 upgrade though???  We will see what the A7 feels like when I find one. 

[addicted]

The Sako finnlight I held yesterday felt like it fit right in to me.  The Tikka was a nice feel , but nowhere the Finn. $700 upgrade though???  We will see what the A7 feels like when I find one.

yup.