Benelli R1?

[Curly]

I bet you're more likely to get an R1 that will get 2" groups (or larger) than one that can get 1.5" groups.  And it will likely take you lots of time and ammo to find the load that will get you 1.5" groups.   

[Bob33]

I wont pull the trigger unless I am 100% confident Im going to hit and drop my target.

I would accept 95%.  In all my years of hunting, I've only had to shoot more than once a few times.  It does happen, especially on larger animals like elk where you hit it the first time but the animal does not react.  It should be rare than a second shot is necessary to kill an animal.

I think you need to decide which is more important: recoil reduction and/or very quick follow-up shots, or extreme long range (>400 yards) accuracy.  The R1 is a good choice for the first.  If you really want extreme accuracy, I think you'll possibly end up disappointed with the R1.

[Quackin_Archer]

Yea. I have a feeling that if I dont get the R1 its going to be a Tikka t3. I really just wish they had a try before you buy kind of like buying a bow. ugh. lol.

[carpsniperg2]

Now that would be sweet some gun shops do it with handguns. They have stock guns you can test. Its pretty sweet!

[Quackin_Archer]

So. After a morning of talking, days of researching and really wanting to hear good things about the R1 I have made a descision. I shouldered a few guns and even the Sako .300 win mag and I have decided to go with....................................................... Tikka T3 light .300 WSM! I am looking at the nikon monarch scope or the buckmaster scope and whether the BDC is worth it or if it just gets in the way. Thanks for all the info and help. The R1's grouping was the deciding factor. The Tikka T3 has an out of the box under 1" gaurentee and the guy that helped me said he shoots through the same hole up to 300 yards with his .300 wsm.

[Quackin_Archer]

I still really want to throw some rounds through the R1 though. I think it would be perfect in the .338 caliber for recoil reduction on a very large round.

[bobcat]

the guy that helped me said he shoots through the same hole up to 300 yards with his .300 wsm.

Sorry but that guy was lying, or you misunderstood. No way is he shooting groups at 300 yards with all shots in the same hole. MAYBE at 100 yards.

But, regardless of that, you made a good choice. Only thing I'd be leery about is the recoil with that light rifle in a 300 mag. You might want to shoot relatively light bullets to help keep that down somewhat. Try Barnes 150 grain.

[Bob33]

I can do that with some of my guns as well, just as long as I can pick the hole to shoot through.

Good choice on the gun.

[Quackin_Archer]

Eh, I believe him. He is a long time shooter. I initially asked about the .300 win mag and he pointed me towards the WSM saying my shoulder will thank me. He said just toss on a limbsavers recoil pad and its really no more kick than a 270. But the win mag would ring the bell in a bolt action. He said he is shooting the 165 grains pretty much through the same hole. Any heavier or lighter and he said the groups start to space out just a little bit.

[bobcat]

I can do that with some of my guns as well, just as long as I can pick the hole to shoot through.

Good choice on the gun.

Yeah, a hole about the size of a baseball?   

[bobcat]

You'll find out it will kick quite a bit more than a 270. Still a good choice. Just sayin, don't believe everything someone tells you, especially a salesman.

[Bob33]

I can do that with some of my guns as well, just as long as I can pick the hole to shoot through.

Good choice on the gun.

Yeah, a hole about the size of a baseball?   

I was thinking basketball...

[carpsniperg2]

Good choice in the t3! Almost brought a few more home with me today No kidding either Some good deals going on right now! We have one t3 that has been around the world and put threw some ruff stuff and always been solid for us

[Bob33]

Eh, I believe him. He is a long time shooter. I initially asked about the .300 win mag and he pointed me towards the WSM saying my shoulder will thank me. He said just toss on a limbsavers recoil pad and its really no more kick than a 270. But the win mag would ring the bell in a bolt action. He said he is shooting the 165 grains pretty much through the same hole. Any heavier or lighter and he said the groups start to space out just a little bit.

I shoot a 300 WSM in a Browning X bolt, which weighs about the same as a T3.  With 165 grain bullets, it is shootable for me and I'm recoil sensitive.  I would say the recoil is not a lot different than a T3 30-06 that I've shot. I would not recommend either for a novice shooter, but with some disciplined practice the recoil is certainly manageable.

[RadSav]

Good choice on the T3.  Not much better bang for your buck out there right now.  I might have to get both though.  R1-338, T3-300WM and perhaps a 22-250 in the M7 predator and you'll have a gun for every possible occation.  I always think I've got too many guns until the next years catalogs come out.  Then I realize I need at least one more .