Hunting Washington Forum
Equipment & Gear => Guns and Ammo => Topic started by: OutHouse on November 17, 2021, 08:27:09 AM
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I want to get a new hunting rifle and scope. I decided that I want a .270 or a .308. I will have a budget of around $1500-$1800.
So, what rifle and scope would you buy if you were in my shoes? My initial thought was spend around $1000 on the gun and the rest on the scope but not committed to anything.
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Couple good options in the classifieds right now that fit the bill
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VX-5 HD 3-15x44
Tikka or Browning Xbolt
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Can't go wrong with a stainless Tikka and a vortex razor light hunter scope
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hard to beat a tikka stainless for a production rifle to pair with a decent optic and keep in your price range
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Couple good options in the classifieds right now that fit the bill
Thanks Lewy and I find many of those tempting but I decided that I want brand new everything. Have bought many used guns and have no issue with that but I want something right out of the box
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It sounds like I need to thing seriously about Tikka. Never fired one but it looks like the reviews are excellent
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I would flip it around and spend $1,000 on a scope and $500-800 on a rifle. Factory rifles are amazing these days and even the cheaper models shoot amazingly well but you still gotta pay for good glass.
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I would flip it around and spend $1,000 on a scope and $500-800 on a rifle. Factory rifles are amazing these days and even the cheaper models shoot amazingly well but you still gotta pay for good glass.
:yeah:
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I would flip it around and spend $1,000 on a scope and $500-800 on a rifle. Factory rifles are amazing these days and even the cheaper models shoot amazingly well but you still gotta pay for good glass.
Thanks I was just thinking about that before I logged back in. With that said, anyone know of a good shooting model in the $700 range so I could devote the rest to glass? Thanks in advance
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Tikka's are an incredible value. As for optics, what are you wanting it to do? Dialing for longer range shots? Good old 3-9? Fixed 4x?
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Tikka's are an incredible value. As for optics, what are you wanting it to do? Dialing for longer range shots? Good old 3-9? Fixed 4x?
So the ranges I would be shooting at would probably not be past 350 yards. In my haunts, a 200ish yard shot would be the most likely and perhaps as close as 50 yards. My brother has a vortex that is a 4 by 16 that I really like. I recently learned that I have a slight astigmatism in my shooting eye which sometimes causes some blur so I want to be able to zoom in more than I otherwise would when necessary. Was just looking at more reviews and I think I may be going Tikka. I cannot find anything bad about them (or at least what I consider bad).
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You might also want to look at Savage.
Like the model 110 "Storm," with an MSRP of $929:
https://savagearms.com/content?p=firearms&a=product_summary&s=57077
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For what you're describing, a Tikka or some variation of a Browning X bolt with a Zeiss v4 4-16 would be really tough to beat. Both are great rifles, the x bolt are a little more refined looking but they are both awesome shooters. Tikka has a little better trigger. The v4 demo's can be had for under 800 on Redhawk, the ones we've ordered have been brand new quality
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Howa also has some pretty cool options you might consider:
https://www.howausa.com/
Also look at Weatherby Vanguards.
https://weatherby.com/rifles/vanguard/
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Tikka stainless, I would consider 7mm rem mag if you haven’t. My buddy just bought one. I loved shooting it. Shoots great even with cheap Norma whitetail ammo. But that’s me. Leupold VX5. Done
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I sell and own plenty of tikka rifles and they have been great. Maybe not the best feel in the hands but very accurate regardless. I put a 200.00 bc stock on them and that helps the fit and feel a lot for me.
Pretty much all my scopes are leupold. Had a few vortex issues and quit using them on anything other then a truck gun digger gun etc.
VX3 HD/ VX5 would be solid choices.
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For what you're describing, a Tikka or some variation of a Browning X bolt with a Zeiss v4 4-16 would be really tough to beat. Both are great rifles, the x bolt are a little more refined looking but they are both awesome shooters. Tikka has a little better trigger. The v4 demo's can be had for under 800 on Redhawk, the ones we've ordered have been brand new quality
this right here except personally I wouldn't even entertain the browning. I do a lot of load workups for a lot of rifles. Enough tikkas where I've lost count of how many ive done and ive never had one that wouldn't shoot under moa. Not internet moa either. Actual consistent and repeatable moa.
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Now, I need to go buy a new rifle. Thanks a lot, guys! :bash:
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I'd think a tikka t3 in 270 with a Leupold VX-3 with B&C reticle or something similar. It'd cover the ranges you want with ease. Or you could get a Leupold with a CDS dial and set it up for whatever load you end up with. Either way it would do everything you need.
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I know you said you want new, and that's understandable. There's a stainless A-bolt in 270 with a good scope for sale in the classifieds that someone should jump on. I bought a Browning Hells Canyon Speed in 270 and mounted an old leupold Vari-X 3 that I already had in some tally rings that match the cerakote. I love it, it shoots great and is nice to carry.
I think you could put together the same package in your budget if you were wiling to consider a used scope like a Vari-x 2 or 3 in the 3-9 or 3.5-10 range. Lifetime guarantee takes the risk out of it. I've never heard anyone with a Tikka say anything but good about their rifle. you seem to get a lot of gun for the money
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Many name brand rifles can do what you intend. The only thing I will mention is that for my way of thinking, you certainly dont need any of the "long barrel" model rifles. .270 is a great choice, keep it light weight and not long and you are golden.
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Holy cow thanks for all the replies. On the 7mm idea, I already have one and love it but thanks for the suggestion.
Long story short, my hunting area burned up but will probably become incredible for gun hunting. It's treated me well for archery but now that I can see distances I have to change things up a bit.
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I know nothing about the seller or the gun or if it's even an option for you but I just saw this on SGT and thought I'd pass it along. Tikka T3 Lite 7-08
https://www.spokaneguntrader.com/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=165075
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For what you're describing, a Tikka or some variation of a Browning X bolt with a Zeiss v4 4-16 would be really tough to beat. Both are great rifles, the x bolt are a little more refined looking but they are both awesome shooters. Tikka has a little better trigger. The v4 demo's can be had for under 800 on Redhawk, the ones we've ordered have been brand new quality
this right here except personally I wouldn't even entertain the browning. I do a lot of load workups for a lot of rifles. Enough tikkas where I've lost count of how many ive done and ive never had one that wouldn't shoot under moa. Not internet moa either. Actual consistent and repeatable moa.
Have you loaded Berger 180 VLDs using H1000? Norma brass. CCI250 primers. Asking for a friend we are going to start for his gun
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Holy cow thanks for all the replies. On the 7mm idea, I already have one and love it but thanks for the suggestion.
Long story short, my hunting area burned up but will probably become incredible for gun hunting. It's treated me well for archery but now that I can see distances I have to change things up a bit.
I have a Tikka T3 in 7mag. It will shoot factory 162 ELDX 1/2"- 3/4" groups at a 100 yards all day. Same with Federal 150s.
I'm not sure if I have a grand into it between the rifle and barely used VX3 CDS 3.5-10x40 I bought second hand.
My son has the exact same rifle but VX3 4.5-14x40. Shoots the same. I like the eye relief on my scope better though.
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For what you're describing, a Tikka or some variation of a Browning X bolt with a Zeiss v4 4-16 would be really tough to beat. Both are great rifles, the x bolt are a little more refined looking but they are both awesome shooters. Tikka has a little better trigger. The v4 demo's can be had for under 800 on Redhawk, the ones we've ordered have been brand new quality
this right here except personally I wouldn't even entertain the browning. I do a lot of load workups for a lot of rifles. Enough tikkas where I've lost count of how many ive done and ive never had one that wouldn't shoot under moa. Not internet moa either. Actual consistent and repeatable moa.
Have you loaded Berger 180 VLDs using H1000? Norma brass. CCI250 primers. Asking for a friend we are going to start for his gun
Twist is on the slow side for those bullets and you're going to eat up a bunch of case capacity seating them to mag length unless you plan on single feeding or getting aftermarket bottom metal...
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For what you're describing, a Tikka or some variation of a Browning X bolt with a Zeiss v4 4-16 would be really tough to beat. Both are great rifles, the x bolt are a little more refined looking but they are both awesome shooters. Tikka has a little better trigger. The v4 demo's can be had for under 800 on Redhawk, the ones we've ordered have been brand new quality
this right here except personally I wouldn't even entertain the browning. I do a lot of load workups for a lot of rifles. Enough tikkas where I've lost count of how many ive done and ive never had one that wouldn't shoot under moa. Not internet moa either. Actual consistent and repeatable moa.
Have you loaded Berger 180 VLDs using H1000? Norma brass. CCI250 primers. Asking for a friend we are going to start for his gun
Twist is on the slow side for those bullets and you're going to eat up a bunch of case capacity seating them to mag length unless you plan on single feeding or getting aftermarket bottom metal...
basically this. Its on the low side but still adequately stable in a 9.5 twist. Ive always loaded the 168's in the 7 mags just due to magazine length restrictions.
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For what you're describing, a Tikka or some variation of a Browning X bolt with a Zeiss v4 4-16 would be really tough to beat. Both are great rifles, the x bolt are a little more refined looking but they are both awesome shooters. Tikka has a little better trigger. The v4 demo's can be had for under 800 on Redhawk, the ones we've ordered have been brand new quality
this right here except personally I wouldn't even entertain the browning. I do a lot of load workups for a lot of rifles. Enough tikkas where I've lost count of how many ive done and ive never had one that wouldn't shoot under moa. Not internet moa either. Actual consistent and repeatable moa.
:yeah:
Zeiss V4 from Redhawk rifles demo list & a Tikka superlite. Personally I’d choose the 300wsm over a 308 in the 30 division & consider a 7-08 along with a 270. The 6.5 Creeds shoot really well with 130-143’s in this combo.
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For what you're describing, a Tikka or some variation of a Browning X bolt with a Zeiss v4 4-16 would be really tough to beat. Both are great rifles, the x bolt are a little more refined looking but they are both awesome shooters. Tikka has a little better trigger. The v4 demo's can be had for under 800 on Redhawk, the ones we've ordered have been brand new quality
this right here except personally I wouldn't even entertain the browning. I do a lot of load workups for a lot of rifles. Enough tikkas where I've lost count of how many ive done and ive never had one that wouldn't shoot under moa. Not internet moa either. Actual consistent and repeatable moa.
Have you loaded Berger 180 VLDs using H1000? Norma brass. CCI250 primers. Asking for a friend we are going to start for his gun
Twist is on the slow side for those bullets and you're going to eat up a bunch of case capacity seating them to mag length unless you plan on single feeding or getting aftermarket bottom metal...
basically this. Its on the low side but still adequately stable in a 9.5 twist. Ive always loaded the 168's in the 7 mags just due to magazine length restrictions.
Ok ya that makes sense then. Bullets are hard to come by and i have the Bergers now
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My vote would be a savage storm 110 in 308, 7-08 or 6.5 CM
W/ Leupold VX 5 3-15x44
But there is lots of good info on here.
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For what you're describing, a Tikka or some variation of a Browning X bolt with a Zeiss v4 4-16 would be really tough to beat. Both are great rifles, the x bolt are a little more refined looking but they are both awesome shooters. Tikka has a little better trigger. The v4 demo's can be had for under 800 on Redhawk, the ones we've ordered have been brand new quality
this right here except personally I wouldn't even entertain the browning. I do a lot of load workups for a lot of rifles. Enough tikkas where I've lost count of how many ive done and ive never had one that wouldn't shoot under moa. Not internet moa either. Actual consistent and repeatable moa.
Have you loaded Berger 180 VLDs using H1000? Norma brass. CCI250 primers. Asking for a friend we are going to start for his gun
Twist is on the slow side for those bullets and you're going to eat up a bunch of case capacity seating them to mag length unless you plan on single feeding or getting aftermarket bottom metal...
basically this. Its on the low side but still adequately stable in a 9.5 twist. Ive always loaded the 168's in the 7 mags just due to magazine length restrictions.
Ok ya that makes sense then. Bullets are hard to come by and i have the Bergers now
I'd load em up and give em a shot. Stuff em down to mag length and do an OCW test. Bet there is accuracy in there somewhere. Bergers like a jump anyways :chuckle:
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Since hammer's not here to say it I will...never driven a Tikka I liked... :chuckle: they just seem cheap. Can't get past that..
But..
Allot is personal preference based on fit, feel and finish. Go handle a few different guns and see what you like... everything mentioned will shot better than most people are capable of. I'm an xbolt fan myself.
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My buddy bought one with the rough tech stock I think it’s called. It didn’t feel cheap to me like an American predator or something. But it’s no manners or McMillan 😂. Manners makes a stock for the tikka though. Close to building a custom at that point
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VX-5 HD 3-15x44
Tikka or Browning Xbolt
👍👍
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I have so many things to research now. Thank you all once again!
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Since hammer's not here to say it I will...never driven a Tikka I liked... :chuckle: they just seem cheap. Can't get past that..
X2 Ive looked at them several times because of all the hype and Ive never gotten beyond the quick look and hand it back because of the cheapness of it. :twocents:
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I currently own two Tikkas and just helped sight in another.
They just flat shoot, smooth actions, not picky on ammo, lightweight, great triggers....
If you don't like the stock, there are plenty of ways to address that but you start with a fantastic platform for @$700.
I would look at Zeiss Conquest, Burris Veracity(really nice but heavy), Something in the 3-15X category.
Of the two cartridges you're considering, I'd choose 308 but I own Tikkas in 300WSM and 7-08 and love them.
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Since hammer's not here to say it I will...never driven a Tikka I liked... :chuckle: they just seem cheap. Can't get past that..
X2 Ive looked at them several times because of all the hype and Ive never gotten beyond the quick look and hand it back because of the cheapness of it. :twocents:
That's like saying you didn't buy Gal Gadot another drink at the hotel bar because your didn't like her choice of shoes and earrings.
The accessories are disappointing, sure - but I'm going to take her to the range interested mainly in her performance... And word on the street is she can really perform. If she makes me happy, we can go shopping for new accessories for her.
The gun, that is.
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:chuckle: and use proper protective gear when you take her to the range
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She identifies as a rifle.
But
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I don't know what we are talking about anymore but man I've got the urge to shoot guns and watch Justice League :chuckle:
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I don't know what we are talking about anymore but man I've got the urge to shoot guns and watch Justice League :chuckle:
Rifle's,women, and accessories....not necessarily in that order...keep up man.. :chuckle:
Good thing my rifle's and my wife came factory how I wanted them.... otherwise sounds really expensive.. :yike:
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It helps if Travis has already worked up a load as well.
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I don't know what we are talking about anymore but man I've got the urge to shoot guns and watch Justice League :chuckle:
Rifle's,women, and accessories....not necessarily in that order...keep up man.. :chuckle:
Good thing my rifle's and my wife came factory how I wanted them.... otherwise sounds really expensive.. :yike:
I like my rifles way fancier than my women :chuckle:
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I don't know what we are talking about anymore but man I've got the urge to shoot guns and watch Justice League :chuckle:
Rifle's,women, and accessories....not necessarily in that order...keep up man.. :chuckle:
Good thing my rifle's and my wife came factory how I wanted them.... otherwise sounds really expensive.. :yike:
I like my rifles way fancier than my women :chuckle:
Ha haaa any woman might be fancier than the rifles I have! Hopefully this weekend I am going to shoot my brother's Winchester Featherlight model. He loves it but I think I want stainless after looking at the Tikkas a moment ago.
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The only draw back to my sons Tikka 270 wsm is the hammer it drops on the shoulder. I went from the bench to the gunsmith to put a break on that thing to tame her down. I have no idea if it’s the design of the stock or what but they flat out kick! It shoots lights out though :tup:
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Browning X-bolt!
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The only draw back to my sons Tikka 270 wsm is the hammer it drops on the shoulder. I went from the bench to the gunsmith to put a break on that thing to tame her down. I have no idea if it’s the design of the stock or what but they flat out kick! It shoots lights out though :tup:
I put a limbsaver on mine. Really tames them down.
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Wsm is burning a good bit more powder than the Win. Doubt recoil will be an issue with the 308 or 270. Limbsaver is ALWAYS a worthy upgrade though. Don't think anyone has ever wished their gun had MORE felt recoil :chuckle:
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Wsm is burning a good bit more powder than the Win. Doubt recoil will be an issue with the 308 or 270. Limbsaver is ALWAYS a worthy upgrade though. Don't think anyone has ever wished their gun had MORE felt recoil :chuckle:
Which specific pad would you recommend? My son shoots a 300 weatherby vangaurd that could use a little taming.
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Wsm is burning a good bit more powder than the Win. Doubt recoil will be an issue with the 308 or 270. Limbsaver is ALWAYS a worthy upgrade though. Don't think anyone has ever wished their gun had MORE felt recoil :chuckle:
Which specific pad would you recommend? My son shoots a 300 weatherby vangaurd that could use a little taming.
for a 300 weatherby, I'd recommend a MBM 4 port beast muzzle brake :chuckle:
But seriously, I have no idea who makes pads for weatherby rifles. Im sure limbsaver has a model that fits :dunno:
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https://www.spokaneguntrader.com/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=160898
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The only draw back to my sons Tikka 270 wsm is the hammer it drops on the shoulder. I went from the bench to the gunsmith to put a break on that thing to tame her down. I have no idea if it’s the design of the stock or what but they flat out kick! It shoots lights out though :tup:
I put a limbsaver on mine. Really tames them down.
Did it increase the LOP? My kid is at the max LOP with the factory pad
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The only draw back to my sons Tikka 270 wsm is the hammer it drops on the shoulder. I went from the bench to the gunsmith to put a break on that thing to tame her down. I have no idea if it’s the design of the stock or what but they flat out kick! It shoots lights out though :tup:
I put a limbsaver on mine. Really tames them down.
Did it increase the LOP? My kid is at the max LOP with the factory pad
Mine gained may 3/8" with a Limbsaver but that was years ago.
They may have a new spec now.
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The only draw back to my sons Tikka 270 wsm is the hammer it drops on the shoulder. I went from the bench to the gunsmith to put a break on that thing to tame her down. I have no idea if it’s the design of the stock or what but they flat out kick! It shoots lights out though :tup:
I put a limbsaver on mine. Really tames them down.
Did it increase the LOP? My kid is at the max LOP with the factory pad
Mine gained may 3/8" with a Limbsaver but that was years ago.
They may have a new spec now.
Thanks I will look into that. With the break and a nice cushy pad it will be like shooting a BB gun :chuckle:
Sorry for the derailment. :jacked: Back to the original topic
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270 browning X bolt topped with a 4 to 14 from Leopold
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
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If someone doesn't like the plastic stock most Tikka's come with they have a few different models that come with pretty decent wood stocks.
They aren't for me because they typically kick like a mule but everyone talks about their super lightweight guns but then they all b1tch about the plastic stock. Unless you plan on spending considerably more than a factory Tikka cost it's pretty hard to get a 6 lb rifle without a plastic stock and though I'm no fan of plastic stocks, as plastic stocks go, the one on my Tikka compact is better than most.
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I have a SAKO A7 Roughtech in .270 win, scope and ammo listed: https://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php/topic,265371.0.html
I have the tools to install the scope back on the rifle if you buy it all.
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Hells Canyon Speed and a VX5 in .270. I hate the Rubbermaid stocks on the Tikkas.
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I'm buried in research on all the knowledge you guys have supplied me. Thank you! I am tempted by both Nicz and another Wrchinook have in the classifieds but its hard to decide and my budget keeps changing.
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I put together a .270 last year and I love it. I went with the weatherby vanguard and got the first lite model since it came with a brake. Figured it would be something really easy for my wife and kid to shoot when he’s older. Topped it with a viper pst gen 2 5-25x50 and it’s a tack driver. Right around that original price range you mentioned! I also love having the brake on a lighter caliber, I have got to watch Bullet impact on 2 blacktail, a whitetail and a bear all in the scope cause There’s such little kick. Super fun to shoot! And has loaded up the freezer for me these past two years. Dropped that bear in it’s tracks at just a bit over 400 yards
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Thank you to everyone for your fine commentary and advice. I was over on the west side this weekend and went to Bass Pro in Tacoma. The selection and inventory was excellent. But the service was abysmal. I don't blame the workers I think there must be a shortage and some new policy on taking tickets and standing in line without the ability to get simple questions answered first. Everyone at the counter was noticeably upset by the service, many of whom were pretty vocal about it.
Waited for a long time and then my name got called. Employees were great got to handle a ton of rifles of many of the brands mentioned on here. Ended up getting a Tikka Tx3 Light D18 in .270 (think the tikka website describes it different as "Light Veil Wideland" or something like that).
Also picked up a new scope that may or may not go on this rifle. Its a vortex in 2.5 by 10 by 44 which might be really good for many areas I hunt where shots or going to be in the 50 to 150 yard range.
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That's pretty much how Cabelas has always sold firearms, I think they have perfected making it take as long as possible.
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I put together a .270 last year and I love it. I went with the weatherby vanguard and got the first lite model since it came with a brake. Figured it would be something really easy for my wife and kid to shoot when he’s older. Topped it with a viper pst gen 2 5-25x50 and it’s a tack driver. Right around that original price range you mentioned! I also love having the brake on a lighter caliber, I have got to watch Bullet impact on 2 blacktail, a whitetail and a bear all in the scope cause There’s such little kick. Super fun to shoot! And has loaded up the freezer for me these past two years. Dropped that bear in it’s tracks at just a bit over 400 yards
That's a sexy two-sev!
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That's pretty much how Cabelas has always sold firearms, I think they have perfected making it take as long as possible.
My only recent experience was at the Cabelas in Union Gap near Yakima. Bought the kiddo a .22 and they were fully staffed took about 1/2 hour or so. At Bass Pro they made guys take tickets where they had already purchased and were just waiting to pick up their order. Those guys were irate!
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I put together a .270 last year and I love it. I went with the weatherby vanguard and got the first lite model since it came with a brake. Figured it would be something really easy for my wife and kid to shoot when he’s older. Topped it with a viper pst gen 2 5-25x50 and it’s a tack driver. Right around that original price range you mentioned! I also love having the brake on a lighter caliber, I have got to watch Bullet impact on 2 blacktail, a whitetail and a bear all in the scope cause There’s such little kick. Super fun to shoot! And has loaded up the freezer for me these past two years. Dropped that bear in it’s tracks at just a bit over 400 yards
That's a sexy two-sev!
Thanks. I am very happy with it. It feels so light. I was close to buying a savage with the heavier barrel. I think it was listed at just over a grand and the guy was going to give a 10% discount because of a tiny mark near the end of the barrel but the gun was something like 8.5 pounds.
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I put together a .270 last year and I love it. I went with the weatherby vanguard and got the first lite model since it came with a brake. Figured it would be something really easy for my wife and kid to shoot when he’s older. Topped it with a viper pst gen 2 5-25x50 and it’s a tack driver. Right around that original price range you mentioned! I also love having the brake on a lighter caliber, I have got to watch Bullet impact on 2 blacktail, a whitetail and a bear all in the scope cause There’s such little kick. Super fun to shoot! And has loaded up the freezer for me these past two years. Dropped that bear in it’s tracks at just a bit over 400 yards
That's a sexy two-sev!
Thanks. I am very happy with it. It feels so light. I was close to buying a savage with the heavier barrel. I think it was listed at just over a grand and the guy was going to give a 10% discount because of a tiny mark near the end of the barrel but the gun was something like 8.5 pounds.
You don't really need a heavy barrel on a hunting rifle, only need one accurate shot through it. You made the same choice I would've made. :tup:
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Not that I need more rifles but I bought a Bergara. In a .243 ! That gun dots right out of the box with factory ammo . I was really surprised ..
I actually like it a lot . I have to do little modification in the magazine since they seem to have sharp edges that scratch the heck out of my casings ..other than that , for the money ,they are sweet rifles ..
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Not that I need more rifles but I bought a Bergara. In a .243 ! That gun dots right out of the box with factory ammo . I was really surprised ..
I actually like it a lot . I have to do little modification in the magazine since they seem to have sharp edges that scratch the heck out of my casings ..other than that , for the money ,they are sweet rifles ..
I thought those were excellent as well but for one reason or another preferred the Tikka. I think I was at a sportsmans in Milton when I looked at the Bergaras and Franchis. They all seemed very good to me like it didn't matter which one I wanted so it was hard to choose in the end. The brownings were also very nice.
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nice choice on the rifle. :tup: I don't have a tikka but I am going to buy one. I have just heard too many good things about them especially for the price. I have not had good experiences with vortex scopes- something to think about if you could still swap it out. I do have some vortex binos that I like but the scopes have been a no-go for me and a few buddies that tried them. I don't know, some people probably love them, just passing on my experience. Enjoy the new gun!
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nice choice on the rifle. :tup: I don't have a tikka but I am going to buy one. I have just heard too many good things about them especially for the price. I have not had good experiences with vortex scopes- something to think about if you could still swap it out. I do have some vortex binos that I like but the scopes have been a no-go for me and a few buddies that tried them. I don't know, some people probably love them, just passing on my experience. Enjoy the new gun!
I hear ya on vortex. I was told don't buy one if you want to go long range. Thus I went with the 2.5 by 10. When the time comes I think I'll by a higher end scope for my 7mm.
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here is another consideration:
i am late to the party here but i would consider working it this way if you want a rifle for life....
1) buy the nice rifle caliber you have desired period.. spend the wad on it...
2) start with CHEAP scope.. most will work and you wont have many serious "chances" outside of prob. 300yds and you can suffer thru it. Build the bank role and decide what scope you really want on your very nice rifle...
hope this arrives before you pull the trigger on new stuff to consider~!
Cheers Bruce
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I've had more frustrations with cheap scopes than I care to think about. I do have one $250 scope that has performed very well, all the others have resulted in at least three missed animals and countless frustrating hours figuring out what went wrong. From my experience, the glass itself looks perfectly fine, its the reticle that is all the trouble, both not returning to zero but also just moving around on it's own. This is verified by sending the scope back where the manufacturer does their magic and admits, yes, the reticle was loose and moved around.
Personally, I wouldn't put a cheap scope on a rifle I was going to shoot at big game. What "cheap" means is up for argument, I'm not sure what a guy has to spend to get a scope that he can bank on but from my experience it's at least more than $500, maybe even higher than that.
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Cheap scopes, hummmmm
Bought a $75 Weaver at Kelly's Hardware in Chelan back in 1971, 4 to 12 power adjustable obj. brand new. That scope has never failed on any firearm it was put on. Sold it to my brother in law, he in turn gave it to one of his sons. Still in use today.
Of all my present optics, never paid more the $200( a red dot) the most I paid for a new scope is $150 for a Nikon on sale. Have some great Leupold scopes, never went over $140 for them, M8 six powers. Love fixed power scopes, less things to go wrong with them!
Just my :twocents:
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$75 in 1971 is worth $512 today. :chuckle:
I do think fixed power scopes are more reliable in general. Scopes you don't dial for yardage seem to be less prone to issues as well. If you are constantly cranking the objective and elevation it seems like you get what you pay for in general.
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I guess I’m the opposite I would never go cheap on optics. I like old school wool pants and jackets for clothes and have inexpensive rifles that shoot well but I have expensive ones that shoot more better 😂 there are some lower priced rifles that shoot amazing. I go cheap and “old school ?” On a lot of hunting gear. I won’t go cheap on boots, optics, ammo ( if I’m not reloading)in that order. Btw me and my freinds all got our vortex scopes for 1/2 off through various connections. There might be a reason. I think inexpensive fixed power scopes in the 70’s and 80’s were built better. I have an old inexpensive scope on an old gun that has performed for decades. Everyone has their own opinion which is what I like about this forum. I won’t go cheap on optics (been there done that) but I am a cheapskate on lots of other hunting gear😂 I personally think the biggest waste of money right now is some of the high end hunting clothes but that’s another topic
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I guess I’m the opposite I would never go cheap on optics. I like old school wool pants and jackets for clothes and have inexpensive rifles that shoot well but I have expensive ones that shoot more better 😂 there are some lower priced rifles that shoot amazing. I go cheap and “old school ?” On a lot of hunting gear. I won’t go cheap on boots, optics, ammo ( if I’m not reloading)in that order. Btw me and my freinds all got our vortex scopes for 1/2 off through various connections. There might be a reason. I think inexpensive fixed power scopes in the 70’s and 80’s were built better. I have an old inexpensive scope on an old gun that has performed for decades. Everyone has their own opinion which is what I like about this forum. I won’t go cheap on optics (been there done that) but I am a cheapskate on lots of other hunting gear😂 I personally think the biggest waste of money right now is some of the high end hunting clothes but that’s another topic
Hey it’s not high end CLOTHING... it’s high end GEAR that you wear :chuckle: ... but I agree biggest scam out there. All made over seas.
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OP had budget of 1500 ish.. we are shooting for stars here.. he can get "good" but not gonna get great for that price point, sure most are accurate but there is nice and then there is nice.. i know my rule of thumb has always been rifle cost =optics cost (unless full custom setup rifle) then maybe optics are more in the .5X ish cost of custom rifle... quality rifle will never go away, saving pennies upgrade in optics to a forever setup was my thought, i guess i just think a bit differently one forever higher end rifle setup vs get what you can get for 1500... quality optics are not cheap!
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I guess I’m the opposite I would never go cheap on optics. I like old school wool pants and jackets for clothes and have inexpensive rifles that shoot well but I have expensive ones that shoot more better 😂 there are some lower priced rifles that shoot amazing. I go cheap and “old school ?” On a lot of hunting gear. I won’t go cheap on boots, optics, ammo ( if I’m not reloading)in that order. Btw me and my freinds all got our vortex scopes for 1/2 off through various connections. There might be a reason. I think inexpensive fixed power scopes in the 70’s and 80’s were built better. I have an old inexpensive scope on an old gun that has performed for decades. Everyone has their own opinion which is what I like about this forum. I won’t go cheap on optics (been there done that) but I am a cheapskate on lots of other hunting gear😂 I personally think the biggest waste of money right now is some of the high end hunting clothes but that’s another topic
Hey it’s not high end CLOTHING... it’s high end GEAR that you wear :chuckle: ... but I agree biggest scam out there. All made over seas.
and you “run” the high end gear you don’t wear it 😂
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I'd keep it simple and go with a Tikka or Browning. Some people don't like them, but I haven't seen one that didn't shoot well.
Topping it could be as easy as a Leupold FX3 6x42, whatever their newest version of the VX3 is in 3.5-10x40, or step up to a Zeiss V4.
For your <350 yards the 308 would be a great choice.
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I’ve had cheap scopes and expensive scopes fail me.
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Lots of good advice on here already, and whatever I say is just reiterating others comments. I own both a 270 and a 308. My 308 is for sale on here. My 270 was both mine and my dads first rifle, a Model 70 my grandpa bought my dad in 1959, and was passed down to me. A wise man once said "if someone gave me a thousand bucks, Id buy a $100 rifle and a $900 scope. With your budget, like others have said, Tikka's are great, especially if you throw an aftermarket stock on it. Extremely smooth action and accurate. My only complaint is their barrels tend to be a little slow. Hard to beat the VX-5 with CDS. That combo would fall into your price range.
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Shot the tikka this weekend and man the bore sight was not done properly. Eventually got a few on paper but decided to get my own boresighter so I don't waste any more ammo. I have to say that Tikka action is flawless. With the break that came with it, it hardly kicks. Can't wait to get it dialed in!
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You can easily bore sight a bolt action rifle by removing the bolt, and adjusting your scope while looking through the bore. I can usually get my rifles on the target at 100 yards with this method. But it's still best to shoot at 25 yards for your first shot.
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You can easily bore sight a bolt action rifle by removing the bolt, and adjusting your scope while looking through the bore. I can usually get my rifles on the target at 100 yards with this method. But it's still best to shoot at 25 yards for your first shot.
how I do it too
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Well darn I should have researched it more because I had that thought: "why don't I just look down the bore and bore sight that way?" Good to know for the future. And after seeing these comments mentioned it to a friend and he said oh yea you can do it that way!
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Well darn I should have researched it more because I had that thought: "why don't I just look down the bore and bore sight that way?" Good to know for the future. And after seeing these comments mentioned it to a friend and he said oh yea you can do it that way!
its the easiest and usually most accurate way. How many rifles has cabelas bore sighted for people that wouldn't even touch a target board at 100 :twocents:
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I saw two the other day that didn't hit paper at 50 yards at the range. A big piece of paper. The range guys finally convinced them to pull the bolt and do it that way.
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That's the only way I do it. Quick and easy
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Haaa! Perhaps wasted money on the Bushnell bore sighter but it is compatible with many calibers that won't have eye access. I'm gonna test it later versus using the eye to see how it works. And good call on the Tikka (@KarlBlanchard) you were totally right. The value in those guns is awesome. I almost bought the $700 Tikka because it had many of the same qualities but decided to get a nicer one.
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Get an X-bolt hunter in 30-06. Top it with a Zeiss Conquest. Will do the job nicely.