collapse

Advertisement


Author Topic: New rifle time... Lightweight, versatile, reliable, cost  (Read 8894 times)

Offline taylorb

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Pilgrim
  • *
  • Join Date: Sep 2011
  • Posts: 12
  • Location: Bellevue, WA
New rifle time... Lightweight, versatile, reliable, cost
« on: July 03, 2017, 08:54:48 PM »
Its time for s new rifle...  I'm sure lots of passionate comments will ensue 😀.

  I do a lot of hiking and more overnights each year so weight is important.  I've been looking at a lot of different options currently leaning towards:
- Browning X-Bolt hells canon speed in 300 WSM
- Leopold VX-5 or VX-6


I looked at the Kimber hunter and Subalpine, the Subalpine lacks an external mag so it's out and the hunter's stock just didn't feel contestable to me.  I already have a Remington 700 in .308 that I love but want to try something different and the 700's don't get below 7lbs without custom.  I've had a Tikka and never liked it so I sold it.  Anything else I should be considering?

As for chamber, I grew up a 308 shooter but the new options are interesting.  I looked at 6.5 creedmore but its a little light for elk bear for my taste (yes i know it will work etc...) 270 wsm is on the table as well.  Other options i should consider?

Offline Magnum_Willys

  • Political & Covid-19 Topics
  • Trade Count: (+1)
  • Old Salt
  • ******
  • Join Date: Nov 2009
  • Posts: 5437
Re: New rifle time... Lightweight, versatile, reliable, cost
« Reply #1 on: July 03, 2017, 10:45:59 PM »
That xbolt 300wsm would be a great choice for a packable all around rifle.  Add  Leupold with turrets.   Buddy got his 330 bull last year at 680 yards with same gun and vx6 - 4-24. 

Offline huntnphool

  • Chance favors the prepared mind!
  • Political & Covid-19 Topics
  • Trade Count: (+15)
  • Legend
  • ******
  • Join Date: Apr 2007
  • Posts: 32690
  • Location: Pacific NorthWest
Re: New rifle time... Lightweight, versatile, reliable, cost
« Reply #2 on: July 03, 2017, 11:14:43 PM »
 Kimber Adirondak in 7mm-08

http://www.kimberamerica.com/adirondack

 Or if that's too much $, Ruger M77 Hawkeye Compact in the same caliber.

http://ruger.com/products/HawkeyeCompact/specSheets/37140.html
The things that come to those who wait, may be the things left by those who got there first!

Offline savagehunter

  • Non-Hunting Topics
  • Trade Count: (+18)
  • Longhunter
  • *****
  • Join Date: Jan 2013
  • Posts: 746
  • Location: everett
Re: New rifle time... Lightweight, versatile, reliable, cost
« Reply #3 on: July 03, 2017, 11:17:17 PM »
Savage lightweight hunter 5.5 lbs model 16 stainless and comes in 6.5 Creed. I just bought one and I'm in love.

Offline X-Force

  • Solo Hunter
  • Political & Covid-19 Topics
  • Trade Count: (+8)
  • Old Salt
  • ******
  • Join Date: Sep 2007
  • Posts: 5506
Re: New rifle time... Lightweight, versatile, reliable, cost
« Reply #4 on: July 03, 2017, 11:31:48 PM »
Savage lightweight hunter 5.5 lbs model 16 stainless and comes in 6.5 Creed. I just bought one and I'm in love.

Been looking at that one a lot... looks like a great little gun
People get offended at nothing at all. So, speak your mind and be unapologetic.

Offline TVHunts

  • Past Sponsor
  • Trade Count: (+56)
  • Sourdough
  • *****
  • Join Date: Nov 2012
  • Posts: 1109
  • Location: Marysville
  • Groups: NRA-RSO,RMEF,DU, Marysville Rifle Club
Re: New rifle time... Lightweight, versatile, reliable, cost
« Reply #5 on: July 04, 2017, 06:16:57 AM »
Its time for s new rifle...  I'm sure lots of passionate comments will ensue 😀.

  I do a lot of hiking and more overnights each year so weight is important.  I've been looking at a lot of different options currently leaning towards:
- Browning X-Bolt hells canon speed in 300 WSM
- Leopold VX-5 or VX-6


I looked at the Kimber hunter and Subalpine, the Subalpine lacks an external mag so it's out and the hunter's stock just didn't feel contestable to me.  I already have a Remington 700 in .308 that I love but want to try something different and the 700's don't get below 7lbs without custom.  I've had a Tikka and never liked it so I sold it.  Anything else I should be considering?

As for chamber, I grew up a 308 shooter but the new options are interesting.  I looked at 6.5 creedmore but its a little light for elk bear for my taste (yes i know it will work etc...) 270 wsm is on the table as well.  Other options i should consider?

Looks like you have made an excellent selection to me!  Have a blast with it.
MAGA

Hey Slobbering JOE,

 STOP the freaking INVASION

Offline jdb

  • the illustious potentate
  • Non-Hunting Topics
  • Trade Count: (+3)
  • Frontiersman
  • *****
  • Join Date: Jul 2007
  • Posts: 3723
  • Location: selah
Re: New rifle time... Lightweight, versatile, reliable, cost
« Reply #6 on: July 04, 2017, 06:37:27 AM »
Remington model 7. Or look for a used ruger 77 ultralight
nuke the gray whales for jesus!

Offline vandeman17

  • Non-Hunting Topics
  • Trade Count: (+9)
  • Explorer
  • ******
  • Join Date: Jul 2007
  • Posts: 14119
  • Location: Wenatchee
Re: New rifle time... Lightweight, versatile, reliable, cost
« Reply #7 on: July 04, 2017, 06:44:42 AM »
I love my Winchester model 70 featherweight in .270. Killed a lot of animals with this gun.
" I have hunted almost every day of my life, the rest have been wasted"

Offline kukusya

  • Political & Covid-19 Topics
  • Trade Count: (+10)
  • Scout
  • ****
  • Join Date: Nov 2014
  • Posts: 258
  • Location: Pierce Co, Washington
Re: New rifle time... Lightweight, versatile, reliable, cost
« Reply #8 on: July 04, 2017, 08:18:35 AM »
Tikka T3x lite or superlight top with Leupold VX3i =7lb package

Offline goosehunter12

  • Trade Count: (+3)
  • Tracker
  • **
  • Join Date: May 2011
  • Posts: 42
  • Location: soap lake, wa
Re: New rifle time... Lightweight, versatile, reliable, cost
« Reply #9 on: July 04, 2017, 09:42:27 PM »
In January got an xbolt western hunter in 300 win mag, awesome shooting gun, get sub MOA groups off a backpack with factory ammo, highly recommend!


Offline blackpowderhunter

  • Trade Count: (+5)
  • Sourdough
  • *****
  • Join Date: Apr 2014
  • Posts: 1056
  • Location: Renton
Re: New rifle time... Lightweight, versatile, reliable, cost
« Reply #10 on: July 05, 2017, 12:09:58 PM »
i don't rifle hunt much..
but my one bolt rifle for an all around gun, that seems to meet your criteria of light, versatile, reliable, and affordable.
tikka t3 superlite, 30-06, leupold vx-3 3.5-10 CDS

Offline Alchase

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Explorer
  • ******
  • Join Date: Apr 2007
  • Posts: 19873
  • Location: Tinker AFB, OK
Re: New rifle time... Lightweight, versatile, reliable, cost
« Reply #11 on: July 05, 2017, 12:28:57 PM »
Sako Finlight
Only 2 defining forces sacrificed themselves for you:
The American Soldier and Jesus Christ. One died for your freedom, the other for your soul.

My rock,
He trains my hands for war and my fingers for battle.
Psalm 144.1

Offline Bob33

  • Global Moderator
  • Trade Count: (+2)
  • Legend
  • *****
  • Join Date: Apr 2009
  • Posts: 21190
  • Groups: SCI, RMEF, NRA, Hunter Education
Re: New rifle time... Lightweight, versatile, reliable, cost
« Reply #12 on: July 05, 2017, 12:55:50 PM »
I have an X Bolt stainless in 300 WSM. It weighs about 7.5 pounds with scope, base, and rings. It's is surprising easy to shoot and mine was accurate out of the box. It's made several trips to other states and countries without failure, and has killed quite a few critters. I couldn't wish for anything more from a big game rifle.

Factory ammo group:
Nature. It's cheaper than therapy.

Offline bod

  • Non-Hunting Topics
  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Scout
  • ****
  • Join Date: Jul 2008
  • Posts: 320
Re: New rifle time... Lightweight, versatile, reliable, cost
« Reply #13 on: July 05, 2017, 04:50:40 PM »
Maybe a Howa Alpine

Offline Ridgerunner

  • Trade Count: (+1)
  • Frontiersman
  • *****
  • Join Date: Mar 2007
  • Posts: 4917
  • Location: Enumclaw
Re: New rifle time... Lightweight, versatile, reliable, cost
« Reply #14 on: July 05, 2017, 08:33:35 PM »
I picked up a howa alpine in 6.5 creedmore recently and have been impressed so far.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Offline kselkhunter

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Sourdough
  • *****
  • Join Date: Jun 2014
  • Posts: 1596
  • Location: United States
Re: New rifle time... Lightweight, versatile, reliable, cost
« Reply #15 on: July 05, 2017, 09:32:50 PM »
I have an X Bolt stainless in 300 WSM. It weighs about 7.5 pounds with scope, base, and rings. It's is surprising easy to shoot and mine was accurate out of the box. It's made several trips to other states and countries without failure, and has killed quite a few critters. I couldn't wish for anything more from a big game rifle.

Factory ammo group:
:yeah:
Another vote for the X-bolt.  It is a very accurate factory rifle with factory ammo.
   

Offline Skillet

  • Business Sponsor
  • Trade Count: (+42)
  • Old Salt
  • *****
  • Join Date: Jun 2009
  • Posts: 5624
  • Location: Sitka, AK
Re: New rifle time... Lightweight, versatile, reliable, cost
« Reply #16 on: July 05, 2017, 09:43:13 PM »
Other than biggerhammer will unfriend you, specifically what didn't you like about the Tikka  T3?
KABOOM Count - 1

"The ocean is calling, and I must go."

Offline taylorb

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Pilgrim
  • *
  • Join Date: Sep 2011
  • Posts: 12
  • Location: Bellevue, WA
Re: New rifle time... Lightweight, versatile, reliable, cost
« Reply #17 on: July 06, 2017, 10:44:54 PM »
Re Tikka just didn't like the feel and action.  I'm sure they are great rifles but not for me...  I did look at the savage but I prefer a synthetic stock.


I picked up the hells canyon yesterday and have a vx-6hd on the way...  Let you all know how it goes in a few weeks when I get it all built out, sighted in and what not.  Have to be ready for bear camp in Oregon.

Thanks everyone!

Offline highside74

  • Political & Covid-19 Topics
  • Trade Count: (+11)
  • Frontiersman
  • *****
  • Join Date: Oct 2009
  • Posts: 4484
  • Location: Eatonville wa
Re: New rifle time... Lightweight, versatile, reliable, cost
« Reply #18 on: July 06, 2017, 10:56:38 PM »
I too decided on the X Bolt but in the 6.5 Creedmoor and I'm ordering a VX-5HD 3-15x44 windplex reticle. This will only be a deer or bear gun and target shooting so I will be joining the 6.5 Creedmoor fanboy club. Do they have a secret handshake? I don't want to look like an outsider.
« Last Edit: July 06, 2017, 11:04:55 PM by highside74 »

Offline Magnum_Willys

  • Political & Covid-19 Topics
  • Trade Count: (+1)
  • Old Salt
  • ******
  • Join Date: Nov 2009
  • Posts: 5437
Re: New rifle time... Lightweight, versatile, reliable, cost
« Reply #19 on: July 08, 2017, 11:40:42 PM »
I too decided on the X Bolt but in the 6.5 Creedmoor and I'm ordering a VX-5HD 3-15x44 windplex reticle. This will only be a deer or bear gun and target shooting so I will be joining the 6.5 Creedmoor fanboy club. Do they have a secret handshake? I don't want to look like an outsider.
Thats going to be a sweet rifle.  Thinking that may be the next on my wishlist. 

Offline yakimanoob

  • Non-Hunting Topics
  • Trade Count: (+1)
  • Sourdough
  • *****
  • Join Date: Jun 2016
  • Posts: 1102
  • Location: Naches
Re: New rifle time... Lightweight, versatile, reliable, cost
« Reply #20 on: July 11, 2017, 07:05:40 PM »
Savage lightweight hunter 5.5 lbs model 16 stainless and comes in 6.5 Creed. I just bought one and I'm in love.
Ditto, except mine's in 7mm-08.  Light as a feather and shoots like a dream.  Aesthetics are debatable, but I happen to love the way it looks with the factory poly stock.  I'm toying with the idea of duracoating it somehow...  we'll see. 

Carry-ready (rifle, strap, Nikon Prostaff 5 2.5-10 x 40mm scope, and loaded mag) it comes in just over 8lbs.  Hard to beat!


Now let's fight over whether 6.5crm is too light for elk.  I say it's not.  Come at me, bro.

Offline highside74

  • Political & Covid-19 Topics
  • Trade Count: (+11)
  • Frontiersman
  • *****
  • Join Date: Oct 2009
  • Posts: 4484
  • Location: Eatonville wa
Re: New rifle time... Lightweight, versatile, reliable, cost
« Reply #21 on: July 11, 2017, 07:35:09 PM »
300 and under 140gr 6.5 creedmoor and 7mm08 have plenty of punch for an Elk. After that it's iffy to 500 and after that I'm not so sure. But how many times are you going to shoot an elk past 300 yards? And for me, my elk round is a 408gr gold tip hunter XT at 60 yards or under. Lol so I don't have to worry about my rifle.
« Last Edit: July 11, 2017, 08:09:00 PM by highside74 »

Offline G-S

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Tracker
  • **
  • Join Date: Jun 2017
  • Posts: 82
  • Location: Lewiston Id
Re: New rifle time... Lightweight, versatile, reliable, cost
« Reply #22 on: July 11, 2017, 07:54:06 PM »
Sako Finnlite

Offline yakimanoob

  • Non-Hunting Topics
  • Trade Count: (+1)
  • Sourdough
  • *****
  • Join Date: Jun 2016
  • Posts: 1102
  • Location: Naches
Re: New rifle time... Lightweight, versatile, reliable, cost
« Reply #23 on: July 12, 2017, 10:24:54 AM »
300 and under 140gr 6.5 creedmoor and 7mm08 have plenty of punch for an Elk. After that it's iffy to 500 and after that I'm not so sure. But how many times are you going to shoot an elk past 300 yards? And for me, my elk round is a 408gr gold tip hunter XT at 60 yards or under. Lol so I don't have to worry about my rifle.
:tup:


Offline Magnum_Willys

  • Political & Covid-19 Topics
  • Trade Count: (+1)
  • Old Salt
  • ******
  • Join Date: Nov 2009
  • Posts: 5437
Re: New rifle time... Lightweight, versatile, reliable, cost
« Reply #24 on: July 12, 2017, 11:00:34 AM »
But how many times are you going to shoot an elk past 300 yards?
more than half once you leave the wetside......  :)

 


* Advertisement

* Recent Topics

SimplePortal 2.3.7 © 2008-2024, SimplePortal