[kennyboy]

What is the best bolt action centerfire rifle?

[dakotasin]

the one that fits you the best, has the best eye-appeal to you, and the one you have the most confidence in.

in reality, all production-class new rifles are going to shoot very close to the same. the differences are in what speaks to you.

[garrett1955]

where's my Browning???:)

[Infidel]

Well, Neither the best nor the next best are on the list. That would be Sako and Tikka.

[db_tanker]

urr...sporterized Mauser?

I agree wholeheartedly with dakotasin about the one that feels right, though...you can have the tightest Dakota or a MacMillan stocked, tweaked out, mega-dollar scoped rifle chambered for whatever Bench Rest cartridge or whatever you want and if it don't fit then it ain't gonna shoot worth a flip to you.

One thing I do like...a nice palm swell on the stock. Browning has that covered...and they just shoulder up nice. Shot a few and all have shot very nicely...much better than just a hunting rifle.

MTCW
D

[hoghunting]

I assume the Browning would be included in Fabrique Nationale as they own Browning and Winchester.

Agree with Infidel, Where are Sako and Tikka? I will pick these over any other.

[jerkface11]

Any old sporterized military rifle.

[sumpnz]

Best also depends heavilly on the intended use. Some types of rifles are simply not made by some manufacturers, so no matter how good their other rifles are, if they don't make the style you want/need it is not going to be the "best" brand.

I think most of us are partial to what we "grew-up" with and we tend to stick to that regardless of what else is out there. I'm partial to CRF style actions, which means I gravitate towards CZ, Winchester Classic and Ruger MkII rifles as well as sporterized Mausers. Doesn't mean they're necessarially any better than Remingtons, Brownings, and Tikkas.

[iamkris]

My apologies for my reaction, but ugh, not another question like this. It's like asking "what's the best car?"

The natural response to this question should be "for what?"

The best bolt CF rifle will be dramatically different if you are asking for

benchrest shooting
high power rifle competition
big game hunting eastern states
big game hunting western states
big game hunting dangerous game
plinking
on a budget
$ be d@^ned
antipersonnel
antimateriel
etc, etc

[Cosmoline]

If the question is who makes the highest quality current production bolt action rifle for the money, you've still left a bunch of companies off the list. But overall my vote would go to CZ. In quality and value, their rifles are the closest to the vintage war rifles that set the benchmark. Ruger is second on my list. Their 77's are often degraded, but they're extremely tough and inexpensive. I have neither time nor money to waste on Remchesters.

[GeoW]

Another asking why isn't SAKO even listed. It's a given I guess:)

GeoW

[kennyboy]

I did not include Sako and Tikki intentionally because I knew that they would get an overwhelming number of votes. I wanted a fairly close poll. I just simply forgot Browning though.

[dakotasin]

I did not include Sako and Tikki intentionally because I knew that they would get an overwhelming number of votes.


interesting... i won't buy a tikka because of all the plastic, and 2-3 weeks ago i got rid of my very last sako...

[Mannlicher]

Now how can you possibly leave out the magnificent Mosin-Nagant? From what I read online, these old war horses can shoot MOA out to 1000 yards, fire as fast as a machingun, and are wonderfully accurate.

[kennyboy]

Well, Dakotasin, you are one of the very few people to be displeased with Sako and Tikka. Although I do not have any firsthand experience, an overwhelming number of THR members are extremely pleased and beyond satisfied with their Sakos and Tikkas. Also, please do not ask me why I did not include particular rifles. Had I included every bolt action rifle ever made the list would be rediculously long and plus, the poll can only allow 16 entries.

[dakotasin]

surely i wasn't displeased w/ the sako. it is a fine rifle. but, for the $1200 i stuck into it, i saw zero advantage over some other guns. especially since for that same $1200, i can build my own rifle including the custom barrel.

[brentwal]

Savage will be the "most bang for the buck".


Pardon the pun.

[redranger1]

since i consider crf action to be a higher quality firearm then the pf im gonna have to go with a winchester, cz, ruger, or an old military firearm. after all, look at the demand for pre 64 winchesters, and not just for collecting. winchester brought back the classic and for good reason, that design is in high demand. frankly i think that remington and weatherby only sell guns because of the name.

[Nematocyst]

Like others, I'm a bit surprised that there's no "Browning" option, or at least "other".

OK, I'll deal with it.

Tikka is running a very close second right now to a Browning A-Bolt for my deer rifle.

Who can say which one I'll end up with...

[possum]

i have always been partial to the winchester model 70's. but now all the companies are making great advancements in the gun making business. i personally have experience with all of them except the rugers, i think all are great in there own way. i love the cz's especially the cz .22lr they are too sweet, i know i know that it is a rimfire but i had to give the credit where it was do. I am really into the savages to especially the model 10and 110 series, i like em all but i have alwayshad a thing for bolt guns but my favorite is still the winchester!

[Old Dog]

Little silly to ask a "what is the best?" question which results in answers that are all totally subjective and completely lacking in actual reasons why respondents believe a certain rifle to be the best ...

Best what? Value? Accuracy? Durability? Reliability?

I love my Win. Model 70, my A-Bolt, my Sako, my Ruger ... am lusting after a CZ ... and certainly couldn't articulate what I thought any of my rifles were better than another, much less which maker produces "the best."

Concur with responses by sumpnz and iamkris ... and yeah, "Ugh."

[Nematocyst]

I concur with the praise, including 'lusting after', for CZ.

I own a CZ 452.
IMO, no finer .22LR has ever been made.

Haven't shot one of their centerfires yet,
but if they do for centerfire what they do for rimfire,
then, I'd buy one in a heartbeat.

[1911 guy]

I voted Savage based on two things. Accuracy is exceptional with them and they're inexpensive. My runner up would be Remington. They are more "purty" and in my experience just as accurate if you feed them well, but more expensive.

[MCgunner]

I don't own a Browning, but a friend has an A Bolt in 7-08 and that is ONE NICE RIFLE! I have a Savage and two Remingtons, a M7 in .308 and an older M722 short action in .257 Roberts. I'm sorry Savage guys, but there is no way I'm going to pick Savage over the Remington. The bolts on the Remmies feel like they're gliding on ball bearings. The Savage, even after some years of use, feels like it's gliding on sand paper. The Remingtons are more accurate, nicer finished, better looking, have better triggers, and are less ammo picky to boot. Sure, the Savage can shoot with its best ammo and it's a great bang for the buck, but head to head with Remington, sorry Charlie, no dice here. I don't really care for the Remington's extractor design, about my only complaint, but I've never had either rifle fail to extract.

[GeoW]

interesting... i won't buy a tikka because of all the plastic, and 2-3 weeks ago i got rid of my very last sako...


I am interested in what you replaced your last SAKO with... That's what I need. :cool:

GeoW

[mrmeval]

Missing Enfields, mausers, K31s, etc etc

[Zak Smith]

I am partial to Accuracy International.

[GreyMauser]

Of those listed, I'd take any Winchester, with FN (including well done M98 sporters) close behind, then Weatherby. My (unlisted) personal best would be the Kimber Super America in 325 WSM now that the sparse factory checkering has been replaced.

[Freddymac]

The TRG 22/24 is one of, if not the best, bolt action rifles ever made.

[Soap]

The great thing is, with any modern bolt action, you're getting more accuracy than you can practically use and all the reliability you could ask for. You can't lose.

[Ol` Joe]

I vote for Sauer, Cooper, Kimber, Sako.

[JNewell]

Geez, and we were wondering why USRAC quit making the Model 70? The numbers in the poll look like the numbers in Field & Stream a couple of months ago. Like it or not, the Remington 700 dominates this part of the market. As of the time I posted this, Remington has as many votes as any two other makes combined.

[Nematocyst]

Tikka is running a very close second right now to a Browning A-Bolt for my deer rifle.I always reserve the right to change my mind.

I have.

My current pick, based on yet more research and advice, is a Remington Model 7 SS in .308 (http://www.remington.com/products/firearms/centerfire_rifles/model_seven/model_seven.asp).

Carbine? Note that I live in what's left of a very dense temperate rainforest. Brush is thick, shots are close.

Nem

[fisi]

i'm going to stir the pot....... how about parker-hale,husqvarna and commercial mausers?????????

[Mikee Loxxer]

How in Hades can you have a best bolt action rifle poll and not have Mauser (the original bolt action rifle) as an option?:confused:

[combatpreacher]

From your list the Remington...but the Mannlicher is the best!

[Sewerman]

No.4 mk1 T:neener:

[JNewell]

OP may have been thinking of readily available current production rifles? Just a theory until he answers for himself down here on page 2.

[Stevie-Ray]

Of your choices I'll take the Weatherby

[R.W.Dale]

I just love the fact that CZ is coming in at third place:neener: Give em 10 more years and they may come in first.

[jimbo]

Sauer or Sako

[bobsmith]

HS Precision makes some pretty decent rfles.

[SX1guy]

just bought a new tikka 223 ss varmint 1in8...690.00 :)

1 inch 3 shot groups at 100 yds no problem so far, factory black hills 52gr
only ammo yet tried, i am stand and bag rested front and bag rested rear, bushnell 6-18 x 50 ... dont care for it :mad: and will be going to a weaver t36 fixed as soon as i can locate a good used one... ,
will be experimenting the coming weeks with other factory ammo at 100 and 200 yd,
i do not yet reload but am thinkig about going there, relunctantly....
have never tried a savage or remington...
have owned several rugers in 270...good for hunting....
paper only now...

love the gun

[Coopersrcool]

Cooper Firearms of Montana......Look at each rifles test target!!! Don't know any other manufacturer that will gaurantee that kind of accuracy and back it up! JMHO Coopersrcool

[MachIVshooter]

I selected Remington for these reasons: They offer the most models in the wides variety of calibers with excellent OOTB accuracy for a reasonable price.

Ruger is second in caliber choices, but Savage tends to come in second for box stock accuracy. This is not to say that the other rifles listed are not good guns, but you simply cannot argue the fact that Remington truly produces a rifle for every person, regardless of stature or the intended use. With everything from the budget-minded 710 (of which I am not particularly fond) to the legendary 40x, and all of the 700 series, model 7 with youth variations, the potent 673 guide gun and now the new M798/9 with a traditional mauser-type bolt, and cartridges ranging from the .17 Rem to the .375 RUM with damn near everything in between, no other gunmaker offers so many options.

[Nhsport]

I hang out with some very high level competition shooters who know their stuff. many of the crazy expensive special purpose competition guns start with remington actions.
Are they beter or just more suitable for custom work? beats me.
As others have said-for what purpose or use and in what budget level?
Some of the answers you have got could be a ford vs chevy kind of thing.

[Hokkmike]

hmmmmmmmm! Let me think. After 30 years in the field I pick _ _ _ _ !

[Mannlicher]

Poll results seem to indicate Remington, but that may be just because they sell more, and more folks have them. I really think my winchester Model 70s are as good as it gets for commercial rifles.

[Black Snowman]

The ones I have the most fun shooting are my K31s (only bolt rifle I have 3 samples of) my A-Bolt Eclipse replaced my CZ 550 Varmint Laminate by being just barely superior in accuracy and shootability on the bench but was twice the price and signifigantly more weight, I've shot someone else's AR-50 and loved the experiance but can't see myself shooting one enough to justify the expense, I took my 1st deer with a Weatherby Mk V so it holds a special place in my heart, the new CZ 750 makes be drool but it weights a ton and costs nearly as much, my Dad had a 270 Sako with a full length stock (that was free floated) and heavy barrel that was a super tack driver, his Berretta MATO it beutifully made, functions great, and is stupendously accurate, the same can be said of his Rem 700 223 varmint rifle, so the question is "What do you want to do today?" Lots of really great examples of the bolt action rifle out there to fit most every niche and if you can't find it, and have the money, there are tons of people willing to build you anything you ask for. So yes, another impossible question to answer. :)

[frank c]

CZ,Tikka,Sako,browning in no certian order.I have great accuracy with all of them:)

[rangerruck]

i canot believe that cz isn't on top. I think most guys here maybe are thinking tactical, but dont forget field rifles/sporting. Cz's new UHR line is guaranteed moa out to 1000 yds! pretty impressive.

[arizonalawdawg]

My Browning A-Bolt, hands down most accurate bolt action rifle I have fired right out of the box for $2000 or less. (okay, it helps that I spent almost as much on my Leoupold 6x-20x 40mm scope as on the rifle :) ).

[jeepmor]

I'm new to rifles and I just bought a Ruger lam/hb/ss/ target grey 223 bolt gun and it shoots better than I do, no big accomplishment. But the bolt sucks, it's grindy, not well machined, not quiet, does not feel good.

But my brother bought a Tikka 22-250 last weekend in sporter mode, blued barrel, synthetic stock. And this action was so smooth, I could not believe it. I had a chance to compete on paper at 25 yards, but I passed after sending ~40 down at 100 yards.

That tikka was more stamped the best targets. But he's the best shooter too. On that note. His pick was the Browning A-Bolt in ss/synth. But he's an Alaska resident, so he hunts in the worst weather ever (think Seattle rain, Barry Bonds style)

I'll go with his word, but the Tikka had a realllllllllllllly smooth bolt too.

[Karbon]

Yet another fan for the Tikkas and Sakos. The best IMO untill you start spending 3K plus on a custom job.

[N3rday]

Not to hijack, but what do CRF and PF mean?

[KINGMAX]

Best BOLT in town !!!!!!! :)

[DBR]

I favor my Sako TRGS 30.06. Carbon steel. Very accurate. Removable magazine. Fiberglass backbone polyurethane stock. Good trigger. Excellant scope mounts. Hammer forged barrel. Action based on their sniper rifle. Not prohibitably expensive. Unfortunately, no longer offered (as far as I know).

I voted "Savage" because I think it comes the closest for "bang for the buck" (pun intended) of what is currently available.

[Ol` Joe]

Not to hijack, but what do CRF and PF mean

Controled round feed and push feed. Generally, Mausers and pre `64 type Winchesters are CRF. Remington and others are push feed although there are a few exceptions. Most, especially dangerous game, hunters prefer CRF as they feel it is a surer feed/extraction system.

[JMag]

I'm partial to Browning.

[LAK]

Steyr Mannlicher-Schoenauer.

-------------------------------------

http://ussliberty.org
http://ssunitedstates.org

[Ironballs]

"Steyr Mannlicher-Schoenauer."
+1 (its all about speed of deployment, and ones ability to deploy anywhere, with a scout, in the time it takes to spot a target,... its down)

[mrmeval]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mannlicher-Sch%C3%B6nauer

"In fact, this rifle is available in almost every modern caliber except the original 6.5 mm × 54 cartrige. "

[LAK]

Steyr's rifle touted as "a direct descendant" of the Mannlicher-Schoenauer, is a bolt-action, uses a rotary magazine, can have a full length "mannlicher" stock, and carries the name Steyr. There the similarity ends.

Examine both closely, handle and operate them, and these things are readily apparent.

-----------------------------------------

http://ussliberty.org
http://ssunitedstates.org

[Smith357]

You don't have the 98 Mauser??? How can this be?? Half the rifles on your list are based on its design. :(

[Fosbery]

Accuracy Intenation Arctic Warfare (or AW Magnum) would get my vote.

[KINGMAX]

First $$.$$ = what is the range of pricing _________ .

Caliber___________ ammo types_________ bayonet Y - N

Brief history.______________. Period of conflict____________.

Country of origin____________. Number manufactured________.

Years of manufacture_____________. Collectible Y / N

Company or government of manufacturing______________.

Thank you very much for sharing. The educating of others is a wonderful thing!

[Gila Jorge]

Sako used to have a 375 H&H that was a mauser actioned beauty. Now, have to go with Kimber to get what Winchester used to produce. Darn shame that Winchester was run into the ground by a combination of bean counters and unionistas....couldn't beat the Model 70 Classic...except for accuracy by the likes of Sako or Kimber...the 8400 Super America harks back to the good ol days of Winchester Super Grades...beautiful tools...

[351 WINCHESTER]

How about my 03 springfield or my no5 mk1?

[Grizzly Adams]

the one that fits you the best, has the best eye-appeal to you, and the one you have the most confidence in.

For me that Remington!

[missouri dave]

Don't know about the best but for the money the cz is dang hard to beat.

[MJ]

Savage

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v130/montereyjack/Sav01aa.jpg

[tblt]

I have a ruger remington and winchester.I love the safety on the model 70 winchester you can load and unload at half safety.As for accuracy its the winchester hands down,then remington and ruger last.on the ruger I have a trigger job glass bed the gun and floated the barrel and my winchester model 70 out shouts it straight out of the box.

[Combatcomm]

Browning

[tblt]

Shoot a winchester model 70 an you will be sold.Thats all it took for me.Under 2 inch groups at 100 yards

[RugerOldArmy]

Shoot a winchester model 70 an you will be sold.Thats all it took for me.Under 2 inch groups at 100 yards

I like model 70s, but 2 MOA isn't hard to beat, even from a factory rifle....

[General Geoff]

I am partial to Accuracy International.

This man wins the thread.

[10-Ring]

Current lust lies in the Sako & Tikka camp :cool:

[KINGMAX]

My personal choice, A REMINGTON 700 ADL in 270. When I came across mine, I saw it, I bought it, and never looked back. Original cost, adding scope/mounts, sling, selecting good quality stuff, final total just a bit unger $735. Everthing was new, what I wanted and could afford to pay cash for, when it was time for $CASH$ to talk and talk to walk.

Remington ADL in a Laminated Monte Carlo stock

Bushnell Banner scope 4 x 12 x ?? 48 ?? 50 ?? can't remember right now.

Weaver Steel scope base and mount.

Hand made one of a kind sling, padded w/ swede lining, complete w/ detachable sling swivels.

I get alot of nice comments from folks that see and/or get to shot it. I like it alot, fills my need for a good hunting rifle.

[Snipe315]

WAY too vague question!

Best how? Best reliability? Best accuracy? Best quality? Best Value? Best options?

:banghead:

And you've failed to list several popular brands (Accuracy International, Sako, etc.).

For my $$, I'd pick an AI AW. It's accuracy, reliability, and features are outstanding. The ability to replace or change the barrel yourself is worth it's weight in gold (I'd love to be able to change my Remington 700 between .308 and 260 rem).

:rolleyes:

[R.W.Dale]

I'd love to be able to change my Remington 700 between .308 and 260 rem

You could if you had bought a Savage