[HarcyPervin]

Looking to buy a new deer rifle. I've gone back and forth a million times between a magnum caliber, a 6.8 ar, and I think I've decided to stick with the gun I've had the most success and least problems with.
I think I'm going with a 30-06 as it will give me plenty of versatility both in the field and on the range. Now the hard part....I want a bolt-gun, or at least I think I do. As far as safety and functionability go, it just makes the most sense for me...well that and I've never had to take more than one shot at a deer. I'm looking for a lightweight gun, recoil doesn't bother me a bit and I want to have something I can walk all day with and move around quickly in the brush if need be.
I don't want/need a pretty gun with a fancy walnut stock or anything that I'll be afraid to beat up on a little bit. I like to be able to hunt regardless of the weather, and sometimes my guns, especially my hunting guns get into situations where I'd be holding myself back if I thought I was going to ruin my gun. That being said, I take excellent care of any gun I buy when I bring it home.
I don't want to spend more than $1000 on the gun, not including scope, sling etc. I also plan on having some fun with it on the range so I'm slightly concerned about overheating a pencil-sized barrel, should I be? I'd like the gun to be under 6.5lbs but I'm not stuck on the number, just want something huntable. I'm rambling, I think you get the idea...any suggestions for a guy who has too much time to spend shopping and just needs to pull the trigger and go buy something already?

[R.W.Dale]

I'd go buy a stainless ruger compact in .308 and an eotech or 1.5x5 x leupold scope and call it a day

[dirtykid]

I just bought recently a REM-700 .243 VTR,, now i know,it's a varmint gun right ?/ But with only a 24" barrell and composite stock it's very easy to maneuver thru the thickest buck-thorn and light enough i forget sometimes it's even there,, now instead of my prefered 58-grain coyote-slayers lets say you throw some 100-gr's in there and you have a lightweight-dependable (not to mention un-ending upgrade options) 200-yard deer rifle ,, mine was found on-sale at Cabellas for 699 before 100-rebate,, add scope to your preference,, i like the nikon "Monarch" series

[ADKWOODSMAN]

Go with a Remington Model 7 in .308 Win. you can't go wrong!!!!IMHO

[P-32]

I have a 6 3/4's lb. Winchester Feather Weight in '06. On the bench this fine rifle kicks like a supercharged mule. In the field and cross hairs on a animal, there is no kick and no boom. One of the main reason's I love to hunt with this rifle is it is so easy to carry but it still shoots well enough I put my cross hairs where I want them and then just tickel the trigger. If I do my part well, harvesting an animal is done.

[usmarine0352_2005]

Here's what I chose. I made a thread about it earlier. I'd definitely go with the .30-06, cheaper and much easier to find ammo.

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=548208


.

Well, I finally did it and bought my new deer rifle and had it customized with help from some of the folks on this board. My old rifle was bought for me by my father when I was in HS for an elk trip and has been my only deer rifle ever since. I've dropped many deer with this rifle and have many great memories. (And no, the .338 does not tear up meat at all.). This new rifle should be much lighter, easier to carry around and more maneuverable.


The Old Guard: Winchester Model 70 (with pre-'64 claw extractor) stainless, .338 Win Mag, Gentry muzzle brake, custom trigger job, Leupold V-XIII 3X9, Leupold dual dovetail rings. (At one time had Gentry 1 piece scope rings).




The New Guard: Browning X-Bolt stainless, .30-06, barrel chopped to 16.5", Zeiss Conquest 3X9, Talley Custom rings. (I've added a shell carrier on the buttstock, Butler Creek Neoprene sling, and Butler Creek Clear Blizzard Caps to protect the scope.)




The new rifle:

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f191/usmarine0352/Rifle1-1.jpg




The old and new rifle:

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f191/usmarine0352/Rifles1.jpg


The new and old rifle, notice the difference in length.

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f191/usmarine0352/Rifles2B.jpg


http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f191/usmarine0352/Rifles2.jpg

[Buzzard]

Go with the sleeper: Tikka T3 Lite Stainless (7.5 lbs scoped) in 7mm-08, 6.5x55 or 30-06. Absolutely phenomenal rifles, butter-smooth bolt and eye-popping accuracy. Price is kinda nice, too: $600.

[sappyg]

if you're worried about getting a nick or ding on your stock i don't know what to say. it will happen.
light weight barrels heat up quick. take an extra rifle with you to the range and let the barrel cool down. that's what i do. i never fire more than 3 rounds at a time. lately i've switched to 1 or 2 rounds. reason is barrel heat and i'm not into getting beat up by a light weight hunting rifle on the bench.
i don't know the kind of terrain you have in minisnowta so it's hard to say what works there. a 18" barrel works great for me in the foothills of SC but 75% of my shots have been 30-60 yards so i'm not looking for or needing extra FPS of a longer barrel.
you might check out the Tikka rifles. they get rave reviews here and may well hit your weight requirement and budget.

[336A]

If your open to suggestions then what about ones these?
http://marlinfirearms.com/Firearms/centerfire/336BL.asp

Or this?
http://marlinfirearms.com/Firearms/centerfire/336SS.asp

[Offfhand]

You say you want a lightweight, .30/06 bolt rifle. Which narrows the choices down to a slim few, depending on how serious you are about really wanting a light rifle. If really serious, the obvious choice is the New ULA. Check their website for details.

[HarcyPervin]

336a - nothing against marlins or lever guns, but they really don't do it for me. they're an absolute blast to shoot on the range and screwing around or as a .22, but for a deer rifle I'd rather have a bolt or a semi....just a personal preference

sappy - not worried at all about getting a gun nicked/scratched, just don't want to have a beautiful walnut stock turned into a POS because its been used, 95% sure I'll be getting something synthetic/stainless....I have a benelli nova 12ga...I've beat it up for years and I still love it, and I like hunting it hard because I know it can stand up to it and still look great...even if that means strapping it to the front of a 4 wheeler back in the woods

Marine - beautiful guns, why so short on the new 06? I'm not a huge fan of a 24 inch barrel either, but wow, 16.5 really seems to be small, gotta be a fantastic brush gun i suppose. either way, to each his own

woodsman and dale - is there a reason you're suggesting the .308 over the 06, i know this has been debated ad nauseam for years now, but just curious...I was planning on the 06 due to the success I've had, the cheap and plentiful ammo, and the availability of pretty much any bullet weight I'd need...

[THe Dove]

You may think I'm kidding but I'm not..... I bought a Mosen Nagant for 120 bucks a while back and that thing to me is close to an ott-six and I think I might take it hunting sometime in the future.... Just a thought. It is a bolt action, can take a beating, is cheap and pretty danged accurate.

The Dove

[HarcyPervin]

offfhand - suffice it to say, I'm not $2000+ serious about weight, i'll just do a few extra 12 oz curls and carry the 6.5 pounder, I may have found the wrong website though, do you have a link

[Abel]

The X-Bolt is what I'd get too.

[Water-Man]

Tikka T3 Lite or T3 Hunter. Accurate, dependable, smooth action, adjustable trigger (2-4 lbs.) all at a great price.

[jpwilly]

If you are able lift some weights most sporter rifles become feather weights. 1lb here or there isn't much.

After handeling quite a few sporters at the gun counter the Tikka lite struck me as light weight and well balanced too for not too much doe.

[HarcyPervin]

yeah, i'm looking pretty seriously at the tika t3 and the ruger m77 hawkeye compact. I have looked at the x-bolts, and there's just something about it that feels cheap, and I can't put my finger on it...haven't shot one yet, that might change my opinion.
I have a rem 700 in .22-250 and have killed deer with it but its a heavy varmint gun, and have also shot their 30-06 and taken deer with it, liked it a lot, but I'm looking to go with something a little different.

Dove - I'm sure the Mosin Nagant is a great gun, just not for me, I'd like to have something new/or 2-5 years old at the most, and the Mosin just doesn't do anything for me aesthetically either...not ripping on your choice at all, I just don't prefer them

[Finprof]

If you want a lightweight rifle in 30/06 the Kimber 84L is the way to go. Well under 6 pounds. It is designed around the 30/06 and is not a millimeter larger than necessary anywhere. It makes a Winchester Model 70 Featherweight look porky.
Another plus is the trigger. I like the Kimber trigger even better than the Anschutz sporter trigger in the 1700 series.
It is a bit above your price target at around $1000 for gun alone, but so far ahead of Remington and Winchester in quality and finish. It is on a par with expensive Eurpean guns like SAKOs, but made in the USA.

[usmarine0352_2005]

yeah, i'm looking pretty seriously at the tika t3 and the ruger m77 hawkeye compact. I have looked at the x-bolts, and there's just something about it that feels cheap, and I can't put my finger on it...haven't shot one yet, that might change my opinion.
I have a rem 700 in .22-250 and have killed deer with it but its a heavy varmint gun, and have also shot their 30-06 and taken deer with it, liked it a lot, but I'm looking to go with something a little different.

Dove - I'm sure the Mosin Nagant is a great gun, just not for me, I'd like to have something new/or 2-5 years old at the most, and the Mosin just doesn't do anything for me aesthetically either...not ripping on your choice at all, I just don't prefer them




The Tikka, Sako A7 and Ruger are all great guns.



When I was looking for mine I looked at Winchester, Ruger, Tikka, Sako, and Kimber. I just though the feel of the Browning X-Bolt was for me. Although I do like harder stocks, like the kind on the older Winchesters. (And the Kimber was too expensive.)



The Tikka and Sako A7 are great values and have guaranteed accuracy, although since you are looking for a deer rifle it's not nearly as important as a bench rifle.

.

[HarcyPervin]

the kimber is most likely out of my price range....this will be a deer rifle, but I would definitely like all the accuracy I can get...to a point....Longest shots I would probably take are in the 300 yd range...and I'm fine with a double lung shot....unless I start betting my buddies I can kill a deer by taking out the left ventricle of the heart....but that's the pride before the fall i suppose

[critter]

Another vote for the Ruger Stainless compact in .308. I got one a couple of years ago and love the little thing. Way light, short enough to carry almost like a pistol, shoots great. I've taken a couple of deer with it and it works as advertised.

[jmr40]

Out of the box a Tikka is about the only choice for a sub 6.5 lb rifle under 1K. Especially if you want to stay with a standard contour barrel. Most of the others use thinner barrel contours. Tikka's shoot great and you should be able to get one right at 7 lbs including the scope and mounts if you choose your scope carefully.

Another option would be to buy a Remington ADL. There are several big box stores selling them in blue for $349 and stainless for around $449. Trash the tupperware stock and replace it with one of these http://hightech-specialties.com/stocks.html If you can attach a recoil pad and spray a can of paint you can finish it yourself for around $275 and have a very nice semi-custom rifle for well under $1000

[Kachok]

+1 for the Tikka T3. Scary accurate, silky smooth, perfect ballence, and light as a real rifle can be, make that a BIG +1

[dubbleA]

Cant believe no one has suggested a Savage yet. If on a budget, I would go with it over a Tikka anyday.

[homers]

30-06... Wood, Laminate or synthetic?

Tikka
ER Shaw Mk. VII - made to your specs
Kimber 84L

[mr.trooper]

Several manufacturers make rifles with names almost identical to your thread title. I suggest you start by looking at those.

[Random Discharge]

If you end up selecting a shorter barrelled compact, consider rethinking your caliber choice. Without the barrell to burn the extra powder capacity of the 30-06, you might as well go with a 308 and get the added benefit of the shorter action.

[sayak]

I concur with Random: a .308 Savage. Light, powerful, cheap, durable, accurate out of the box. Ammo is cheap and readily available. And this opinion is coming from a fan of the M 70 Winchester in .30.06.

[Jminer99er]

I just got the sako a7 in 7mm rm. To my suprise it came with the new "ST" stock (soft touch) its very similar to brownings dura-touch, which Browning did an excellent job with the make-up and mold. Imo

with sakos improvements in the a7 rifle (three lug bolt, steel sleeved clip, new stock, open bolt face, weaver type rail, bolt extraction on safety, five shot guarantee) makes it an awesome rifle! Hopefully you can fondle one with the st stock... Check it ;)

[Tirod]

I've decided to stick with the gun I've had the most success and least problems with.

This^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Of course, that is different for other shooters. But I have no argument against that, even if my choice is exactly the opposite - the 6.8 AR.

One man's holy grail gun is someone else's junk. If AR's haven't measured up in use, sorry. If the caliber seems to be insufficient, then, ok. It's been my privilege to try bolts and semi autos, and in my final analysis, I went for the 6.8 AR.

Here's what it boiled down to me:

Lighter, shorter carry, with the controls in the right place. Followup shots almost never lose the sight picture, the game can be observed with sights on the animal until it goes down. Recoil is substantially less, and with much less concern about it. That makes the decision to pull the trigger easier, too. It also makes target practice more feasible, and it can last longer, helping the shooter gain proficiency. Optics mount readily, and the operation of the action is more reliable, eliminating manual miscues with the bolt and resultant loss of game.

I've decided to stick with the gun I've had the most success and least problems, too. Obviously the focus on what is important is the same, use what works for you.

That's the best recommendation. It's not often shooters get both to try and discover for themselves. Those that have certainly do know what they prefer.

[HarcyPervin]

some great advice here,
Tirod - love the ar platform, have zero experience with it. So I guess I should say, I think the AR is a cool gun, and have read from countless people how well it performs...I did have the chance to dink around with a couple of them the other day at the local gun shop, and it just didn't feel like a hunting rifle. obviously, taking the time to get comfortable with the gun and learning to be proficient with it would change that. really wishing I knew someone who had one I could spend some time with to help make my decision, but my experience has been with more conventional rifles. I have realized as my experience grows, that when I'm on the range or plinking that I have more fun cycling the action myself than simply pulling the trigger until it goes click....kinda like driving a stick. Is it the most practical, probably not in every circumstance, but it adds to the experience. Would I still like to own an AR in the near future? Without a doubt...Stuck...yep...

Sorry if it seems like I'm waffling guys, but the advice isn't just going in one ear and out the other...this is actually very helpful so thanks for all of your input

[Kachok]

Owe 4 Savages, all of them were shooters, great guns, Tikka is just next level, smoother more exact action, better egronomics, better trigger (Yes better then Accu-trigger), just as accurate, lighter weight, and the fiber/matrix stock feels like a corvette and not a piece of tupperwear :)

[biggameballs]

Boom!

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=207251001

[courtgreene]

good to see another suffering vikings fan: I would love to second the savage suggestion, but one thing holds me back. You mentioned the barrels being flimsy and savage does tend to suffer that infliction. Other than that I can't think of a better bolt gun. So you have been warned.
if you want a light weight rifle that is also efficient, the .308 makes better use of powder out of shorter barrels than the .30-06.

[HarcyPervin]

yeah, i suppose its as simple as replacing the barrel with something a little beefier...i tend to get into rapid fire mode sometimes when I'm screwing around....especially come november 1st when pumpkins become meaningless, so I don't want a barrel thats going to turn to mush after shot #4....the more I think about it the .308 might not be a horrible idea...as many people have pointed out, its a better performing round out of a short barrel, and if i decide to tag along on a varmint shoot I may have better performance out of it...opinions/advice? maybe a heavier barrel/something fluted?

[heeler]

When you say 6.5 pounds are you talking about the rifle without the scope and sling or the whole package??
Finding a long action rifle in 30-06 at that weight equipped with gear wont be so easy.
If you want a lightweight rifle perhaps a short action rifle in 308 or 7mm-08 might be considered.
The previously mentioned Ruger Compact or Remington model Seven are great choices.
I have owned both.
An older Remington 600 will work too.
On the other hand a Stevens 200 is pretty light and comes in 30-06 and has a synthetic stock and are quite accurate rifles and are really low in price.
That would leave a lot left over for quality glass and ammo.
GunBroker has a slew of the older matte finished Remington 700 ADL's in 30-06.
Mostly used,some still new.
There are a lot of good choices especially in the used market.
My own favorite deer rifle for walk hunting is my Remington 600 Mohawk in .308 equipped with a Leupold VX-1 2x7x33 scope and it weighs under 7 1/4 pounds fully equipped and field ready.

[HarcyPervin]

has anyone had any experience with the savage weather warrior models?

[Random Discharge]

I have a Savage 16FLSS (Weather Warrior) in 308, made before there was such a thing as an accutrigger or accustock. It's a compact one inch at 100 yards hunting rifle, plain and simple. Good value. It is made well and does the job. No plastic part surprises. No complaints. I think the older trigger it has is respectable. But folks do rave about the newer accutrigger.

The barrell is 22". I've never warmed it up hunting pumpkins (now that sounds fun!), so I can't help you there, but it doesn't seem overly thin to me. The barrell nut on Savages makes barrell changes to another 308 based cartridge easy if you ever get restless or so inclined. Realistically though, all 308 based cartridges shoot plenty flat enough within 250 yards or so, and all will kill a deer plenty dead.

I did replace the stock on mine with a walnut stained beech wood OEM stock from a Model 10. Looks great, still shoots great. The original worked fine (no accuracy issues), but the forearm was too unsubstantial, and the black "plastic" hurt my eyes. The newer accustock can only be an improvement. If you like synthetic stocks, you'll probably be happy with that. Savage now makes the Model 14 "American Classic" in walnut (a blued model 16). If you like wood and choose the Model 16, I'd talk to the factory about getting a Model 16 set up with some serious furniture...

[HarcyPervin]

hmm...I'm definitely looking in the synthetic and most likely stainless market...just seems to hold up better to the weather, (minnesota - we've had the snowiest december on record and now they're calling for a big rainstorm to finish it out...) I never really know what i'll be in, deer season this year ranged from crystal clear and 50+ in the brush to 10 below and snowing and in swamps that hadn't frozen yet...I like the savages a lot, even though they're slightly heavier than I was originally looking, but after reading the weather warrior thread about the front and rear of the receiver being on different planes I'm slightly put off by the idea of them...that being said, there's somebody out there that dislikes every brand and one issue brought up by one or a few people isn't really going to dissuade me from going a certain direction

[Buzzard]

Tikka makes a Lite Stainless model in .308 if you want to go that route. Or you could go to the Dark Side and become a 6.5x55 convert. :evil:

As for the Savage Weather Warrior, 1858 posted a problem he had with scope mounting on one because the receiver's front ring was apparently machined a tick too low. If you want to go with a Savage take a straight edge with you to the gunshop to see if the receiver rings are level. If they aren't, you can still get it to work by shimming the front scope base or ordering one with a custom offset. It isn't enough to be a deal-breaker, but it is something you should be aware of.

[JWF III]

On the other hand a Stevens 200 is pretty light and comes in 30-06 and has a synthetic stock and are quite accurate rifles and are really low in price.


I was going to suggest the same thing. I was surprised it took 36 posts before the Stevens was mentioned.

BTW-That's the gun I'll be buying for the exact same use. Only I'll be trimming the barrel to 16.5 to save on some more weight, and make it more compact. (This project has kept getting put off. I'm bound and determined to get it done before next Oct.)

Wyman

[surjimmy]

Tikka T3

[GentlemanScholar]

You don't here about too many people wanting a light 30-06. I would also cast my vote for the .308 with the shorter barrel. The .308's parent cartridge (.300 Savage) was designed to give 30-06 ballistic performance in a short action cartridge.

[CharlesT]

Held a Weatherby Mark V ultralight in .308 the other and it felt really good. It would kick like a mule being as light as it is but if you are hunting one shot wont kill you. :)

From Weatherby:
Tipping the scales at just 5 3/4 pounds (non-Magnum models), this rifle is light in the field while packing a full dose of accurate knockdown power.

[usmarine0352_2005]

You don't here about too many people wanting a light 30-06. I would also cast my vote for the .308 with the shorter barrel. The .308's parent cartridge (.300 Savage) was designed to give 30-06 ballistic performance in a short action cartridge.


My new Browning x-Bolt, pictured above has very mild recoil, and that's after I chopped the barrel to 16.5




Each gun recoils differently though, as stocks vary too. The Browning has a very good recoil pad that helps absorb a lot of the recoil.

.

[jmr40]

The Savage/Stevens rifles are good shooters for sure, but with a $1,000 budget I would think he is interested in something a little nicer. But if budget rifles are on the table I think the new Marlins are an even better choice than the Savage/Stevens.

The weight is right on either, and both have proven to be quite accurate.

[Dr.Rob]

Savage rifles are NOT fragile.

The new weather warrior series 30-06 is listed at 6.5 pounds without optics or mounts. I've been hunting with a stainless weather warrior for years and years before they used the improved AccuStock, Aluminum Spine, three-dimensional bedding or AccuTrigger. I've hunted antelope, deer, elk in desert conditions of 100+ degrees to well below zero snowing and misreable. Never had a worry about the stock warping, the rifle rusting or it not going bang.

This is one really well made rifle. The only down side is no iron sights. Clean it when you get home and it will last you a lifetime.

[HarcyPervin]

I should clarify some of what I'm looking for I guess.
When I say light, I'm thinking sub-6.75 pounds without sling/optics etc. I know thats not the textbook definition of lightweight rifle, but after dragging my .22-250 varmint gun through the woods, a 7 pound seems like a feather weight. I'm not too worried about the recoil factor because its still in a 30-06...also I'm steering the 06 direction because of the abillity to get that extra power in the new Superformance rounds that would really give me the extra power I'd want (not need) to be sure I'm making a clean kill at distance/in brush/on larger than whitetail sized game...
As far as barrels go, I just get worried about having a super-slim profile barrel and having problems arise from pushing 5-10 shots through it in a couple minutes when target shooting/screwing around. That much heat can really do some damage to barrels of any size I've heard, and I just feel like something that lightweight I'd be pushing my luck.

[IBEWBULL]

Weight and balance being a factor in how the gun comes up to your shoulder , I would check to see if someone could loan you something befoe comitting.
I once had a light weight .308 77 Ruger it was great to carry, I killed some deer with it too. Not plesant to shoot though , in fact worse than my .300 Win Mag.
Had great results with my .308 Tatical HEAVY gun.
My favorite is hands down the out of production Savage 99 in 300 Savage. Fits great, fast handeling and plenty of power. I found one already drilled and tapped so as not to destroy a collector. Check out the classics you may find a gem.

[HKGuns]

Sako A7 in .308....Well under a grand and better than the Tika in most respects.

[courtgreene]

mosin nagant





just kidding, i figured some one would have done it by now and they haven't so i did.

[BrocLuno]

+1 on the Tikka. That action was designed around the 06 so it accommodates it very well. Has to be the slickest bolt out there - at least the ones I've looked at. I have two 06's so mine will be in 308, but if I didn't have the ones already here, it would be my choice too :)

There are other nice rifles out there and I'm a Browning fan, but the last Tikka I handled came to shoulder so well and was so friendly feeling, all the others get the back seat for now :)

I know the factory rings get a bit of a bad rap, but as far as I can tell - it's the ring screws that fail? So I'll just upgrade the screws (4mm & 5mm) in stainless - with a drop of Red LocTite, and we're off to the races :)

[unklechuckles19]

I've got a Savage Model 16 Weather Warrior in .308 with a heavy fluted barrel. I love it. It has the Accu-Stock and Accu-Trigger. I paid right around $550 for the rifle. I shoot factory Federal Fusion 150gr soft points for deer right now (currently working up a hand load) and the Fusions shoot right about 1" at 100 yards, and have dropped an 8 point and a 9 point both in their tracks. I love the gun, YMMV

[HarcyPervin]

this thread has brought me almost to the decision point, there's been some great advice here. My choices have come down to these in no specific order:

1) Ruger M77 stainless/synthetic in 30-06, may look at the compact, but also the full size

2) Tikka t3 lite in 30-06

3) Remington 700 in 30-06

4) Savage weather warrior in 30-06

Advice? Things to steer clear of?

Sorry if I'm steering this thread towards my specific preferences only, I know there are many people out there who are looking for something completely different...but thanks to all of those who have given me advice!

[HKGuns]

I'd say you can't go wrong with any of those choices. Pick the one that fits your shoulder best.

[HarcyPervin]

thats pretty much where i'm at, I'm about 6'2'' and I've had problems in the past with some guns having stocks that are too short (specifically the winchester 1300 "speed pump" which is the worst gun I've ever taken afield) so I essentially punch myself in the nose when I shoot...its not as much of an issue when i'm bundled up in deer gear and have an extra inch or so of compressed jacket and undergear to add some distance between my right hand and my face...while this is easily fixed by adding a spacer or two, i'd like to find a gun that just fits right, shoots well, and is going to have as few problems as possible

[Tentwing]

I gotta agree with HKGuns........ You have 4 very high quality offerings listed up there. Pick the one that fits your frame and shooting preference best, and you should have no worries.

I own a Ruger Hawkeye, a Tikka T3, and a Remington 700bdl and I have nothing but good things to say. I have shot my brothers Savage a few times, and told him if he goes before me to leave me his gun;)

I have soft spot for the 30-06. It has been carrying the load now for 107 years. There are many reasons for that kind of success. It is hard to go wrong with the 30-06. :)

I hope you enjoy your new rifle..... Tentwing

[Jake1996]

Winchester m-70 extreme weather

[biggameballs]

Quit geeking out on the internet and let's go to gander mountain and actually look at some guns you jackwagon.

[HarcyPervin]

not a huge fan of winchesters, which is exactly why I'm down to the 4 rifles listed above. I'm sure there are a lot of people who like them, I'm just not one of them. Also, anyone can throw out a name, if you have some redeeming qualities that you've found with the gun that place it above and beyond the others i've listed, say so otherwise, just say mosin nagant and be on your way...

sorry, had to take a shot at the mosin guys

[HarcyPervin]

its not my fault biggameballs, if you would actually just cough up the cash for the gun instead of spinning your wheels and fearing your wife, we could bail out of the office right now and head to the store

[biggameballs]

I'm really busy that's why I cant go.

[HarcyPervin]

nonsense, you haven't been busy yet this month

[HarcyPervin]

played around with some at the end of last week, now I'm leaning heavily towards the Tikka. The lite version felt great and the action was very smooth...both huge points in my book. anybody have any reasons for or against this gun?

[biggameballs]

Just buy the damn thing!

[usmarine0352_2005]

played around with some at the end of last week, now I'm leaning heavily towards the Tikka. The lite version felt great and the action was very smooth...both huge points in my book. anybody have any reasons for or against this gun?



The Tikka is a great gun and the one I would have gotten if I didn't get the X-Bolt.




Get the Tikka and you won't be disappointed.





Make sure you take it out of the box and check out the action and trigger before you purchase it.

.

[6.5swede]

+1 on the Tikka. I have 2 T3's and the previous model M695 hunter. The 695 actually has a slicker bolt than the T3. They are my favorite hunting rifles!

[Tirod]

I bought the Rem 700 in .30-06 because Tikka's weren't around back then. It's done OK. If there is any tendency to change or improve it in the long run, a lot more parts and accessories are out there for it. You can impractically build a near clone from non Rem parts.

I put a 3X9 on it, found ammo for it all during the "scare," and still use it. FWIW.

it just didn't feel like a hunting rifle. As for the AR, sure. It's what fits the mindset and experience. With the concept that deer hunting is just live target training with a service rifle on MY time, it is a "hunting" rifle. :evil:

No rifle is perfect, pick what handles and feels right to you. It's mostly why I got the Rem vs a Ruger in the day, along with being more comfortable with the reputation. Those are much higher priorities for most shooters than they might admit.

[Ky Larry]

The best deer rifle I ever owned was an old Savage 110, beechwood stock, .30-06, Redfield 4X scope. OTD cost me $130.00, used, in 1980. It would eat anything I fed it, it would take a licking and keep on ticking, and shoot 1" at 100 yrds with about any factory ammo available. The rifle wasn't particularly light, but it never seemed too heavy to carry. IIRC, I killed 29 deer with that rifle and it never let me down.

[aka108]

Howa 1500 in whatever cal. you want.

[natman]

You may think I'm kidding but I'm not..... I bought a Mosen Nagant for 120 bucks a while back and that thing to me is close to an ott-six and I think I might take it hunting sometime in the future.... Just a thought. It is a bolt action, can take a beating, is cheap and pretty danged accurate.

The Dove
Didn't notice the word "light" in there anywhere.:D

If the OP wants to have a light rifle, then you should start with a 308 in a short action. Try a Remington Model 7, Ruger Ultralight, Winchester Featherweight, Kimber Montana. If you want to pay for a seriously light rifle, check out New Ultra Light Arms.

[THREEDFLYER]

Check out Gunbroker for an incredible price on a ULA!!