[critter]

I have a rather smallish female friend who is a deer hunter and wants a new gun. Decided so far: .308 Win short action bolt gun, possibly lightweight. (Not decided: wood or composite stock) Can some of you compare prices and quality of the current crop of Remington, Ruger, Winchester, Browning and perhaps Tikka? Thanks for the info.

[Omaha-BeenGlockin]

Best bet out of those---Browning Micro Hunter------Tikka is also very good----but they don't make a compact version.

Currently own a Ruger Compact in .308----but haven't got a chance to shoot it yet---so really can't comment on it yet----besides saying initial quality seems good---got a unbelievable deal on it---so I bought it---didn't really need it or anything like that.


Remington and Winchester-----I consider those the bottom or the barrel----not really worthy of my time and money----have had poor results with several examples from both of them.

[Dave R]

All are pretty good rifles. All are priced pretty similar, for similar models. Fit is very important for enjoying a rifle. I would have her fondle and shoulder each and see which she likes best.

I have been happy with my Rem 700, but after fondling a Tikka, that is definitely next on my list. Be sure and have her try one.

[Jim K]

One to consider is the Remington Model 7 in 7mm-308, which is quite close to the .308 in effectiveness, but has less recoil. I believe it only comes in a laminate stock, though.

Jim

[labgrade]

Last we looked, the Rem 7-08 cam as a Youth Model, standard sized M7 & some to come out in laminate - that was a while ago.

We settled on the standard (Hi-Grade) M7 & had one more versed in it than I to cut-to-size for The Wife. She's 5' even & 100 lbs.

No sweat at all with any 7-08 handloads, but she's a bit more macho than many of the silky set. Actually, we should have got her a .308 - & that, just for the extra punch of the available heavier bullets.

Thruth be told though, a decent bullet, of suitable penetravive quailty, placed in the correct spot will drop just about anything, & for target use, who could care?

[yzguy]

might want to look into the Savage models... I am very happy with my 10FP in .308. Got a new one with the Accutrigger for $440 not to long ago. Add in a nice after market stock and you are still cheaper than many other rifles, but you get what ever stock you prefered, and the new accutrigger. :)

[dakotasin]

my wife shoots a savage 10 and a rem m7. she tells me that hands down, the better rifle is the m7. i would also encourage the 7-08, though there is nothing wrong w/ a 308.

[labgrade]

Thing I keyed on is the "rather smallish friend."

Length of pull/correct fit is critical if you want your friend to learn to shoot well & a main part of that is fitting AND her being comfortable with the rifle.

Fit it to her, not you, & you will be a long way to keeping the friend, and allowing a new shooter more enjoy the sport.

[Mulliga]

The Brownings seem to win everything. Best accuracy out of the box, best fit and finish, etc.

http://www.gun-tests.com/performance/rifles.html

John M. would be proud.

[JNewell]

I'd urge you to take a serious look at the Winchester 70 Compact. It's light, built on a short "classic" (Mauser-type extractor) action and a featherweight barrel contour cut off at 20". The length of pull is shorter than standard. I compared it to the Rem 7 and came out strongly in favor of the Winchester, though both are good rifles.

[RCL]

I'll second the vote for the Win. M70 Compact, and also the suggestion of the 7mm-08 cartridge.
One of the things I like about the Winchester M70 is it's 3 postion safety, you don't have to come "off safe" to insert or remove a round from the chamber.
Mine is a M70 Featherweight, .30-06. I bought the first one I saw when Winchester brought them back in the mid 80's (1984 I think). Never regreted it.