Kicking tires for a rifle

The Weatherby Vanguard S2 doesn't have a detachable magazine. It has a hinged floor plate. I have one in 7mm-08 and I haven't shot it yet but it has a nice feel of quality to it. If it shoots as good as it feels I will be very happy.

The Weatherby is not detachable mag rifle. They offer a kit to convert it to a detachable mag, but it is 3 rounds. Tikka comes with a 3 round detachable magazine in 7-08 with the option to buy 5 round mags. Most bolt rifles with blind magazines or floorplates are 4+1. Other than Vanguard and Howa Winchester is the only manufacturer to have 5+1 capacity.

I'm not strongly opposed to detachable magazine rifles, but they wouldn't be my first choice. I like the Winchester offerings better. The Weatherby is a nice rifle, but they are the heaviest rifles made. A deal killer for me, but if you want a heavy rifle they are good rifles. Sounds like a Tikka comes closest to meeting your criteria after buying a 5 round mag for it.

Take a look at the Browning X-bolt. It has a detachable 4 round mag.

Not sure why some are hung up on detachable mags. It's just one more thing for me to lose and if I need a reload, it's easier for me to stuff em in the top.

7mm-08 is actually one of my favorite calibers.

How much are you wanting to spend on the rifle? On optics? What is your primary use? Any secondary uses? Do you reload?

there are no guns I'm aware of that fit all of those requirements. the ruger american fits the most closely but those only have 4 round mags. the ruger gunsite has up to 20 round mags but are only available in 308. the ruger vanguard as has been repeatedly pointed out does not have a removable mag. and I'm not completely certain but I believe the savage mags also are only 4 rounds. so either you'll have to drop your 5 round cap requirement or you'll have to drop your bolt action requirement and go with an AR10 in 7-08

in that case the Ruger american it is. quite affordable as well I might add.

Others have mentioned that the Weatherby does not have a detachable magazine, but nonetheless it is an excellent rifle. I love mine and if I had it to do again, I'd get the same one. Very sturdy, and very accurate. Best $390 I've ever spent on a gun.

To consider a step up, how about the Ruger Hawkeye. I've got nothing against the American, I've got one in .308 and have been exceptionally pleased with it for it's purposes. But I've also got a Hawkeye All-Weather in 7mm08 and it is a much more refined rifle. Mine was $630 at PSA. (4+1 also).

Savage Lightweight Hunter is 4+1. So are most of the Savage rifles.

http://www.savagearms.com/

T/C Venture weathershield only 3 +1though.

What LOP do you prefer? If you prefer a shorter LOP (12.5") you may want to check out the Vanguard S2 youth, the Thompson Center Venture compact, or the Browning x-bolt Micro Midas.

The Weatherby and TC have an MOA guarantee, and they are significantly less than the Browning. All three rifles weigh in between 6.2 and 6.7 lbs. I own both an S2 and a Thompson Center, both are good shooters and feel great.

For a range rifle, the best value for money go to Weatherby and Savage. I don't rate M77s but for looks, the American and other $300 rifles are fine Fudd guns but Weatherby and Savage will deliver a lot of accuracy for $600 and both have great customer service.

One suggestion - Don't eliminate a good bolt rifle due to mag capacity. Shooting at the range I often just hand feed my bolt guns one at a time so a single shot works fine for that.