High Quality hunting rifles

[Dave in Hawaii]

I got an older Sako .270 for $850 and it is sweet all the way around. It's my only high power rifle and I don't have the urge for anything else...

 

[stubbicatt]

I have never been happier with a hunting rifle than an old Mannlicher Schoenaur. I finally bought one, and it is all I could ask for.

 

[WardenWolf]

About a year ago I picked up a nicely sporterized Mauser K98 for $250. She still shoots 1 MOA with factory ammo and the original military barrel. She's already lasted one lifetime, and with proper care will last another. She's not the prettiest gun, but she'll do everything I ask of her. Money can go a long way if you focus on value and quality over appearances. It all depends what you're willing to spend. Sometimes it's best to look for a diamond in the rough.

 

[jehu]

Dave has it right! Save some more $$ and get a new Sako which will be accurate out of the box with premium factory ammo and IMO is the closest you can get to a custom rifle or buy a good condition used one.

 

[hentown]

You'd be hard-pressed to beat a Tikka! Great, adjustable triggers and Sako barrels.

 

[shaggy430]

Another vote for Tikka. Out of the box they are the best rifle for the $ IMO.

 

[SwampWolf]

I prefer the Ruger Model 77 rifle in all of its several renditions. No one makes a more rugged bolt-action and the Mauser-style extractor is a time-proven commodity. I prefer the "classic" lines of the stock and the controlled-round feeding of the newer models. The three-position, conveniently located safety is a decided plus, in my book. Finally, every one of the many that have come my way have been plenty accurate. I will concede that, until recently, some Model 77 triggers came with heavier than desireable trigger pulls-at least in my judgement.

 

[StretchNM]

I'll have to echo the sentiments for the Ruger #1, if you're willing to go with a single shot. A beautiful rifle with excellent workmanship, and built to withstand any load you feed it in the caliber you choose.

25-06

 

[Sav .250]

I`d go for ....accuracy. That would be a Savage rife. They have so very good package deals. Plus,A lot less than $800.
Last a life time? You bet. Just take care of it!

 

[DanTheFarmer]

Hi All,

Check out the Thompson Center Icon. I've got two and think they are great rifles. They've got some nice features like integrated scope bases and a 60 degree bolt lift.

One thing to note is that prices seem to be all over the place. I don't think the rifles are selling that well (just a hunch, somebody please chime in if you've got evidence one way or the other). Some people seem to treating them as premium rifles and are asking $900 or more for them. On the other hand CDNN, the inventory liquidator guys, are selling them for $499 in either that standard walnut or the "Ultra-Wood" stocks. These $499 rifles are in 30TC which might be a turn off for some though.

I love my Icon 30TC. It is my most accurate rifle. The factory ammo is fast, accurate, available, and no more expensive than other ammo. My handloads equal 308 Win in speed and are accurate. Even if the those predicting the demise of this cartridge turn out to be correct I've got a supply of brass and can use readily available components.

Anyway...consider the Thompson Center Icon.

Dan

 

[T.R.]

Browning has always been associated with high quality fit and finish.

TR

 

[Captcurt]

I'd focus on CZ or Winchester.

Cz 550 would be my pick for quality. They still have the nice deep blueing and good wood. To get better quality you would have to go with Kimber at twice the price.

 

[Jspy]

Reading down from the top I wondered when someone might mention the Sako. Nice rifle Dave ! I've been looking for a Tikka myself for a few yrs ( not too hard tho ) in 6.5x55.

 

[snakeman]

winchester model 70. kimber 84m or 8400, I wouldn't bother with a ruger unless it's a #1.

 

[Ar180shooter]

I'd focus on CZ or Winchester.

x2

If you can do slightly over $800 before tax, a new Win M70 Super Grade or CZ550 Lux are very nice for the price.

 

[tiwil]

Browning x-bolt or Winchester model 70 would be my choice.

 

[BigG]

High quality and $800 max are mutually exclusive in terms of hunting rifles if you are talking new items.

 

[Fred in Wisc]

I'm with Dave in Hawaii-- Look for a nice used Sako.

That is one sweet machine. The mechanicals are topnotch and they have beautiful wood. You can feel the quality- the factory trigger is great, the action is super smooth, the wood to metal fit is excellent and the metal finishing and bluing is beautiful.

They come up pretty often in the under $1000 range, sometimes with optics. I like the older A5, it's everything a quality rifle should be.

 

[Water-Man]

Take a look at the Sako A7. It's in your price range.

ImpactGuns carries them.

 

[hentown]

Fact is, just about any rifle being considered would be accurate enough for deer hunting. If deer hunting required benchrest accuracy, and if deer hunting were very difficult, I wouldn't be seeing all those 7 & 8 yr-old kids' killing deer with their SKS's.

 

[Longrifle2506]

A Sako A7 or a Tikka just might be the very best you can get in that price range.

 

[HDH]

Just bought a new Featherweight in 308; wood, blue, beautiful. Put Leupold vx3 2.5-8 x 36 on it. After abt 20 rounds breakin, shot .50 MOA with Fed fusion 150's. Just can't decide who to leave it to in my will!

 

[HDH]

P.S. I also have a Sako 85 Finn Lite, and a Tikka 595. They work perfectly, and I appreciate them for what they are, but the Win FW is American Beauty AND flawless function!

 

[Halal Pork]

One more vote for the CZ 550.