Lightweight Deer Rifle

Status
Not open for further replies.
mosin nagant





just kidding, i figured some one would have done it by now and they haven't so i did.
 
+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 :)
 
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
 
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!
 
I'd say you can't go wrong with any of those choices. Pick the one that fits your shoulder best.
 
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
 
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
 
Last edited:
Quit geeking out on the internet and let's go to gander mountain and actually look at some guns you jackwagon.
 
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
 
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
 
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?
 
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?
Click to expand...



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.

.
 
+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!
 
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.
 
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.
 
THe Dove said:
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
Click to expand...
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.
 
Ultra Light Arms .280 Rem now on Gunbroker!

Check out Gunbroker for an incredible price on a ULA!!
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

Similar threads

H
  • Locked
Lightweight, Quality Bolt Rifle Suggestions..
2
Replies
38
Views
2K
Maverick223
Maverick223
J
  • Locked
20" lightweight A3 upper?
Replies
6
Views
553
TonyAngel
T
E
  • Locked
.223 for Deer?
2
Replies
44
Views
2K
JShirley
JShirley
J
  • Locked
Deer rifle for tall guy
Replies
14
Views
5K
35Rem
3
D
  • Locked
new deer rifle?
2
Replies
27
Views
2K
Davek1977
D
Back
Top