Looking for a new rifle

[Ehtereon11B]

As the thread states I am looking for a new rifle. I am rather unhappy with the Remington 770 as it is a rather inaccurate rifle with anything I feed it. Scope adjustments do not seem to matter where the round goes. Not only is it inaccurate, I am not a fan of the cheap plastic trigger guard and lower components. The feed ramp is also poorly made and stiff no matter how many trips to the smith or fluffs and buffs I do.

Things I like:
7mm-08. Nice little cartridge and I have the dies/components for it. Would like to replace the 770 with the same cartridge but not necessary.

External box magazine. I kick myself daily for not getting the 700 over the 770 but I can't stand internal magazines. Which is what sold me on the 770. Top loading a rifle just feels too awkward for me. Most hunting rifles do not have this features so feel free to suggest rifles that don't have them.

Price/quality. The 770 is a budget rifle and I got what I paid for. I don't want to pay more than 1000 for a hunting rifle (with or without scope) I am going to be bombing around in the woods with. Just want a tack driver hunting rifle out to 300 meters or so for deer and hog hunting. I am less familiar with rifle brands such as Savage, Tikka, and others.

 

[bpl]

If your budget is up to $1000, I'd take a long look at the new Winchester M70's. IMO, they are hands down the nicest rifle in the $700-1000 price range.

 

[Abel]

The Remington 700 SPS & the CDL have a detachable mag. All of the Browning X-Bolts have one.

 

[hoghunting]

I am less familiar with rifle brands such as Savage, Tikka

If you do a search in this forum you'll find lots of information about both brands and plenty of recommendations for each. I also recommend either one.

 

[JeffDilla]

I'll go ahead and recommend Tikka. I have a T3 lite in 300 wsm and it's a fantastic shooter. Butter-smooth action and far more accurate than I am. I'd like to get a Hunter model in another caliber some day.

 

[Kachok]

Tikka is A+ in my book. None of my rifles except my Savages can come close to hanging with it, and even they can only hang with specific handloads. The Tikka shoots everything from the cheapest factory fodder available to custom match handloads with remarkable precision.

 

[groundhog34]

Get the top of the line Savage then spend the rest of your budget on a Leupold scope.

 

[Walkalong]

Scope adjustments do not seem to matter where the round goes.

Have you tried a different scope?

 

[AABEN]

I like the top load. You will never lose the mag. I like the Savage 10 or 11 I also like the 243 less kick and cheaper to shoot and a round that is easy to reload and will keep an 1/2 at a 100 yards easy. Good Luck on what ever you get.

 

[Ehtereon11B]

Have you tried a different scope?

That is an option I have considered. I plan on picking up a cheap Redfield or Wal-mart special scope to replace the stock Bushnell scope. This thread is more to keep the options open.

I like the top load. You will never lose the mag.

I am the exact opposite. I have never lost a mag for anything. And I don't like rounds touching the chamber as part of the loading process. Using an external mag is a much more controlled setting for me.

 

[firesky101]

if you like the synthetic stock and detachable mags; Savage, Tikka, and Ruger all have great priced options that are leaps and bounds above a 770.

 

[wild willy]

I would suggest you buy a good scope.770 are pretty much junk but accuracy was never a problem with the ones I shot.If you buy a good scope you can stick it on the 770 for now and move it to your new gun when you decide what you want.You buy another cheap junk scope you will just have two POS