What bolt action?

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Glockfan.45

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Alright time for another "what gun should I get thread" :p . I am looking at getting into the accuracy game and find myself lacking a good bolt action. I have no idea what manufactures are good in this field. My criteria is as follows, it must be .308winchester (no odd ball rounds I would have a terrible time trying to find at wally world, or any caliber that cost $20 for a box of 20). I also am not looking to spend a small fourtune, so I would like to stay around the $500-$600 dollar range. I am not looking to hunt with this rifle, I just want a fun accurate toy to play with. Most people I talk to say get a Remington 700, but I want more suggestions as to what to look at.
 
Don't own one but the Weatherby Vanguard in any of its iterations is under what you want to pay...but the remmy is my favorite.
 
Here I go again...

Tikka. Hands down. Depending on the model you choose, prices from $500-$1000.

Why you might ask?

1. Great adjustable triggers.
2. Accuracy, 1moa out of the box.
3. Free floated, hammer forged barrels (depending on model)
4. Super, super slick action. One of the slickest bolts I've ever seen.

Tikka shares many similarities to it's big brother, Sako. Though, it's still not that good, it's very close and about $1500 LESS than the Sako.

It put an end to me even considering a 700 or an Brownie A-Bolt.
If you don't like the plastic stock, opt for the laminated version like I did. Adds a litle bit of weight and stability too.
 
I'm with Karbon on the Tikka. The barrels for the Tikka and the Sako are made on the same machinery and by the same people. One day's production is stamped "Tikka" and the next day's production is stamped "Sako". Amazingly lightweight and extremely accurate rifle.

I haven't visited the site lately, but www.thegunsource.com had very good prices.
 
Although I am a Remington fan, for what you want to pay, I think Savage would give you the best out-of-the-box accuracy as well as bang-for-the-buck. The Rem 700 has the advantage in terms of aftermarket parts for customization, but the Savage is a fine shooter.
 
Yeah I just didnt dig the 700. So Savage, and Tikka seem to be top. Hmmmm never heard of Tikka before (or Sako for that matter). I had a Savage before in .22lr. I cant recall the model of the rifle I had but the quality seemed lacking. As I remember the saftey switch was so loose the gun would flop back and forth between saftey positions while walking. Perhaps I need to take a closer look at Tikka. What country are Tikka's made in? Sounds swedish, or russian to me.
 
I agree with Legionnaire! I shoot benchrest with a 223 Rem (ammo reloading is a lot cheaper). There are some guys in our club with 222 Rem's that may be a little more accurate but not as flexible for reloading. 308 gets a bit more expensive but is a good choice for ranges over 300 meters. As for Name on the Barrel: I like Remington but Savage and Sako are both getting easier to find specialty parts for.
 
I picked up a Tikka T-3 about a year ago in .308 and I have to say it is the sweetest out of the box bolt gun I have ever shot. The bolt slides like its on glass rails and the trigger is crisp and light. Accuracy is consistantly sub-moa with the right loads. I could not be happier with my Tikka! Tikka is a joint venture of Beretta and Sako.
 
Check out CZ's line of rifles. They offer a rifle chambered in 7.63x39 wich is the same thing AK's and SKS's shoot and it readily available. They also offer a .308 and the prices are not all that much more then Savages and the quality in design will be better. If that doesnt suit ya go with savage, it will be the best bang for the buck.
 
What bolt action

GunsAmerica has a Savage 12FV in 223 Rem , 26" heavy barrel, for $389 new from the rack. This one has the old style, pre AccuTrigger, trigger that I like. The tupperware stock will do for a while, but I updated my 10FP to a Savage VLP laminated.

For me the 223 is more fun to shoot and cheaper to reload, especiall since I was given 30 lbs. of Sierra 52 gr HPBT.

Savages have come a long way from the past models and I think that the Stevens 200 is one of the best buys anywhere.

Leonard
 
For your uses, I'd get a heavy barrel, whatever you get. It'll allow you to worry less about barrel heat than a sporter weight barrel. All of the brands mentioned are good, but I think Savage is the only one that offers a heavy barreled rifle in your price range, although you might be able to find a used 700P.
If you don't plan on shooting past 500 or 600 yards, I'd go with a .223. For 600+, I'd want a .308
 
If you don't plan on shooting past 500 or 600 yards, I'd go with a .223. For 600+, I'd want a .308
Click to expand...

Like I said I am new to bolt guns. The only rifles I own and play with are of the assault variety. I do want the maximum potential I can get for accuracy in a common round. My understanding of the .308 is it is just a cut down 30-06. Would the 30-06 be better? Is the price the same in bulk? Also I am totaly ignorant about scopes the only ones I have bought are Wal-Mart cheapies for .22 rifles. Who are some good scope manufacturers in the budget line? I do think I will take a closer look at the Tikka thanks for that tip guys. All the reviews I have read on it were very positive. Now I need to decide on caliber. Also As far as 7.62x39 goes it drops like a stone. I have two rifles in this and past 300yards they are useless.
 
Your gonna be as well off with a 308 then you will a 30-06. As far as scopes go leupold, nikon, swarovski, swift, kahles, doctor, IOR, schmmidt bender, ziess all have great reputations. Leupold likely being the most popular and one of the best. For what you plan on doing with your rifle i would look at one of these scopes...http://www.riflescopes.com/departments/231/rifle_scopes/super_sniper_rifle_scopes.htm.

And for a complete listing of scope companies go here....http://www.riflescopes.com/departments/16/rifle_scopes.htm. This site will likely be the best place to look and compare scopes to see what your options are.
 
Burris makes good, affordable scopes that are durable and still high quality. But Zeiss, Nikon and Leupold are the normal good scope brands, with out going to the elite makers.

It's tough to beat the Z-Conquest.

IMO.
 
If I didn't have a 700 .30-06, I'd be the proud owner of a Ruger in 300Mag by now, I just like Rugers for some reason though...

Greg
 
Glockfan.45,

I am also looking for a heavy barrel, long range rifle. On the Firing Line's forum, I've read good things about Savage, CZ and the Howa. Their varminters seem to fall into the price range you are talking about. I do not have personal experience with these particular firearms to draw on, so I will leave that to those with more range time. I just wanted to offer the name Howa to the list of possibilities. The Firing Line's forums tend to speak highly of this name, as well as those already mentioned.

Good luck shopping and let us know how it works out for you.

Paper Cutter
 
^^Bumping^^

Does anyone here know the weight of Sako's L461 Vixen action?

That is the weight of the full action (incl. bolt, guard screws, trigger guard magazine liner, trigger assembly, recoil lugs, follower and spring).
 
My apologies. :eek: Since it's February, spring is almost around the corner, so think of it as an awakening after a long winter hibernation. :)
 
Buy American!

Stick to a .308 Win/7.62 for caliber. It's heavy enough to buck the wind at challenging ranges, and is still inexpensive to fire due to Mil. If you want accuracy, you will have to reload...no doubt about it. Reloading only saves you about .10c per round, and so it really isn't about saving a ton of money. It's about enjoying the meticulous science/art of reloading, and netting 100% of the accuracy potential of your firearm. Have fun and let us know what you choose.

Remington 700 HB
Savage HB

Doc2005
 
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