Hey everyone. I am looking to purchase a new hunting rifle for mostly deer and elk in alberta. I'd like some suggestions on brands of rifles you all prefer... i have heard great things about the vanguard series 2 and tikka.... i love browning blr but have heard they just aren't built the same as they use too. Would love some opinions.
New Hunting Rifle
- Thread starter Snemetchek
- Start date
I just bought the vanguard 2 back country model in 30-06. I just finished fire forming brass. With what I had loaded all groups were right in that 1 moa. Trigger feels good. No creep, very solid. Very happy.
As for Tikkas I own three of those, and they are great guns as well. You can't go wrong with either choice.
As for Tikkas I own three of those, and they are great guns as well. You can't go wrong with either choice.
The S2 is a great accurate rifle, but weighs noticeably more than the Tikka T3. Both rifles are quite accurate from personal experience and both have great triggers, but try both triggers to see if you like the 2-stage Weatherby trigger. I'd shy away from the BLR, but that's just me. What caliber are you looking to shoot? From direct comparisons hunting with the T3 and S2, both in 22-250 on the same day, I can tell you I'd rather carry the T3 in the field due to its weight, but prefer shooting the S2 (accuracy and trigger do it for me). The Ruger M77 might get the nod by some, but I've yet to check one out. Welcome to the forum and best of luck picking out your new toy, there should be lots of people to help steer you in the right direction and open your eyes to some, otherwise, over-looked options. Don't limit yourself to just a couple guns though, go out to the shops and see which ones feel best and go from there.
hometownhero
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Toon Town, Sk
Winchester model 70. It is the rifleman's rifle after all.
- Location
- West Central Alberta
Of all the rifles I've owned and sold, the only ones I wish I hadn't sold were Winchester Model 70's.
I have and still do own Remingtons, Savages, Rugers, and sundry others of a more tactical nature. I've never had a bad experience with any of them.
I haven't tried to sell any of my Rugers yet, so I can't say how that might feel, but I wouldn't hesitate to own another Model 70, either pre-FN classic or current production.
If I were to narrow it down to one which I've actually owned, I'd recommend a Win Model 70 Featherweight if you like blued and walnut, or an Extreme Weather SS if you like stainless with an excellent composite stock. Or a Ruger M77 Hawkeye in similar configurations (though really, that Extreme Weather SS is an awfully nice rifle).
For the game you mentioned, 30-06 is an obvious choice in cartridge (though I realize you didn't ask.)
Good Luck.
I have and still do own Remingtons, Savages, Rugers, and sundry others of a more tactical nature. I've never had a bad experience with any of them.
I haven't tried to sell any of my Rugers yet, so I can't say how that might feel, but I wouldn't hesitate to own another Model 70, either pre-FN classic or current production.
If I were to narrow it down to one which I've actually owned, I'd recommend a Win Model 70 Featherweight if you like blued and walnut, or an Extreme Weather SS if you like stainless with an excellent composite stock. Or a Ruger M77 Hawkeye in similar configurations (though really, that Extreme Weather SS is an awfully nice rifle).
For the game you mentioned, 30-06 is an obvious choice in cartridge (though I realize you didn't ask.)
Good Luck.
Im shooting a Model 70 Extreme Weather, gun shoots well under an inch with the first load I worked up. Composite stocks (not plastic) with 100% stainless metal parts, something you don't see with most guns sub $1000
Cheers!!
Cheers!!
Last edited:
pisces-guy
CGN frequent flyer
- Location
- West Kelowna, B.C.
Any of the big names are pretty decent these days...go to the gun store and see which one feels the best. Laminate or synthetic stocked stainless if you're out in all weather regularly...
- Location
- West Quebec
My vote as well...
I have had the good fortune to have owned or at least fired most of the major brands of factory rifles currently available, and have chosen the Tikka T-3 line of rifles as my go to gun when I am looking for an off the shelve rifle. They are very accurate, rugged, and easy to maintain! As for caliber choice look at the tried and true .30-06 or the 7mm REM MAG both excellent rounds for your neck of the woods.
Something I've noticed over my lifetime....your wallet always tells you what you'll wind up getting....
mine does
Once it makes up it's mind, look at what models are available in that price range.
Do it locally, if at all possible. The more types you can shoulder and feel, the easier your choice will be. Not all guns will fit the same.
Also remember ( consider ) as you try them out that what rifles fit you, while in your t-shirt, they'll be too long come fall and winter while in your heavy hunting gear. The "safety's" ease of operation while wearing gloves may be another consideration.
Are you getting a new rifle or would you buy good/used ....If you look, there's some nice, used rifles around too. In some cases, you'll get a decent scope with them for less than a new rifle. As far as caliber goes, most will do the job well. Shot placement is the key. The 300 - 500 fps difference in most calibers won't be that critical. Go with ...what ever one you shoot comfortably.
Browning, Ruger, Tikka, Vanguard, Savage.....lots to choose from. That's half the fun for me....trying to decide which one. Don't forget to check out the EE section here. Believe it or not, ..every ONCE in a while, you can get a deal there!
Best of luck !
mine does Once it makes up it's mind, look at what models are available in that price range.
Do it locally, if at all possible. The more types you can shoulder and feel, the easier your choice will be. Not all guns will fit the same.
Also remember ( consider ) as you try them out that what rifles fit you, while in your t-shirt, they'll be too long come fall and winter while in your heavy hunting gear. The "safety's" ease of operation while wearing gloves may be another consideration.
Are you getting a new rifle or would you buy good/used ....If you look, there's some nice, used rifles around too. In some cases, you'll get a decent scope with them for less than a new rifle. As far as caliber goes, most will do the job well. Shot placement is the key. The 300 - 500 fps difference in most calibers won't be that critical. Go with ...what ever one you shoot comfortably.
Browning, Ruger, Tikka, Vanguard, Savage.....lots to choose from. That's half the fun for me....trying to decide which one. Don't forget to check out the EE section here. Believe it or not, ..every ONCE in a while, you can get a deal there!
Best of luck !
Moose & Deer Rifle?
Hunted Moose and Deer for 15 to 20 years. I have owned Remingtons, Winchester, Tikkas, Sauers...Sauer has by far the smoothest bolt I have ever cycled. Sako & Tikka the 2nd and 3rd smoothest bolt actions. Also Sauer, Sako, Tikka have been my most accurate shooters. Hands down. I have had lockups, mis fires, sandy gritty bolt actions with the cheapies and lever actions. But it seems to always come back to my Sauers, Sakos and Tikkas for accuracy, smooth action, excellent deep bluing, and very fine wood stocks. But $500 to $700 budget is significantly different from a $1000 to $2500 budget.I almost said you get what you pay for. But you knew that already right?
My hunting buddies on my moose hunts have all shot with success using: 30.30, 7mm, .270, 30.06 and .338 mag...Usually ALL with one shot kills. Thats because we spend a lot of time at the range in July and August before the hunt. "Practice makes perfect". But you already knew that right?
Hunted Moose and Deer for 15 to 20 years. I have owned Remingtons, Winchester, Tikkas, Sauers...Sauer has by far the smoothest bolt I have ever cycled. Sako & Tikka the 2nd and 3rd smoothest bolt actions. Also Sauer, Sako, Tikka have been my most accurate shooters. Hands down. I have had lockups, mis fires, sandy gritty bolt actions with the cheapies and lever actions. But it seems to always come back to my Sauers, Sakos and Tikkas for accuracy, smooth action, excellent deep bluing, and very fine wood stocks. But $500 to $700 budget is significantly different from a $1000 to $2500 budget.I almost said you get what you pay for. But you knew that already right?
My hunting buddies on my moose hunts have all shot with success using: 30.30, 7mm, .270, 30.06 and .338 mag...Usually ALL with one shot kills. Thats because we spend a lot of time at the range in July and August before the hunt. "Practice makes perfect". But you already knew that right?
Last edited:
