Closest 'Try Before you Buy' to Toronto - US okay

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Loosehead

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Can anyone recommend stores that have their own ranges and a “try before you buy” program? I’m in the Toronto area and would also consider stores within 2 hours of the border (upstate New York, upstate Pennsylvania, Ohio, Michigan). An American store might be better as I’m guessing they’d have a bigger selection and I’m also looking at Guninternational's web site - seems a better option for a deal than auctions but the extra overhead to import might make it worthwhile to buy new.
I’ve settled on the caliber I want (7mm-08 Rem or .270 Win) but before taking the plunge I’d like to try a few different makes and models. I have a shortlist but would ideally want to get a feel for how they differ.
From my limited experience, they’re like skis or guitars (to use 2 unrelated things I’m familiar and proficient with). Each brand of ski has a different feel and while I’m good enough that I can adapt, each brand has its own personality and there are some I prefer riding to others. Every now and then though you find one that is just plain wrong for whatever reason and I’d prefer to avoid buying a rifle I'm not comfortable shooting.

FWIW, here’s my short-list in order of preference after doing some research:

1. Winchester Model 70
* Post 2007, made by FN Herstal
2. Browning X-bolt
3. Weatherby Mark V
4. Ruger M-77
5. Weatherby Vanguard
6. Tikka T3X
7. CZ-550

Of course, I’m open to critiques/comments/suggestions on this as well but maybe I should open a separate thread for those?

Or maybe I’m overthinking this and I should:
1. Grab of these if I see one come up on the EE? I’m not in a hurry as I won’t be able to use it for at least another 4 months while my shoulder heals (not really worth placing a “WTB” ad yet I reckon).
2. Take advantage of the mentor’s list (per the newbie FAQ) to find local CGN members that'd let me try theirs?

Thanks in advance for all replies especially if I miss commenting or responding straight away.
 
1. Winchester Model 70
* Post 2007, made by FN Herstal
2. Browning X-bolt
3. Weatherby Mark V
4. Ruger M-77
5. Weatherby Vanguard
6. Tikka T3X
7. CZ-550

Aside from #6, which had poor ergonomics for me (and the action felt like a low end Savage) I have shot/handled them all. You can't go wrong with any of them. As suggested by Blasted Saber, shouldering each in a gun store would be a good substitute, since it is the ergos that count. My guess is you'll end up with the Model 70...

Just kidding about #6, but it would be my last choice. :)
 
blasted_saber said:
Not aware of any.

The closest you're going to get is handling them in a store.

On the bright side, guns hold value. If you don't it once you fire it, you won't lose much value
Click to expand...

Good to know re: guns holding their value. I'm starting to lean towards new - having a warranty will be handy for me as a rookie gun owner. Good excuse too pay me a visit to some of the shops in Durham, especially with Al Flaherty's shut down. My rehab is going well so I reckon I can easily shoulder them to get a feel for the ergonomics.

woodlotowner said:
1. Winchester Model 70
* Post 2007, made by FN Herstal
2. Browning X-bolt
3. Weatherby Mark V
4. Ruger M-77
5. Weatherby Vanguard
6. Tikka T3X
7. CZ-550

Aside from #6, which had poor ergonomics for me (and the action felt like a low end Savage) I have shot/handled them all. You can't go wrong with any of them. As suggested by Blasted Saber, shouldering each in a gun store would be a good substitute, since it is the ergos that count. My guess is you'll end up with the Model 70...

Just kidding about #6, but it would be my last choice. :)
Click to expand...

Thanks for the feedback especially about the action. If I had to choose without trying I'd definitely go with the Model 70. Still split between .270 Win and 7mm-08 Rem but that question's been asked so many times already that I just need to do more research.

JIMMY 808 said:
Do what the rest of us did.

Buy every rifle you are interested in.
Click to expand...

THIS is tempting! Model 70 in .270 Win, XBolt in 7mm-08 Rem...

nitroxace said:
I thought that was Tuesdays rant subject.
Click to expand...

Ja ja. No need for me to rehash it on the weekend. Plus I've seen several threads on this topic already so pretty sure I can find an answer in those. My neighbour knows some spots so I'll just pop over with a few beers and have a chat with him when we're getting ready for next season. their cottage is up near one of the elk zones too! First I gotta get me one of those tags...
 
Loosehead said:
Good to know re: guns holding their value. I'm starting to lean towards new - having a warranty will be handy for me as a rookie gun owner. Good excuse too pay me a visit to some of the shops in Durham, especially with Al Flaherty's shut down. My rehab is going well so I reckon I can easily shoulder them to get a feel for the ergonomics.
Click to expand...

I don't believe Browning or Winchester have a written warranty, but the Canadian distributer does service them. Whether or not a fee accompanies i can not say.

I have both the x-bolt and tikka. Fit and finish go to Browning, trigger and smoother operation to tikka. The Weatherby can be had with a triggertech (big +), and the CZ 550 is quite nice with the right piece of wood. That or a stainless m70 would get my vote as a forever rifle
 
Loosehead said:
Can anyone recommend stores that have their own ranges and a “try before you buy” program? I’m in the Toronto area and would also consider stores within 2 hours of the border (upstate New York, upstate Pennsylvania, Ohio, Michigan). An American store might be better as I’m guessing they’d have a bigger selection and I’m also looking at Guninternational's web site - seems a better option for a deal than auctions but the extra overhead to import might make it worthwhile to buy new.
I’ve settled on the caliber I want (7mm-08 Rem or .270 Win) but before taking the plunge I’d like to try a few different makes and models. I have a shortlist but would ideally want to get a feel for how they differ.
From my limited experience, they’re like skis or guitars (to use 2 unrelated things I’m familiar and proficient with). Each brand of ski has a different feel and while I’m good enough that I can adapt, each brand has its own personality and there are some I prefer riding to others. Every now and then though you find one that is just plain wrong for whatever reason and I’d prefer to avoid buying a rifle I'm not comfortable shooting.

FWIW, here’s my short-list in order of preference after doing some research:

1. Winchester Model 70
* Post 2007, made by FN Herstal
2. Browning X-bolt
3. Weatherby Mark V
4. Ruger M-77
5. Weatherby Vanguard
6. Tikka T3X
7. CZ-550

Of course, I’m open to critiques/comments/suggestions on this as well but maybe I should open a separate thread for those?

Or maybe I’m overthinking this and I should:
1. Grab of these if I see one come up on the EE? I’m not in a hurry as I won’t be able to use it for at least another 4 months while my shoulder heals (not really worth placing a “WTB” ad yet I reckon).
2. Take advantage of the mentor’s list (per the newbie FAQ) to find local CGN members that'd let me try theirs?

Thanks in advance for all replies especially if I miss commenting or responding straight away.
Click to expand...

This isn't really a thing, I don't know of any shops doing a try before you buy on entry level firearms in North America.

Range rental of firearms is possible but doesn't really give you an idea how it actually is in the field.
 
blasted_saber said:
Not aware of any.

The closest you're going to get is handling them in a store.

On the bright side, guns hold value. If you don't it once you fire it, you won't lose much value
Click to expand...

I reckon I'll go this route then. I've settled on the M70 and have a found a few stores around here that carry them so will try to get a feel for them over the next few weeks.

woodlotowner said:
1. Winchester Model 70
* Post 2007, made by FN Herstal
2. Browning X-bolt
3. Weatherby Mark V
4. Ruger M-77
5. Weatherby Vanguard
6. Tikka T3X
7. CZ-550

Aside from #6, which had poor ergonomics for me (and the action felt like a low end Savage) I have shot/handled them all. You can't go wrong with any of them. As suggested by Blasted Saber, shouldering each in a gun store would be a good substitute, since it is the ergos that count. My guess is you'll end up with the Model 70...

Just kidding about #6, but it would be my last choice. :)
Click to expand...

You've guessed right! After re-reading about them all including some comparisons between them, I'm going with the M70 in either Featherweight or Supergrade. Since I'll be putting in a fair amount of range time with it, I've read that the heavier barrel will hold up better. The extra $ means I can avoid buying a rimfire and not worry as much about burning out the barrel. I can always find an excuser to get one later...

JIMMY 808 said:
Do what the rest of us did.

Buy every rifle you are interested in.
Click to expand...

I'll get around to that eventually!

nitroxace said:
I thought that was Tuesdays rant subject.
Click to expand...

Fisherguy55 said:
I don't believe Browning or Winchester have a written warranty, but the Canadian distributer does service them. Whether or not a fee accompanies i can not say.

I have both the x-bolt and tikka. Fit and finish go to Browning, trigger and smoother operation to tikka. The Weatherby can be had with a triggertech (big +), and the CZ 550 is quite nice with the right piece of wood. That or a stainless m70 would get my vote as a forever rifle
Click to expand...

I have not seen any SS M70s locally. I will look into getting an Extreme Weather SS model though. Might have to special order it but I have yet to check shops outside of Ontario I've only looked at CGN sponsors though.

Mr.Crumbz said:
This is the way! Hard on the wallet, but sound advice :)

Everyone has their preference; I have had more than a few different brands and have settled on Winchester for my bolt actions rifles. YMMV.
Click to expand...

Seems I can't go wrong with them and not much says anything about the others is "better". So long as the ergonomics work for me I'll start off with a Winchester.

Brian46 said:
It's only land crossings that are closed, can get on a plane any time, was never closed to air travel
Click to expand...

Brian46 said:
This isn't really a thing, I don't know of any shops doing a try before you buy on entry level firearms in North America.

Range rental of firearms is possible but doesn't really give you an idea how it actually is in the field.
Click to expand...

I did a Google search and found a place in Rhode Island that does this. Some friends just moved to Bangor so might be good excuse for a trip! My mate is a doctor though so he'll probably be too busy to host me for the next few months...

Thanks again for the feedback folks. I think we can tag this one "asked and answered".
 
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