Can you help a new guy?

Well if you are looking at the Tikka's, I would maybe step up a litle and take a look at the Sako A-7's. In 30-06 or 270 in the blued version, they can be had for 999.00.... Probably worth the extra few hundred over the tikka.

Or I have very good luck with the Weatherby Vanguard's and the blued versions come in at 539.00.... in lots of calibers. Add a Vortex Diamondback for 250.00 and you have a very nice setup.... I like the Vortex scope over the 3200 bushnell, have both, but you get more bang for your buck.
 
Funny how things change isn't it?
You geezers out there know what I mean.
When I started out, my first hunting rifle was a 303 Lee Enfield, just like everyone elses. It has great headspace and can shoot 1 1/2" groups any day.
You had two choices: the 94 win, or 303 brit. and they killed thousands of deer, moose, bear, elk....
Gramreaper:
Go to the range, try out some different calibers, and center on one that doesn't make you flinch. Then top it with the best scope you can afford,(you can't hit what you can't see). I happen to like Leupold and Zeiss.
Anything 6.5mm and up will do the trick, and I'd be willing to bet, like everyone else on this site, this isn't going to be your last rifle anyway!
 
This will NOT be the last rifle that you buy, might as well accept that fact early.

Buy a 6.5x55 from Tradex, put a scope on it. This can be a $500 package.

Practice shooting from hunting positions often.

This cartridge will not only ethically take the game you are seeking providing you do your part with delivering the bullet to the vitals.

This is why you are practicing so much.

Think that you have to hit a 9" pie plate from various field postions, 100% of the time.

That last distance that you can do that is YOUR max range.
As you practice, this distance will increase.

The 6.5 has light recoil and economical to reload.

Now after you practice and are feeling confident that you can hit that 9" plate with every shot, you will have the bug to purchase another rifle or 10.

You may have had the opportunity to shoot other rifles in other cartridges as fellow shooters are good about this when I am at the range, and I let others try mine.
You have been at the range quite a bit this winter and the following spring.

Now you know what cartridge you like from experience of shooting different ones and have studied your charts and such.
Now make a more informed decision when outfitting yourself with the rifle you will really want.

The 6.5x55 that you bought can be re-sold for probably the same-ish money that you have into it. But by then you will love the old girl and probably just keep her.

Good luck, play safe and have fun.
 
For one rifle to do it all I'd be looking at the .308 or .30-06... they'll take anything you come across in Alberta.

However it certainly won't be your last rifle. I'd start with something lighter in recoil to allow you as much trigger time as possible.

I'm new to the sport myself and all I can say is I love my marlin 336 in 30-30.

There's alot of good calibers out there though. 30-30 and 7mm-08 would be at the top of my list for someone looking to start out. 30-30 if you like levers 7mm-08 if you fancy the bolts.
 
Curt said:
This will NOT be the last rifle that you buy, might as well accept that fact early.

Buy a 6.5x55 from Tradex, put a scope on it. This can be a $500 package.

Practice shooting from hunting positions often.

This cartridge will not only ethically take the game you are seeking providing you do your part with delivering the bullet to the vitals.

This is why you are practicing so much.

Think that you have to hit a 9" pie plate from various field postions, 100% of the time.

That last distance that you can do that is YOUR max range.
As you practice, this distance will increase.

The 6.5 has light recoil and economical to reload.

Now after you practice and are feeling confident that you can hit that 9" plate with every shot, you will have the bug to purchase another rifle or 10.

You may have had the opportunity to shoot other rifles in other cartridges as fellow shooters are good about this when I am at the range, and I let others try mine.
You have been at the range quite a bit this winter and the following spring.

Now you know what cartridge you like from experience of shooting different ones and have studied your charts and such.
Now make a more informed decision when outfitting yourself with the rifle you will really want.

The 6.5x55 that you bought can be re-sold for probably the same-ish money that you have into it. But by then you will love the old girl and probably just keep her.

Good luck, play safe and have fun.
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The gun you have taken your first deer with, you really shouldn't sell. Ideally, it should be passed on to your own child or grandchild, nephew/niece when you die or give up hunting because you are too old. Or if you never get descendants or other family, befriend an immigrant from a country with no hunting culture and introduce him to hunting and pass on the rifle that way.
 
Get a bolt action 270 or 30-06 with a Leupold 3x9x40 on it.

It will do everything you need it to.

The EE would be a good first place to shop and look around.
 
WOW!
I'm starting to see what you all mean. I guess the option of different combinations are exponential. I think I'll keep gathering opinions and just go to different locations and get a feel for something that fits me. It's been suggested that a CZ may not be a bad choice as well, however as I said, I'm new and don't want any regrets.
I wonder if perhaps I should just try a second hand from the exchange for my first rifle, but I don't want to purchase someone else's problems.
Still stuck in dilemmaville.

Thank you everybody for the help.
 
But buying new doesn't eliminate problems. Often a new gun will need a trigger job, bedding, or just has factory defects that need to be hashed out. Hopefully not, but there are no guarantees! I'd recommend a standard cartridge like a .270 or .30-06. If you plan to do more deer than larger game, get the .270. If you plan to do more larger game than deer, get the .30-06. No need to work yourself into a flinch with a magnum! If you want a rather inexpensive, but quality firearm, get a Husqvarna 30-06 from trade-ex. Mine is light, and shoots very well. I got it in October, and shot a deer with it first day in November. They're built solid, and won't break your budget. Then get a good Leupold scope. Spend the money left over on ammo and gas out to the range.
Or, buy a new gun. Tikka makes good ones. So does Remington, I hear good things about the new Winchesters. If I were in your situation, I'd either do as I suggested above with the Husqvarna, or I'd buy a .270 in a Remington 700 Mountain LSS, and put a nice Leupold on it. That will be more money, but it will be prettier too! Couldn't get a sweeter deer setup! Get some 150 grainers and you'd be set for the occasional moose or elk too!
 
Gramreaper said:
I wonder if perhaps I should just try a second hand from the exchange for my first rifle, but I don't want to purchase someone else's problems.
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Unlike cars and many other complicated machines, guns do not tend to pile up problems over time. Well cared for, they easily last 80+ years and provide great service for the whole time. So a used one is not that bad of an idea. I have 14 rifles and 4 handguns and have never bought one new from a dealer. On the flip side of that, guns don't depreciate much, either, so a used one may or may not be a deal. If you buy a well cared for, unmodified rifle from a seller with solid feedback here I would say your chances of getting ripped off are very low.

The Tradex rifles are a great value, they have a large selection of 30-06 Husky's and a solid reputation on CGN. I bought an M96 Swedish Mauser in 6.5x55 from them and am happy with it. I will almost certainly buy other guns from them in the future.

Lots of options to think about...:D

Mark
 
Yeah, dont worry about the age of the rifles either. I am currently shooting a Winchester 1894 38-55 made in 1900 and a converted Henry Martini made in 1874. Both shoot like a hot damn and the only thing I had to do was replace the front bead on the Martini. The Winnie is one of my faves to shoot and is quite accurate.
 
Great advice in the last three posts. don't be afraid to buy a used Leupold scope either, lifetime warranty no matter who the original owner was. Best warranty in the business.
 
Cant beat Nikon for optics-ask any photographer. Leupold optics are good but not as good as the Nikon or a couple of others. Leupold (I have a VXIII on my 30-06) are reliable and easy to repair. But you pay for that too. I have 3 Nikons now and they all are very crisp but the 06 is a thumper and I will keep the Leupy. Buy good glass. Get a 308 and shoot it-get a good used one off of the EE. You will have to start somewhere so just jump in. 7mm-08, 308, 30-06, 270-will all kill deer and moose dead. What more do you need? Some weirdass cartridge to impress your buddies? That can come later. Pick one of the above 4 and get shooting. Besides you may end up owning all of them eventually:)
 
The 308 is quite capable at reasonable ranges of taking all of the game you mentioned.
Myself, I use 165 grain bullets.
I think it's been mentioned that going to the range with some of the guys here is an excellent idea. You get to try out an assortment of rifles, and cartridges, not to mention meeting possible new hunting partners.
As to Tikka VS Sako, they are both good rifles. I suggest to buy what your wallet will bear.
 
Gramreaper said:
WOW!
I'm starting to see what you all mean. I guess the option of different combinations are exponential. I think I'll keep gathering opinions and just go to different locations and get a feel for something that fits me. It's been suggested that a CZ may not be a bad choice as well, however as I said, I'm new and don't want any regrets.
I wonder if perhaps I should just try a second hand from the exchange for my first rifle, but I don't want to purchase someone else's problems.
QUOTE]

Like the other fella stated. Buy from someone with a good reputation here. Nobody who has built their trader rating is going to risk negative feedback and the resulting loss of trust. My reputation and word are very important to me. You will find the same is true for many, many people on here.
I buy with confidence from the EE, always had good experiences.
Good luck and have fun.
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