Hey all, Looking at getting a nice beginners bolt action so i can start hunting deer, moose and whatever else so. Thinking I will get a .308 since i have a couple already and like the round. As far as a rifle goes I was looking at both the tikka t3 and the thompson center venture matched with a decent scope. There doesnt seem to be too much info on the TC venture, but everything I've seen about it has been good. likewise with the Tikka. I'm looking to spend around 1500$ total for both the rifle and the scope combined. Any other options out there? or thoughts on those 2 options?
Entry Level Hunting Rifle
- Thread starter jeepin89
- Start date
There's some package deals on stainless Tika T3's and Sako A7's that include a Burris 3-9x40 scope. I think Wholesale Sports had them. Around $900 and $1200 respectively. Can't recall exactly, but pretty much the scope was free.
If you already have a couple of 308's, why not consider something different and more powerful like 300WM or 300WSM.
If you already have a couple of 308's, why not consider something different and more powerful like 300WM or 300WSM.
You need to figure out what you want in a rifle. Ask yourself these questions...
1. Synthetic or Wood
2. Stainless or Blued
3. Detacheable magazine or Internal magazine
4. Is weight a factor
5. Does push feed or Controlled feed a factor.
Once you have answered those questions to yourself, you can pinpoint more precisely what you are looking for, and then pretty much answer the question for yourself.
For myself personally, I was looking for my Moose and Deer rifle to be...
1. Synthetic stock
2. Stainless Steel barrel
3. Detacheable magazine
4. Lightwieght
5. A common calibre that is easy to find anywere and does'nt cost a fortune to buy a box.
6. Nice, light trigger pull ( Tikka is adjustable )
Basically, what I look for in my ultimate hunting rifle is something that is very durable, weather resistant, light to carry, and I like a detacheable magazine so I can quickly jump out of the truck or off of a ATV and slam in a magazine and be ready to Rock N Roll if I see a Moose crossing a trail or a logging road that I am driving down. It also nice to know that my rifle can consistantly hit a Apple sized target from 200 yards away.
After I determined what I was looking for, I narrowed my rifle down to either a Remington mod 700 SPS DM, a Savage Weather Warrior, a Weatherby Vanguard, or a Tikka T3 Lite Stainless.
These models all had what I wanted, but I ended up choosing a Tikka T3 Lite Stainless Steel in 30/06. It cost the most out of the rifles that I listed, but it is the lightest, and the most accurate, and has the best reputation. You won't find too many Tikka owners out there that regret buying a Tikka. You can't say that about some of the others though.
I have a Burris Fullfield II 3x9x40 scope with butler creek flip up covers, and together, I have a really nice, light, bad weather rig that is more accurate than alot of other brands heavy barrel models.
I have owned alot of different rifles for Moose and Deer, and I can honestly say that for my current needs, my Tikka is by far the best rifle I have ever had for hunting. If I were to buy another rifle and I had a $1500 limit for rifle and scope, I would buy the exact setup that I have now, Without a doubt about it.
Here is what I bought. Tikka T3 Lite Stainless in 30/06 with Burris Fullfield II 3x9x40 Total price brand new out door is well under $1500.
1. Synthetic or Wood
2. Stainless or Blued
3. Detacheable magazine or Internal magazine
4. Is weight a factor
5. Does push feed or Controlled feed a factor.
Once you have answered those questions to yourself, you can pinpoint more precisely what you are looking for, and then pretty much answer the question for yourself.
For myself personally, I was looking for my Moose and Deer rifle to be...
1. Synthetic stock
2. Stainless Steel barrel
3. Detacheable magazine
4. Lightwieght
5. A common calibre that is easy to find anywere and does'nt cost a fortune to buy a box.
6. Nice, light trigger pull ( Tikka is adjustable )
Basically, what I look for in my ultimate hunting rifle is something that is very durable, weather resistant, light to carry, and I like a detacheable magazine so I can quickly jump out of the truck or off of a ATV and slam in a magazine and be ready to Rock N Roll if I see a Moose crossing a trail or a logging road that I am driving down. It also nice to know that my rifle can consistantly hit a Apple sized target from 200 yards away.
After I determined what I was looking for, I narrowed my rifle down to either a Remington mod 700 SPS DM, a Savage Weather Warrior, a Weatherby Vanguard, or a Tikka T3 Lite Stainless.
These models all had what I wanted, but I ended up choosing a Tikka T3 Lite Stainless Steel in 30/06. It cost the most out of the rifles that I listed, but it is the lightest, and the most accurate, and has the best reputation. You won't find too many Tikka owners out there that regret buying a Tikka. You can't say that about some of the others though.
I have a Burris Fullfield II 3x9x40 scope with butler creek flip up covers, and together, I have a really nice, light, bad weather rig that is more accurate than alot of other brands heavy barrel models.
I have owned alot of different rifles for Moose and Deer, and I can honestly say that for my current needs, my Tikka is by far the best rifle I have ever had for hunting. If I were to buy another rifle and I had a $1500 limit for rifle and scope, I would buy the exact setup that I have now, Without a doubt about it.
Here is what I bought. Tikka T3 Lite Stainless in 30/06 with Burris Fullfield II 3x9x40 Total price brand new out door is well under $1500.
doesnt have to be, just dont want to spend more than that.
will take a look at them, I havent heard great things about the A7 though...
my other .308's are a M14 and SKS, i tried a T3 in 30.06 and didnt like the amount of kick from it, i think i would enjoy the .308 in a hunting gun more. havent had a chance to shoot 300WM or WSM's though.
nice looking gun. in answer to those questions:
1. Synthetic stock (would prefer wood but wouldnt want to wreck it in the bush and though conditions)
2. Stainless Steel barrel would be best, but blued is fine for me
3. Detacheable magazine for sure
4. Lightweight is obviously preferred
5. A common calibre that is easy to find anywere and does'nt cost a fortune to buy a box. (Still thinking .308, maybe 300)
6. as long as the trigger is easily adjustable then it is all good.
based on all that i still think its either between the T/C venture or a T3 for me. they both seem pretty evenly matched, only thing going for the tikka is the stainless barrel.
- Location
- Prince Albert, Sk
If recoil is an issue go, 7-08 or .260, no better or worse on game than a .308 but with moderate recoil.Yes, they work just fine on moose, use a quality bullet.
As for the rifle, go and shoulder as many as you can, handle them, fondle them, caress them, point them. Don't worry about the look at this point, after you find one that fits you then go after your other options, stock material, stainless, DM, etc.............
As stubblejumper says for optics, the Zeiss is almost impossible to beat for the price.
My personal recommendation on the rifle would be Rem 700 Mountian SS, laminate in 7-08
As for the rifle, go and shoulder as many as you can, handle them, fondle them, caress them, point them. Don't worry about the look at this point, after you find one that fits you then go after your other options, stock material, stainless, DM, etc.............
As stubblejumper says for optics, the Zeiss is almost impossible to beat for the price.
My personal recommendation on the rifle would be Rem 700 Mountian SS, laminate in 7-08
Grizzlypeg, did you read the OP's post? He said he had fired a .30-06 and didn't like the recoil, and then you tell him to look at a 300 WinMag or a .300WSM? You based this on the fact that the OP posted that he had a couple of .308 rifles now and listed them as an M14 and an SKS. The SKS is NOT a .308!! So, the OP actually only has one .308, the M14.
Actually, being in Vancouver, your SKs is more than likely a .311" or .312" and NOT a .308, but that is minor.
You said you fired a .30-06 and didn't like the kick but you are going to try a .300? If you are looking for a rifle there is also another question you should answer...short or long action? Both you M14 and the SKS have a short action.
If you want to go away from the .308, then my question would be have you tried a 270, or as stated earlier, a 7mm-08? The .270 is a little easier on the kick than the '06, about the same to carry.
You already have a .308, nothing wrong with getting another. However, the "duplicate police" will be out pretty quick here telling you how boring that rifle is and that you need to get a 7.98 whizbanger because no one else has them.,
What you need to realize is that the .308 is good for both moose and squirrel.
Actually, being in Vancouver, your SKs is more than likely a .311" or .312" and NOT a .308, but that is minor.
You said you fired a .30-06 and didn't like the kick but you are going to try a .300? If you are looking for a rifle there is also another question you should answer...short or long action? Both you M14 and the SKS have a short action.
If you want to go away from the .308, then my question would be have you tried a 270, or as stated earlier, a 7mm-08? The .270 is a little easier on the kick than the '06, about the same to carry.
You already have a .308, nothing wrong with getting another. However, the "duplicate police" will be out pretty quick here telling you how boring that rifle is and that you need to get a 7.98 whizbanger because no one else has them.,
What you need to realize is that the .308 is good for both moose and squirrel.
Like wildcat said, forget the .300 magnums if you think the .30-06 has too much recoil. Theres nothing wrong with the .308 but I think you should take a look at the .270 or 7mm-08 as well.
Either of those rifle will make you happy and if you want a wood stock you should have it, its your rifle after all. Each ding you put in the stock will be a remind of a particular event or memorey. Its harder to wreck a good wood stock then you'd think.
Either of those rifle will make you happy and if you want a wood stock you should have it, its your rifle after all. Each ding you put in the stock will be a remind of a particular event or memorey. Its harder to wreck a good wood stock then you'd think.
Asking people to recommend a hunting rifle is going to get you a bunch of answers. Sort of like asking what sort of car should be your first one. Some guys are going to tell you its useless with big chrome wheels and a supercharger. Another guy will tell you to stop a tow truck on the way to the junk yard and take home what he's hauling away. So, if I'm handing out my opinion, it would be a frosty friday before I'm going to drive anything but another GM. On the firearms side of things, I'm going to recommend a Weatherby Vanguard in something fun like .257 Weatherby. Top with a Bushnell 4200, and you have a sub $1500 rig. But your mileage may vary.
Go to the gun store, take a look at the goods. Hold one of everything. Make some friends at the range. Shoot their guns. But most importantly, buy what you want. If you buy something just because everyone told you it is the best thing going, you are going to be in for a bad experience. Have fun with it. Stay safe. If the gun doesn't live up to your expectations, sell it on the EE and buy a new one... or two!
Go to the gun store, take a look at the goods. Hold one of everything. Make some friends at the range. Shoot their guns. But most importantly, buy what you want. If you buy something just because everyone told you it is the best thing going, you are going to be in for a bad experience. Have fun with it. Stay safe. If the gun doesn't live up to your expectations, sell it on the EE and buy a new one... or two!
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- Location
- Haliburton County, Central Ontario
I don't get the connection between an 'entry level' rifle and budgeting $1,500. A good entry level rifle would be something like my Marlin XS7 in 7-08 with a nice Boyd's laminate stock and a Leupold scope all for around $800. This Marlin will shoot as well, or better than, any gun mentioned in this thread. IMHO.
Use your M14
- Location
- Prince Albert, Sk
Not a thing wrong with spending $1500.00 on a beginners or first rifle. Doesn't everybody around here say that you spend more by buying poor equipment and deciding to upgrade when it doesn't fit the bill?(especially optics)
Maybe jeepin89 wants something that he can be confident will last and he won't have to purchase again for some time and be what he wants.
That's his budget and his money, I think it is a very realistic number to obtain what you want.How many of us spend that or more just on a rifle?
Some of us wear $10.00 jeans some $150.00 , either pair still keeps your arse covered.
Again, handle as many rifles as possible as much as possible, when the right one gets in your hands you will know it.
Happy Shopping!!
Maybe jeepin89 wants something that he can be confident will last and he won't have to purchase again for some time and be what he wants.
That's his budget and his money, I think it is a very realistic number to obtain what you want.How many of us spend that or more just on a rifle?
Some of us wear $10.00 jeans some $150.00 , either pair still keeps your arse covered.
Again, handle as many rifles as possible as much as possible, when the right one gets in your hands you will know it.
Happy Shopping!!
heavyBullet
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Just off the island of MTL
$750 rifle + $750 scope, sounds good to me.
Rookie Wildcat: Ok, call me dumb, but where did I miss the part about him shooting a 30-06 and finding it to have too much recoil? Was there a post that was deleted or edited?
Grizzlypeg, did you read the OP's post? He said he had fired a .30-06 and didn't like the recoil, and then you tell him to look at a 300 WinMag or a .300WSM? You based this on the fact that the OP posted that he had a couple of .308 rifles now and listed them as an M14 and an SKS. The SKS is NOT a .308!! So, the OP actually only has one .308, the M14.
Actually, being in Vancouver, your SKs is more than likely a .311" or .312" and NOT a .308, but that is minor.
You said you fired a .30-06 and didn't like the kick but you are going to try a .300? If you are looking for a rifle there is also another question you should answer...short or long action? Both you M14 and the SKS have a short action.
If you want to go away from the .308, then my question would be have you tried a 270, or as stated earlier, a 7mm-08? The .270 is a little easier on the kick than the '06, about the same to carry.
You already have a .308, nothing wrong with getting another. However, the "duplicate police" will be out pretty quick here telling you how boring that rifle is and that you need to get a 7.98 whizbanger because no one else has them.,
What you need to realize is that the .308 is good for both moose and squirrel.
Whoah!!! He posted all that AFTER I posted, not before. Doofus.
This is what he is refferring to
