Entry Level Hunting Rifle

I just bought a Tikka, and It made me want to sell my savage euroclassic in 30-06 to buy another Tikka :s

If you are recoil sensitive, shell out the 50-60 bucks for a Limbsaver Recoil pad ( You will thank me later.)

Good hunting
 
If you use factory ammo I doubt that you could tell the difference between a .308 and a .30/06 in a T-3. According to the recoil calculator the difference is only 1 ft/lb when both rounds are loaded with a 150 @ 2900. Your M-14 soaks up much of the felt recoil through the weight of the rifle and the gas action, so don't expect a bolt gun to feel similar. If you handload, it doesn't matter what cartridge you choose, just load it to a level you are comfortable with. A 130 at 2600 makes a nice deer load, its accurate, and doesn't kick hard or bark loud. But if you don't handload and a .30 caliber rifle proves to be too much, consider a 6.5X55 or a .260 Remington. Either cartridge is suitable for game up to the size of moose and kicks less than a .308 due to the lighter bullet weight.
 
I had a Tikka T3 lite in 308 Winchester and it was a great deer gun. Very accurate with all loads. I got a good deal on a Sako A7 in 300WSM, and after some time shooting it I decided to sell the T3 in 308. Definately more recoil in the 300WSM, but a limbsaver as mentioned above, makes it very manageable. The 300WSM was my thought as you mentioned some larger game in your possible future. I bought it for the same reason, I hope to hunt moose or elk some day as well. The 308 Winchester in a great choice for sure. I thought might have had a couple of guns in this calibre already, thus the suggestion for something different. It wasn't until your later post that you added in the information about the experience with a 30-06 and the nature of the other two 30 cal rifles.
 
I definetely would'nt be looking at a .300 win mag if you don't like the recoil of a 30/06. It sounds like you want something like a Tikka T3 Hunter, because its a decent wood stock, with a detacheable magazine and in .308.

If you want to spend aroun $1100 for the rifle, then a really nice gun to look at also is a CZ 550 american or the full stock model in .308 detacheable magazine. Nice wood, and a really nice quality rifle for the money.
 
with a budget of $1500 the world is your oyster. You can get almost anything you want for under $1500 short of sako and cooper and the likes. Heck, you could even buy the gun you wanted brand new and then buy a used scope. Personally I'm a fan of buying used, a few scratches on the stock never kept the deer from dying, and you can save a lot if you're not in a hurry to buy
 
Define 'entry level' for me then will you? If you are wealthy or retired and want a nice entry level gun then I guess price is not relevant. This thread moved immediately away from an 'entry level' scenario, to a 'new gun on a huge budget' scenario.

Anyway, had we actually been talking about an entry level gun, the Marlin (or something of this ilk...NOT a Savage...) would still be a good choice, especially in 7mm-08 for someone who is sensitive to recoil from a 30-06. He did mention the 30-06 thing after all...
 
Thanks guys, I think the recoil thing has been blown out of proportion though, I can handle it fine if thats the nature of the gun. Just from my other guns the bolt's i've shot have had more kick than what I was previously used to. a little sore shoulder is alright with me haha

now another question, is the Tikka worth the extra $$ over the TC venture? it seems the Tikka's are are at least a couple hundred $$ more when speced how I would want it. Then with that pricing it seems looking at the TC Icon might be a better comparison.

Boomer said:
If you use factory ammo I doubt that you could tell the difference between a .308 and a .30/06 in a T-3. According to the recoil calculator the difference is only 1 ft/lb when both rounds are loaded with a 150 @ 2900. Your M-14 soaks up much of the felt recoil through the weight of the rifle and the gas action, so don't expect a bolt gun to feel similar. If you handload, it doesn't matter what cartridge you choose, just load it to a level you are comfortable with. A 130 at 2600 makes a nice deer load, its accurate, and doesn't kick hard or bark loud. But if you don't handload and a .30 caliber rifle proves to be too much, consider a 6.5X55 or a .260 Remington. Either cartridge is suitable for game up to the size of moose and kicks less than a .308 due to the lighter bullet weight.
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thanks for that info, i'm new to bolt actions, but the few i've shot have all had much more recoil than the M14 so that makes sense. If thats the case then I will defiently either go for a 30.06 or .308.....and try and get my hand on a .300WM to try out as well.

woodlotowner said:
Define 'entry level' for me then will you? If you are wealthy or retired and want a nice entry level gun then I guess price is not relevant. This thread moved immediately away from an 'entry level' scenario, to a 'new gun on a huge budget' scenario.

Anyway, had we actually been talking about an entry level gun, the Marlin (or something of this ilk...NOT a Savage...) would still be a good choice, especially in 7mm-08 for someone who is sensitive to recoil from a 30-06. He did mention the 30-06 thing after all...
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ok maybe i'm not looking for an "entry" level gun by your standards, Maybe I should have rephrased to first hunting gun or something.. But I would prefer to buy once, exactly what I want and something that will last, dont want to cheap out. I figured around 700$ for a rifle and 700$ for a scope TOPS, i dont wanna spend more than that.
 
ok maybe i'm not looking for an "entry" level gun by your standards, Maybe I should have rephrased to first hunting gun or something.. But I would prefer to buy once, exactly what I want and something that will last, dont want to cheap out. I figured around 700$ for a rifle and 700$ for a scope TOPS, i dont wanna spend more than that.
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To me,a normal entry level package would be in the $1000 to $1500 range,because that is the lowest level of gear that I would feel comfortable hunting with.That price range also seems to be the most common range spent by the new hunters that I know.

This thread moved immediately away from an 'entry level' scenario, to a 'new gun on a huge budget' scenario.
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I hardly consider $1500 a huge budget,in fact I don't own a hunting rifle without scope,that didn't cost more than that.
 
Jeepin89

Definition noted. You guys are in a different 'snack bracket' than me :) I still have difficulty with the concept that the scope must cost more than the gun too. For the hunting we do here in Central ON any good quality scope in the $250 range is more than sufficient for the distances involved and the whole 'low light' thing. My new Redfield 3-9x50 is, IMO, a superb 'entry level' scope. Oh, did I say 'entry level' out loud again...

Maybe I'm just jealous because you guys have better taste in guns and, well...better guns :)
 
woodlotowner said:
Jeepin89

Definition noted. You guys are in a different 'snack bracket' than me :) I still have difficulty with the concept that the scope must cost more than the gun too. For the hunting we do here in Central ON any good quality scope in the $250 range is more than sufficient for the distances involved and the whole 'low light' thing. My new Redfield 3-9x50 is, IMO, a superb 'entry level' scope. Oh, did I say 'entry level' out loud again...

Maybe I'm just jealous because you guys have better taste in guns and, well...better guns :)
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There is nothing wrong with that. You see some of the guys on here "have to tell" everyone how many Coopers they own and how many Swaro scopes they bought this week. They get their sense of pride through their possesions and make it well know on the interweb.
By industry standards $1500 is a far cry from entry. Entry level rifles are the Savage edge, Weatherby Vanguard, Marlins ect...
 
Definition noted. You guys are in a different 'snack bracket' than me I still have difficulty with the concept that the scope must cost more than the gun too. For the hunting we do here in Central ON any good quality scope in the $250 range is more than sufficient for the distances involved and the whole 'low light' thing. My new Redfield 3-9x50 is, IMO, a superb 'entry level' scope. Oh, did I say 'entry level' out loud again...
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I have never paid more for the scope than the gun,and I don't believe that it is necessary.However,I do prefer higher quality scopes,so that I can get the same brightness,with a smaller diameter objective,which allows me to mount the scope lower.

As far as what people spend on guns and optics,it comes down to their priorities.Some people willingly spend several thousands of dollars every year,smoking, drinking or gambling,yet those same people can't understand paying $1000 for a gun ,or $500 for a scope.I can't understand how someone can spend thousands of dollars per year smoking,or drinking ,or feeding money into a VLT.

However,what I really find ironic,is when those same people that smoke,drink and gamble away their money,attempt to ridicule the people that choose to spend their money on higher end rifles and scopes.Jealousy is ugly,but when you have the money,but simply choose to spend it elsewhere,it makes even less sense.
 
I must agree that it is very entertaining when person "A" tell person "B" how do spend their money.

Recommending equipment, packages, ammo, accessories is what this site is all about, helping others out with the same interests.When someone says I want to spend X amount of dollars on what they think is a good stating budget and the next post is telling him why would you go and spend that when you can get this for this amount, I find that counter productive and very funny. It isn't your coin, let them spend what they want, we all have different priorities and budgets that we decide for ourselves.

Buy what you want and what you like, take the advice and use it as you may. ;)



stubblejumper said:
I have never paid more for the scope than the gun,and I don't believe that it is necessary.However,I do prefer higher quality scopes,so that I can get the same brightness,with a smaller diameter objective,which allows me to mount the scope lower.

As far as what people spend on guns and optics,it comes down to their priorities.Some people willingly spend several thousands of dollars every year,smoking, drinking or gambling,yet those same people can't understand paying $1000 for a gun ,or $500 for a scope.I can't understand how someone can spend thousands of dollars per year smoking,or drinking ,or feeding money into a VLT.

However,what I really find ironic,is when those same people that smoke,drink and gamble away their money,attempt to ridicule the people that choose to spend their money on higher end rifles and scopes.Jealousy is ugly,but when you have the money,but simply choose to spend it elsewhere,it makes even less sense.
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When someone says I want to spend X amount of dollars on what they think is a good stating budget and the next post is telling him why would you go and spend that when you can get this for this amount, I find that counter productive and very funny. It isn't your coin, let them spend what they want, we all have different priorities and budgets that we decide for ourselves.
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Exactly,let the person set the budget,then help them find what they want within that budget.
 
Not sure about the rifle but as far as scopes spend as much as you can possibly afford 3x9 Zeiss -3x9 Leupold VX11 - 3.5x10 VX 111 Package deal scope are entry level at best even the philippine made Burris the bushnell 4200 2.5x10 is a good choice .Most bolt guns in the $600-$1000.00 range are created equal they will all have same basic features shoot reasonably well should have good triggers and a selection of finishes. it would be more of a personal preference decision. as far as the caliber any standard non magnum choice is equal out to 300 yds. My personal; choice would be the 270 win. flat shootng capable of most big soft recoil the 100gr or 110gr. load is great if you are a yote hunter.
 
Just a quick note: there is a sweet Nighttrain on ther EE for $450! That's a pretty nice entry level BA 308.... and makes me wish I needed a 308.
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Given the bolt issues with the ATR and 4x4,I would stay clear of them both.
 
I have to respectfully disagree with the posts recommending not spending much on optics or less then the gun. Not because I am a snob but from the viewpoint of gun ownership growth/upgradeability (is that a word? :) ) Anyway, if you buy a lower end optic (i.e. Bushnell/Tasco IMO anything <$200 optics) and slap it on top of a 12-1300 dollar rifle, you are really asking for trouble. Esp if you are looking at a magnum cal. Optics are the only thing on a rifle system that is not upgradeable. The glass that you have is what you are stuck with. On a rifle, you can upgrade literally everything. As well, the actual optic is what lends itself the most to the shooting experience. Looking through a milky, hazy piece of glass while target shooting is not fun and if the optic is also not reliable can also be frustrating. If I had 1500 bucks I would easily put 7-800 into a nice scope (i.e. Leupold VX3) and put the remainder into a cheaper rifle (i.e. Rem 700 SPS) with the remaining going into good mounts and rings. Today's scopes give a real edge to good shooting. Advanced reticles and reliable adjustments can make long shots easier and more consistent. Just my 2 cents.
 
I have to respectfully disagree with the posts recommending not spending much on optics or less then the gun. Not because I am a snob but from the viewpoint of gun ownership growth/upgradeability (is that a word? ) Anyway, if you buy a lower end optic (i.e. Bushnell/Tasco IMO anything <$200 optics) and slap it on top of a 12-1300 dollar rifle, you are really asking for trouble.
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I am not suggesting that someone mount a $200 scope on a $1200 rifle,but I do have $1100 scopes mounted on $1900 rifles,so the scope is roughly half the price of the rifle.I also purchased scopes that normally cost $1200 for $650,and mounted them on $1800 rifles,so they actually cost about 1/3 the price of the rifles.Spending less on the scope than on the rifle,isn't necessarily a bad thing to do.
 
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