Looking for first rifle, have some constraints.

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geeves

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Hey guys,
Just did my firearms training course, waiting for my license in the mail.
I've done a fair bit of hunting and am looking to get my first rifle, and looking for some feedback on some choices I've been thinking about.

So. I've narrowed it down a bit.
I'm pretty sure I'd like to get a bolt action .308. I want to get a rifle that i can use for fun at the range or doing long distance stuff but also take off hunting into the bush for long treks (deer, elk).
I want a shorter barrel (20") and probably a synthetic stock. I also just finished university so I'm pretty low on funds, and probably in the $600-850 range for the base rifle (before optics/accessories).

In your opinion, would it be better to get a 2nd-hand more high-end rifle, or a new "budget" rifle?
I've been looking at the Weatherby series II vanguard carbine... looks good by all the reviews I've read. My lifelong-hunter friend says I should stay away from weatherby ("overpriced junk") and remington 700 tactical which I was looking at earlier ("terrible rifles"). I was looking at the ruger m77 (which hasn't got too many pleasant reviews) and the tikka t3 (which doesn't have the shorter barrel lengths).

Anyway. what do you guys think?
Thanks! , and my apologies if this is an overdone post, I'm new
 
Any of those in .308 would be fine. The Vanguards are a good deal and generally well liked, don't think the barrel is 20" on them though? The 700 tactical is a fine rifle never heard any complaints about them, but the heavy barrel isn't really the best choice for lugging around hunting I would think. Ruger M77 is fine, ruger makes a good rifle. Tikka T3 is an excellent choice as well.

I'd add the Savage lightweight hunter in to the mix as well ( http://www.cabelas.ca/product/26799/savage-model-11111-lightweight-hunter-bolt-action-rifle ) for another option.

You'll always get more rifle buying used than you will spending the same money on something new. But buying used comes with the chance of buying someones lemon and having to fix/deal with it yourself.
 
geeves said:
Hey guys,
Just did my firearms training course, waiting for my license in the mail.
I've done a fair bit of hunting and am looking to get my first rifle, and looking for some feedback on some choices I've been thinking about.

So. I've narrowed it down a bit.
I'm pretty sure I'd like to get a bolt action .308. I want to get a rifle that i can use for fun at the range or doing long distance stuff but also take off hunting into the bush for long treks (deer, elk).
I want a shorter barrel (20") and probably a synthetic stock. I also just finished university so I'm pretty low on funds, and probably in the $600-850 range for the base rifle (before optics/accessories).

In your opinion, would it be better to get a 2nd-hand more high-end rifle, or a new "budget" rifle?
I've been looking at the Weatherby series II vanguard carbine... looks good by all the reviews I've read. My lifelong-hunter friend says I should stay away from weatherby ("overpriced junk") and remington 700 tactical which I was looking at earlier ("terrible rifles"). I was looking at the ruger m77 (which hasn't got too many pleasant reviews) and the tikka t3 (which doesn't have the shorter barrel lengths).

Anyway. what do you guys think?
Thanks! , and my apologies if this is an overdone post, I'm new
Click to expand...

All four of those options are pretty decent. The Vanguard is not overpriced and is not junk, it's an excellent value. Ask your buddy why he thinks they are junk, does he have experience with one breaking? I bet not.

The Remington's are decent, but I would only choose it if you wanted to build off of it. (stocks, barrels, triggers. Remington has the best aftermarket support by far.)

Rugers are my choice for a hunting firearm. I don't like the Hawkeye as much as the older Mark IIs, but the triggers are better than they used to be. The Ruger has an awesome CRF action which gives one a very positive feel when cycling the bolt rapidly.

The Tikkas are great rifles and are a joy to pack. They shoot and are reliable. I personally wouldn't buy one just because of how the magazine is set up. You need to remove the mag to load another round and I feel the magazine catch is too easy to release. I prefer the Sako mag system where you have to press and click to remove the mag.

If I were you I'd take a look at the Ruger Gunsight Scout. It's a pretty good do all rifle and it has a good pair of iron sights on it to use while you save for a scope. Rugers are great rifles.
 
Thanks for the responses guys.

sedgr: http://www.weatherby.com/product/rifles/vanguard_2/carbine this is the 20" version of the Vanguard II.
It's probably at the top of my list right now.
I haven't looked at the Savages much. I'll probably be out in all types of conditions, banging it on stuff... For that reason I'm thinking of staying away from wood (even though I really like the look of some of them)

cam1936: I was looking at the ruger gunsite.. looks pretty cool. Looking around a bit it seems lots of people are having problems with the bolt on them. otherwise it's definitely banging around in my mind as an option.
 
Yeah I was thinking of the standard Vanguard II. I can't think of a reason not to get the Vanguard then if that's what you're leaning towards. I have one of the first series ones and have never had a bad thing to say about it. I think I'd prefer it with a drop mag but that's just a personal preference thing. As far as the rifle itself, it's been just fine, never given me a problem of any kind.
 
geeves said:
Thanks for the responses guys.

sedgr: http://www.weatherby.com/product/rifles/vanguard_2/carbine this is the 20" version of the Vanguard II.
It's probably at the top of my list right now.
I haven't looked at the Savages much. I'll probably be out in all types of conditions, banging it on stuff... For that reason I'm thinking of staying away from wood (even though I really like the look of some of them)

cam1936: I was looking at the ruger gunsite.. looks pretty cool. Looking around a bit it seems lots of people are having problems with the bolt on them. otherwise it's definitely banging around in my mind as an option.
Click to expand...

Just got my gunsite scout, the bolt was a bit tight at first from the factory but after cycling it for a few minutes it's smoothed right out and works great. Very positive action, and feels well built. The trigger's heavy compared to other rifles that I have handled, but it's nice and crisp and also very positive. No slop at all to talk about. They're really hard to come by so you need a bit of luck behind you if you want to pick one up!
 
geeves said:
I'm pretty sure I'd like to get a bolt action .308. I want to get a rifle that i can use for fun at the range or doing long distance stuff but also take off hunting into the bush for long treks (deer, elk).
I want a shorter barrel (20") and probably a synthetic stock. I also just finished university so I'm pretty low on funds, and probably in the $600-850 range for the base rifle (before optics/accessories).
Click to expand...
I'd look for a Model Seven in 308 with 20" bbl. Some used ones out there on the EE. Try a WTB.

The new Model Seven CDLs are pretty nice rifles and handle quite well with a smaller scope (VXII 2x7).
 
geeves said:
Thanks for the responses guys.

sedgr: http://www.weatherby.com/product/rifles/vanguard_2/carbine this is the 20" version of the Vanguard II.
It's probably at the top of my list right now.
I haven't looked at the Savages much. I'll probably be out in all types of conditions, banging it on stuff... For that reason I'm thinking of staying away from wood (even though I really like the look of some of them)

cam1936: I was looking at the ruger gunsite.. looks pretty cool. Looking around a bit it seems lots of people are having problems with the bolt on them. otherwise it's definitely banging around in my mind as an option.
Click to expand...

I have one of the original Vanguards, couldn't recommend them enough for a budget rifle. The triggers decent, fit and finish is pretty good and they're generally quite accurate. I prefer the feel of wood myself, you just have to accept that it'll scratch and ding a little bit with use.
 
You CAN'T go wrong with a Ruger M77 in .308. The accuracy issues of days gone by are no longer a concern. .308 is also a FANTASTIC round for a new shooter or a veteran. Easy to tame recoil, extremely plentiful ammo that is the cheapest you will find amongst the popular large game hunting rifles. I have complete confidence in my .308s to do the trick on any game I expect to encounter.

Heres my Ruger family

Ruger M77 .308 (tang safety)

DSC_0177.jpg


Ruger 77/44

2013-03-27111900_zpsd26a1282.jpg
 
I owned a vanguard s1, ruger m77 hawkeye, and a tikka t3 in various configurations. The vanguard s2 gets the nod for me, nothing wrong with the others though. The only reason I got rid of my s1 was to fund a cooper. I would tend not to go the tikka route for a 308 as it is a long action rifle even in short camberings. I currently have an sps tactical, I wouldnt want to carry it hunting, its too heavy for me. The Vanguard S2 is one of the best values out there IMO. For a first rifle I think it would serve you well and leave you a little more cash to throw towards a better optic.
 
Stevens 200, Marlin XS7, Savage 11, Savage 10FMC ("Scout" has 20" barrel, iron sights, scope mount forward of action which you don't have to use, it's drilled and tapped for mounts in the conventional position) Weatherby Vanguard, Tikka T3 Battue (20" barrel, jsut over your budget new but might come up used,) Remington 700SPS, Ruger American

All of the above can be found in .308, all typically are more than accurate enough for hunting right out of the box, (apart from the occasional lemons that come off every manufacturer's assembly line from time to time, and that's not peculiar to guns.) Confound your friend's opinion, you are living in a time when hunting rifles have never been so good for so little money and you are spoilt for choice. Go to the gun shops and handle as many different rifles as they have, narrow it down to ones that feel like they fit you well, then do a bit more research on those and see what comes up at the best price.
 
geeves said:
In your opinion, would it be better to get a 2nd-hand more high-end rifle, or a new "budget" rifle?
Click to expand...

I always buy used. You can save a bunch of money and get a better made older gun at the same time. Get access to the EE and start looking. You'll get a lot more bang for your buck if you buy an excellent condition gun that's 40 years old than you will for a newly made one.
 
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