Advice for a Hunting Rifle

Well - Rather than letting the internet decide for you, perhaps you could narrow your search based upon preferences:
- want iron sights?
- wood or plastic stock?
- detachable mag or hinged floorplate?
- modest recoil for target shooting?
- lightweight rifle for extended carries?
 
I'd like to try a Merkel bolt action but I don't think you'd get into one at the price limit.

Lots of good choices when you have a high budget. I would advise the OP to go handle some rifles. What I like might not suit him.
 
BigUglyMan said:
I'd like to try a Merkel bolt action but I don't think you'd get into one at the price limit.

Lots of good choices when you have a high budget. I would advise the OP to go handle some rifles. What I like might not suit him.
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merkel helix is in the low 3's I would like to handle one as well, the only other straight pull I tried was the Blaser and I did not like it at all but others I know that also hated the Blaser say the Merkel is really nice.
 
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As for caliber I have a fair cross section of what's available, most have been hunted and the one I seem to grab the most is the 30/06...
The others are all excellent as is the '06 so I won't comment on why- I think it's partially on the basic thought that I don't mind getting that gun beat up (cosmetically).
As for guns, I'm partial to stainless and synthetic bolt actions and my favor is Sako (mind you my '06 isn't a Sako).
However by the time you get good glass on top it's above your target.
What ever you do, don't scrimp on glass or mounts/rings.
Also, don't buy more scope than you need, use the KISS principle if your hunting with it.
 
Your stated requirements are pretty general (last a long time, suitable for hunting big game) and your budget is high. It would be hard to think of a $2k+ rifle that wouldn't meet your requirements. Is there anything else you are looking for in the rifle? Any models/calibers you are considering and having trouble deciding between?
 
Foe years I used rh rifles. I always thought a left hand would be better.
Now I have one. It turns out I didn't need to. As long as a rh bolt action doesn't have an annoying roll over cheek piece, I prefer to shoot rh rifles.
It's easier to reload when holding the gun to my shoulder and supporting the gun.
So make sure to do a comparison to see what you prefer. For me the whole left hand rifle was a diversion I didn't need to make.
Regarding make and model, the op hasn't defined what type of hunting he does. Give us an idea of how you want to hunt: walking, spot and stalk, etc
The fn made winchester model 70 is my recommendation but it is our of production (I think) in left hand and might be hard to find. I would take a ss model in right hand.
I also really like the Remington 7600 series pump action. Just as accurate as most bolt actions fast to reload, reliable and better ergos means this is what I take hunting. The bolt guns are usually the back up.
 
If the OP ever returns, I would tell him to get a Winchester M70 Supergrade in .30/06 and top it with a Leupold VX-3 3.5-10X40mm, and then call "the deed" done...
 
Go stainless. 300 win mag sounds like the best caliber for your needs. Don't cheap out on optics. If your buying a 2K rifle. Your should budget $1,000 for glass. You really do get what you pay for. Cheers
 
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