Changing my mind about my first bigger rifle, opinions please.

Don't waste your time with wimpy stuff. My first purchase was a Rem700 XCR in 338 Lapua. No regrets.

Get some reloading gear and you have a do it all rifle. It's light enough to carry and hunt 225SSTs for coyotes. Plenty of choices for big and small game. Heck get some solids and go on safari, (LOL) then load some 285 Hornady's and shoot a mile.

Fixed it so I could get the full jist.

Since when is a 338 Lappooey a "do it all rifle"? "Shoot a mile" :rolleyes: :rolleyes:
 
I really appreciate all the responses that people have put up here. I've got plans today so I can't make the comprehensive response post that I want, but I will get to it, promise.

I'm encouraged by those that suggest the R700 tactical action will smooth up after consistent use. That was my only gripe with the model I looked at, I know the 700's are excellent and accurate actions... there's a reason I was looking at them in the first place:p

The detachable mag thing is only convenience at the range; if I am going to be shooting a lot of rounds (and that is the plan) then it seems easier to load up a few mags and swap them as needed.

I handled several different lever actions this weekend, they seem like quite nice rifles.

Thanks again for all the feedback :)
 
Holy crap I am confuzzled now . Why not just buy a T3, if you like the GF's gun they are reasonably priced , accurate ,decent shooters and comfortable for most people to shoot. They are pretty widely available in most calibres and should be easy enough to find one that you like .Do they like cheap dirty surplus ???? On that I have no idea, I save cheap dirty ammo for my cheap dirty guns lol .
 
I know that everyone's preferences and experiences vary, but from my time at the range, which is quite a lot, a detachable mag is the last accessory that I would ever find convenient there. Even with detachable magazine rifles or hinged floor plates I end up loading single rounds at a time. The barrel heats up fast enough that you have no need to rapid fire a string of shots. There is a reason why most bench rest actions are single shot. I find detachable magazines annoying because you have to remove them from the gun when the range is "safe", at least where I shoot that is, everything else an open bolt suffices
 
All I can say, having read only the first page, is too many conflicting goals in the purchase, which it sounds like you've recognised a_n_o_n. I remember trying to justify each purchase for a myriad of uses as well and combining features, and you end up with a rifle you're not really pleased with. The lever action .30-30 is a slick little hunting package that would serve you well, just be wary o current Marlins quality control went through the floor since Remington bought them.

Best to buy a quality hunting rifle, and a quality precision rifle later in my opinion, as separate purchases. Try Rugers and the new Winchester Model 70s, you'd likely be impressed, I find Remingtons awkwardly crunchy as well.
 
Buy a new or slightly used FN South Carolina model 70. Forget the detachable magazine and believe everybody on here, you will become annoyed with it. I had a beauty gun with a detachable mag but got really fed up with it. I find they seem to collect a lot of dirt and debris from your pockets and bags, etc.
 
I know that everyone's preferences and experiences vary, but from my time at the range, which is quite a lot, a detachable mag is the last accessory that I would ever find convenient there. Even with detachable magazine rifles or hinged floor plates I end up loading single rounds at a time. The barrel heats up fast enough that you have no need to rapid fire a string of shots. There is a reason why most bench rest actions are single shot. I find detachable magazines annoying because you have to remove them from the gun when the range is "safe", at least where I shoot that is, everything else an open bolt suffices

^ This
 
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