Edit: Mauser M18 vs. Tikka t3x hunter vs. Browning xbolt hunter in 308

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RunningRiver

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original post:
I am seriously considering a Mauser m18 in 308 to replace my now prohibited 308. I do a fair amount of plinking and will be using this as a hunting rifle as well. I looked at some past posts, but I wanted to see if time has given anyone any new experiences/opinions. Any info will help!

Thank you,
Ian

ammendment:
I'm doing a bit more research and I think I should consider the Tikka and browning as well. Opinions on these three rifles would be appreciated!
 
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No first hand experience with the M18 but if it is anything like the M03 you will be pleased with it, pretty sure that there are some M18 owners that can help you.
 
It's a cheap Savage Axis type rifle with a Mauser banner on it. There are much better rifles for the same price.
 
Only handled the Mauser for a few minutes a year ago. Didn't feel like cheap crap like an Axis, but didn't feel as good as I was expecting a Mauser to be. But I cannot say any more about it than that.
I have always enjoyed Tikka/sako, and always reccomend them. Smoother, faster action than anything else in the price bracket. Sauer I think would be my next choice in that regard. Some people have a mental problem with the magazines and the plastic bolt shroud. I say mental because they function fine, and have never failed me, but I don't like the plastic parts either. Anyways, excellent action, very accurate barrels. Better aftermarket support every year.
The X-bolt again has a plastic magazine but rotary vs single stack. One friend who has used one for several years now says it does not like to cycle particularily fast but perhaps this is not a totally common case? Browning generally makes nicer factory stocks than Tikka, however Tikka has new models out this year with different stock I believe, so hopefully they have upped their game in that regard. The older A-Bolts (1st and 2nd gen) are wonderful rifles. A first gen 25-06 in our safe has killed more animals than any other rifle we have.

I would give this thread a couple days of input then go fondle them and see which gets you excited.
 
If you want a sako but don’t want to pay for good looks, Tikka is a good bet. Probably the best of the budget rifles.
When comparing rifles of similar levels of quality, often the most important factor, but often overlooked, is how they fit you ergonomically.
 
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