So many options today it is overwhelming sometimes!! You need to pick something that you think fit you well and is comfortable, in the material that makes you happy(synthetic/wood, blued/SS, detachable mag/floor plate….) something you are confident in, 6.5cm/7mm08/308/338 etc. Leupold/vortex/nightforce/swaro etcTheres options for anything besides Federal blue box?
First hunting rifle
- Thread starter dbadash
- Start date
Analysis Paralysis! Haha.
Been using Barnes the last few years for a few reasons and haven't found em to be a "Leukemia bullet" or slower killer in a meaningful way yet. Sticking with
That said just about everything works anyway lol but there's for sure enough thinking and tinkering not to get bored.
Hey, I have bought and used Federal Blue Box with good results...Theres options for anything besides Federal blue box?
No perfect, but good .
Not to mention the time when they had the bonus rounds in a box of ammo.
Early 90's iirc.
Find a gen. 1 Weatherby Vangard and you will be pleasantly surprised if you are looking for an out of the box shooter.
Tight Groups,
Rob
It was a joke but not to insult FBB. I love it haha.
Very happy with a Vanguard "obsidian" right now. $650 from Tenda is ridiculous value these days. Thing is I dont even consider it a "budget" rifle. Not deluxe by any means but...
Definitely planning on reloading eventually. I've been debating between the 308 and 3006 for my first to try capture as many options as I can. Seems like I shouldn't worry too much about it being tikka as folks are suggesting that some of the others are just as good.
I'm hoping to have some buddies invite me for a hunting trip but not sure what will be on the cards yet. I'd like something that is a great generalist with it being my first. It definitely won't be my last. Been a gun nut since a kid, just new to hunting.I never owned a tikka but they are kind of the benchmark when it comes to “affordable” reliable hunting rigs. Browning a bolt or xbolt would also be good, I heard good things about the vanguard models from weatherby… I mean so many brands offer great guns now a day!
As for chambering, hard to go wrong with 308 Winchester or 30-06, it really depends on what you are after, but really the 100fps difference won’t be noticeable on game inside 300m.
Oh and I’m positive that you will have more choices ammo/bullets in 308 than 7mm08. Same with 30-06 over a lot of other cartridges.
If you plan on hunting only deer, 6.5 cm would be a good choice, lots of ammo/bullets combination out there and low recoil rifles!
Do you have any experience with guns? 30-06 isn't a HARD recoiling caliber, but it's not light either. Less recoil is easier to shoot well.
A 308 with a 130gr Barnes TTSX at over 3100 FPS can act a lot like a 30-06. Or a 270. While burning much less powder and kicking less, for example
For glass I really like Trijicon for the last few years. Accupoint and Credo have both been very good. I find the glass is better than comparably priced Leupys and they are robust scopes.
For glass I really like Trijicon for the last few years. Accupoint and Credo have both been very good. I find the glass is better than comparably priced Leupys and they are robust scopes.
Sounds like you're in a much more informed position than most buying their first rifle then.
If I were you I'd head into my local gun store and check some guns out in person. They will all feel different, and you will likely find one that feels best to you. It might be the feel of the bolt, it might be the magazine, maybe the safety... when you get your hands on the rifles mentioned above you'll figure out what you want. I had my buddy try the Vanguard 2, Browning AB3, Tikka, and something else (forget what exactly), and he chose the Browning which was not even in my top 2. They're all good guns, so its really just a matter of personal preference IMO.
Given your budget you might find something a bit more expensive that really piques your interest too.
If I were you I'd head into my local gun store and check some guns out in person. They will all feel different, and you will likely find one that feels best to you. It might be the feel of the bolt, it might be the magazine, maybe the safety... when you get your hands on the rifles mentioned above you'll figure out what you want. I had my buddy try the Vanguard 2, Browning AB3, Tikka, and something else (forget what exactly), and he chose the Browning which was not even in my top 2. They're all good guns, so its really just a matter of personal preference IMO.
Given your budget you might find something a bit more expensive that really piques your interest too.
1riot1ranger
CGN Regular
- Location
- Calgary, AB
If I were reloading, I'd probably go with the 6.5 CM. But for factory ammo, .308 all the way.
There is always some kind of deal to be had on .308. You have your "hunting" ammo, which is dialled in and works with your rifle, and your "practice" ammo, which you use to perfect your technique.
"Accuracy" is only as good as the man behind the platform. "Precision" is about how likely you are to get into a stable shooting position to realize the platform's accuracy. A box of 500 rounds of .308 will help you get there at a fraction of the cost of some of the other calibres. Precision is achieved through proper practice/repetition. Standing with the rifle at high (or low) ready, getting into position (standing, kneeling, seated, squatting, or prone), and taking a shot. Precision isn't something you can get by putting your rifle in a sled to establish a zero and confirm it once a year before the season opens.
Also, the 30-06 round is more "capable" than the .308 - higher velocity. But the .308 action is shorter, and that translates to a lighter, faster handling rifle. As was stated above, within 300 yards, it's a non-issue.
Any of the calibres mentioned are adequate for ungulates in Canada. .308 might be a bit "light" for a big moose, but with proper shot placement, a .308 will bring down any 4-legged animal.
There is always some kind of deal to be had on .308. You have your "hunting" ammo, which is dialled in and works with your rifle, and your "practice" ammo, which you use to perfect your technique.
"Accuracy" is only as good as the man behind the platform. "Precision" is about how likely you are to get into a stable shooting position to realize the platform's accuracy. A box of 500 rounds of .308 will help you get there at a fraction of the cost of some of the other calibres. Precision is achieved through proper practice/repetition. Standing with the rifle at high (or low) ready, getting into position (standing, kneeling, seated, squatting, or prone), and taking a shot. Precision isn't something you can get by putting your rifle in a sled to establish a zero and confirm it once a year before the season opens.
Also, the 30-06 round is more "capable" than the .308 - higher velocity. But the .308 action is shorter, and that translates to a lighter, faster handling rifle. As was stated above, within 300 yards, it's a non-issue.
Any of the calibres mentioned are adequate for ungulates in Canada. .308 might be a bit "light" for a big moose, but with proper shot placement, a .308 will bring down any 4-legged animal.
ChrisEdwards99
New member
Off script. Bergara B-14 Hunter/Ridge/Wilderness Sierra all fit your budget. I have a Wilderness Sierra in 308, and it's my favourite rifle. I love my Tikkas too, but I feel Bergara is a better first rifle as there is nothing to upgrade. If you want wood they have the B-14 Timber. $1200-$1500 depending on the model. The guys have a ton in-stock https://store.theshootingcentre.com/. Canuck now exports them right from Spain instead of through the US.
I also have a Vanguard Obsidian in 308. Other than the weight I love it. A great truck gun. CZ 600 Alpha are another good choice. I have one in 7.62x39... Its a very good shooter. Short, lightweight and easy to swing. A great gun for a blind. I have just returned a Winchester XPR in 7mm-08. I liked the gun but it had issues with accuracy. Felt nice to handle but not accurate (2.5" at 100 yds). Winchester is going to be replacing it. I also shoot a CZ 557 Ranger in 308, very accurate but makes the Vanguard feel like a feather... and my old Smith and Wesson 30-06. Old trusty reliable Howa 1500 platform gun that still shoots just over 1MOA.
Wouldn't suggest the Howa/Vanguard if anyone is gonna be hunting hard or taking on the mountains for sure haha.
Kinda want to cut one down to 20", thread it, and put it in a McMillan stock. Or just put it in the McM stock. Would be curious what the weight ends up being with something like the Sako Classic, especially with edge fill. If weight was a priority.
Mostly looking for a bit slimmer/handier than the stock they come in here. The Vanguard stock is solid, but its got a feeling of wide/heavy at the back, tapering a lot toward the front I am not a fan of, but its not a big deal at all and its a very easy rifle to shoot well.
