First target or small game bolt gun for Enfield lover

[Silveragent]

I've been skimming the threads but haven't really seen anything similar to my request. The only bolt gun I've had or shot is a Lee Enfield No.1. Mk III. I just LOVE the bolt on it. But the thing is hella expensive to shoot and I only bring it out once in awhile and I don't want to mount a scope on it. What should I be looking at in an entry level bolt gun for putting rounds on paper in a 250y maximum range OR for putting down small game?

To summarize:
- bolt as sweet as the Enfield's action
- not as expensive as .303'
- not super long range accuracy
- light enough that I could potentially use it in the field for say hogs or dogs (I have never hunted but am feeling eventually I will)
- not addicted to wood or looks, just want something nice and fun to shoot and to learn long range shooting

Just for further information, my only other rifle experience besides the Enfield has been with semiautos: ARs and an SU-16. But I am specifically looking for a bolt gun to satisfy my fetish.

 

[maynard]

The feel of a bolt moving on an Enfield feels like a rusty barn door hindge compared to something like a Tikka or many other modern bolt guns.
Buy a .223 for something reasonably priced to shoot.

 

[tbrwlf]

For hogs, dogs, and maybe deer and for target shooting, have you looked at Tradex's selection of 6.5x55 mausers? Tradex has an excellent reputation for understating the condition of their guns. I have bought two this year and have been amazed at the quality.

I have a love for the 6.5x55 because it shoots a 140 gr bullet the will take care of hogs or dogs and deer.

Use a 160 and a moose is possible. As is a bear. Maybe not a grizz but we don't get them here in the mid north.

Using a 140 you should get a nice flat, fast round that will be pleasant to shoot and very accurate out to 400 yards. I would not hunt it at that distance. Because I can't see that far to be comfortable in a hunting situation, but I would shoot target out to that far.

 

[Silveragent]

maynard, I guess that would be me overestimating the feel of the Enfield.

tbrwlf, thanks for the suggestion. I've always been curious about the Mausers and will look it up. Are Tradex's all surplus?

 

[Shabazz]

6.5x55 is a great round, but based on your description of what you want out of the rifle I think it's overkill. Cheap and accurate out to 250? .223 works nicely. Im not a hunting expert but I'm sure with well placed shots it would be fine. I would do some research on heavy barrel rifles offered by tikka, savage, remington, etc. If you include what your looking to spend we could help you out further.

 

[Silveragent]

I shoot a lot of .223 with ARs already so I will always have a plentiful supply of the stuff. That would be an attraction yes. I could see myself spending up to 600-800. I don't think I ever want to get into the super long distance game where I understand you can spend thousands of dollars.