Help me pick a deer rifle.

mlehtovaara

mlehtovaara

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Weatherby Vanguard VS. Howa 1500 Whats the deal?

I am thinking of something in .270 for a deer rifle. What are the differences, if any?

I am also looking at the Stevens 200 of course, and the Marlin XL7!!

So of the 4 which would you choose and why.

-Howa
-Weatherby Vanguard
-Savage/Stevens 200
-Marlin XL7

Thanks
Mark
 
Those are all good. I could be content with any of them, but I like a detachable magazine, and Weatherby has recently added that to the Vanguard, so I could choose a Vanguard. I don't know if the Howa or the Marlin can be had with a detachable magazine. I know there is a conversion kit to install a detachable magazine on a Stevens200, so it would come down to price.
 
I'm in your same _exact_ situation and have basically the same list.

Just today I handled a Savage 11FCXP3 and a Vanguard.

Didn't like the Savage too much. The Vanguard was very, very nice, albeit heavy (7.5 lbs) and long (24" barrel, for around 44" OAL).
Adding a scope will make it heavier (duh) and in the BC bushes length could be an issue. Not sure about were you are.

Just make you sure you try them before buying (if you can).

Marlin XS7 is next on my to-try list.
 
My .02 is the Howa and the Weatherby are almost if not the samething and as pointed out before they make the compact 20" barrel and 6 1/2 lb.
The Stevens has good value but has a blind magazine as does the marlin.
Deer calibers IMO would be 243, 260, 7-08, 308.
I think you need to be a reloader for the 260 to get it,s full potential
 
Ontario hunting, a least where I am, requires frequent sorties to/from camp, crossing roads, hopping on ATV's, etc. Having a rifle with a detachable mag is quite desirable, additionally, having iron sights can be desirable. Regrettably, most modern rifles dont come so equipped.
 
Weatherby vanguard best trigger system of the lot accuracy wise they are all inherently good shooters the Weatherby over all craftsmen ship is superior
 
Marlin shoots great out of the box. Mine shoots under 1in with reloads. The recoil pad is actually a recoil pad, not just a hard rubber butt end. Rifle is nicely balanced, but the blind mag can be a Pita depending if your in and out of your truck all day.(In my case I load it in the morning, and unload it only @ the end of the day) Trigger is also very nice and adjustable. Mine was set @ 3lbs from the factory. The stock did have that nasty hollow sound, but I stuffed some rags inside it and now its fine.

As mentioned, try them all, and see which one fits you.

Read this thread. Steven 200 Vs Marlin XLS
http://www.canadiangunnutz.com/forum/showthread.php?t=447897
 
They are decent guns but don't overlook used rifles. There are many 30 to 40 year old rifles out there in virtually new condition and the workmanship is generally better.
 
I also went Marlin, its great very comfortable nice recoil pad nice trigger, extremely accurate.

All the other guns on your list are good too, but would likely need some work:

Weatherby/howa: replace trigger
savage/stevens: replace trigger, stiffen stock

The Marlin just comes ready to go.
 
I've shot the marlin and own a vanguard in 300 win mag,I love it very accurate,I've taken down deer at 50 yards and 450 yards,nice consistant and accurate,my only gripe with it is the internal clip that doesn't like -40c.
 
Blasted

Saber makes the most sense IMO.
What is with this crave for 200 junk.
Bought my kid one and eye just hate this thing.
Places three shots well and the rest scatter.
Only need one you say?
Hate taking a cooler full of ice to site a rifle in.
You know, shoot three shots, place barrel in cooler, shoot a couple more,
ice pack the barrel again.
Hell, when I find a better rifle for my daughter, this one will be on EE.
Find yourself a mauser 98 in 308, 7mm-08 or even a sweet 6.5X55 that
I sat on the fence on that just sold in EE for $230.
You don't need anything bigger than these calibers for deer.
All are great shooters and easy on the shoulder.
 
I'd go for the vanguard. Since you can get it in .257, thats what I would buy. I have one myself, and it shoots pretty good. My only complaint is that I need to take it to a gunsmith one of these days to play with the trigger. But it is more than useable.

If cost of ammo is a concern, I would shy away from the weatherby calibers and pick one up in .300 win mag. It makes deer more dead, and the recoil really isn't that bad if you are only going to fire a few boxes a year out of the thing.
 
Howa and Weatherby are the exact same gun. The Weatherby's come with a nicer stock however. The detachable mag kit will work with both of them. A solid argument could be made that when comparing features they are superior to a Remington. Better extractor, one piece bolt and handle (nice smooth knob too), integral recoil lug, accepts Rem700 bases. Trigger can be crappy out the box but they clean up just fine, also has a hinged floor plate (better than blind mag like the Stevens INO). One of the best bargains out there.

Second by a long way would be the Stevens, and further still the Marlin.
 
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