Help me pick a do it all Ontario hunting rifle.

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SW Ontario
Looking to get a bolt action rifle for big game in Ontario. Something suitable for deer and moose. I've narrowed it down to something in .308 or 30-06. Ideally would like iron sights as an alternative to optics which I would also mount. (3x9x40?). The iron's aren't a must have, however. I'd probably spend some time just hitting paper at 100 yards as well. No intention to rifle hunt small game but should I look at .270 or .270 WSM just in case?

On the list :

Tikka T3X (Battue)
Remington 700 BDL or any 700
Winchester 70 Lightweight

Is there something else I should consider? Wood stock or synthetic, stainless or blued?

I'm planning to spend $1000-1300 for the rifle itself, pre tax.

Thanks for your insight.
 
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Pick what fits and talks to you.
.308-Tikka Battue or used Ruger Gunsite Scout
Synthetic has less charm than wood but handles the abuse and is lighter.
All barrels should be maintained and oiled so you pick.
Get a good optic with quick detach mounts. Buy a whack of different ammo and practice
 
Sounds like you are on the right track, 308 or '06 will do fine for anything in Ontario. I would personally go with stainless and synthetic. Wood and blued is definitely more aesthetically pleasing. And if you are returning to a dry camp every night, the maintenance is no problem. Just remember not to leave them in the case!
 
I like this bad boy, in 30-06
https://www.browning.com/products/firearms/rifles/x-bolt/discontinued/x-bolt-hunter-with-sights.html

I know where there is a new one on the shelf in Alberta. I just wish it was a 18 (maybe 20 inch at the longest) barrel when chambered in 308, that would be the one I’d buy.

Also, as others have mentioned, synthetic is rather soulless, but I prefer it for a hard use rifle. Blued or stainless, both will rust if not oiled, neither will rust if oiled properly. The Tikka Bautte was on my radar for a long time, still could end up with one?? I do have a savage scout that has irons, so I’m covered there. Although I don’t know that irons are that big of a deal to me anymore, they used to be EVERYTHING to me, none of my rifles had optics! But now they all have optics, and for a back up I’d almost rather a compact red dot.

Also the Ruger m77 mk2 international. 308, 18” barrel, full length stock though, some like it some don’t.
 
I really like the X-Bolt with sights. Almost bought one a year ago but was in .243 so couldn’t justify it. Agree I’d be happier with a 20” barrel. Still leaning towards the Battue but an M70 has piqued my interest though it’s in 300 Win and possibly too nice for a field gun.
 
6.5 CM .. good for all you'll find in Ontario and southern calibre friendly. and if one day you happen upon a moose tag borrow a gun if someone tells you the 6.5 isnt enough.
i prefer 270.. but not all agree
 
T3X Battue in .308. You can get wood or laminate stocks on the EE often, if you don't like the plastic.
 
My local has a wood T3X Battue, it's just a few clicks away. Will look in to 270 and 6.5 creed as well. Hadn't thought much about cal restrictions around here as I don't know as yet where I will be hunting.

Thanks to everyone who has replied.
 
shelby said:
Get the Browning in .270. You can shoot it anywhere in Ontario and the round is extremely versatile.
Click to expand...

So now I am looking at the X-Bolt in either .270 or 6.5 creedmoor. I really prefer the aesthetics of wood but understand a synthetic stock is more practical. I just don't want one that's cheap feeling. Decisions, decisions.
 
Remington Model seven or 700 in 6.5 CM you can get them both with a B&C stock.
I picked up one of the NRA Hunter fluted 700s in 6.5 CM, nice little rifle.
 
Ruger Gunsite Scout. The modern day No.5 "Jungle Carbine". Checks all your boxes with style and they even chamber them in 6.5 man bun.
 
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