Hunting rifle recommendations

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adesbarats

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Firstly, I'm new to hunting. I've been looking around for a hunting rifle and I'm overwhelmed by all the options. I'd like to get some opinions from you seasoned hunters out there. To help you guide me with suggestions, I'm looking for a rifle with the following features at a minimum:

- Some flexibility to adjust comb height and length of pull.
- Ability to adjust weight of trigger pull? Maybe? I don't know how important that actually is?
- I'd like a 60 - 70 degree bolt action.
- Any additional thoughts on trigger? Should it by single stage, two stage? Does that matter that much?
- I'm thinking bolt action mag fed but I'm open to semi-auto but as I understand if I want the best accuracy a bolt action would be best?
- Threaded barrel to install a muzzle brake if I choose.
- I was thinking 308 caliber to give me good all round options. Main thing I plan to hunt is deer might might branch out to moose or bear in future.
- Scope - I don't want anything fancy but does need to be suitable out to about 200 yards. A friend suggested a 3-9x40 Bushnell. I'm open to other suggestions.
- Weight and maneuverability - I would do some stationary hunting and some stalk hunting so I'd like something that is reasonably light and reasonably easy to move around the woods with. Like maybe 8 - 9 lbs max?
- Accuracy. I see lots of rifles shooting sub MOA out x,y or z yards but what kind of MOA do I need - 1 or 2 inches? I don't expect to have any line of sight beyond maybe 200 yards in most cases. For me, the most important aspect would be ability to shoot with accuracy out to 200 yards with a cold barrel.
- My budget is max $2k all in (ie. gun, rail, rings, scope and one box of ammo!).

So, within the above budget and general features listed, I'd love to get your recommendations. Also, if I've missed any others features I should be considering, I'd love to hear that too!
 
The joy is in being overwhelmed. Go look around at, or preferably play with, all the options you can find. What others opinions are shouldn't influence you. At least that's how I look at it.......
 
Man so many choices so little time and money…
I would say go Tikka t3 in the flavour you want, I would go for a battue and never look back. But I don’t own tikka rifle but they are liked by lots of people!!
My favorite rifle right now is a Husqvarna 1640 carbine in 30-06 with a 2.5-8 Leupold scope and an ajustable comb that rifle is light, handy and accurate! And it was $850!
I’ve never been picky on triggers, and as for adjustable comb they are nice but you can customize your comb hight with foam and tape!!
As for scope I love a simple light low magnification scope like a 2-7, 2.5 -8, or a simple fix 4, 1.5-5 are nice too and all of them will work great up to 400m!
308 is a great caliber, but again there are so many other great caliber out there it is hard to find THE one!! Just need to buy more rifles!
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Ruger American. With your budget you could put it in a magpul stock and use aics mags. If you want something more traditional, savage model 10,110,111 is good to go. They have adjustable stocks and accutrigger. For best value glass I would look at the vortex scope line. The current trend is a 16” barrel but after owning a couple I think I still prefer 20” for an all around rifle in 308. If you are willing to stretch your budget or just go with a really inexpensive scope, the Ruger m77 in stainless with a paddle stock is my favourite of current production rifles.
 
Those tikkas are good value for the dollar. I shoot a Weatherby vanguard and it’s the only I have with a stock trigger. 2-2.5lbs make for a beautiful trigger. It is excellent. I wouldn’t worry about an adjustable cheek piece, I have never seen the value in it.
For glass I prefer a scope that goes up to 12-14 power or more. 40 or maybe 44 mil objective lense.
I also don’t think the bolt lift makes any difference.
Whatever you buy get something in a common calibre so it’s easy to find ammo and keep the cost of it down. 308, 30-06, 270, 7-08, ect.
 
Lots of good choices out there. Personally adjustment for length of pull and comb height is not necessary on a hunting rifle. Go to a gun shop or maybe a friend who has a bunch of rifles. Handle a bunch of different makes and models. Find one that fits you well. You mentioned .308 which is a good choice for game you mentioned. Weight and portability are important. If you can stay under 8 lbs with scope you will appreciate it at the end of a long day. .308 works for lighter gun because you save weight in short action and 22 inch barrel or even 20 is all you need.
Lots of good scopes available, variables are handy and get one with good eye relief and a big eye box.
 
Based on my (limited!) personal experience: your first rifle will likely not be your last... nor your favorite. I started with a Howa 1500 in 30-06. Have used Savage and Ruger Americans.


But my vote goes to the Husqvarna 1640 and 1900 models (ideally, the Swedish made ones in the HVA factory). I have both, in 30-06 and 6.5 Swede. Once you go Swedish Mauser, it's hard to be excited about anything else. At least for me.
 
You never know what you would like in the future. A T3 is quite good that way, the 308 can easily be re-barrelled to a 9.3x62 or back to 22-250 without much fuss. Stocks are available, bedding can be simple, your next T3 will fit in the same stock etc. I would stay clear of varmint barrels, max the CTR version. Use a slightly heavier scope, which makes a rifle shoot nicer. 308 is a good choice to start with.
edi
 
Yeah, I'd also compromise on the requirements some and go with the Tikka, although I like Ruger Americans as well. Overall, the Tikka checks a lot of boxes.

Stainless one in 308, 270, 7mm-08, 6.5 Creed, what have you. Mid recoil, all more alike than they are different.

As EJG says, a heavier scope and mount setup adds weight to the rifle and kills some of their snappiness. I like how they hold steadier offhand with a bit more weight as well, they are a bit light for me to shoot as well as I can that way. YMMV of course!
 
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Thanks all for the great comments.
Ungrateful said:
Ruger American. With your budget you could put it in a magpul stock and use aics mags. If you want something more traditional, savage model 10,110,111 is good to go. They have adjustable stocks and accutrigger. For best value glass I would look at the vortex scope line. The current trend is a 16” barrel but after owning a couple I think I still prefer 20” for an all around rifle in 308. If you are willing to stretch your budget or just go with a really inexpensive scope, the Ruger m77 in stainless with a paddle stock is my favourite of current production rifles.
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What is it about the 16" barrel that kept your favour with a 20" barrel? Just curious as I could certainly see the value of a 16" barrel assuming you can maintain accuracy out to 200 yards or so for hunting - lighter weight, more manouverable.
 
Thanks folks - with all the feedback, I'm narrowing in on the Tikka T3X lite, Ruger American or Browning X-bolt. As of now, I'm kinda leaning toward the Ruger American as it has everything I'm looking for at a really good price.
 
adesbarats said:
Thanks all for the great comments.

What is it about the 16" barrel that kept your favour with a 20" barrel? Just curious as I could certainly see the value of a 16" barrel assuming you can maintain accuracy out to 200 yards or so for hunting - lighter weight, more manouverable.
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Balance. 20” handles better. Plus I don’t plug my ear holes in the blind
 
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adesbarats said:
Thanks folks - with all the feedback, I'm narrowing in on the Tikka T3X lite, Ruger American or Browning X-bolt. As of now, I'm kinda leaning toward the Ruger American as it has everything I'm looking for at a really good price.
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The Ruger can’t be beat for the price. I have one in a boyds stock and one in a magpul hunter stock and both offer better magazine well options so you don’t need to limit yourself to the crappy plastic oem magazine, which is the main downfall of the rifle. I still say if you want to throw away a ton of money the m77 is the top of the line right now
 
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