Looking to get into "big" game hunting - need advice

P11

P11

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I have only ever hunted small game and bird here in Ontario and this year I'm looking to do some deer hunting with friends.

I am without a suitable rifle and glass however, so i am looking for some suggestions.

I want a hunting rifle, obviously, but also something that I can take to my property and blast a bunch of rounds with and not worry too much about cost.

It also helps if it looks cool, think Springfield Waypoint 2020 lol.

So currently I am looking at a .308 and really liking some offerings from Tikka such as this :

https://alflahertys.com/tikka-t3x-v...uted-barrel-with-brake-various-calibers-tftt/

Any suggestions would be great.


As far as glass goes I am looking for something in MOA with a stupid-proof reticle system like BDC for instance lol. something in the $1000-$1500 range.

Thanks for anyone's help in advance.
 
I have that same rifle in 30-06 in a bronze colour. It’s accurate and light enough to carry all day. I topped it with a leupold vx5. I’m happy with the whole package. I got a metal trigger guard from pr precision and had it cerakoted by black box customs to match the rest of the rifle. I’ve harvested a number of deer with it and it’s been great.
 
Personally i don't like adjustable parallax on a hunting rifle. It's extra weight and complexity that you really don't need unless you're taking shots 99% of hunters have no business taking.

As for rifles, my suggestion is you find a local gun store and go try some in person. Chances are you'll find one you really like. Not a lot of bad options in the price range of that Tikka, but you might find you like the magazine, or trigger, or bolt, or safety more on something else. My buddy preferred a Browning over the Tikka for example, when he went through this a few years ago.
 
P11 said:
I have only ever hunted small game and bird here in Ontario and this year I'm looking to do some deer hunting with friends.

I am without a suitable rifle and glass however, so i am looking for some suggestions.

I want a hunting rifle, obviously, but also something that I can take to my property and blast a bunch of rounds with and not worry too much about cost.

It also helps if it looks cool, think Springfield Waypoint 2020 lol.

So currently I am looking at a .308 and really liking some offerings from Tikka such as this :

https://alflahertys.com/tikka-t3x-v...uted-barrel-with-brake-various-calibers-tftt/

Any suggestions would be great.


As far as glass goes I am looking for something in MOA with a stupid-proof reticle system like BDC for instance lol. something in the $1000-$1500 range.

Thanks for anyone's help in advance.
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If you want a little less recoil and a little flatter shooting cartridge the 270 Win will do anything you want out your way. Of course recoil is relative to bullet weight. If your not going to shoot longer shots there's always guns like a nice little BLR. Don't even need to scope it if your good with sights. Cheers
 
skip the BDC reticle. The theory is great, but they are a generalized drop chart, just like the one on the box of ammo, its not custom to your gun, and just a guess. You will need to figure it all out for your gun anyways, so just start with a moa or mrad and figure it out.
 
saskgunowner101 said:
BDC reticles are awesome for quick n dirty while hunting, even if your BDC scope isn't specific to your caliber.
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Ok, some people like them, I have one still on a muzzleloader. It works but its Not my favorite set up. For the quick n dirty while hunting I used to set up the rifle for the MPBR, anything further away from that, I have time to figure things out as needed.

To each their own though, for the OP look into it if your pulling double duty on the rifle if its something you will enjoy.
 
P11 said:
I have only ever hunted small game and bird here in Ontario and this year I'm looking to do some deer hunting with friends.

I am without a suitable rifle and glass however, so i am looking for some suggestions.

I want a hunting rifle, obviously, but also something that I can take to my property and blast a bunch of rounds with and not worry too much about cost.

It also helps if it looks cool, think Springfield Waypoint 2020 lol.

So currently I am looking at a .308 and really liking some offerings from Tikka such as this :

https://alflahertys.com/tikka-t3x-v...uted-barrel-with-brake-various-calibers-tftt/

Any suggestions would be great.


As far as glass goes I am looking for something in MOA with a stupid-proof reticle system like BDC for instance lol. something in the $1000-$1500 range.

Thanks for anyone's help in advance.
Click to expand...
You are on the right track, a .308 Tikka will fit the bill perfectly. 1000 - 1500 will get you a fine optic; My suggestion is keep it simple - a 3-9x or 2-10x will be all you need for hunting. One thing I'm not a fan of is the muzzle break - Unless you are using a big caliber / going to be putting tons of rounds downrange. They add length and a tiny bit of weight and the noise blast factor is unpleasant. Enjoy!!
 
Don't forget fellas this is NOT just for hunting. I also want it for plinking and ideally I want it to look cool- serious lol.

I dont mind the recoil on the 308, shot it plenty.

And yes I have spots to hunt with a full caliber such as this in Ontario.

The trick is finding a good rifle in a decent price range and the matching scope to boot. BDC seems like something my simple brain can work with and comprehend, especially for longer shots (When I'm plinking) thanks boys.
 
KISS, keep it stupid simple is my advice, a 308 in a rifle that fit you that you like. I wouldn’t buy new especially if you are looking for a 308, thousands of them 308 on the used market! A husqvarna 1640 would be my choice for sure or maybe a 1900! As for scope again KISS, Leupold 2.5-8 simple reticle will do all you need up to 400m with ease! It will be light it will be reliable and it will be cover by a great warranty that you probably wont need! Simple reticle cause reticle that looks like a Xmas 🎄 are or can be confusing in the field in hunting situations!
All in all you could get you self a great rig for around $1000-1500 all in including enough ammo to practice and hunt with!
 
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P11 said:
Don't forget fellas this is NOT just for hunting. I also want it for plinking and ideally I want it to look cool- serious lol.

I dont mind the recoil on the 308, shot it plenty.
Click to expand...

What does looking cool means for you? Cause for me is nice wood, deep blue, open sights, short ish barrel(20-21”) and a nice light compact scope gloss if possible with a no1 German reticle… that is for me a cool rig that I want to hunt with!
 
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