ok, I think I'm going to get a new rifle. *UPDATE*

Help me make up my mind.

  • Browning A-Bolt Synthetic or wood.

    Votes: 11 8.9%

  • Ruger M77 or Hawkeye.

    Votes: 33 26.6%

  • Remington 700 CDL.

    Votes: 26 21.0%

  • Remington Model Seven.

    Votes: 10 8.1%

  • Ruger M77 Compact.

    Votes: 6 4.8%

  • Tikka T-3 Hunter.

    Votes: 38 30.6%
  • Total voters
    124
For what you're going to hunt, and given that you mention using a premo bullet, I would go 308, but not marry myself to the 180 grain. ETA: the 180 in a 30-06 isn't really recoil friendly in a light rifle.

I'd try the 165 grain, either a Partition or TSX, and at that weight the 308 is very very close to the 30-06 ballistically. Even a 150 is plenty for deer.

Of the rifles in your poll, I'd pick the 700 CDL, and I'd ask the shop owner to bring them all out so I could pick the wood I liked the best.
 
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I cannot belive how popular the Ruger is! I like the rifles, as I feel they offer good value for the dollar. I just didn't expect so many people to feel so strongly about such a "Regular" rifle! Thank you all for your opinions. As of today, I am leaning towards the 77.
 
I know its not in the list but how about the Ruger 77 ultra light
its a 1/2 pound heavier than the compact but still a pound and a half lighter than the standard M77 And also 3/4 pound lighter than the Hawkeye
I held an ultra light last fall and it was really sweet but cannont say anything more than that. Ive had my eye on it ever since.
But I'm not in the new rifle price range yet.

Also the new Hawkeye is looking like a promising candidate although I havent seen one yet.

P.S. I voted Ruger just incase you were wondering LOL
 
So here's where I'm at. I've narrowed my choices down. But I've expanded my cartridge selection. I'm interested in a Ruger 77 Hawkeye in 7mm-08, .308 or '06. A Tikka T3 in 6.5x55, .308 or .270. And the Browning Stalker in .270, .308 or '06. All truely useful, well mannered cartridges. I don't think I could go wrong with any of these. But the cartridges selected for the various rifles just 'feel right' to go with that model, do you know what I mean? Three days to go. I supposed it will all come down to what is in stock, and what feels best at the time.
 
I agree with some of the others and go with a CZ. Which is not even in your Poll, so I didn't vote. A CZ 550 American in 7x57 would fit the bill nicely.
 
wow a compact light weight range rifle in 30 cal kind of like a 4wheel drive sports car that is great on gas with a 7000 lbs towing capacity we can all dream but this is why we can have more than one sorry its hard to find one gun to do everything but you may find one that does a couple of things real good you cant go wrong with any of the guns you posted good luck
 
cariboo_kid said:
Just curious if you've handled a vanguard and ruled it out? If not you might consider checking one out and see if it interests you.
Click to expand...

+2 for a Vanguard. Get a SS model and never look back :rockOn:
 
So I went with the general concensious, and picked up a Ruger M77 Hawkeye from Russel Sports this Morning in .30-06. It just felt too good not to have. I like the way it points and balances, and the scope mounts as a freebie were nice too. That saved me at least a few bucks if I went with another model. I mounted a Leupold 3-9, and hopefully will get the chance to get it down to the range tommorow. Thanks all for your input.
 
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