Planning My First Rifle Purchase - feedback welcome!

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Schikk

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Hey fellas, total beginner here, so I'd love to get some feedback!

I’m excitedly planning out my first rifle purchase and here are some conclusions I have reached:

1. I want to focus on hunting: initially deer, but ultimately elk, moose and more.
2. It seems that perfectly acceptable accuracy and performance is readily available these days from an entry-level rifle.
3. But… it also seems that some coin needs to be dropped on higher quality glass.

So, here’s what I’ve narrowed my search down to:

Rifle:
I’m pretty set on the Ruger American in a 30-06. I believe the bolt action is excellent for the price, the accuracy is more than acceptable and the weight is good for trekking.

I did spend quite some time leaning towards taking a step up in price to the Tikka T3 Lite, but I’ve had feedback that I should spare the extra few hundred bucks and put it towards glass and other accessories/gear.

Locally, I can find a Ruger American for under $400, whereas the T3 Lite will be closer to $700.

Scope:
Currently, I’m leaning towards the Vortex Diamondback 3-9x40 DH DBC.

After looking through a slew of the key scope brands, it seems the Leupold VX-2 comes most highly recommended in the general price range I’m considering, but I’ve heard the Vortex DB isn’t actually too far behind.

Locally, I can find a Vortex Diamondback 3-9x40 DH DBC for $220, whereas the Leupold VX-2 clocks in at $400.

Binocs:
I’m looking at the Leupold BX-2 Acadia 8x42 Binoculars, which run about USD170 in the States ($240-250 here).

Alternatively, I’ve looked at the Vortex Diamondback 8x42 for USD220 in the States ($250 here) and the Bushnell Legend Ultra HD 8x42 which run $280.

Conclusion:
So, for my setup I could be looking at:

Ruger American 30-06 rifle: $400
Vortex Diamondback 3-9x40 DH DBC scope: $220
Leupold BX-2 Acadia 8x42 binocs: USD170

I’d love to hear some feedback! Specifically, if I was gonna choose to drop an extra couple hundred dollars on any of these three components, where would you suggest I upgrade??

Thanks!
 
You can get a Remington SPS from Bashaw Sports for $489.00. In my opinion you would be getting a lot better rifle for a little bit more. If you were going to spend extra on anything I would choose binoculars.
 
Personally... I would buy a better gun... look at the Ruger M77 All-Weather (.308) $730 at LeBaron's or the Rem 700 SPS Stainless (.308) $675... You will quickly regret the low-end rifle.
 
For an entry level set up I'd say you are on the right track. Spend lots of time shooting the rig and less time worrying about what other people think is good and you'll be way ahead of the game. You'll upgrade one day but that will get you started! Enjoy.
 
Haha, this is the battle I've been going back and forth with...

Do I just admit I'm a beginner and start entry level or do I fast forward and skip the step where I grow out of my first purchase?

I've heard mixed feedback on the SPS and model 700 in general, that the quality has gone downhill in recent years, but maybe that's just traditionalists being traditionalists. Also for less than $100 more than the American, that's a great price! Thanks for the recommended stores!
 
.30-06 very good general purpose big game cartridge.
Ruger American hasn't been out long but first impression are generally that it is a good rifle. If the fit feels right for you it is a good choice. You might find something that suits you better, it might not be better value.
Vortex is generally thought to be good value for money. Cabela's has a Leupold Vx-2 Canadian, 3-9x40mm on sale for $300, usually $400.
 
I think you have made great choices for your starter shooting system. You will be hard pressed to find any better values. Don't forget rings and several different ammo brands/loads to experiment with in your budget. My hunting rifle is a Savage 11 .308 which cost a grand total of $550 with scope included. I shoot everyday (almost) and I haven't a need to upgrade my hunting rig because I've somehow "outgrown" it... ridiculous. You will never be happy with just one anyways. Start small, or buy some ultra elite extreme grade premium over the top so special it will never leave the safe and cry if it EVER gets scratched and never find out that the Ruger American with Vortex DB was just as accurate.
 
Schikk said:
Haha, this is the battle I've been going back and forth with...

Do I just admit I'm a beginner and start entry level or do I fast forward and skip the step where I grow out of my first purchase?

I've heard mixed feedback on the SPS and model 700 in general, that the quality has gone downhill in recent years, but maybe that's just traditionalists being traditionalists. Also for less than $100 more than the American, that's a great price! Thanks for the recommended stores!
Click to expand...
I have a 700 SPS in 30-06 and I have zero complaints with it. If you're willing to pay more than you're original budget to get one, it will serve you well. As for binoculars, I would personally roll the money for those into a better scope. I've never had much use for binocs.
 
Great feedback, thanks guys!

Lots of 700 SPS supporters...

SKHunter likes the idea of upgrading the binocs, any other thoughts on the Leupold Acadias?
 
Schikk said:
Great feedback, thanks guys!

Lots of 700 SPS supporters...

SKHunter likes the idea of upgrading the binocs, any other thoughts on the Leupold Acadias?
Click to expand...

Also look at the Nikon Prostaff scopes... they are a lot of scope for $200ish... I have a few and like them all.

Prostaff 3-9X40mm SS;

 
Personally, I own a Browning A-Bolt with B.O.S.S. system on it.....a tack driver, light with virtually no recoil (that thing shoots like a .22!) and the 60 degree bolt is neat compared to a Remington 700 (no disrespect to 700s lovers here) because you don't ram the scope with your thumb while chambering a round...it gives faster follow-up shots ;) It's my hunting rig for more than 5 years and never failed on me....my two cents....and my advice would be to start with something better than entry-level....won't be disappointed....after all, you don't buy a rifle that suits you for only 1-2 trips.... :) I paid 869.00+tx and it's worth every pennies squeezed from my pockets I swear!

Have fun choosing the one that suits you fine :) it's half the fun in itself!!!


-Marksman_994
 
Schikk said:
Haha, this is the battle I've been going back and forth with...

Do I just admit I'm a beginner and start entry level or do I fast forward and skip the step where I grow out of my first purchase?

I've heard mixed feedback on the SPS and model 700 in general, that the quality has gone downhill in recent years, but maybe that's just traditionalists being traditionalists. Also for less than $100 more than the American, that's a great price! Thanks for the recommended stores!
Click to expand...

Ill give you my philosophy on getting into a new hobby/sport/anything. If you're going to do it, you want to do it well. If doing it well requires a good piece of equipment then you want to get a GOOD piece of equipment. Why buy a cheap version of something when you will only ever want more, if you buy the one you want (within reason) you may not have that urge to upgrade right away, or ever, instead of replacing that piece of equipment because it doesn't suit your needs you can then buy a different piece of equipment that does another task.


Im in your situation, im just getting into firearms, shooting, and have never been but will go hunting once I buy my new rifle (which should be in a few days). I dont want to take my nice perfect quality win 94 out into the bush. I am choosing to go with sako, they make terrific guns. Every person ive spoken with has said nothing but amazing things about sako. Im looking for a used one of upper tier quality, or will buy a newer A7, Tikka T3 is a subsidiary of sako and uses a lot of the same parts.

For caliber, Ive chosen 7mm rem mag, while not too much that it will ruin your meat on smaller animals, it is large enough to take out a moose, and you can do it at 400 yards+
 
TheTooner said:
.30-06 very good general purpose big game cartridge.
Ruger American hasn't been out long but first impression are generally that it is a good rifle. If the fit feels right for you it is a good choice. You might find something that suits you better, it might not be better value.
Vortex is generally thought to be good value for money. Cabela's has a Leupold Vx-2 Canadian, 3-9x40mm on sale for $300, usually $400.
Click to expand...

Hmm... I'm not seeing the Canadian VX-2 on Cabela's site. Seems they're no longer available:
http://www.cabelas.ca/product/64811/leupold-vx-ii-canadian-riflescope

Any other suggestions for where they're available at a good price?
 
i have a Vortex diamondback binocs...dont have them right in front of me...amazingly clear...great value for the price.

If you are looking for a entry rifle, consider the Weatherby Vanguard. If you look around they are maybe $520, so about $120 more than a Ruger American. Definitely a step up in quality, but i have heard the Ruger American is accurate platform.

Glass has come a long way in recent years. Most manufacturers offer great warranty, no need to over pay for name or reputation.

I really like your thinking on caliber, gun, glass. I think that for the money you could do as good or better on the EE. Especially right now with people selling to pay for their Christmas over spending. Just my $5 worth
 
Well - If you plan to practice shooting your rifle (a good idea) you may find the 30-06 to be a bit heavy in recoil. Also, as a rookie, you wont likely need a 3-9 scope for those 400 y shots - that's reserved for the crowd on Wild TV. Think shots of 100 y, or less.
 
I own a number of centrrfire rifles and one of them is a Ruger American. I bought it amid all the hype when it first came out and have been very pleased.Mine is in .243 so i couldn't tell you what the recoil in .30-06 would be like but ,at 6.25 lbs,i would expect it to be a kicker.If this will be your main hunting rifle,i would seriously consider a vanguard s2 in this caliber.It is a real bargain and won't rip your shoulder off.
 
Schikk said:
Hmm... I'm not seeing the Canadian VX-2 on Cabela's site. Seems they're no longer available:
http://www.cabelas.ca/product/64811/leupold-vx-ii-canadian-riflescope

Any other suggestions for where they're available at a good price?
Click to expand...

I received a Cabellas catalog yesterday and the 3 - 9 x 40 VX-2 was on sale at $299.

I thought I wanted a 50 mm objective until it would not fit into my Kolpin gun boot. Neither would a scope with a side focus.
Another vote for the Remington 700 SPS SS.

Don't skimp on binoculars. Extended glassing will cause eye strain. Since My hunting starts early in the morning, low light was a consideration so I went with 7 x 50's. $500 in 1988 was a wise investment.
 
I like 8X binoculars, they don't shake like 10s and they have a bit more than 7s. If you choose 8X32s rather than 8X40s, you'll find them lighter and easier to carry, with no loss of optical clarity and little difference in field of view. I've owned Pentex and Khales, and have no preference between them. Khales is the budget line of Swarovski, and if you like Minox, they are the budget line of Leica. All 3 Pentex, Khales, and Minox represent excellent quality for the money. Vortex also is well represented at the binocular counter, so don't discount them.

With respect to glass, the Vortex scopes I've seen have impressed me, and appear to be a good buy at this time. The key here is to choose quality mounts to fasten your scope to your rifle. The mounts must hold the scope inline with the bore without allowing it to move. the mounts will determine how much latitude you have for setting your eye relief. If the scope is too far away, you won't get a full sight picture, but if its too close, you'll be scared of getting cut and will never be able to shoot the rifle well. The advantage Leupold scopes have over the competition is that they have a warranty depot in Alberta, Jim Korth Agencies.

The idea of an entry level rifle is one which leaves me a bit uncomfortable. If you're shooting factory ammo, a .30/06 in a light plastic stock might be more than you can tolerate, I prefer that novice shooters purchase the best quality they can afford, and that might mean purchasing used. Its easier to cut a wood stock and install a good recoil pad so its LOP fits you than a cheap plastic stock. The additional weight, will help dampen the recoil. When I was a youngster, used rifles were a bit of an issue for me, because not knowing much I couldn't tell a good used rifle from a poor one, no one I knew was any smarter than I was, so I avoided the situation and usually bought new. But now novice riflemen have a friend in Tradex, they have a link at the top of the page. The selection of rifles and price ranges on their website is broad, the description of the rifles are accurate, and they will provide additional information if asked. These guys bring a new meaning to the term honest broker.

If you are going to take shooting seriously, I suggest you look into handloading. I pass this advice along to all novice shooters I encounter. You can't get good without shooting, and handloading allows you to shoot more for the same dollars. Some folks wring their hands over the cost of getting set up or how much room it might take up when they hear about guys with gun rooms and loading rooms. A modest handloading set up can have you making ammo for about $300, and your handloading center can be attached to a Workmate, so it takes up little room inh a house or apartment. Other guys wring their hands, unsure if they can manage the task, but the steps are pretty simple once you understand the process. Something else for you to consider anyway.
 
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