I'm getting the itch for a new rifle. It will be used for whitail deer, and late season moose hunting. I'm leaning toward a Weatherby Vanguard, Ruger Hawkeye M77, Sako A7, Sako A7 Roughtech, and a Sako 85. Caliber will likely be 30-06. My current rifles are a M700 Remington in 308 and a Browning X-bolt in 7 WSM. Either of these can do the job, but aren't my "perfect" moose rifle. The rem would be ideal if the bolt locked with the safety on, and was a 30-06. The X-bolt is light, and with the WSM recoil it seems tough to shoot accurately at longer range (why I'm thinking 30-06 may be ideal for me). What advice and opinions do you have for me?
Rifle comparison
- Thread starter stovepipe699
- Start date
You must be hoping for a huge turn around of the moose population in our province or any possible seasons even opening up.
Your idea of 30/06 is good. As far as your rifles choices I would recommend trying some of them out before buying and see what fits you best. The right rifle will tell you to take it home.
Your idea of 30/06 is good. As far as your rifles choices I would recommend trying some of them out before buying and see what fits you best. The right rifle will tell you to take it home.
The Sako 85 in a Finnlight or Black Bear is a step up from any of the others listed. IMO, if you can afford an 85, I see no reason to consider the others. Yes, there is the fit argument. Fair enough. But, given the selection you've listed I've never heard of anyone dropping a Sako 85 for a "Vanguard" because of fit. This is a $500 rifle against a $2000 rifle. I just don't think that happens unless you have dysmorphic features. If you were choosing amongst Kimber, Sauer, or Sako that would be different.
The Black Bear is one of the nicest rifles I've personally owned. I'd go 30-06 as well, what a great caliber. Plenty of brass if you reload, and lots of premium bullet selection up to 200gr. If you want one step up in caliber look at the Sako Kodiak. Buy one of these rifles, you'll never need another. But beware, once you own one you tend to accumulate them.
The Black Bear is one of the nicest rifles I've personally owned. I'd go 30-06 as well, what a great caliber. Plenty of brass if you reload, and lots of premium bullet selection up to 200gr. If you want one step up in caliber look at the Sako Kodiak. Buy one of these rifles, you'll never need another. But beware, once you own one you tend to accumulate them.
160 federal trophy bonded for moose, 150 fusion for deer.
I know I'm comparing rifles in totally different price brackets, they were the ones that I liked in the store. Each of them had things I liked. The Roughtech stock(A7) on the sako 85 would really be something. Don't think that's available though... I'll have to sell some guns to pay for one, lol!
Nothing wrong with a 30/06 and it is the "universal" calibre ... but I doubt if you will notice ANY difference between a 30/06 and a .308 when hunting game .. except weight of the rifle ... my Sako 75 in 308 "weighs" much less than my Sako 75 in 30/06 .. both SS Syn. ... due to a combination of different balance and the actual weight
30/06 and 308 are my 2 favourite cartridges. I figure if I'm getting a new rifle anyway I'd go 30/06 b/c it pushes a 180 a fair bit faster than a 308. If a 308 came along I'd sure consider it, I've been using a rem 700 in 308 for whitetail for the last 7 or 8 years and like it a lot.
