savage 116fss or parker hale 1200c

[pointandshoot]

ok guys, here's the scoop...i already own a parker hale 1200c safari in 30/06 and i am pretty happy with the way this gun shoots. now here's the problem, i was looking at a couple of sites and have stumbled upon a new savage 16fss&116fss (synthetic stock/stainless) for $400 (reg $670) in 300wsm. i was wondering if anyone has any experience with the 116 (i hear so much about the stevens 200), and what would you guys do...stick with the 06 which i already like, or sell the 06 and scoop the 300wsm? i will be using this gun mostly for deer (maybe a moose if i get a draw...might try a blackie in the spring)...HELP and yes i know you can never have too many guns, but i would have to buy a new gun for a "reason" not just cause. what would you do?

 

[Brambles]

The savage won't do anything earthbreaking that your current 30-06 won't do, the only advantage I can see going with the Savage is that it's stainless and therefore more weather resistant, it will also probably be lighter.

Your 06 still has the edge on avaliablility of factory ammo although the 300wsm is getting more popular you can still find 30-06 ammo easier that the WSM's.

Comes down to your personal preference.

 

[p-17]

If you WANT the Savage, then by all means buy it. I doubt that you'd notice a ballistic difference in its effect on game inside 350 yards, however, and probably more if you load your '06 up to modern pressures and use bullets like the Barnes TSX.

My suggestion would be to go with the one that balances better for you. If your Parker Hale is more comfortable for you, stay with it. If the new rifle feels better, choose it.

 

[JeffR]

I would stop looking at it from a perspective of need and recognize it for what it is - want. Your "reason" for a new gun is that you want a new gun. You don't need any more of a reason than that.

Buy the new one, keep both.

 

[pointandshoot]

thanks for some quick replies guys. JeffR you are somewhat right, all my guns that i own i've bought used. not that there is anything wrong with that, and i am more than happy with all the guns i own, however there is something about having a brand spanking new rifle that no one eles has had a chance to pound on is appealing. in the same breath i cant justify spending money on a new gun unless its an improvement in quality, balistics, or flexibility...and i know the 06 is hard to beat in the flexibility department. so i guess the better question to ask is am i "upgrading" to a savage over the parker hale...or am i "downgrading". P-17, i should probably ask some of the local stores if they have any on the shelf so i can get a better feel for if the gun fits me...whenever i ask most of them say they can get one in 5 days, but they don't normaly have them on the shelf. again thanks for all the options *sigh* looks like some tough decisions