weatherby vs. CZ vs. TC

fat but funky

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Hi Guys,

I am contemplating my next purchase. Looking for a proper deer rifle. I have an M-14s that gets the job done, but darned if I can get it to group much better than 1.5" and more than once it has jammed a spent case up against the scope mount.

So, I want a nice reliable bolt action that I can reasonably expect <1" out of with hand loads.

I think a 270 win is probably a sensible choice of chambering. Primarily, this rifle will be for whitetail and mule deer in aspen parkland/cut line/farmers fields. I'd still like to be able to use it for antelope and moose as well if possible. Synthetic stock and stainless barrel preferred, but not necessary.

So, I've looked around, fondled a few rifles, and have narrowed my candidates to:

CZ 550
weatherby vanguard (SUB-moa version if I can ever find one)
TC Icon

I like the idea of a 24" barrel. Heavier, I know, but still not as heavy as the M-14 I have been lugging around.

I've investigated other rifles, but for one reason or another, have eliminated them from the running - often because they just didn't 'feel' right.

I want a new rifle, not used.

Willing to spend up to 1200 - 1300 for the rifle itself. Extra for rings and glass.

So - of the three I list above, what are your opinions of them as a solid go-to rifle?

Thanks

Fat
 
can go wrong with a weatherby ....270 very nice calibre ....and have you looked at the new benellis in 270wsm and semi ....very light has that inertia system witch dose not kick at all....I have tried one and this fall it is going to be my new deer rifle and back up moose gun ......benelli all the way
 
Nothing wrong with a 1.5" group! Many bolt actions only get that good!

I suggest Tradex, have alook at their sight and see if something catches your eye!
 
Cabela.ca has the icon on sale for less than 900. I suggest you stick with the wood stock as the test targets are a shade tighter than the synthetic stock version.
T/C has an accuracy guarantee and the test targets tell you what ammo they used to shoot with . The .308 I am buying shows fed. 150 sp three shots in .338 inch, not bad for a light hunter.
 
Why the hell does it have to be new? The EE on this site is full of excellent used rifles, many of them have been tweaked and accurized and will beat 95% of anything except maybe a new Tikka T3.

A buddy just bought a new Tikka T3 in .308Win and I watched him shoot an honest 1" 5-shot group with factory ammo.
 
A 270 is an excellent choice, definately the best do all gun for almost anything provided you use a decent bullet and good shout placement. The icon is a really beautiful looking gun, and feels smooth too. Although you may hesitate to drag it through the bush with you. Weatherby's are a good choice too, but I would go with the Tikka. You really can't beat how smooth the action is, and their made with a Sako barrel and Sako steel all around. Plus their a great shooter out of the box, and a really good buy for your money
 
Get the CZ 550. Personally, I think it has way more class than the other two. You can't go to far wrong with the tried-and-true Mauser action.

Weatherbys have such tacky styling.

The Thompson/Center has a 60 degree bolt lift, which means the greater effort required to work it nullifies the decreased travel.
 
I'd like to try the Icon, personally. Not crazy abotu the stock bolt knob but you can always order the optional one.

First you should go to the local gun shop and handle all of them. Fit may be drastically different and the only way to be sure is to handle them.

Where are you located?
 
Not 100%BUT 110% Weatherby Vanguard in 7MM REM,MAG with Bushnell Elite 4200 4-16x40MM, at 200mm,one inch MOA or less consistently. Price?...you are looking at $700 for the rifle + Vanguard base/ring mount $50 + Elite4200 4-16x40MM...appox $400 or so..you are looking at appox $1200. Don't take my word for it, ask around, the vanguard can out shoot a lot of higher cost rifles. Cheers
 
lebaron(and probably others) will be getting the new "budget" Thompson/Center Venture.i have a 7mm on order when they show up,and im going to try to do a CGNer review on it(wish there was a Forum on here for reviews).
 
Thats a lot of $$$ for a once per year "Deer rifle", considering a good old .303Brit, 30-30Win will do the same job for a couple of hundred.. You don't really need MOA accuracy either at realistic hunting distances, depends where you're hunting really..

Of course if you're shopping for a new toy, or want it to do a number of different tasks, go wild and enjoy. But $1000+ on a "Deer rifle"...
Just my 0.2c
 
Thats a lot of $$$ for a once per year "Deer rifle", considering a good old .303Brit, 30-30Win will do the same job for a couple of hundred.. You don't really need MOA accuracy either at realistic hunting distances, depends where you're hunting really..

Of course if you're shopping for a new toy, or want it to do a number of different tasks, go wild and enjoy. But $1000+ on a "Deer rifle"...
Just my 0.2c

But what's the fun in that? What a boring world it would be if there were nothing but butchered Enfields and Winchester 94s.

I for one enjoy owning and operating nice things.
 
Another vote for the CZ 550.I have one in 30-06, and I really like it. Very slick, controlled feed, single set trigger and it is a very beefy setup all the way around! It's heavy, but it's definetly worth lugging around!I also have a Weatherby Vanguard stainless, and the CZ IMO is by far a nicer rifle,kinda classy like driving a Caddy vs the Vanguard's KIA or Toyota, they both do the job.The Vanguard is alright for the price.If I had to choose one or the other, from owning and using both, the CZ stays and the Weatherby hits the EE!
 
Icon Weatherguard. Mine came with .37 test target and first couple hand loads at range impressed. Hoque overmold stock, aluminum bedding block, free floated, 5R rifling, adjustable trigger (comes with screw driver), bolt disassembly tool, bolt lock on safety - lot to like.
 
My first choice would be a Rem. 700 but, of the three you mentioned i'd go for the CZ, they seem the most solid and the least plasticy.
 
I was in the same boat....but I'm a lefty. I wound up with the 257bee in the Ultralite. I would have preferred the 280 rem but it's not available lh as the rifle is an all round carrier for me (sheep/bou)........but really happy with the 257.....worked on moose and black bear as well.

tm
 
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