What would you get?

captain2k_ca

captain2k_ca

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Lethbridge
Thinking of a new rifle...would be used on gophers to 500 yards or so, and coyotes under 200 yards.


Here are my 2 choices:

Remington 700SPS Varmint in .223
1/12 twist. 26" Barrel.
$679+Taxes and Shipping

lgsil_700spsvarmint.jpg





Tikka T3 Stainless Varmint in .204(Or possibly .223)
1/12 twist. 23.75" Barrel.
$1119+Taxes and Shipping

varmint.gif



I'd save a decent amount of money with the Remmy...But I do like the Tikka alot more, and cant get the Remmy in .204(Im left handed and want a left handed rifle...hard to find decent lefty rifles in the caliber you want!!)

Next question, is the .204 worth it?
 
I definitely tend to lean towards longer barrels if you're purposely buying a rifle to use out to 500 yards. Are the Tikka's available with longer barrels? (I honestly don't know - Stevens is more my budget.)
 
I like the Tikka better but I can definately see your point about the money.

What about getting into a Rem 700 comparable money to the Tikka?
 
Iam a lefty to. Tika wasnt avalable when I was looking for the same thing and really considered the Rem I was won over with a TC pro hunter in .223 and a spare 243 barrel I use QR mounts and bases and Ziess 6-20 with a z plex havent done much to 500yards but in .223 its 300 yard varmit control and with reloads its sub MOA But bolts are the way I was looking first.
Dam right handers they dont know how lucky they are !
 
I have an SPS V in both .204 and .308... and I have owned a T3 in .223...

Best bet would be the Tikka because you would probably want to replace the stock on the 700 anyways. There have been reports of problems of the barrel not free floating from the stock when a bipod is used. I have HS stocks on mine and they seem to work great. But for the extra funds, might as well just go with a Tikka...

The T3 I owned in .223 was a great rifle, just didn't like trying to find the right ammo for it, so I went down to a .204... Better effect on the varmints anyways... Those 36gr and 40gr bullets are coming out FAST....
 
I have a 22-250 that I can shoot out to 500 yards no issue and it has a 24 inch barrel. Personally pick the the gun that fits you the best. As for the 223 vs 204 depends where you live I see you live down south = lots of wind :) My pick would be neither and get a 22-250 but if you have to pick one of those it would be 223
 
i like both rifles but cant in good conscience pay tikka prices for a coyote gun. especialy when there are many good cheaper dog guns. when in doubt...always buy north american!
 
Don't confuse price with quality. Tikka has :rolleyes:

Go with whatever gives you the best wood stock and a gloss blue finish. And if it is going to be a walking-around rifle, don't forget to look at the ones that don't have a heavy barrel.

As for calibre, I can't comment on anything but the 223. That stuff is pretty cheap for plinking.
 
If I were choosing between those two rifles I'd go with the 700. Usually shoot great and lots of fun to customize. Lots of parts available, even for us southpaws.

Are you really wanting a heavy barrel? If you'd consider a sporter weight barrel the CZ527 is worth a look IMO.

Also, new for 2009, Ruger will be offering the M77 LH SA. 204, 223 and 22-250, plus others...... I will be getting at least a 204.:)
 
If I wanted a 22-250 I wouldnt be asking about .223 or .204's :D My wife already has a T3 in 22-250. I dont need one when I can use hers...

As for buying a 700 just because I can customize it? That is one of the things I REALLY want to avoid!!! I want something I can pull out of the box, add some nice optics and take shooting! Still have 3 projects on the go!!

Yes 500+ yards...I love the challenge! I shoot them to 150ish yards with my Ruger 10/22 already.....

In my posts it doesnt mention anywhere that I am interested in wood...or shiny blued barrels....lol!! Prefer stainless to be honest. Im not exactly known for cleaning my guns very frequently :D

As for the new Rugers...well, doesnt really catch my fancy overmuch...

And YES I prefer a heavy barrel! I spend most of my shooting time prone...

If I ever decide to finish building my 10/22 and 870 shotty then I might consider building a custon bolt action..but thats a long way off!!!
 
just so happens my neighbor got that same Tikka .204 as a retirement gift this past fall and loves it.
Even with the HB it has a fairly light feel and the balance is right.
The .204 is a definite performer.
Sounds like you are leaning towards the Tikka anyway so I'll give you the nudge yer lookin for. ;)
 
captain2k_ca said:
As for buying a 700 just because I can customize it? That is one of the things I REALLY want to avoid!!!
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You say that now. Buy the 700, you'll see.:D
captain2k_ca said:
I want something I can pull out of the box, add some nice optics and take shooting! Still have 3 projects on the go!!
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Either of your choices should fit that criteria just fine..... till you start fartin' around with the 700.:D
captain2k_ca said:
I shoot them to 150ish yards with my Ruger 10/22 already.....
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That is a good time. Me and a buddy put 10x 3200 Mildots on ours one gopher season. Something fun about counting down to the hit.
captain2k_ca said:
Prefer stainless to be honest. Im not exactly known for cleaning my guns very frequently :D
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Weeeellll, so do I. In my experience some SS rifles will rust faster than others and in some instances (Tikka) will rust faster than a good blue.
captain2k_ca said:
And YES I prefer a heavy barrel! I spend most of my shooting time prone...
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Get what you like. Just lots of guys end up regretting a HB. Obviously you are more educated than that though.......:D

Good luck. Let us know what you end up with and how ya like it.:)
 
My 10/22 is a freaking tank...lol! I dont mind though...keep that gun on the shoulder and the 870 slung around my back...add 30 or so pounds of ammo and its alost a workout!! LOL!!

I have an Elite 4200 6-24x40 mildot on the 10/22....it is alot of fun to count down the shot!! lol!!


Ive never had a stainless rust on me yet...though I left my 870 in the trunk of my car for a couple weeks and it rusted all the hell....
 
I'd choose a Remington 700 XCR Compact Tactical. But if I had to choose between these 2, I'd take the Tikka hands down, it's beautiful and is a little better with the havier grain bullets.
 
the remington would be temping to save money and with a longer barrel but the tikka is nice and available in .204...so i dunno the only thing i don't like about .204 (don't own one) is cost is higher than .223 and barrel life is shorter....:)
 
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