Which choice should I make in a predator gun?

reddarb

reddarb

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Hey all!
I have not wrote in a very very long time on here! But I am back!
I have decided to take up coyote hunting and am in the market for a .243 bolt. I have two possible guns that I have in mind. The first one is a Tikka T3 Lite Stainless. The second is a Savage Model 10 Predator hunter. Both guns are around the same price range. But I was just wondering which would be the better buy. It is only going to be used for coyotes nothing more. Is it really needed to have a full camo gun when hunting predators, or is that just to make you feel good about owing a camo gun? Second, would the stainless be a dead give away in the bush to the 'yotes? Any advice would be greatly appreciated! I am looking to buy within the next few days. Thanks all!
 
If they are around the same price, the Tikka would be a better deal for sure.

Smoother bolt, better stock. Better resale value.

The stainless won't matter.

you can always camo yourself. I did that with my Tikka. Easy, simple and fun. It came out great!

And I'm a bad painter.
 
I have been fooled by your catchy-post-name, I thought you were looking for a multi-barreled, electric motor driven, chain fed gun, as seen in the movie "Predator".

My bad!
 
Lebaron's advertises the Savage Model10 Predator Hunter .243Win. $712. Pretty expensive unnecessary camo job if you ask me. You can buy a new T3 Lite stainless sythetic in around the $660 mark. I think the Tikka is a great deal in that price range. Although you can pick up the Savage SS for around $610. For the extra $50 go with Tikka.
 
Ignore the Savage Predator... but keep the idea of a Savage.

Look for a Savage 12fv in .243 and then cammo it yourself if you really want the cammo.

I bought one in the fall and have never regretted it. I picked one up for just over 500 with taxes if I remember right.

Took it out the other weekend hunting coyotes and had no problems. I really like the accutrigger!
 
Stick with the Stainless. I think if you shop around enough you will find it tough to beat The Tikka especially at $660. The action on the Tikka is silky smooth flawless and the trigger is second to none. Sure it comes with a budget stock, trigger guard and DM but I think you will find that there has been very few if any complaints regarding the plastic. The finish on the Rem SPS that you have been refered to is really low budget so watch for rust if you don't stay on top of them. I think they should all be good shooters. Especially chambered in .243 Win.
 
I personally would avoid a heavy barrel, because (at least for me) predator hunting means hiking kilometers per day and shooting maybe once per five stands

heavy barrel guns are for sitting down and fiiring dozens of shots in a short period of time at ground rats.
 
I agree with you tod, I myself went with a CZ in .223. MOA out of the box and i can reliably hit a 7 inch clanger out to a measured 300 yards. nice and light for packing. as for the camo, I wear a bright blue Helly Hanson coat and thick wool pants and it dont seem to worry the coyotes at all round here.however I do wish that we could use electronic calls here, I would much prefer to call the coyotes to a spot 100 yards in front of me than right to me.
 
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I appreciate all the feedback so far. I am going to throw a monkey wrench into the whole ball of wax. Here are the guns and the pricing

Browning A-Bolt Composite Stalker - $679.99
Tikka T3 Lite Stainless - $659.99
Savage Model 10 Predator Hunter (camo) - $712.00

I don't know much about Browning, but I hear lots of good things. All these guns are in the same price range like I said earlier. I have called local gun shops and the only one in stock is the Browning. Other than that I will order one of the other two. As it stands right now I am really leaning toward the Tikka. It is the best bang for the buck as far as I can tell.
 
Go with the Tikka! Not that there is anything wrong with the other options but the Tikkas are a better value for the money. If you are not absolutely firm on .243 then Epps has a T3 Lite Stainless in 6.5x55 in stock. The 6.5 is by far a more versatile cartridge. If you handload it gets even better - bullets are available from 160 grains down to 85 grains - good selection for everything from moose to squirrel!
 
Well I went ahead and made my order.

DRUM ROLL PLEASE! AND THE WINNER IS..........
Tikka T3 Lite Stainless along with an additional
T3 CLIP · Caliber - 22-250 Rem., 243 & 308 Win. • Rounds - 5

It will take a while for it to get processed and make it here from out west, but I will let you all know what I think of it once it makes its way here. I am going to take the scope off my .300 win mag for it. I am very excited to have another new addition for my gun cabinet! RIGHT ON! Once again, thank you all for your quick responses!
 
I had a 5 round mag, and hated it. Hangs way down and is awkward to carry. But for sitting it should be OK.
 
todbartell said:
I personally would avoid a heavy barrel, because (at least for me) predator hunting means hiking kilometers per day and shooting maybe once per five stands

heavy barrel guns are for sitting down and fiiring dozens of shots in a short period of time at ground rats.
Click to expand...
What Tod said .................. :agree:

Buy a nice, accurate LW sporter in 22/250 or .223 with a VXII in 3x9 and you will be set. My A-Bort Hunter in 22/250 is perfect with a Leupold 2x7.
 
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