Which stainless/synthetic hunting rifle?

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Iron Sighted

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I'm wanting to buy a stainless/synthetic hunting rifle for this coming fall season.

Here is the short list: Browning X-bolt Stainless Stalker, Winchester Model 70 Extreme Weather, Howa 1500 Stainless/Synthetic. I've thought about the Ruger M77 Hawkeyes(apparently not great accuracy?), Weatherby Vanguards(crappy triggers, a bit heavy, I'm not really hot on the stock either but great shooters), Tikkas(also great accuracy, light weight, but I don't like the stock and plastic trigger guard), TC(another super accurate shooter, but heavy and I just don't like the look personally), the Savages and Remingtons don't really excite me too much either(though both are reputed to shoot very accurately, especially the Savages).

I was(am?) pretty set on the X-bolt but as no one has one in 7mm RM this has given my mind and eyes time to wander and look over other offerings while I wait for one to arrive in my preferred chambering , hence the Win. Model 70 Extreme Weather and the Howa 1500. I like the look of these two, but haven't seen either in person. Anyone want to tell me how they stack up against the X-bolt? I've heard the Howas are accurate(I know they share the same receiver and barrel as the Weatherbys, I just like the Hogue stock better on the Howas). I expect the Howas to be maybe a little rougher finished due to the low price, but that is pure speculation. The Mod.70 I really like the look of, it's about the same price as the X-bolt, but I've heard pretty much nothing about it(build quality, accuracy, ergonomics, etc.), in fact I haven't really been able to google many reviews of it that weren't done by a magazine. If it has no inherent issues and is an MOA shooter or better(as stated by Winchester on their site), then I may have a tough decision to make.

Sooo....pile it on me guys, let me know what you think or know(or think you know;)) about these rifles. I know that handling them in person is best(well getting to shoot them before buying would be best), and I'll be stopping by WSS within the next week, so hopefully I can handle a Mod.70 Extreme weather there, but in the mean time lets hear your opinions.

Sorry for being so long winded, thanks for your replies.
 
I just bought an X Bolt Stainless Stalker in 30-06 after the same agonizing debate. I kept going back and forth between the X Bolt and a T3. In the end, the X Bolt just felt better in my hands and the details just seemed a little nicer. Taking it to the range this weekend, will let you know.
 
Mgryski said:
I just bought an X Bolt Stainless Stalker in 30-06 after the same agonizing debate. I kept going back and forth between the X Bolt and a T3. In the end, the X Bolt just felt better in my hands and the details just seemed a little nicer. Taking it to the range this weekend, will let you know.
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I think you made the right choice. I liked the T3 as well, but after handling both, the X-bolt felt much better in my hands(though the bolt was incredibly smooth on the T3). My impressions of both rifles were exactly the same as yours.
 
From the current factory offerings there is only one choice in my opinion,....the Winchester Model 70 Extreme Weather,....

Here are the reasons as I see them

*the excellent controlled feed action

*the new MOA trigger, not saying it's better than the old M70 trigger but it's better
than a lot of other triggers on new rifles.

* the stock is actually a good synthetic, not an injection molded plastic thing like most, well, all the others in the price range.

*...and hey, the barrel is fluted,..and if you like bling that's a good thing

your mileage may vary
 
Anfoman76 said:
T3 bolt is smooth cause it glides on plastic bushings
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The T3 bolt glides smoothly because it's finish ground and polished to a good finish and the inside of the receiver is smooth and it doesn't drag on the mag follower like some rifle bolts do....but a smooth bolt travel has never contributed to anything,...other than smooth bolt travel...:D

The Rem 710 bolt "glides"(?) in plastic,.....and we all know how smooth those rifles are
 
I really hope I can handle the M70 EW and an X-Bolt S.S. side by side in Wholesale Sports when I get there as these two are currently at the top of my list(would like to swing one of the Howas around too if possible).
 
I'm going to have to throw down a pick for the Howa 1500. Smooth action, accurate & a great stock. The overmolding gives you a solid grip surface on cold or wet days. Beavertail forend is nice when shooting off a stable base. Fit & finish is excellent all around as well. Rifle is a little on the heavy side, but I have no issues with the weight.
 
First Choice: Best bang for buck is the Win 70 Extreme Conditions. Great rifle and a reasonable price. Nice balance. Well made. Seem to be good shooters. I have yet to find problems with one.

Second Choice: Sako 85 Finnlight or Stainless-Synthetic, if you are willing to drop the extra cash. Beautiful rifles that will not disappoint you. They really are my first choice straight from the shelf, but some shooters get sticker shock.

I am a fan of the older Rem 700s but I am thoroughly disgruntled with their production from the past few years. Despite having a locker full of older 700s, I would not buy another new rifle from Remington. Too many disappointments.

I just simply don't like the Brownings. Not bad rifles, just me. Got a couple of hunting budz that love them.

Rugers are OK, but I don't like the amount of play in their bolts. I like the older 77s. Not all, but I have found a good number that will skip a round if there is any downwards pressure on the rear of the bolt as it is being cycled forwards.

I hate the Savages, TC bolt guns, and Tikkas. If suicide is on the daily roster, I am sure they will all work just fine, I just don't like the overall construction of the parts and pieces. Plenty of Savage fans out there that can attest to accuracy. I do have a soft spot for the 99, just not their bolt guns. For me the Tikka is a why bother getting out of bed rifle. No matter what anyone says, it is still not the same as a Sako.

I have no TI with the TC single shots, but some shooters really like them.
 
I had a M70 EW several months ago. I bought it because it's so highly praised and I wanted to see for myself. While it does have a lot of nice features, the fit for me just wan't there. The stock just was not comfortable, and it didn't shoot lights out either. I had it to the range several times, and after the first couple times it seems like the accuracy was improving a bit... but only for the first few groups, then they'd go south pretty quick. I thought that it must be having a fouling issue. I sold it, and for the same money I bought an x-bolt SS with the Carbon Fiber off the EE. It fits much nicer, and shoots MOA with ease.
I'm just relating my experience. The M70 does have a lot of nice features, but I didn't like mine. I do, however, like my X-bolt. If they redesign the stock on the M70 EW, then I'll probably try it out again. And I could see myself perhaps one day getting a M70 FWT.
 
sharp shooter said:
M70 = awsome! I have a sg and it shot 5 under an inche with factory ammo. .30-06 isn't the most accurate calibre either.
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My choice of these would be the M70.
However, I take issue with the statement that the 30-06 isn't a very accurate chambering.
Where did you get that bit of detritus from?
The '06 is as accurate as any other chambering.
The rifle that it is chambered in may make a difference, but personally, after probably 60 30-06 rifles, I have not seen this inaccurate trend. Eagleye.
 
I don't usually purchase off the shelf rifles,but if I did the only one I would consider is the Model 70EW.The Sako Finnlight is nice but in another price range altogether.Tikkas,Howas and Brownings hold no interest for me. Mur
 
Remington 700 or 7

The remington, of course is the most accurate 700 or7. I was looking at a TIKA the other day, at the range, it was in 223, and noticed the action was VERY long, do they only have one length of action for all calibers????
 
Hmm, judging by the majority of the responses here, I think I'd best go handle an M70. I really like the look of it, although synthetic, the stock has a more classic look compared to the X-bolt. Decisions, decisions, LOL. I admit that I prefer a floor plate over a removable box mag. for hunting as well.

Keep the suggestions/opinions coming folks, thanks to those who have added their input thus far.
 
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