Looking for rifle suggestions.

[rrplasencia]

Originally Posted by Newbie_nick

Sorry...2nd post....

What are you looking to do with this rifle? What are you looking to hunt with it? That will help the caliber discussion.

long distance hunting/shooting. elk, mule deer, big horn sheep. probably not big enough caliber for bear or moose but shot placement could compensate for that.

[0002S]

Originally Posted by rrplasencia

long distance hunting/shooting. elk, mule deer, big horn sheep. probably not big enough caliber for bear or moose but shot placement could compensate for that.

You're asking the classic sitting around the camp fire, "what rifle do I need to kill everything in N. America question?".

ALL modern 6.5mm/7mm/.30 cal cartridges will shoot accurately at those distances.

I DON'T ADVISE you shoot game at these distances unless you really know what you're doing. You're going to waste a ton of money on guided trips with no luck. Most guides will not let you shoot at game at those distances unless they really know that you're capable of doing so. If you wound the animal and loose it, it's as good as if you bagged it as far as payment is concerned. (hunting advise portion of post over)

I suggest you get a 30 caliber rifle in a <24" barrel (NO muzzle break) and try to keep the weight to under 9 lbs with a high quality 1x-4x or 3x-9x scope (NO massive 50+mm front bell or 9x+ zoom). I routinely shoot 600 yds at 6" gongs with 4x scope. Please don't mess up a beautiful sleek light rifle with a honking massive scope on it.

The reason for a 30 cal is that there are a large amount of bullet weights to choose from and elk will more reliable go down and stay down, at those distances, with 30 cal (imho). I also give you options for African plains game, black bear and moose.

I'd take (in order)

1. 300 WSM - because of overall versatility and short action (rifle weight)
2. 30.06 - this really is a great round and ammo is everywhere and cheap
3. .308 - see 300 WSM and have less recoil
4. 280 Rem - my favorite light 7mm
5. 270 Win - this has to be on the list, but it's not 'really' and elk cartridge. (although it will do it)
6. 7mm Mauser - deer/sheep/goat...DEAD and has very light recoil + can be put into a light rifle.
7. 7-08 - see 7 mm Mauser but not a 'sexy'

All of the above will kill elk (the largest of what you listed) and for that matter would kill a moose with a well placed shot and good bullet. If you're really not going to go elk hunting and this is just the "hunting dream rifle" (nothing wrong with that) then I'd go lighter with less recoil and get a light 7mm Mauser/280/7-08.

As far as "what rifle?". I'd get a stainless steel, composite 'what ever' you're able to cheek up and have a good locked in feel in the off hand and for-end rested standing rest positions. All the major manufactures standard-to-top end rifles will have smooth actions and quality builds. SAKO and Tikka are great. Browning is overprices (imho). Win Model 70 and Rem 700 are standards. Savage makes a nice price point product. Weatherby Vanguard is nice as well. Really it's a matter of what 'feels' right for you.

Good luck, this is a rabbit hole and you're about to go down it.

[AAlmeter]

Originally Posted by 0002S

You're asking the classic sitting around the camp fire, "what rifle do I need to kill everything in N. America question?".

ALL modern 6.5mm/7mm/.30 cal cartridges will shoot accurately at those distances.

I DON'T ADVISE you shoot game at these distances unless you really know what you're doing. You're going to waste a ton of money on guided trips with no luck. Most guides will not let you shoot at game at those distances unless they really know that you're capable of doing so. If you wound the animal and loose it, it's as good as if you bagged it as far as payment is concerned. (hunting advise portion of post over)

I suggest you get a 30 caliber rifle in a <24" barrel (NO muzzle break) and try to keep the weight to under 9 lbs with a high quality 1x-4x or 3x-9x scope (NO massive 50+mm front bell or 9x+ zoom). I routinely shoot 600 yds at 6" gongs with 4x scope. Please don't mess up a beautiful sleek light rifle with a honking massive scope on it.

The reason for a 30 cal is that there are a large amount of bullet weights to choose from and elk will more reliable go down and stay down, at those distances, with 30 cal (imho). I also give you options for African plains game, black bear and moose.

I'd take (in order)

1. 300 WSM - because of overall versatility and short action (rifle weight)
2. 30.06 - this really is a great round and ammo is everywhere and cheap
3. .308 - see 300 WSM and have less recoil
4. 280 Rem - my favorite light 7mm
5. 270 Win - this has to be on the list, but it's not 'really' and elk cartridge. (although it will do it)
6. 7mm Mauser - deer/sheep/goat...DEAD and has very light recoil + can be put into a light rifle.
7. 7-08 - see 7 mm Mauser but not a 'sexy'

All of the above will kill elk (the largest of what you listed) and for that matter would kill a moose with a well placed shot and good bullet. If you're really not going to go elk hunting and this is just the "hunting dream rifle" (nothing wrong with that) then I'd go lighter with less recoil and get a light 7mm Mauser/280/7-08.

As far as "what rifle?". I'd get a stainless steel, composite 'what ever' you're able to cheek up and have a good locked in feel in the off hand and for-end rested standing rest positions. All the major manufactures standard-to-top end rifles will have smooth actions and quality builds. SAKO and Tikka are great. Browning is overprices (imho). Win Model 70 and Rem 700 are standards. Savage makes a nice price point product. Weatherby Vanguard is nice as well. Really it's a matter of what 'feels' right for you.

Good luck, this is a rabbit hole and you're about to go down it.

I have a Tikka T3 Stainless Lite in 30-06 and I love it. It is one hell of a gun with a super smooth action.

[Cigarcop]

I won't offer my opinion on which rifle but take consideration in ammo that would be readily available to you ( general store, walmart, wherever) if perhaps your on a hunt and lose, forget to bring it, drop the rifle and need to resight..ect....... So choose your caliber wisely

[Lear31MX]

Originally Posted by 0002S

You're asking the classic sitting around the camp fire, "what rifle do I need to kill everything in N. America question?".

ALL modern 6.5mm/7mm/.30 cal cartridges will shoot accurately at those distances.

I DON'T ADVISE you shoot game at these distances unless you really know what you're doing. You're going to waste a ton of money on guided trips with no luck. Most guides will not let you shoot at game at those distances unless they really know that you're capable of doing so. If you wound the animal and loose it, it's as good as if you bagged it as far as payment is concerned. (hunting advise portion of post over)

I suggest you get a 30 caliber rifle in a <24" barrel (NO muzzle break) and try to keep the weight to under 9 lbs with a high quality 1x-4x or 3x-9x scope (NO massive 50+mm front bell or 9x+ zoom). I routinely shoot 600 yds at 6" gongs with 4x scope. Please don't mess up a beautiful sleek light rifle with a honking massive scope on it.

The reason for a 30 cal is that there are a large amount of bullet weights to choose from and elk will more reliable go down and stay down, at those distances, with 30 cal (imho). I also give you options for African plains game, black bear and moose.

I'd take (in order)

1. 300 WSM - because of overall versatility and short action (rifle weight)
2. 30.06 - this really is a great round and ammo is everywhere and cheap
3. .308 - see 300 WSM and have less recoil
4. 280 Rem - my favorite light 7mm
5. 270 Win - this has to be on the list, but it's not 'really' and elk cartridge. (although it will do it)
6. 7mm Mauser - deer/sheep/goat...DEAD and has very light recoil + can be put into a light rifle.
7. 7-08 - see 7 mm Mauser but not a 'sexy'

All of the above will kill elk (the largest of what you listed) and for that matter would kill a moose with a well placed shot and good bullet. If you're really not going to go elk hunting and this is just the "hunting dream rifle" (nothing wrong with that) then I'd go lighter with less recoil and get a light 7mm Mauser/280/7-08.

As far as "what rifle?". I'd get a stainless steel, composite 'what ever' you're able to cheek up and have a good locked in feel in the off hand and for-end rested standing rest positions. All the major manufactures standard-to-top end rifles will have smooth actions and quality builds. SAKO and Tikka are great. Browning is overprices (imho). Win Model 70 and Rem 700 are standards. Savage makes a nice price point product. Weatherby Vanguard is nice as well. Really it's a matter of what 'feels' right for you.

Good luck, this is a rabbit hole and you're about to go down it.

Very wise advice there!
I also have a T3 Tikka in 270WSM, great action, light and it's put elk and bison down at over 150 yards.

I like Shawn's advice. I think I would switch the .308 and the 300 WSM because cost of ammo, but that's because I'm cheap.

I would add that you should shoulder, cycle and dry fire the rifles. Try standing and holding aim for a while to see how it handles. I've shot some rifles that were very accurate but had clumsy actions or clunky triggers or were uncomfortable to hold, or all the above. My Rem 700 has none of those problems.

QFT (100-300 yd N.A. hunting rifle):
"I suggest you get a 30 caliber rifle in a <24" barrel (NO muzzle break) and try to keep the weight to under 9 lbs with a high quality 1x-4x or 3x-9x scope (NO massive 50+mm front bell or 9x+ zoom). I routinely shoot 600 yds at 6" gongs with 4x scope. Please don't mess up a beautiful sleek light rifle with a honking massive scope on it."

[Mugen910]

M-16 A2 service rifle is my choice

[rrplasencia]

Originally Posted by Mugen910

M-16 A2 service rifle is my choice

your right, nothing like unleashing full auto. I was the boat shooter for swim calls(shark watch), not sure what I was going to do. but it let you compete against the other boat shooters a few times a year.

[taltos]

Originally Posted by rrplasencia

your right, nothing like unleashing full auto. I was the boat shooter for swim calls(shark watch), not sure what I was going to do. but it let you compete against the other boat shooters a few times a year.

I would put in another vote for 30.06 in a Sako bolt action. If you plan to do much with large game, you might want to look at the 375 H&H Magnum load. Very versatile with the range of rounds available and it hits like a ton of bricks. They gave squids rifles?

[rrplasencia]

and I'm not using a traditional break, it's called a Somabrake http://somarriba.com/gunsmithing/somabrake/ , so it's detatchable. makes my howa 308 win feel like a 223.

[0002S]

Richard, if you want to shoot at 600 and 1000 yds, you can meet me up by Sarasota. There is a range there that will test the capabilities of your new rifle.

[Tbagley]

I would shop at Bass Pro to figure out what you want, but I would likely purchase online at a place like "Buds Guns" or elsewhere. Then just have it shipped to your FFL of choice. Unless money isn't an option.

Had a Tikka 300wsm, action was like butter and the trigger was sweet. Also had a Remingtion Tactical model, while it shot ok I didn't feel like I should have to put another $600/$1000 into it to make it reliable. I never knew if it was going to load the next round. But if you going to be shooting 600 to 1000 yards you may want something to build.

If I was buying again I likely would be seeking out a Sako. 300wm has a boat load of options.

[rrplasencia]

Originally Posted by Tbag

I would shop at Bass Pro to figure out what you want, but I would likely purchase online at a place like "Buds Guns" or elsewhere. Then just have it shipped to your FFL of choice. Unless money isn't an option.

Had a Tikka 300wsm, action was like butter and the trigger was sweet. Also had a Remingtion Tactical model, while it shot ok I didn't feel like I should have to put another $600/$1000 into it to make it reliable. I never knew if it was going to load the next round. But if you going to be shooting 600 to 1000 yards you may want something to build.

If I was buying again I likely would be seeking out a Sako. 300wm has a boat load of options.

looked at buds pricing, by the time you add in tranfer fee at the fll it's ususally about $15 dollars cheaper than bass pro, plus i have rewards points. i'd love to build a gun but that seems like it would be a long way down the road before even thinking about dropping $2-$3k on a rifle.

and yes paul they gave squids guns, but only one of us at a time.

[taltos]

Richard, Bao and I stand in awe of your awesomeness. Just kidding brother but you knew that a couple of Marines would pick on you.

[Ratters]

I have a Kimber in .308 and i love the hell of the thing. They are so well balanced and light they are a joy to carry and shoulder. And the stock triggers are pretty darned good.

http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/p...s_id/411536194