I believe the Tikka barells are actually Sako so that is what I would get. I have handled the stocks and they feel cheap for sure but you can always get another one.

30-06 270 or 308. There is no possible way you can go wrong with any of these calibers.

The stock on my sako 85 Black bear feels so good in your hands. It is almost like soft rubber with perfect texture. I love my stock. If you look around and will be patient you can find some Sako rifles for sale in the classifieds at decent prices. Thats where I bought mine and I paid roughly 60% of retail which is great for a sako which really holds their value.

New Tikka or older Sako is what I would be looking for to get the most rifle/value out of your money

Tell your friends not to get a light 3006 , many better choices for a new shooter

Any model of Savage that suits their fancy; .243 Winchester; Hornady factory fodder in the 100 grain area.

I will have to admit that when I first shot my rifle (30-06) it kicked like a mule and I wasnt very happy on my first range visit. In fact I believe I only shot it 12 times because it hurt so badly.

But I went home and ordered a Limbsaver butt pad for it and now I can shoot all day.

First I use a Tikka action in my semi, it's the only thing semi, in my custom build and the action is outstanding. But the stocks they put on their rifles including the CTR are awful. For $1,100 you would think that they could put a better stock on their rifles.

I agree on Tikka actions being very nice.

Can't agree that CTR stocks are awful, they are plenty rigid and very functional. I do have a Manners on order for mine, but that's totally a want and not a need as it shoots great in the factory stock. Plastic stock offerings from Savage and Remington aren't nearly as functional as Tikkas IMO.

I can't go along with anyone paying $1100 for a CTR either, they can be had for quite a bit less than that.
All that said, the Bergara HMR may have a nicer stock for similar money. I haven't handled one yet but have seen good reports.

I agree completely. I have a T3X. The CTR stock is fiberglass reinforced, plenty rigid and I think it has good ergonomics. I went through a phase of feeling the need to put a McMillan on every rifle. I'm not doing it on this one. Most I'll do is potentially paint it Sniper Grey.

Yep. My CTR stock is eventually getting a camo paint job. No way I'm paying $500 to replace it - it's too good for that.

These are facts.

I have close to 750rds and have had one screw up out of the savage. My next rifle will be a tikka FWIW.

Maybe savage has changed but my oldschool 110 has never gave a single issue feeding.. or hitting its mark.. kicks like a mule for a .270win off bags but so does my brothers tikka.. I like both but also got a TC single that I'm liking more and more each time I shoot it.. first time Iv bought .308 in a long time.. best shooting gun I think I ever shot was a sigsauer in a 25-06

Anyone try a Ruger 77 recently?

For out of the box my pic would be either Savage or Tikka. Both have their shortcomings though. The Tikka has adressed some of their problems with the T3x. Either of these would be a great choice for someone who wanted to just get something and go shoot it. Both are darn good rifles. If they hunted in bear country either a Win 70 or a Ruger Hawkeye. I like a Remington 700 BUT I accept that bedding and trigger will be addressed before the first shot. Admittedly not for everyone. If price was not an issue, Sako would be the only production line rifles I bought.

I own Remington, Marlin, Winchester, Browning, and Weatherby. I have found the Vanguard Series II to be the most accurate. But all of them are plenty accurate for taking deer.

That being said, I look at the three F's when choosing a rifle - Fit, Finish, and Feel. It should be easy to shoulder, aim, and shoot, have looks that suit me, and not too heavy or light.

Most importantly, if it's not a firearm that I enjoy getting out of the safe and shooting, it's a waste of money.

Talk tang safety's and you get my attention, I have several older models and every one is a shooter, just as soon as you take that junk trigger out and replace it. Ruger's consistent inability to put a decent trigger on a rifle has me baffled. Build a good reliable heavy action and a decent barrel on a rifle and then put a piece of chit trigger under it. All of mine have Timney's under them except two and they were worked over by a friend of mine.

While I have no experience with the Tikka brand I've shot or owned just about every other. Hands down the most accurate out of the box rifle I own is the Steyr SBS Pro Hunter. Mine is chambered in 243 with the 1-12 twist and loves the light weight fast movers, which is the reason I bought it. It's killed a ton of yotes and even a few deer with careful neck shots. For an overall rifle I'd probable go with the 1-10 twist.

Vanguard.

Tikka anything, then Ruger American.

Ruger american PREDATOR, heavier barrel, threaded, have two 22-250, 308. both shooter better than me. wasn't looking for pretty, good rifles, even better for the money.

Well for that amount of money--I'd go with a savage 10 ($450-$550) spend the rest on a top notch scope and good bases. We bought a 308 from Academy it was fluted, threaded, Accutrigger, and dang accurate for under $600. With a $800 gun budget put a extra $200 in your scope budget and you would be getting somewhere...

Ed

rem 700 308

This if on a budget, because I'm not a tikka ho.

Weatheby Vanguard S2

Savage has been good to me. I don't know what issues some people are talking about, i've shot as many rounds as just about anyone thru a savage around here and never had a failure.

They are not pretty, or slick, but they function well, hold up well, and shoot very very well.