Rifle and caliber for my fiancée

She has been deer hunting with my AR10 .308 for the past few years. I am looking to get her a bolt action rifle of her own. Not looking to break the bank either. I have handled the ruger American and was not impressed. The savage Axis seemed to be of better quality. Also really like the Tikka T3.

Also not positive what caliber. I am thinking of sticking with the .308 as we mostly just hunt whitetail and hogs, but I'm open to suggestions.

Thanks ahead of time

6.5 CM, 7-06, 260, 257 Roberts, 257wby, 25-06

7-08

Tikka t3

Stick with a caliber you know, the 308. It's fine for everything in Texas, and makes it easier on you if you have multiple rifles that shoot the same round.

Yeah, I am pretty sure 308 is where I am leaning. really just need to decide on the actual rifle

See the thread a couple down from this, read all replies, should help.

What figure will break the bank? Also remember you will need to spend $400-$600 on a good scope.

Tikka T-3

.243, .260 Rem, 7mm-08, .308

I built a 243 for my wife. I would pick up a Tikka T-3 in 243 or 708 and go to town.

Remington ADL is pretty affordable and you can always use it as a donor action if you want something better in the future.

.308 or 7mm-08 if you want a little better BC for further shots.

I'd be open to spending 700 or 800. Yeah I am just talking about the gun itself. Scope will be a separate budget. I'm leaning towards the tikka, as I'd like it to be one she will have and use for a long time

In the T3 you can take the 260/7-08/308 and flip a coin. A different caliber will give you something to play with and in the case of the 260 and 7-08 less recoil. I'd ask her she would be more comfortable with a different caliber and less recoil or prefer to go with the tried and true. It would be even more her rifle if she helps to choose it.

Unless it is supposed to be a big surprise, your best bet is to take her to a good gun shop and let her decide which make/model SHE likes best. Everybody will be a lot happier that way JMO

.270 win in a savage

For the wife, 243. Hunting bolt action = lightweight and more kick compared to the semi.

Tikka gets my vote. And don't let those saying that the Remington is better build off of later. The tikka is just fine for that as well.

This was a tikka T3Lite .243 now it is a 6.5x47 lapua.

I know everyone like the tika because they are light and all the other jaz, but think about it for your wife, the lighter it is the more it kicks. I'd look at a wby vanguard, they tend to be heavier than the others and are nice guns.

Have you let her shoulder various rifles? She may be better off with a youth rifle or carbine than something full size.

Got my wife a 7mm-08 T3.

We fight over it.

FAIL!!!

Tikka .243

Savage or Tikka in 6.5 creedmoor

Weatherby Vanguard in .308.

The best gun for the money. Show her the different styles they have.

I agree totally. Every gun I have every shot in this caliber kicked like a mule.

Go handle a Browning X Bolt as well. They're nice, I have a White Gold Medallion and she's a shooter.
The X Bolt Micro Midas in .243, 7mm-08 or .308 would be an excellent choice.

See if you can chew the price of a tikka ctr. They aren't over heavy and the extra weight would help.

Just my opinion, but the foreend on the x-bolts feels a little bloated and odd compared to most sporters. Might be something to keep in mind for someone with smaller hands.

Model 70 Featherweight in 7mm-08.

I like this answer too.

yeah my 270 had a sharp kick too compared to my 30-06 maybe it was the buttpad or something idk

I said it in another thread but there's one in 7x57 here in Laredo besides mine. They want $1k for it I believe, but it's 1 of less than 400 and 100% worth it.

Been shootin one since I was 8... Had 3 different lady's kill deer with one and one even shot one with a .270 short.. They ain't bad and put down the deer.. You could always get her a .223 and get use to trackin deer.. Your call

In SS

Oh, my...

Have read the Savage Lady Hunter is suppose to be designed around a woman's build and it comes in 308

I would throw in the Tikka CTR as well.

Okay, time to end the beating of this poor dead horse.

You have a bunch of great choices here, and as usual, some crappy opinion's. Most are available in a shorter LOP and have good (3-lb max) triggers and will shoot MOA with good ammo.

Take her to Cabela's , let her handle all of them and let HER make her own choice. She will appreciate it all the more.

THEN, report back on a new thread what she chooses and include PICTURES

Buzzsaw...out

My grandma shoots a 7mm-08 and she loves it.

We'll see what happens, will keep y'all updated. Thanks for the input.

Don't get a savage

Another vote for Tikka 243 or Tikka CTR 260. 243 is more than enough for hogs. My nephew dropped this hog one nicely placed shot with a Browning A Bolt 243 and 100 grain BTSP.

Remington 700 in 7-08 or .308.

Any CZ Or Tika Rifle, they are absolutely well made very accurate right outta the box worth ever penny! Also adult women are no more recoil sensitive than most men. If they been trained to shoot right! Ask her what caliber she wants and why?

We all know that Buzzsaw is right. Let HER pick the rifle and caliber. Then, when she misses the shot on the big buck, it isn't going to be your fault even a teensy bit. Of course, as a gentleman and a loving husband, you might offer to take some of the blame for her miss. :-)

^^^^

Did ya'll ever pick up a rifle?

For what it is worth, my wife handles the Ruger American in .243 really well, and it is a very light rifle. Whatever ya'll decide on, I think that .243 win is a good choice for the cartridge.