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Re: Buying my first rifle. Lets have some opinions!
[Re: grasshopperglock]
#3750066
11/13/12 02:06 AM
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Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 41,413
J.G.
THF Celebrity
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I Love the history, mistique, and classic Americana of a Winchester 70 "the rifleman's rifle" But! The retail price of them these days is way inflated.
If you gave me the money for the $1500 price tag I've seen on some new 70's I'd take the money and build a custom from a Savage, Remington, or Tikka action that would shoot groups inside that of the Winchester.
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Re: Buying my first rifle. Lets have some opinions!
[Re: grasshopperglock]
#3750251
11/13/12 02:41 AM
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Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 5,929
DFWPI
THF Trophy Hunter
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If I ever get my Remington sold, I'm getting another Savage.
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Re: Buying my first rifle. Lets have some opinions!
[Re: DFWPI]
#3750305
11/13/12 02:50 AM
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Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 41,413
J.G.
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If I ever get my Remington sold, I'm getting another Savage. Hahahaha! That's awesome! Go is more important than show.
800 Yard Steel Range Precision Rifle Instruction Memberships and Classes Available
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Re: Buying my first rifle. Lets have some opinions!
[Re: DFWPI]
#3750308
11/13/12 02:50 AM
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Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 151
greygooser
OP
Woodsman
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OP
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Posts: 151 |
Again thanks for all the responses guys.
Railhead - The 700 BDL is appealing to me, i really like the open sights and the overall look of it. They didn't have one at basspro but i'll search one out to look at in person.
Having said that, i have an irritating trait of never wanting to get what everyone else has. 700s being the most common rifle around puts me off somewhat, even if i know they are common because they are excellent rifles. My future father in law has a CDL and for that reason i wanted to have something different.
That being said, if I pick up a BDL and it feels right then thats the one for me. So far the x-bolt felt the nicest in my hands but there's plenty more for me to check out. I get the impression that quite honestly any gun is going to be more accurate than me so its really down to what I end up liking the most.
Thanks
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Re: Buying my first rifle. Lets have some opinions!
[Re: greygooser]
#3750334
11/13/12 02:56 AM
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Joined: May 2011
Posts: 205
MrLucas
Woodsman
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Woodsman
Joined: May 2011
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It's not stupid to want a gun for a reason that you can't quite explain, or not want one for a reason you can't explain. Buying a rifle can be very personal. There's too many choices for you to buy something you're not completely satisfied with if you take your time and shop around.
"When you can't make them see the light, make them feel the heat." — Ronald Reagan
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Re: Buying my first rifle. Lets have some opinions!
[Re: greygooser]
#3750435
11/13/12 03:18 AM
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Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 321
wrknonit
Bird Dog
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I use a Mossberg 100 ATR in 30/06 and love it. Not the prettiest thing not the most fancified, but, it is one of the best shooting rifles I have used in a long time. Just an opinion. P.S. Don't forget to check out Rugers offerings.
always room for another buddy!
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Re: Buying my first rifle. Lets have some opinions!
[Re: wrknonit]
#3751724
11/13/12 04:10 PM
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 913
Triplesnake
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Another vote for the Winchester M70, especially the Featherweight. I may not have 10 of them like some people but I do have more then 1. I just think they are a notch above many others in fit and finish. I especially love how smooth the action is. Nothing wrong with the other choices mentioned either. My wife's Tikka is probably my second favorite, and my son's Remington has served him very well.
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Re: Buying my first rifle. Lets have some opinions!
[Re: ChadTRG42]
#3751920
11/13/12 05:03 PM
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Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 991
Kevin1
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I’m not a big fan of .270. If down the like you get into reloading (and probably you will), the bullet choice is very limited to develop accurate loads. I would stick with a .30 or 7mm caliber. Don't tell my 270 that. What bullets out there that are not accurate for a 270 that are in a 7mm or 308 cal? ? Chad, I see in your signature that you professionally load and sell A-Max bullets. So I’m just going to take that as an example to illustrate my point. As you must already know, A-Max is very accurate, suitable for hunting and widely available at a reasonable price. Yet Hornady doesn’t make any bullet for 270. Here’s the link just in case someone would like to double check. http://www.hornady.com/store/A-MAX/
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Re: Buying my first rifle. Lets have some opinions!
[Re: Kevin1]
#3752071
11/13/12 05:43 PM
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Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 19,005
ChadTRG42
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Hornady makes many other 270 bullets that are just as accurate as an A-max. Why would an A-max be more accurate than an SST, or V-max? They all have the ability to shoot very well. The A-max has a higher BC than the others, but that doesn't make it MORE accurate than a lower BC bullet. It means that the A-max retains more energy down range and drifts less than a lower BC. But the fact that it's an A-max, doesn't make it more accurate than a non A-max bullet.
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Re: Buying my first rifle. Lets have some opinions!
[Re: ChadTRG42]
#3752106
11/13/12 05:49 PM
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Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 19,005
ChadTRG42
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Greygooser, it sounds like you already have an idea on what you want. If you want something non-main stream, you will need to go look at them and handle them to make your decision. If you ask for general opinions on the rifles, you will get your common Rem 700, Savages, Tikka's and such. You could also look into a custom action build and make it exactly how you want it.
And the 30-06 is a great round. I think more people ought to choose it. It's not your latest and greatest sexy caliber, but it works very well and all new calibers are still measured and compared to it.
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Re: Buying my first rifle. Lets have some opinions!
[Re: ChadTRG42]
#3752266
11/13/12 06:31 PM
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Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 712
Wader
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Greygooser, it sounds like you already have an idea on what you want. If you want something non-main stream, you will need to go look at them and handle them to make your decision. If you ask for general opinions on the rifles, you will get your common Rem 700, Savages, Tikka's and such. You could also look into a custom action build and make it exactly how you want it.
And the 30-06 is a great round. I think more people ought to choose it. It's not your latest and greatest sexy caliber, but it works very well and all new calibers are still measured and compared to it. +1 I absolutely love my Browning A-Bolt II in .30-06, she is a thing of beauty in both form and function, and she is definitely nothing to be ashamed of at the range, unlike that other moped of an .06 in my safe... -ww
A thousand reasoned opinions never equal to one case of diving in and finding out.
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Re: Buying my first rifle. Lets have some opinions!
[Re: grasshopperglock]
#3752632
11/13/12 08:18 PM
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Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 165
blancoman
Woodsman
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Woodsman
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 165 |
Being from Ukraine you are probably familiar with CZ. They build their rifles like in the old days. I have a feeling that you are accustomed to the hogback stocks found on most European rifles. Witness the stock on a 452FS 22lr. Or the wood stock on the older steyrs or the Heckler 770 or SL7. These stocks are made to get your eye lower on the firearm. They feel like shouldering a shotgun. Incredible rifles for shooting running animals. Look at the Kentuckly long rifle, how the stock is way lower than the barrel. It causes the eye to stay just above the barrel. Bottom line, find a rifle that fits and feels right.
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Re: Buying my first rifle. Lets have some opinions!
[Re: blancoman]
#3752644
11/13/12 08:22 PM
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Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 14,523
changedmyname
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Who's from the Ukraine?
CZ makes a more traditional American model too.
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Re: Buying my first rifle. Lets have some opinions!
[Re: changedmyname]
#3753248
11/13/12 11:28 PM
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Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 620
WestTex325
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Re: Buying my first rifle. Lets have some opinions!
[Re: WestTex325]
#3753812
11/14/12 02:13 AM
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Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 750
RDNCK
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Re: Buying my first rifle. Lets have some opinions!
[Re: blancoman]
#3753860
11/14/12 02:26 AM
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Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 321
wrknonit
Bird Dog
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Bird Dog
Joined: Jun 2011
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Dude, UK means United Kingdom; England. I was born at Lakenheath myself, father U.S. Air Force. But got my butt back to Texas as fast as we could.
Last edited by wrknonit; 11/14/12 02:30 AM.
always room for another buddy!
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Re: Buying my first rifle. Lets have some opinions!
[Re: RDNCK]
#3753868
11/14/12 02:29 AM
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Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 151
greygooser
OP
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Woodsman
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As always, thanks for all the replies.
Chootum, Bigbuck95 - I was interested in Ruger from the start. I've yet to get my hands on one but I will soon.
It certainly seems like there's plenty of good options out there with everyone having a favorite for a particular reason. I appreciate all the feedback and i'll certainly post on here when i;ve made my final choice !
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Re: Buying my first rifle. Lets have some opinions!
[Re: greygooser]
#3754298
11/14/12 04:15 AM
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Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 406
Screwdriver
Bird Dog
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Bird Dog
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 406 |
I have a number of different rifles but I have used a Browning X-bolt in 7mm-08 as my primary deer rifle for the last 4 years. If you go with an X-bolt, you won't regret it. Super accurate and a superb trigger out of the box. A lot of people didn't like the fact that it used a polymer magazine but its magazine is actually another strong point in its favor. I have zero gripes about this gun. Here's my X-bolt stainless stalker with this year's buck and a photobomber in the background.(No it's not high fence or tame deer)
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Re: Buying my first rifle. Lets have some opinions!
[Re: Screwdriver]
#3754355
11/14/12 04:30 AM
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Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 647
rustytxrx
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I don't exactly follow the crowd. My rifles are Browning BLRs (lever action). I got 2, 358 Winchester and 7mm-08. The 7mm-08 has got Texas covered. 100 gr to 175 gr.
Moose and bear in Alaska to prairie dogs in the Panhandle. Two rifles got it covered
Give the BLR a look
Rusty Texas, I luv u
Last edited by rustytxrx; 11/14/12 04:33 AM.
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Re: Buying my first rifle. Lets have some opinions!
[Re: rustytxrx]
#3754361
11/14/12 04:32 AM
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Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 647
rustytxrx
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Tracker
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Screwdriver, nice buck and nice caliber.
Rusty Texas, I luv u
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Re: Buying my first rifle. Lets have some opinions!
[Re: rustytxrx]
#3756022
11/14/12 07:11 PM
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Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 165
blancoman
Woodsman
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Woodsman
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 165 |
apologies, did not read UK. Thought he said Ukraine. I guess my eyes are getting old. Still does not change what I said about the fit of a rifle stock.
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Re: Buying my first rifle. Lets have some opinions!
[Re: blancoman]
#3756206
11/14/12 07:58 PM
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Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 6,407
WileyCoyote
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 6,407 |
Gotta luv Chad's comments, as per usual he's dead solid on point.
Just to add something to this furball, Tikka's use the same barrels as SAKO's and have the same accuracy gaurantee. I've owned several Tikka's and have always been satisfied that every one of them met that accuracy guarantee.
I also favor Winchester M70's that as per usual given the FabriqueNationalle ownership of Winchester's US parent company Browning...have increased in price dramatically.
Ruger is also a good choice, price x value, but might need some minor tuning.
In the interest of full disclosure, right now all I own of the 60+ deer rifles I've ever owned over the last 50 years is a wood/blue SAKO 260Rem Hunter Grade, a SS/syn Tikka T3 Lite 270, a wood/blue Winchester M70 Fwt 300WSM, and a wood/blue CZ 550 American 9.3x62. They all shoot to my expectations or they go away is my 1st Rule. I've spent the most time with the T3 270 and it shoots 4 rounds UNDER a dime every time if I am up to it, & the big 9.3 can do the same thing with 3-4 rounds even though the bullets are .366 in diameter...and tear up meat less than either a 270 or 30cal magnum.
As far as caliber for a Texas deer rifle ...that's like arguing over how many angels can dance on the point of a needle... but a 30'06 is the common denominator these days that the 30/30 used to be....and notice I don't now and have not owned very many of them as a multi gun hunter.
Remember, It' ALWAYS more about the Indian shooting straight than it is about the arrow hitting the mark. JMHO & YMMV Cheers Ron
It is TIME for Term Limits, cause Politicians are like childrens diapers and for the same reasons...Robin Williams "These are the times that try men's soul's"...Thomas Paine
"Those who fail to learn from History are doomed to repeat it" ....Santayana
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Re: Buying my first rifle. Lets have some opinions!
[Re: Screwdriver]
#3757680
11/15/12 03:42 AM
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Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 562
Rockstar.3345
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I have a number of different rifles but I have used a Browning X-bolt in 7mm-08 as my primary deer rifle for the last 4 years. If you go with an X-bolt, you won't regret it. Super accurate and a superb trigger out of the box. A lot of people didn't like the fact that it used a polymer magazine but its magazine is actually another strong point in its favor. I have zero gripes about this gun. Here's my X-bolt stainless stalker with this year's buck and a photobomber in the background.(No it's not high fence or tame deer) Haha that's awesome. You might get that deer in a few years, and it very well could be a big deer! Honestly, these are the guns I like. Rugers Remmy 700s Howas Savages. I've got a Remington 700 in 270 but don't use it much, I like my grandmas old howa 308, it's synthetic, not mine, and a tack driver. I wouldn't hesitate to buy one. Search up ruger m77, might find something you like. I suggest a 308. The ballistics are 200-300 ft lbs of energy better than the 30-06, and can be loaded down to varmint loads for a varmint gun. It's good from anything to bobcats(with the right load) to elk. That will definitely be my next caliber. Savages w/ the accutrigger are frickin sweet. My cousin had one in 204 and I LOVED it. The Remington 700 is not a bad gun, and "mine" is actually my old mans, that's why I don't use it much. I've never shot a ruger but haven't heard anything bad about them. The 4 I suggested will not let you down. Especially not in the 308 caliber.
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Re: Buying my first rifle. Lets have some opinions!
[Re: Rockstar.3345]
#3757701
11/15/12 03:47 AM
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Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 562
Rockstar.3345
Tracker
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375 ruger 4712 **308 win 2955 25-06 rem 2366 30-06 2500 30-30 1860 300 win mag 3547 6.5 //2492 50bmg 8189 458 socom 2404 375 h&h 4208 357 mag 783 338 lapua 4995 **270 win. 2937
The starred ones are with superformance ammo. This is the foot lbs of energy of the bullet. A regular 22 has around 150 foot lbs of energy. If the power matters to you I suggest the 375 ruger because its a hoss of a gun, but will still save meat. Unlike the socom, lapua or 50 cal.
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Re: Buying my first rifle. Lets have some opinions!
[Re: Rockstar.3345]
#3757882
11/15/12 04:47 AM
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Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 14,523
changedmyname
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
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[quote=Screwdriver]I have a number of different rifles but I have used a Browning X-bolt in 7mm-08 as my primary deer rifle for the last 4 years. If you go with an X-bolt, you won't regret it. Super accurate and a superb trigger out of the box. A lot of people didn't like the fact that it used a polymer magazine but its magazine is actually another strong point in its favor. I have zero gripes about this gun. Here's my X-bolt stainless stalker with this year's buck and a photobomber in the background.(No it's not high fence or tame deer) The ballistics are 200-300 ft lbs of energy better than the 30-06, and can be loaded down to varmint loads for a varmint gun. It's good from anything to bobcats(with the right load) to elk. quote] Is this not true with a 30-06?
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