I’m wanting to buy a young man his first hunting rifle. He just turned 20 and has only been exposed to guns and hunting in the last 3 years since I’ve been with his mother. He seems very interested, but is shy to ask anything. He’s killed a few pigs with my rifles and I bought him a 22 a year or so ago. I went on a doe hunt earlier this week and he actually said “I wish I could do something like that one day” when I got back. I wish he would have said it 3 days earlier.

First question: something cheap to get him started, or something quality and classic to hand down. I personally want to get him something nice, even if he doesn’t know the difference right now.

Second: I’m 100% a Tikka is the only answer guy but I’m trying to open my options on this. Hell I think I shoot a savage more than anything else.

I’m looking at

Tikka Hunter

Sauer 100 Classic

What else??

I’m leaning hard towards a decent wood stock he can scratch up on his terms, maybe he can have a story for each scratch, maybe not.

Looking to stay under $1200 out the door for the rifle alone. I will not buy me a Sako 85 or a Cooper so he doesn’t get one either.

Buy him a TC Compass for $250

Dang, u r one generous dude. Kinda a standard question from my curiosity...have u considered a lesser rifle with a way of boosting a scope budget?

I get trying to get him something sentimental so the logic is get something nice on the front end. However, if there is a chance this young man is the tinkering type, then a rifle with a robust aftermarket maybe a better long term option. Some of us really like tricking out things, more specifically having the ability to make something really of their own making.

Otherwise, my boring vote is Tikka hunter or I'm still a sucker for mauser style actions, Ruger M77.

Something well under budget but still a solid keeper is an older yet clean Ruger red pad

.22-250,.243,6mm, 270, 30-06 lots of good options and they aren’t real hard to find

I’ll never get rid of mine and it doesn’t bother me a bit to get muddy or scratched up

I’m a huge fan of the weather by vanguard s2. Many many options as far as stocks and configurations go. They even have a wood stocked version that’s not fancy but still very nice that won’t break the bank.

I’d also like to add that he is particular about things and takes care of them. Way better than I did at his age. That’s another reason I’m leaning towards a nicer rifle.

KR he’s miles away from tinkering. He has a lot to learn between here and tinkering. The rifle budget does not effect the scope budget at all.

What do you think about the Sauer?

https://www.gunbroker.com/item/883305512

I really like the Rugers, especially the older tang safety ones. I wouldn’t be against that at all.

As to caliber, it will be a 7-08 or 308. Either one is fine.

I know for a fact they’re good rifles but for whatever reason I can’t warm up to the Vangurad/Howa/Smith rifle.

Tikka Stainless Laminate. Best looking Tikka hunting rifle.

The rifle itself is far less important than the time spent together, learning and molding good firearm habits. The keepsake rifle should come after he has proven to be a responsible hunter/shooter who loves and respects the firearms. (my opinion).

Man I’d get a tika, and a VX3 leupold and call it done, and enjoy!

Tikka would be a solid rifle.

I've got two Sauer 100's. There's a lot to like about them at the price point. For one thing, you won't need to replace the trigger.

Bergara B14 Timber would be a nice classic style rifle as well.

Tikka is too ugly for a first rifle. Get him a new model 70.

You could stay within your budget and get a model 70 super grade. Serious eye candy.

FIFY

Is he a utilitarian type guy or would he appreciate a nice stock? For a first rifle, I'd prefer a nice wood stock myself. I like the looks of stainless and wood as someone mentioned. If I were to purchase a rifle for family/friend, it would be a Tikka.

I second this. I just picked one up in 308 to use as a truck gun. $249 at Academy Sports. They have them in 6.5 Creed as well. He can always upgrade later and chances are his first one if going to get dinged up.

You bumped your dang head.

I really think the wood stock is the way to go too. It may be wrong of me but it’s what I want him to have to start off with. Tikka always has my first vote. I’m just trying broaden my tunnel vision.

I like the Winchester 70 or Tikka suggestions. I bought my daughter a Tikka T3 Hunter for her first rifle. My other daughter got handed down my first rifle - a Remington 700. I agree with you and others on the wood stock.

Truthfully, he will cherish whatever you get him.

Weatherby vanguard or Mark V

Take a look at the Savage 110 Storm. I picked one up in 6.5 CM for a practice rifle and it shoots extremely well. It shoots both the commercial 143 gr ELD-X (2726 fps) and 147 ELD-M (2685 fps) equally well. No issues taking it to 550 yards (not had an opportunity to take it further).

The neighbor has a Savage Axis in 270 and one in 6.5 CM. I’m not a Savage guy, but I have to admit that they shoot pretty darn well. That said, I vote for Tikka.

I think he wants to hunt with it, not much paper targets.

Buy him the Tikka .270 in camo in the classified only has 20 rounds down it.
Sharp looking rifle.