One Heck of a Decision!

[paperslapper]

Ladies and Gentlemen of the forum,
Please forgive me if this is in the wrong section. You have all helped so much in the past I value your opinions greatly... down to business
I am buying a new rifle for this up coming whitetail season. I have a list of rifles that I am considering but I have never used any of these rifles and in some cases have no experience with the company. What I would like to know is your thoughts, opinions, experiences, and recommendations on these rifles. More specifically I am interested in problems with the rifles and the companies.
Lets face it when we're hunting we want reliable accurate rifles that we can depend on without hesitation. That is exactly what I need in a hunting rifle. If there are any other rifles that you would like to suggest feel free I encourage it!

Browning x-bolt hunter
CZ 550 American
Winchester model 70 feather weight
tikka t3 hunter
Savage model 11/111 lightweight hunter
Savage model 14/114 American Classic
Thompson Center Icon Classic

I'm sure that I missed one or two and I already have a remmy 700 I'm just looking to add some diversity to my collection.
My price range is under $1000 and I'm going to buy in 30-06 or similar.

Thanks everyone!

 

[BARichardson]

Browning x-bolt hunter in 7mm! Great company, accurate gun, accurate round, cheep/abundant ammo, good power, triggers are set really good, light weight (good for hunting), ergonomics feel good to shoot!

 

[Pat M]

1: CZ's are great rifles, and 2: Winchester or Remington

 

[hewlett260]

Out of the ones listed, Tikka. Not listed, Weatherby Vanguard range certified in the caliber of your choice, Howa 1500 if you are on a budget.

 

[tackleberry2000]

You missed the Ruger model 77. Awesome hunting rifle.

 

[BGE541]

My Father has one on 30-06 and it shoots quite well... Took it Bear hunting afew years back. Very light and solid action.

You missed the Ruger model 77. Awesome hunting rifle.

 

[gjantzer]

The Tikka T3s have the smoothest bolts.....and come with a 1MOA or better guarantee. To summarize: Tikka's are smooth to operate and guaranteed accurate.

 

[CASDB]

The answer is the rifle that fills best in your hands. Find the largest gun store around you and handle as many as possible. Also, don't get caught up in multiple rifles having to complete one task. My big game rifle is also my paper puncher. Other than that, you're looking at a hundred different answers to your question.

 

[Bigchaza]

tikka is my vote there actions are wonderful, they make for a beautiful hunting rifle

 

[Boltfluter]

tikka is my vote there actions are wonderful, they make for a beautiful hunting rifle

Tikka all the way. One of the best values out there. Tack drivers right out of the box.

Regards,
Paul

 

[TRTAC]

They are all great rifles. Browning X is my first choice. Cant beat the '06 either. I thing it would be a great duo. Next would be the winchester in a 243. Small, handy rifle for beating the brush........

 

[tylerw02]

You may ask on a hunting forum for more diverse opinions. I'd probably go with the Tikka, myself. I'd get it in 6.5x55 or .260 Rem.

 

[Drifter™]

I'd probably go with the Tikka, myself. I'd get it in 6.5x55 or .260 Rem.

^ Same here.

 

[hahco]

a lot of folks are slowly figuring out that the FN Model 70 Fwt's are the bees' knees.

 

[paperslapper]

Thanks for all the responses. I will definitely ask a hunting forum as they would know what works well. From what i see here is that the tikka t3 seems to be very liked.

 

[Raider Power]

I've used one Browning rifle or another to hunt for the better part of 20 years. The a-bolt and BAR are both good hunting rifles. I can't speak to the x-bolt because I haven't shot one, but the two I mentioned have killed lots of game. The only problem is there isn't much if any after market support for them.

 

[swampbuck]

Tikka or cz

 

[JoshcBoucher]

Browning BAR, in 308. It will serve you well, and resale, for what you "put in". Great gun. Or 7mm. Just as good. Or a 243. All good guns.I've got 2 "reasons", for buying. Resale/investment, and "shooters{that I might lose money on} A Browning "hunting rifle", will hold it's value, if you "take care of it". Shooters that see 1-2K rounds through them, at the range, lose value. I just got a "fine old" BAR. It'll be a "hunting rifle" and maybe see 100 rnds, with me. It will retain it's value.Plus- It's a semi- auto. 5 rnds. but that's "nice to have', just in case. You Might find an older Weatherby, that would be a good hunter, on Guns America. Also a good investment.Look for the older "German made" guns. I found one, in 300 Weatherby Mag., that's a great shooter, and is going up in value, as we speak.She shoots 1 in., at 200 yds., and puts a nice hole in 1/2 in steel, in the process.