Need advice on a new bolt gun

[sphen603]

I'm headed to Alaska in August for a Caribou trip and I'm looking for something with a bit more power then my .270 Ruger M77. So I've been in the market for a bolt action .300 win mag in stainless with a synthetic stock. I probably want to keep it around $1000 or less.

Here's what I've been looking at so far.

Kimber Montana:
It has an awesome stock and controlled feed. From what I've read it's an awesome rifle if you get a good one. However it seems like there are quite a few lemons floating around...

Model 700 SPS Stainless:
The action is awesome but I've heard complaints about the trigger mechanism. Also the stock it comes with is complete crap and would need to be replaced. However there are a ton of after market parts available.

Browning X-Bolt Stainless Stalker:
I haven't found out a whole lot about these rifles other then what the marketing department over at browning has come up with. They supposedly shoot sub MOA and have free-floated barrels which leads me to believe that the stocks are not completely worthless.

Am I on the right track here?
Thanks for your help!

<span style="font-size: 17pt">TL;DR I need a .300 win mag stainless synthetic for an Alaska hunt</span>

 

[alf]

Re: Need advice on a new bolt gun

I'm a 700 slut, so I'd do the SPS and stick it in a McMillan. You'd be set for a long time. I don't have a problem with the stock triggers, but that can be fixed.

Can't see where the 270 can't plug a boo, unless your wanting a new S/S toy.

 

[fdkay]

Re: Need advice on a new bolt gun

Savage long range hunter

 

[harrisjl]

Re: Need advice on a new bolt gun

I'm partial to the 700 as well, for the reasons you mention, the parts that aren't as good (stock, trigger) can be readily replaced by better ones that work exactly the way you want if the originals parts don't work out.

 

[HOGGHEAD]

Re: Need advice on a new bolt gun

For a hunting rifle you are going to have a hard time beating that Kimber Montana in a 300WSM. That would be a dandy of a carry and hunting rifle. It is one of the ones you would keep for a lifetime. The rifle may not be as accurate as a long range bench rifle. But you spend the majority of your time carrying a rifle-not shooting it when you are hunting. And a heavy rifle is not a welcome weapon when it comes to days of carrying. Now if carrying it is not an issue then go with a heavier rifle, but only if you know for sure that you will not be spending a good bit of your time carrying it. But the other guys are right also, the 700 is a fine rifle. One of their custom shop KS models would also be a dandy. But overall you are getting a good bang for your buck with the Kimber Montana. I have one of the LongMaster Classics, and the quality is there. Tom.

 

[Thorax]

Re: Need advice on a new bolt gun

Just a heads up....

Last time I went to Alaska and had a 300 mag going for Caribou....I found brown bear that didn't like the sound of gunfire.
300 win mag makes you feel pretty insignificant with a 11-1200 lb griz in your face.
Take a BIG pistol as back up.
I kiss my Casull every time I think of that day

 

[Mendocino]

Re: Need advice on a new bolt gun

I used a 340 Weatherby in an Accumark for my last Alaskan caribou hunt. It performed well and gave me some piece of mind with Mr. Bear about.

 

[Quackaddict]

Re: Need advice on a new bolt gun

Id take the kimber of the three choices.

 

[ADT]

Re: Need advice on a new bolt gun

I love my Tikka T3 Lite. With a brake and a limbsaver its practically a .22

 

[sphen603]

Re: Need advice on a new bolt gun

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: JLharris</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I'm partial to the 700 as well, for the reasons you mention, the parts that aren't as good (stock, trigger) can be readily replaced by better ones that work exactly the way you want if the originals parts don't work out. </div></div>
I think this is what I'm leaning toward. I've been looking at stocks and HS Precision has some awesome stuff.



<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Thorax</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Take a BIG pistol as back up.</div></div>

I hear ya. There are going to be a couple of .44 mags in my group of 4 guys

Thanks for all the great responses. Keep 'em coming

 

[daguyfromlv]

Re: Need advice on a new bolt gun

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: alf</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I don't have a problem with the stock triggers, but that can be fixed.
</div></div>

i've read that here also where a guy did some mods to the x mark trigger like polishing the sear. but i can't seem to find the thread. and yes, i've tried the search function, thank you.

 

[USACS]

Re: Need advice on a new bolt gun

I would choose the Kimber 8400 Montana. I would also recommend going up to the .338 Win Mag with a bonded 200+grain bullet, like the Winchester 225gr Accubond, Federal's 225gr Accubond or Trophy Bonded Bear Claw, or Federal's 250gr Nosler Partition (GREAT for bear), or Remington 225gr or 250gr PSP-Core Lokt. Others have said it, and I will reiterate that there are bears in Alaska. Also, Caribou are tough. A .338 will drop them hard and quick, and at longer ranges than the .300.
Also, Hornady offers some Light Magnum 225gr loads for less recoil that could help the recoil increase.

Watch the Kimber video on their rifles and see how reliable they are.
Kimber Videos- click on Rifles

Gotta love a rifle that can't double-feed.

 

[handym3000]

Re: Need advice on a new bolt gun

may i suggest a 300 wsm.

it is the 300 win mag in a short action.

the ballistics are off the charts.

yes the cost is higher but it is worth a look

 

[Greg Langelius *]

Re: Need advice on a new bolt gun

Savage 111 FCNS .338WM. List $656. Blued 24" sporter weight barrel, 7.15lb, 3rd DM, AccueStock, AccueTrigger.

Win '94AE .44mag Carbine for B/U.

Greg

 

[AXEMAN]

Re: Need advice on a new bolt gun

also any of the rifles in the weather warrior series from savage. they are all stainless and there are several long actions in 338 WM, 300WM, 7mm Rem mag. all under $800. the 16/116 series is the stainless line up. not on the list, but may be worth a look