I'm looking for my next rifle, which will likely be my forever rifle. The use will be primarily for hunting (hogs and deer - maybe elk) and punching paper. This being said, I would also like something that will be able flirt one day with long range shooting.
For simplicity purposes, the have narrowed by my caliber selection to either .308 or 6.5CM. My total buget is about $1200 to $1500 including optics.
I'm considering 3 rifle options: Sauer 100 XT, Bergara B-14 HMR, or the Bergara B-14 Ridge. I'm torn between the sleek "classic" looks of the Sauer 100 and the semi tactical look of the HMR. I like the idea and flexiblity of the HMR however, I have heard about issues with the cheeck piece on the stock and mounting bases shearing off under recoil? The Ridge seems to be a happy medium of both.
So here are my questions:
1. Which caliber is better - both from a hunting perspective and long range perspective? Ranges probably would be only to 500-600yrds, but I know this stuff gets addicting!
2. What rifle? I want something that is practical for hunting application but looks respectable at a 500yrd range. Does anyone have experience or thought on these 3 rifles.
3. Last but not least, what optics should I be looking at? Fixed or variable? Powers? Most hunting will be done from 50-200yrds. I want to become proficient with one system, I not have to swap scope down the line.
Sorry for the long post and thanks in advance fore helping a newbie out!
For simplicity purposes, the have narrowed by my caliber selection to either .308 or 6.5CM. My total buget is about $1200 to $1500 including optics.
I'm considering 3 rifle options: Sauer 100 XT, Bergara B-14 HMR, or the Bergara B-14 Ridge. I'm torn between the sleek "classic" looks of the Sauer 100 and the semi tactical look of the HMR. I like the idea and flexiblity of the HMR however, I have heard about issues with the cheeck piece on the stock and mounting bases shearing off under recoil? The Ridge seems to be a happy medium of both.
So here are my questions:
1. Which caliber is better - both from a hunting perspective and long range perspective? Ranges probably would be only to 500-600yrds, but I know this stuff gets addicting!
2. What rifle? I want something that is practical for hunting application but looks respectable at a 500yrd range. Does anyone have experience or thought on these 3 rifles.
3. Last but not least, what optics should I be looking at? Fixed or variable? Powers? Most hunting will be done from 50-200yrds. I want to become proficient with one system, I not have to swap scope down the line.
Sorry for the long post and thanks in advance fore helping a newbie out!