Hi all - I am in the market for a new (maybe used) rifle. I am not new to guns, but am relatively new to long range rifles. I have been browsing and learning for a while, and still have not come to a clear conclusion. I want to spend a MAX of 1500-1600 on a rifle alone. That doesn't mean I have to spend that much. For example if a Tikka T3 lite does the job for $700 I am fine with that, but if for 1200+ dollars I can get a much better piece of equipment I am more than ready to do that.
Between all the following models in .308, for example,
Rem 700 SPS ~$700
Rem 700 XCR ~$1400
Tikka T3 Lite ~$700
Tikka Tactical ~$1400
Savage 10FP ~$700
Savage McMillan ~$1300
Sako 85 Synthetic/finnlight ~$1500
it seems like there are HUGE price differences for relatively small changes. Between the many different models of the 700's for example, it seems like most people say its a good place to start but the stock sucks and you are paying for the Remington brand. Is it easy to change the stock? I have never done this.
for the Tikka's, the only thing I have read is that the stock seems a little cheap and slick, but even the $700 Tikka Lite or Varmint are GREAT rifles. IS the tactical version worth twice as much?
I read great reviews about the Savages as well.
But in the price range for the nicer Rems, Tikkas, and Savages, The Sako 85 series comes into play... In particular the synthetic stainless or Finnlight. These are also top notch are they not? Are you paying for a little bit of the Sako name in their price?
I know this is a very broad subject open to wide debate and opinion, but I was looking for a thread to compare these common, comparable, and off the shelf rifles.
if this helps, for my use, this rifle will be my hiking rifle that I shoot between 500 and 800 meters. It will be carried in an eberlestock pack.
http://www.eberlestock.com/Tactical%20Master.htm
To those of you not familiar with these packs, i posted the link to share. They are the best I have used. Check 'em out.
Thanks to all!
EDIT: for $1500 can one build his own rifle that is better than anything off the shelf for the same amount?
Between all the following models in .308, for example,
Rem 700 SPS ~$700
Rem 700 XCR ~$1400
Tikka T3 Lite ~$700
Tikka Tactical ~$1400
Savage 10FP ~$700
Savage McMillan ~$1300
Sako 85 Synthetic/finnlight ~$1500
it seems like there are HUGE price differences for relatively small changes. Between the many different models of the 700's for example, it seems like most people say its a good place to start but the stock sucks and you are paying for the Remington brand. Is it easy to change the stock? I have never done this.
for the Tikka's, the only thing I have read is that the stock seems a little cheap and slick, but even the $700 Tikka Lite or Varmint are GREAT rifles. IS the tactical version worth twice as much?
I read great reviews about the Savages as well.
But in the price range for the nicer Rems, Tikkas, and Savages, The Sako 85 series comes into play... In particular the synthetic stainless or Finnlight. These are also top notch are they not? Are you paying for a little bit of the Sako name in their price?
I know this is a very broad subject open to wide debate and opinion, but I was looking for a thread to compare these common, comparable, and off the shelf rifles.
if this helps, for my use, this rifle will be my hiking rifle that I shoot between 500 and 800 meters. It will be carried in an eberlestock pack.
http://www.eberlestock.com/Tactical%20Master.htm
To those of you not familiar with these packs, i posted the link to share. They are the best I have used. Check 'em out.
Thanks to all!
EDIT: for $1500 can one build his own rifle that is better than anything off the shelf for the same amount?
