Help deciding on $2K and under whitetail hunting rifle

[shootin_skank]

Never owned a bolt-action and there are so many choices in this price range and for 6.5 CM. Started off looking at Tikka T3X and that lead to Bergara and Weatherby because I have read about the cheap stocks on the Tikka. Also checked out a Savage 110 High Country but after seeing the finish already wearing off the barrel of a new rifle in a store and reading about other Savage shortcomings I have kind of marked through the Savage.

 

[thinhorn_AK]

2000.00 for a rifle and scope or just a rifle?

 

[peterk123]

I had to look for a while but I ended up with a Tikka T3x Superlite in 308 and Leupold VX3i for $900. Everything was new and purchased separately.

 

[JBradley500]

How far are you shooting?

 

[Desk Jockey]

I had to look for a while but I ended up with a Tikka T3x Superlite in 308 and Leupold VX3i for $900. Everything was new and purchased separately.

I have this set up in 6.5 creed In one of the older T3x models. For white tail it is probably more than needed But it is also a light and capable mountain gun. I am happy with it but I find the scope a little lacking for light gathering at the very beginning and end of the day. I think I have $1200-1300 in mine with grips, rings and sling.

the latest tikka versions have some nice refinement But costs a little more. If my budget was $2k for just the gun that opens a lot of nice options. Tikka, bergarra, weatherly, browning, kimber, Christensen, seekins.

if I wanted gun and glass for $2k I think the tikka is the best value. You’ll be less worried about the stock once you shoot it. I’d use the left over $$ to pair it with a swaro Z3 or a nightforce SHV.

 

[GunsAreFun]

How far are you shooting and is this a backcountry whitetail rifle or for more traditional Midwestern style hunting?

 

[shootin_skank]

2000.00 for a rifle and scope or just a rifle?

$2K just for the rifle. Seems like once you get past a certain point there are diminishing returns especially for a hunting rifle.

 

[shootin_skank]

How far are you shooting and is this a backcountry whitetail rifle or for more traditional Midwestern style hunting?

I would say usually less than 300 yards and this is in NC. Probably be hunting the edge of the woods overlooking a field

 

[PathTracker]

$2K just for the rifle. Seems like once you get past a certain point there are diminishing returns especially for a hunting rifle.

I second this. Most guys will never be able to out-shoot their MOA anyhow.

 

[MuleyFever]

For an Eastern hunter hunting deer at normal ranges, literally any modern rifle will do the job just fine. You just need to go handle some and pick the one that feels right to you.

 

[Mike Islander]

Stand hunting? Older Remington 700 BDL in 308 and have money left over for your scope?

Still hunting? Snap up the rare Barrett Fieldcraft. They periodically show up in your price range and shoot 1/2 MOA for many of us.

 

[shootin_skank]

Stand hunting? Older Remington 700 BDL in 308 and have money left over for your scope?

Still hunting? Snap up the rare Barrett Fieldcraft. They periodically show up in your price range and shoot 1/2 MOA for many of us.

Probably hunt from a stand.

 

[shootin_skank]

I have this set up in 6.5 creed In one of the older T3x models. For white tail it is probably more than needed But it is also a light and capable mountain gun. I am happy with it but I find the scope a little lacking for light gathering at the very beginning and end of the day. I think I have $1200-1300 in mine with grips, rings and sling.

the latest tikka versions have some nice refinement But costs a little more. If my budget was $2k for just the gun that opens a lot of nice options. Tikka, bergarra, weatherly, browning, kimber, Christensen, seekins.

if I wanted gun and glass for $2k I think the tikka is the best value. You’ll be less worried about the stock once you shoot it. I’d use the left over $$ to pair it with a swaro Z3 or a nightforce SHV.

Tikka was my first choice until I read on here and other forums about you can't shoot but a few rounds before the bullets start flying all over the place. People also talk about barrel not being floated properly.

 

[Mike Islander]

Probably hunt from a stand.

Then you can grab a nice BDL or CDL and spend your money on glass. I have a couple 700s (a 1972 and a 1999) and they both shoot ~1/2 MOA stock. I love the walnut stocks too. I use them in the stand. 30.06, 270, 7mm will be most common and least expensive and will cover any conditions when you shoot from a stand. Plus there will be ammo everywhere with lots of different load selection.

For mountain or backpack hunting I carry a Fieldcraft in 6.5 CM, but I absolutely don't need it for stand hunting.

 

[MuleyFever]

Tikka was my first choice until I read on here and other forums about you can't shoot but a few rounds before the bullets start flying all over the place. People also talk about barrel not being floated properly.

Maybe check out the Tikka 10 shot group thread. As far as the stock goes, if you know how to use some sandpaper you are all set.

 

[shootin_skank]

I have this set up in 6.5 creed In one of the older T3x models. For white tail it is probably more than needed But it is also a light and capable mountain gun. I am happy with it but I find the scope a little lacking for light gathering at the very beginning and end of the day. I think I have $1200-1300 in mine with grips, rings and sling.

the latest tikka versions have some nice refinement But costs a little more. If my budget was $2k for just the gun that opens a lot of nice options. Tikka, bergarra, weatherly, browning, kimber, Christensen, seekins.

if I wanted gun and glass for $2k I think the tikka is the best value. You’ll be less worried about the stock once you shoot it. I’d use the left over $$ to pair it with a swaro Z3 or a nightforce SHV.

Tikka was my first choice until I read on here and other forums about you can't shoot but a few rounds before the bullets start flying all over the place. People also talk about barrel not being floated properly.

 

[GunsAreFun]

For this type of hunting, I personally wouldn’t spend more than $500-700 on the rifle and $250-500 on the scope. Really, you could spend 400 on a rifle and 250 on a scope and would probably not reduce your effectiveness.

 

[Desk Jockey]

Tikka was my first choice until I read on here and other forums about you can't shoot but a few rounds before the bullets start flying all over the place. People also talk about barrel not being floated properly.

My box stock tikka shoots about the same as a browning xbolt and a kimber and iron dock for about half the price. The light barrel is thin and probably heats up fast. For hunting I might fire one or two shots. Three if I am really bad.

~40 rounds a year would be a lot of practice for must people.

 

[wapitibob]

Save some more money and buy this, then send to a quality smith for finishing.

Rifle Component Package Deal: Long Action Mag BF Carbon BDL Combo (Gunsmithing Required) - Piercision Rifles

www.piercisionrifles.com

 

[shootin_skank]

Thought about this rifle - Model 2020 Waypoint Rifles - Springfield Armory (springfield-armory.com)