HYPOTHETICAL - $5,000 replacement budget for hunting rifle(s).

[Rich M]

I could buy 3 handguns and 4 long guns (including a shotgun) and be happy with what I have for $5,000-$6,000. That doesn't include ammo or reloading supplies.

 

[sdupontjr]

- Tikka in caliber of choice ($750 - $900) depending on what you get. Some or more.
- Very nice optic and rings (I put a SB Polar 4-16x56 on mine, valued at $2500 - $3000 or so and vortex precision rings)

Spend more on the optic than you would the gun, IMO. I've had custom blueprinted Rem 700 actions and spent way more than I should have only to buy a Tikka and it out shoot the custom 700. And at $5000, I'm still under by a good margin of that budget.

And as others have mentioned, buy multiple guns of your choice for that budget.

 

[MallardSX2]

I would buy 2 guns and pocket the other 4K.

My deer rifle cost me $300 (with a Leupold scope) lol

 

[roosiebull]

Yep… but I’d Maven on the optic.
And since your wife spent the extra money, I’d make her sell feet or boob pics to compensate me for 2 more suppressors

I was with you until I realized you added “pics” to your reply. Selling pics I feel like wouldn’t really drive home the message… there has to be accountability

 

[DangerRanger]

This is oddly specific

 

[missjordan]

What $3k scope? The SWFA 6x is one of the best hunting scopes on the market and it’s $300 when in stock.


$5k is a ton of money for a rifle setup if you’re not looking at a custom or including suppressors. I spent $5k combined for two stainless Tikkas with UM rings & level, Stockys VG, Maven RS1.2, and LS Wild scope covers — and one of those included a rebarrel to a 6creed.

Get yourself two guns for sure.

I would get a night force. Probably the ATACR


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[atmat]

I would get a night force. Probably the ATACR


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Gotcha. Those can be had well under $3k

 

[NSI]

For muzzleloading tags I would get a .50 cal black powder rifle, a nice stainless CVA Accura with a Bergara barrel and with open sights that I need for my state is $549. https://muzzle-loaders.com/collecti...50-cal-muzzleloader-open-sights-black-pr3241s

For where I can use a semi-auto I'd get a Springfield M1A loaded with the carbon fiber barrel and the national match sights in .308 for under $1,800. https://www.budsgunshop.com/product...+armory+m1a+loaded+walnut+stock+carbon+barrel

For a light handy bolt action rifle I'd get another Ruger American Gen II in 5.56 Nato with a 16inch fluted barrel for $600 and put another lightweight Leupold 1.5-4x scope on it.

That is it, the rest of the budget for ammo and gas to go hunt with.

Whatever this guy is smoking, I need some.

-J

 

[fshaw]

It would be a single rifle build for me. I’d choose cartridge based on target game and anticipated range first, and build a tack driver. I’d compromise on stock before anything else and replace that with what I ultimately want for the following season. I’d also shop for the scope that reliably met realistic needs, as a short range forest hunter I’d have lots of options. Bulk of money would go toward action, barrel and gun plumber (as Ryan would say). That forms the core of a rig that would take you through a lot of hunting and shooting before a new barrel would be needed. The rest could be upgraded in the future. I know it’s heresy here but Tikkas don’t call to me and I’d lean toward a Borden or Bat action with a top quality cut rifled steel barrel probably around 22”. I like floor plates, or ADL configuration, over box magazines but I’m a simple man with simple needs.

 

[35WhelenAI]

Fear the man who owns but one gun, likely he knows how to use it.

 

[repins05]

Long range hunting - one rifle

Everything closer - two rifles

 

[atmat]

Fear the man who owns but one centerfire gun, likely he knows how to use it.

FTFY.

I’m okay with one centerfire, but I need other guns for other forms of hunting.

 

[wind gypsy]

Fear the man who owns but one gun, likely he knows how to use it.

That saying might have made sense many years ago when there wasn't all these magnums and $3+/round ammo. The guys i know with only one rifle never shoot and suck with it. Make that one gun a big magnum and i'd really not fear that guy because they are even less likely to shoot it much or "know how to use it".

 

[wind gypsy]

In this imaginary situation, i'd do a 223 and a 6.5. Breakdown below. I'd probably go over budget once tax/shipping is all included. Would use factory stock with vert grip and some moldable plastic redneck customization OR use new KRG Echo stock on 223 if needing to cut costs

	6.5​	223​
t3x	$ 725.00	$ 725.00
rokstock carbon	$ 550.00	$ 550.00
chop/thread	$ 150.00	$ 150.00
3-9 ss	$ 500.00	$ 500.00
Sportsmatch	$ 65.00	$ 65.00
Jolene S or enticer S		$ 950.00
Total	$ 1,990.00	$ 2,940.00
both rifles		$ 4,930.00

 

[atmat]

In this imaginary situation, i'd do a 223 and a 6.5. Breakdown below. I'd probably go over budget once tax/shipping is all included.

	6.5​	223​
t3x	$ 725.00	$ 725.00
rokstock carbon	$ 550.00	$ 550.00
chop/thread	$ 150.00	$ 150.00
3-9 ss	$ 500.00	$ 500.00
Sportsmatch	$ 65.00	$ 65.00
Jolene S or enticer S		$ 950.00
Total	$ 1,990.00	$ 2,940.00
both rifles		$ 4,930.00

This is my setup, except with Mavens, 6creed, and TBAC U7. It’s all you need for sure.

 

[DisplacedHusky]

FTFY.

I’m okay with one centerfire, but I need other guns for other forms of hunting.

In the scenario, your shotguns, rimfires and pistols are unharmed.

 

[Wildhorse]

Custom takedown rifle from Randy's custom rifles chambered in 35 whelen with open sights and then add a steiner t6xi 2.5-15 to top it. Later on if the need is felt have another chambering done to add to the rifle and make it multi caliber down the road. No need for a suppressor or bipod just a decent inexpensive pawn shop sling in good condition and go tackle all north America has to offer. While reloading inexpensive 30.06 brass when needed.