Looking to buy a new rifle

[Elkhntr6]

Looking to buy a new rifle for hunting bears, elk and deer in Idaho but I don’t know what to buy or how much to invest to get a decent setup. Ideally I’d like something that could kill out to 400-500 yds. I’m not quite ready to invest yet but I wanna have an idea of what I’m looking for. Currently am shooting a Mossberg patriot in 6.5 creedmoor, vortex crossfire II 4-12x44 scope with a cheap bipod. Or should I just buy a new scope and keep my gun? I don’t know much about guns as I mostly bowhunt and focus most of my time on that. Thanks in advance

 

[_S_R_]

Please use search bar. So much value information collected over years.

 

[Elkhntr6]

I searched but couldn’t find any threads on more of the budget side. Is there any threads you know of I can check out?

 

[SloppyJ]

Use the search tool for sure. But I'll save you some time. A Tikka is going to be the best bang for the buck. And save up just as much as the gun for a quality scope. That setup will last you your lifetime.

 

[Cdnance]

Hey man, I’m a newbie just the same as you. Ask away! It’s a forum, and the whole point is to talk and comment!
I agree with the second guy though. Tikka T3X is a great option. Europtics has some great deals right now.
Your caliber is gonna determine your range, because the tikka platform will be more than capable.
Optics are just as important as the rifle. Go with quality.

 

[galopoh338]

Hey man, I’m a newbie just the same as you. Ask away! It’s a forum, and the whole point is to talk and comment!
I agree with the second guy though. Tikka T3X is a great option. Europtics has some great deals right now.
Your caliber is gonna determine your range, because the tikka platform will be more than capable.
Optics are just as important as the rifle. Go with quality.

I agree with you that’s true


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Matt5266]

Your caliber choice is fine for all of that. I would recommend first a good scope. Then when you can upgrade the rifle to a better quality. Cant go wrong with a Tikka.

 

[sndmn11]

Keep your rifle replaced the scope with something likely reliable. Assess the rifle's ability after a year.

 

[Elkhntr6]

I keep hearing good things about tikka so I’ll look into them for sure. What scope should I look into? I’ve heard a lot of good and bad about vortex.

 

[sndmn11]

I keep hearing good things about tikka so I’ll look into them for sure. What scope should I look into? I’ve heard a lot of good and bad about vortex.

How much $

 

[Felix40]

Buy a reliable scope now. Think about a rifle when you can.

I am sold on swfa scopes. I had my first one before they got popular. It’s been great. There’s easy diy mods to cap the windage and add a zero stop.

SWFA 3-9x42 SS HD - MIL-Quad Reticle, 30mm Tube, .1 MIL Clicks, FFP

In sub-zero temperatures or searing desert heat (-50 degrees to +130 degrees Fahrenheit, and altitudes of 30,000 feet to depths of 15 feet in salt water) the waterproof, shockproof, fogproof SS performs. Whatever the weapon, from .223 to .50 BMG, the SS handles the recoil. Whatever the target...

swfa.com

 

[Elkhntr6]

How much $

What can I get for $400-$500?

 

[sndmn11]

What can I get for $400-$500?

This thing and skip a dinner out one week.

Buy a reliable scope now. Think about a rifle when you can.

I am sold on swfa scopes. I had my first one before they got popular. It’s been great. There’s easy diy mods to cap the windage and add a zero stop.

SWFA 3-9x42 SS HD - MIL-Quad Reticle, 30mm Tube, .1 MIL Clicks, FFP

In sub-zero temperatures or searing desert heat (-50 degrees to +130 degrees Fahrenheit, and altitudes of 30,000 feet to depths of 15 feet in salt water) the waterproof, shockproof, fogproof SS performs. Whatever the weapon, from .223 to .50 BMG, the SS handles the recoil. Whatever the target...

swfa.com

Or this thing

WTS Thread 'SWFA 6X42 MIL (X2)'

Feb 14, 2025

I'm changing direction and putting LPVO's on the rifles these were intended for...so, these are catch and release for me.

Top scope in pics below is still available. It has a small ding on the bell shown in the picture and slight ring marks. Still in great working condition.

$400 TYD.

Bottom scope in pics has been sold.

• Reddish
• Replies: 12
• Forum: Optics Classifieds

Or this thing

SS 10x42 30mm MQ GEN 2 - Zero Stop

In sub-zero temperatures or searing desert heat (-50 degrees to +130 degrees Fahrenheit, and altitudes of 30,000 feet to depths of 15 feet in salt water) the waterproof, shockproof, fogproof SS performs. Whatever the weapon, from .223 to .50 BMG, the SS handles the recoil. Whatever the target...

swfa.com

 

[Matt5266]

For that price your only good option is the swfa

 

[Elkhntr6]

Thanks for all the input! The swfa seems like a solid option. I’ll probably save up a bit more and get the $600 one when I can.

 

[MHWASH]

Buy a reliable scope now. Think about a rifle when you can.

I am sold on swfa scopes. I had my first one before they got popular. It’s been great. There’s easy diy mods to cap the windage and add a zero stop.

SWFA 3-9x42 SS HD - MIL-Quad Reticle, 30mm Tube, .1 MIL Clicks, FFP

In sub-zero temperatures or searing desert heat (-50 degrees to +130 degrees Fahrenheit, and altitudes of 30,000 feet to depths of 15 feet in salt water) the waterproof, shockproof, fogproof SS performs. Whatever the weapon, from .223 to .50 BMG, the SS handles the recoil. Whatever the target...

swfa.com

This is THE answer.

 

[TaperPin]

There’s nothing wrong with a patriot. I think there are better choices in larger cartridges, but everyone needs to crawl before they walk and walk before they run. Replace the scope, get good at making the rifle and you reliable, and down the road upgrade if you want it. For now you’re better off keeping the scope and spending the money on practice ammo. I’d recommend a journal and record every time the scope needs to have zero adjusted, or does something weird. That’s good practice with any scope to keep track if it’s functional or going to pot.

Not everyone hunts with a bipod, especially 400 to 500 yards. I usually don’t, but for sage country I like a tall Harris or something that can be shot seated or a high prone to get over the brush.

 

[jimh406]

How well does your Mossberg Patriot shoot? I'd also check to see how reliable your scope is. Assuming both are ok, buy ammo and practice shooting.

 

[Elkhntr6]

How well does your Mossberg Patriot shoot? I'd also check to see how reliable your scope is. Assuming both are ok, buy ammo and practice shooting.

Pretty well, I don’t think I’m at a level to outshoot it yet…Also my local range only goes out to 200 yds so I need to find a spot to shoot a bit farther. I’m probably shooting 2-3 inch groups at 200.