Need some help on rifle decision

[Cornbinder]

After 30 years my old Encore in 300 win mag has finally reached the point where I need to upgrade some parts and freshen it up. But I’ve been seeing these newer bolt guns at the shows over the past couple years and thought maybe it’s time to get another one for hunting. My last was a Vanguard I bought from Walmart of all places. Probably because it was the best price. I have about 500 rounds of 300 win mag in various forms so I’ll be sticking to that caliber. And before I ask, I have read a bunch of reviews and watched a bunch of videos and even spoke to a few manufacturers about a few things. But most were sales pitches or sponsored videos and that’s why I’m asking here. I also know how much the group likes Tikka. I also know that these discussions can get a little western! That’s fine. Started out wanting a CRF Mauser type action but soon realized that most of those don’t have the aftermarket support like CF barrels, drop in triggers and such. I do like to tinker a bit if I need to. So I went for the 700 side of things. Had it narrowed down then saw that you can or practically build your own rifle in your garage at this point with pre fir barrels, drop in trigger etc. I have close friend who actually did this but when it came down to it I’m almost 4K out the door for a hunting rifle. I’ve gone through almost every type of configuration and manufacturer, looked through GB for used and have now narrows it down to the Tikka Super Varmiter or the Weatherby 307 CT Alpine. Held both at a cabelas and was leaning towards the Weatherby until I want he’d this video from gunuts on the Tikka. They are $400 apart in price from my gunsmith FFL guy new and I know that the CT comes with carbon fiber stock and barrel. I also like the fact that the CT is made in America. My question is, has anyone shot both? Is Weatherby the same manufacturer as it was 20 or 30 years ago. I’ve only seen two reviews online and both were sponsored so they were glowing. East and and Meat eater although the meat one was not the CT alpine. Other than that not much out there. This will primarily be a hunting gun but I do like to hit the range a half dozen times a year to stay in practice and it’s fun to stretch things out and see how bad I really am at long distances! Thanks in advance for any and all feedback.

 

[Brontosaurus]

Tikka

 

[jimh406]

They both will probably be good choices. I'd buy the one you are leaning toward. Weatherby is the same company, but the 307 is a new action.

 

[wind gypsy]

Super varminter isn't what most would consider for a big game hunting rifle. One of the Veil or roughtech models might be a better fit if you dont want a lite model? Sako S20 would be worth a consideration.

 

[Cornbinder]

Super varminter isn't what most would consider for a big game hunting rifle. One of the Veil or roughtech models might be a better fit if you dont want a lite model? Sako S20 would be worth a consideration.

I’m starting to look at reviews and comparisons now for the Sako. I never would have thought that this decision would be so difficult but I’m thinking that I’m OVER thinking everything about it. I’m not that good of a shot that I would be able to pick out the inconsistencies of some of these guns. I would very much like to have a gun made here unless it’s “hot garbage” as I’ve seen on a few reviews. Or that their customer service is pathetic. Pretty much why I didn’t go with a CA.

 

[Skerhunter]

Another sako vote - even if it is a used rifle off of here or gunbroker.

Building one is fun, because you get exactly what you want. It can be done for well under $4k pretty easy with optics and shopping around.

 

[TaperPin]

I think it’s cool that Weatherby is now making all their actions in house - right here in the Wyoming 307 area code. Rather than supporting foreign workers, so their kids can afford to enjoy the outdoors, Wyoming kids grow up with a solid love of western hunting and shooting, and that’s worth something.



When I think of rifle designs and who made them, that factors into my enjoyment of it. So do plastic parts - sorry, but Tikka plastic does’t do anything for me. Receivers grooved for mounts Americans don’t want to use, seems weird. Triggers held on with a single screw seems weird.



Nothing against the funny sounding guys in Finland that eat cod instead of turkeys for holidays, have domesticated caribou, and always seem to be wearing sweaters. Europeans have to make a living, but it seems weird.

 

[Cornbinder]

While deciding and reading and watching videos on more rifles than I can count at this point I came across this in the classifieds and couldn’t help myself. It was a bargain and no one was looking at it. I think it was a bargain because the PO cut the barrel down to 18”. But that was one of the things I wanted to do since I run a suppressor. It’s a clean rifle although the barrel was full of cobwebs. But one swipe down it with a swab and it cleaned up really nice. I was finally able to get it back from the smith yesterday and went out today with an old scope to see how it shot. Rounded up a few boxes of different ammo to see what she likes best. Once I bore sighted it in I was able to get it on paper after 3 shots. Dialed it in to zero and shot 2- 5 shot groups with each. Let it cool off and then did it again. All of this was loading a single bullet in each time. My first 5 shot group was the best at just older 1 moa with Winchester 150 grain deer season junk! The second group was tighter ( barely) but the last shot was a flyer at 4” away. While it was cooling off the wind started to come up and everything else was just over 1 moa. Except Hornady 200 grain which was over 2 moa. Pretty happy at this point but my search for a new rifle isn’t done. This is my attempt to keep myself at the range tinkering and staying interested. The silly season is coming up and luckily enough my area has a few shows and I’m close enough to get out to a couple others if need be. I know Weatherby will be at the one closest to me. Pretty sure Sako/ Tikka will as well. The gunsmith I used showed me a brand new Remington 700 with a factory Timney in it saying it was the gun that was going to save the company. He said I should consider it for a builder as well. Not sure about that. Last year there was a handful of custom guys there as well and I paid no attention. This year I may look for actions or barreled actions. But for the time being I’m going to see what I can do with this. Waiting to hear if Stockys is going to make a CF stock for them. Might just get a Boyd’s because I like the feel of wood (that’s what she said). Need to work on the trigger a bit as well.

 

[rootacres]

The correct answer is yes.

Can't go wrong with either. This group loves their Tikkas, and for good reason. That said, in my experience the top shelf weatherbys have shot lights out too. My dad's first western big game rifle (being from the midwest we can't hunt with bottle neck centerfires over here) was a Tikka in 300 WM. It shoots factory 180gr TTSX great. He's killed everything from desert muleys, elk, to OR blacktail with that. He then won a MarkV 300 wby mag at a DSC auction. I mounted a 3-18 tenmile for him and took it to the range. My first 3rds (after getting a rough zero) with factory accubonds measured sub 1/2" at 100 yds. No barrel break in or anything. He then proceeded to go shoot a brown bear this last spring on the coast of AK with it. Both shot great, the fact that the 307 is rem 700 footprinted is a plus, the second most popular footprint is the Tikka.

 

[Turkeytider]

FWIW, have a Tikka Super Varmint in 6.5 Creedmoor. Primarily a range gun. I like it very much, very accurate, shoots less expensive, “ budget friendly “ ammo sub MOA with no problems. The SV has some heft to it that wouldn’t perhaps be a bad thing with a 300 WM, especially with a brake. Typically solid Tikka rifle IMO.

 

[TKP1991]

I think you did well with that Ruger and if you still get one of the other two, I'm not sure there is a wrong choice. I is supporting an American company which is never a bad thing but I do like Tikka as well.

 

[Cornbinder]

The correct answer is yes.

Can't go wrong with either. This group loves their Tikkas, and for good reason. That said, in my experience the top shelf weatherbys have shot lights out too. My dad's first western big game rifle (being from the midwest we can't hunt with bottle neck centerfires over here) was a Tikka in 300 WM. It shoots factory 180gr TTSX great. He's killed everything from desert muleys, elk, to OR blacktail with that. He then won a MarkV 300 wby mag at a DSC auction. I mounted a 3-18 tenmile for him and took it to the range. My first 3rds (after getting a rough zero) with factory accubonds measured sub 1/2" at 100 yds. No barrel break in or anything. He then proceeded to go shoot a brown bear this last spring on the coast of AK with it. Both shot great, the fact that the 307 is rem 700 footprinted is a plus, the second most popular footprint is the Tikka.

The Weatherby 307 alpine is my first choice.

 

[Cornbinder]

I think you did well with that Ruger and if you still get one of the other two, I'm not sure there is a wrong choice. I is supporting an American company which is never a bad thing but I do like Tikka as well.

Yeah I had to get something. I have to stay interested or it will get shelved for other interests and I’ll be scrambling next fall. I’m happy with the Ruger for that reason. It gives me something to work on and get better at. Plus if all fails I know it will get the job done next season.