After years of fighting to get sentimental, 40+ yo rifles to shoot well (and a few misses), I'm ready to pony up for a western big game rifle. I mainly hunt elk, exotics, and deer <400y, but would be interested in stretching out a little further too (maybe 500-600y). I've settled on 7mm rem mag as a good all around cartridge. I've shot .30 cal most of my life so not too worried about recoil.
I'm just starting this process, but looking for recommendations as I'm a little overwhelmed. My first priority is out-of-the-box accuracy for a range of factory loads (I don't handload... yet, at least). My second priority is durability and lifetime. For price I can do anywhere <=$1500. Weight is less of a concern than other factors, although I mostly do backcountry hunting, anything less than 8 pounds will make me happy. Small bonus points for smaller USA companies and nice fit and finish (I'm a sucker for a smooth action).
Based on above requirements, I'm mainly looking at rifles with stainless barrels, preferably fluted and threaded, and some with cerakote. Good synthetic stock, good trigger, etc. Below are some contenders in rough order. Thoughts?
Tikka T3X superlite (if ever in stock again) or veil K2
Christensen Arms Mesa
Weatherby Vanguard Meateater or Accuguard (if still made/available)
Browning X-bolt Hells Canyon (not sure these are made anymore)
Remington 700 Sendero (not sure these are made anymore)
Winchester M70 Extreme Weather
Bergara Wilderness Ridge
Are there any I am leaving out? Are there substantial differences in many of the above rifle, or does it just come down to what feels and fits best in my hands at this point?
I'm just starting this process, but looking for recommendations as I'm a little overwhelmed. My first priority is out-of-the-box accuracy for a range of factory loads (I don't handload... yet, at least). My second priority is durability and lifetime. For price I can do anywhere <=$1500. Weight is less of a concern than other factors, although I mostly do backcountry hunting, anything less than 8 pounds will make me happy. Small bonus points for smaller USA companies and nice fit and finish (I'm a sucker for a smooth action).
Based on above requirements, I'm mainly looking at rifles with stainless barrels, preferably fluted and threaded, and some with cerakote. Good synthetic stock, good trigger, etc. Below are some contenders in rough order. Thoughts?
Tikka T3X superlite (if ever in stock again) or veil K2
Christensen Arms Mesa
Weatherby Vanguard Meateater or Accuguard (if still made/available)
Browning X-bolt Hells Canyon (not sure these are made anymore)
Remington 700 Sendero (not sure these are made anymore)
Winchester M70 Extreme Weather
Bergara Wilderness Ridge
Are there any I am leaving out? Are there substantial differences in many of the above rifle, or does it just come down to what feels and fits best in my hands at this point?
