Factory Deer Hunting Rifle Recommendations?

[HTSmith]

It's been a long time since I bought or shot a factory rifle and those were Remington 700's. Seems they are not available and I'm not sure I'd buy one if they were. So I'm looking for recommendations. Three requirements: 1) Bolt Action, 2) 7mm-08 Chamber, 3) Available to purchase.

There are a lot of other "nice to haves" like known/high probability accuracy, good trigger, 22" or 24" bbl length, moderate weight (not too light or heavy), and reliable operation.

What could you tell me? Thanks for your input!

 

[Adam in WI]

Be prepared for about 4 or 5 pages...

I'd say Model 70.

 

[K22]

Tikka - meets all your requirements and then some. Alternate calibers that will also work fine for deer if the 7mm 08 is not available: 6.5 Creedmore, 260 Rem, and 243 Win.

I would not go for a heavier caliber than the above in the Tikka Lite Model since the recoil, even in a 308, which is an outstanding deer caliber, can be severe if you're a small frame guy like me.

 

[Idaho-Lefty]

Tikka T-3 , SS, 22" 7mm-08 with, Burris or Leupold, 3X- 9X or, 4x-14X Scope,.. 7.5 Pounds,.. DONE !
Buy a Elay Precision or Ernie the Gunsmith, Trigger Spring, LimbSaver Recoil Pad, Burris Zee Rings ( Lapped ) on weaver #61-S Bases, and an Extra 5 Round magazine,.. Total Cost, about, a Grand +- ( Scope choice, is a Big Factor )
Shoot, the 120-140's for Deer , 162 SST's or 168 gr. H-VLD Bergers for, Elk ( StaBall 65 Powder, is your Friend ).
6.5 Creed Tikka 24" bbl., would be my 2nd Choice ( I really, like Mine ! ) Fun, Accurate, LOW Recoil, etc. and,..
"Plenty" for,.. Deer !

 

[1K6BRA]

A Cooper rifle will certainly fill all your needs if your pocketbook allows. The last factory rifle I bought was a Winchester model 70 standard grade in 25-06 four years ago. I have been very happy with the accuracy the look and fit and finish of this rifle. It has an exceptional piece of walnut by today’s standards and that’s hard to find anymore.

 

[joshb]

I’d call Eurooptic and see what they can get you in a Tikka. Great place to shop. Those are good guys!

 

[Hino895]

Weatherby vanguard.

 

[CJ6]

Just finding a factory gun in 7-08 is going to be hard. Brand wise...Well ...Take your pick Tikka, Sako, Rem, Win. Ruger American, Howa..In no particular order.

 

[Ccrider]

Bud’s has several options. I have purchased from them and they were good to deal with.

 

[JB10]

Browning xbolt would be my first choice. Then tikka

 

[slm9s]

You didn't say your budget, so I'll suggest this. Might be priced a little high, but it would be a joy to shoot and carry.

GunBroker.com - Error

 

[drop_point]

Browning xbolt would be my first choice. Then tikka

Agreed.

 

[David Milisock]

It's been a long time since I bought or shot a factory rifle and those were Remington 700's. Seems they are not available and I'm not sure I'd buy one if they were. So I'm looking for recommendations. Three requirements: 1) Bolt Action, 2) 7mm-08 Chamber, 3) Available to purchase.

There are a lot of other "nice to haves" like known/high probability accuracy, good trigger, 22" or 24" bbl length, moderate weight (not too light or heavy), and reliable operation.

What could you tell me? Thanks for your input!

Savage makes one that is price fair that won't pass you off when you fall down the hill.

 

[DangerRanger]

Tikka

 

[Dgd6mm]

I’d call Eurooptic and see what they can get you in a Tikka. Great place to shop. Those are good guys!

I helped a job superintendent get rigged up with the Tikka in 7-08. Helped him with it and extended his ability in shooting to 300 yards for harvesting deer. I love it when a plan comes together.

 

[rockhound78]

Make sure you have a supply of 7-08 ammo before you buy. At least around here, there hasn't been any 7-08 ammo for over a year

 

[uncle fester]

Make sure you have a supply of 7-08 ammo before you buy. At least around here, there hasn't been any 7-08 ammo for over a year

I was at my LGS today, they had 15 cartridge options in 308. I wasn't looking for it specifically but I don't remember seeing any 7-08.

 

[HTSmith]

Thanks for all the suggestions and keep'em coming. I've heard a lot of good things about Tikka, but they may be too light. $2200 for a factory Remington is too steep for me. Cooper is a lil out of my range also. I had not thought about a Model 70. I see Weatherby offers an accuracy guarantee with the Vanguard--wonder if they'll do it? Are they better than a Howa? This sounds strange from an old, fat, ugly man but a Savage is homely . I've got a lot of "stuff" leftover from when I had a 7/08 target rifle.

 

[Gary in MD]

If the Tikka is too light and the Cooper too expensive then I would steer towards the Weatherby Vanguard, a pretty solid rifle for the money.

 

[Pyscodog]

The Weatherby Vanguard and the Howa 1500 are the same rifle, made by the same people, just a different name on the action. They are decent mid range priced rifles that usually shoot very good.