If a $1000 is in the budget, I would get him a Tikka CTR in 6.5 Creedmoor. It would do all the above with no modifications and he would keep it forever.
Factory Deer Rifle suggestions
- Thread starter Daddymac
- Start date
I have another suggestion, different than all the others. Go find a Winchester Pre-64 Model 70 Standard in .270 or 30-06. Shooters can be had for $800. He can pass it on to his kids someday. Classic.
Modern rifle choice would be a Tikka T3 in my book.
Absolutely and wholeheartedly agree on the pre-64 model 70. Not that all the other rifles suggested aren’t good, that one has redeeming value. You can pick up a nice 270 or 30-06 For about what you would pay for your average rifle today off of a dealer shelf. I’ve had a few of them over the years and they all shoot great. I recently
bought this one. I haven’t shot it yet I hope to soon. It is the new version of the pre-64 in 25/0646and2
Silver $$ Contributor
Never owned or shot a Winchester. What makes them worth it? Just curious.
Thanks
snert
Silver $$ Contributor
Im waiting to hear too.....
I've owned four post-New Haven model 70s. They've all been excellent. Workmanship is top notch, and all were sub-moa shooters without undue effort. They're not for everyone. You can't rebarrel them willy nilly like a Remington or Savage, and the aftermarket is light for them. But at right about $800 for a good shooter with a nice blued finish and a comfortable piece of real walnut, there's not much to dislike.
A Tikka just gives you a better chance of having an excellent shooter. I personally don't care for their magazine arrangement, the recoil lug setup makes bedding tricky, and the abundance of plastic on them is annoying, but they're correctable issues.
To each their own, but I won't feel handicapped picking a new M70.
Another vote for Tikka, I have T3x lites in .22-250 & .308...both are fantastic shooters (as good as my 25 year old 700 that's had every accurizing trick done you can do to it).
linekin
Gold $$ Contributor
Ammo. Back then I didn't reload & have no interest in gearing up for 3 or 4 rds a year.
Minute of Tennis ball factory ammo is good enough for me with hunting loads.
The op's son-in-law may not reload either. Just get him something he can shoot, & shoot often.
Keith
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In a pre-64 model, the workmanship and quality of materials is hard to find in a modern factory rifle under $1000. These rifles are classics and much sought after. Collectors OOO and AHH at them, and occasionally will drool. All I have shot and owned are sub MOA without a lot of reloading work or with factory ammo. The key to the price is to get the "Standard" model in a common caliber. Other calibers go for double or triple the price. Supergrades, even more. There will always be a good market for Pre-64 Winchesters. I own and hunt with three pre-64's (30-06 Standard, Model 94 in .32 Win, and even a 12 gauge shotgun). I'm also a big Tikka fan as well. The Tikka TX3 Hunter is a pretty rifle as well for $800, but does not have the same pedigree at deer camp, nor the quality of workmanship. Everyone will want to put their hands on it. JMHO
46and2
Silver $$ Contributor
Thanks. Sorry for my ignorance. Is this considered one like you described?
https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1020354943
That's probably a Portugal build. No matter, it'll still perform hunting duties well. I haven't handled any duds in terms of South Carolina or Portugal model 70s. Featherweights are wonderful deer rifles.
Pre-64 means exactly that, manufactured before 1964.
I bought a Tika for our son to hunt elk in Colorado. Since then, some have commented on the "floating" recoil lug. By the reaction here, does not seem to bother the posters.Comments? He only uses factory ammo, but stated that it does recoil a bit! .30/06.
That is a post 1964 manufactured rifle. I have never shot one of recent manufacture, so can not comment on how accurate they are, nor the quality. The Winchester 70's made after 1964 in the 70's and 80's were crap for sure, but I can not say if the new ones are good shooters, but have read articles about how Winchester recently has come full circle, adding back control feed and improved upon quality.
Here's a pre-64 Monte Carlo (not standard, strait comb) on GunBroker.com:
https://www.gunbroker.com/item/855298857
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Tikka in 7mm-08. If you reload, you will want to buy a spare “M+“ magazine as the provided magazine will not let you seat bullets near the lands. I believe this to be the perfect entry rifle for southeast deer. I bought a Compact model for my son and convinced a friend to buy an adult version as his first hunting rifle. Both in 7mm-08. I was surprised to see the loose recoil lug, but who cares if they shoot? Both guns shot .5” at 100y with handloads.
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jmkasza
Silver $$ Contributor
That is a gorgeous hunting rifle! I don't foresee finding one in lefty...
Very pleased with my Tikka T3 Lite in 308 and would highly recommend to hunters.
I used to hunt deer with a Rem 700. I am left handed and carried the rifle over my left shoulder on the sling. The safety would always get pushed to fire by rubbing on my body.
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