Factory Deer Rifle suggestions

[Jacks Grampa]

I just bought a Browning X Bolt. Action bedded and barrel floated from the factory. Most accurate unmodified rifle I've ever had.

 

[Rdlningcltchdmpr]

Tikka, Tikka, Tikka

 

[FryeGuy]

Working up loads for my sons tikka t3x lite for an upcoming Africa trip yesterday. I put a youth stock on it when we first got it. I have only shot light loads so far, and wanted to bump them up some. Stuck with 129accubonds and went to H4350. It proceeded to shoot better groups than both of the coopers I had with me.....and it was 1/3 of the cost.

 

[CTK]

I have become a big fan of Tikka’s and the 7mm-08 cartridge. One day my son will want a full sized “adult” rifle. I will slap his 20” Tikka 7-08 into an inexpensive new stock and have an awesome “woods rifle” for whitetail. A Tikka costs about 1/6th or less than a nice custom built rifle. Aside from their accuracy potential, the trigger on a Tikka is great. Dialed down to it’s min setting, it does feel or perform much differently than a basic Timney trigger. The action seems to work flawlessly as do the plastic magazines.

I absolutely love the pre-64 model 70’s discussed earlier. I would collect them if I had the space and money. They are an amazing value for the buck. I bought an unfired 1952 m70 in 30-06 as a gift for a friend. I have struggled to get it to average under 1.5” with multiple load attempts. There are much cheaper and more accurate modern rifles that would probably better serve a beginner.

 

[sqrlgtr]

I've been going to buy one of these for a beater for years, but always end up with something else.

Ive owened two of the tc venture rifles one in .308 stainless and the other in 7/08 blued and both shoot 1/2" or better at a 100yrds off sandbags and truck hood this was with factory ammo.My son still has the .308 but I swapped the 7/08 to a buddy.I bought both of these for $400 each new.They also have 5r rifling.I belive TC has discontinued the venture and replaced them with the compass series though but have heard good things about them as well but cant comment on them as Ive never owned one.$400 in rifle will give alot of room for some decent glass!Good luck with whatever you go with....

 

[Mr. Ten-X]

Savage rifles are the best value in the industry and they will consistently bench better than any other rifle at a similar price point. Have been involved in hunter sight-in clinics most every year since '70 and that is what I base this on. We see tonnage of rifles every year at these clinics and the Savage rifles are always pretty good.

 

[mensajd]

Savage rifles are the best value in the industry and they will consistently bench better than any other rifle at a similar price point. Have been involved in hunter sight-in clinics most every year since '70 and that is what I base this on. We see tonnage of rifles every year at these clinics and the Savage rifles are always pretty good.

You must have some very interesting data. What was the trend over those years? Remington used to have a pretty good reputation for accuracy, but now - not so much!

 

[searcher]

I think some nice (but not too nice), known for accuracy, mid-priced rifles to look at should always include Weatherby, Kimber and Nosler. I too am a big fan of the Remington 700 pattern though. I like a gun that I can easily find accessories and parts for. I've never owned a Savage center-fire rifle, though I've lots of friends who swear by them - as do my squirrel buddies and myself when it comes to their rimfire rifles. If it were my son-in-law - I might look at a TC. Being able to change out the barrels to have a "multi-role" rifle for both big game an varmints might be nice.

 

[HandgunHTR]

I know everyone has mentioned Tikka, but they really are good rifles.

Only one other has mentioned the Ruger American. For the money, they really are hard to beat. If you get the Predator or Go Wild model, they come with threaded barrels so you can put a suppressor on it without any smith work. Or, if you are a brake guy, you can go that route as well (I don't like them due to the noise). They definitely outshoot their price tag. Spend the extra money on a good scope and you have a rifle that any new hunter will get everything they need out of it without you worrying about them beating it up.

 

[500yards]

Christen arms ridge line might be worth checking out. I have one in a 7mm rm that seems to be a decent rifle. The 6.5 cm seems to be popular now days. You might consider something like the 7mm rm especially for the elk. Can use a heavier bullet and an elk can take a lot of killing. Still can purchase ammo almost anywhere. And if you don't reload there is a good selection of factory ammo. Barrel life should be decent. My 12 year old grandson can shoot it very comfortable. Good luck

 

[wbm]

Me if I was buying a strictly hunting rifle it would be a model 16 or 116 Savage Weather Warrior, as good or better than anything else out of the box.

My choice also.

USA USA USA SAVAGE SAVAGE SAVAGE