Looking to get a new bolt action hunting rifle in a few months, what should I get?

C

Carolina Kalash

Inactive
In a few months, I'll be in the market for a new (or maybe used if it's like new and a good price) bolt action hunting rifle. I've looked around online a bit, mostly at the Remington 700, Winchester M70, Tikka T3, Ruger M77, Browing A-Bolt, CZ 550, Zastava M70, or some type of Mauser Sporter (as in, a Mauser factory built as a hunting rifle, not a Bubba'ed milsurp)

What I'm after:
-Bolt action
-No more (or at least not much more) $1000 after getting a good scope and rings if needed
-Comes in standard calibers, anywhere from .243 up to .300 Win Mag
-Good Accuracy, preferably out of the box
-Durable
-Reliable ejection and feeding
-Smooth action for faster followup shots if needed
-Detachable mag or hinge plate
-Visually appealing
-Comes in either Blued or parkerized w/ wood stock, or Stainless w/ synthetic or wood stock (Don't much care for blued w/ synthetic)
-Nice trigger out of the box or easily adjustable
-To be a good quality, well made rifle
-Would like controlled feed w/ Mauser claw extracter, but is by no means a deal breaker if it's push feed.

What I DON'T want:
-No budget rifles i.e. Remington 783 or 770, Savage Axis, etc.
-No blind magazines
-No sporterized milsurps

I don't care one way or the other if it is/has:
-3 position saftey w/ bolt lock
-Made in USA or import
-Iron sights
-Raised cheekweld

What do you fellow hunters and riflemen alike think?
 
People are going to ask you what you plan to hunt, predicted distances to be shot, etc.

Without knowing these things I'll just say that there isn't much you can't take with a .308 caliber rifle, or a .30-06.

As to what particular rifle, I chose a Savage 110 in .30-06. Accurate out of the box (3 inch groups/200 yds. with factory ammo), came with adjustable 'accu-trigger,' that I dropped down to about 2.5 lbs., slick bolt, internal 5 rd. mag (I know you said you'd rather have a detachable, I'm just letting you know what I decided when I was where you are now). Very durable and reliable.

I paid about $350. I think now they go for around $500. Not terribly pretty with the synthetic stock, but the model 10 can be had with a decent wood stock.

That still leaves you with about $400 for a scope/rings.
 
(I know you said you'd rather have a detachable, I'm just letting you know what I decided when I was where you are now)
Click to expand...
Detatchable or hinge plate works for me, just don't want blind magazines

People are going to ask you what you plan to hunt, predicted distances to be shot, etc.
Click to expand...
Hunting mostly whitetails and I will shoot a coyote if I see one. Absolute max range would probably be about 200yds.

I had a Savage 111 in .300 Win Mag a number of years ago. I'll agree with it's reputation for accuracy, but that was about the only thing I liked about it.
 
I like the Winchester model 70 Classic Sporter, blued steel, real Walnut, CRF, 270 Winchester. Look for a lightly used one, then a used Leupold 3-9×40, leather military rifle sling and call it good. The warranties don't run out on Leupolds.
 
I'd recommend a older Remington 700 BDL(90's or older). I've been using the ADL version since about '94 for SC whitetail. Only thing I've done to the rifle was swap in a Shilen trigger (highly recommend).
 
If you want a short, lightweight tree-stand type rifle look for a used Remington Model 7. They will be several inches shorter and a pound or so lighter than their big brother the 700. You'll have to go used though to get within your budget.
 
Weatherby Vanguard S2 in .270 Win or .30-06 should just "fit your pistol".

Out of the box accuracy, stock with raised cheek weld, etc. etc. The rifles run under $500 which leaves you $500 for bases, rings, and a very good scope.
 
Weatherby Vanguard S2 in .270 Win or .30-06 should just "fit your pistol".

Out of the box accuracy, stock with raised cheek weld, etc. etc. The rifles run under $500 which leaves you $500 for bases, rings, and a very good scope.
Click to expand...

That's one that I'm seriously considering, because of it's out of the box accuracy and reasonable price like you mentioned, and I like the way the new OD green and black gripped synth stock on the series II looks good w/ blued or stainless, although I still like the look of walnut too.
 
Hunting deer under 200yds: Any modern rifle will do that. At that range any of the standard hunting rounds from .243win on up will do fine.

$1000 with scope. That might be a problem. Most people will recommend a scope in the $300 range, that will limit you on some of the rifles that are close to 1k such as the Winchester Model 70.
But the 200yd maximum means a relatively inexpensive Weaver K-4 will work fine.

Try rifles on for size, the one that fits best is the one for you.
 
I will second that Weatherby vanguard 2, I have one in 243 which I will be taking to SC in a couple weeks to hunt whitetails, It is a well put together rifle, excellent 2 stage trigger and it drives tacks right out of the box. I handload for it and I am getting 1" groups at 200 yds with 85 gr HPBT sierra bullets.
 
Of those that you mentioned I've owned or own Ruger M77 Mark II (same as Hawkeye), Remington 700, and Browning A-Bolt. All were/are great off the shelf rifles. The Remington was hands down the most accurate, the Ruger had the smoothest action IMO, and the A-Bolt was just a nice all around rifle. I can't say anything bad about any of them. I also have a Weatherby Vanguard S2 in .243 Winchester and it is amazingly accurate. My first trip out with it I shot a .250" three shot group and have duplicated that many times since. My only misgiving with that rifle is it's a little heavier than other rifles in it's class. If weight matters to you that would be a concern. With the many choices that you list though I think I would wait for the best sale and take advantage of it. As Buzzcook said, any modern bolt action rifle is going to do what is sounds like you need. Save all you can and put the best optics on it that you can afford.
 
I also have a Weatherby Vanguard S2 in .243 Winchester and it is amazingly accurate. My first trip out with it I shot a .250" three shot group and have duplicated that many times since. My only misgiving with that rifle is it's a little heavier than other rifles in it's class. If weight matters to you that would be a concern. With the many choices that you list though I think I would wait for the best sale and take advantage of it. As Buzzcook said, any modern bolt action rifle is going to do what is sounds like you need. Save all you can and put the best optics on it that you can afford.
Click to expand...

Weight dosen't bother me to much, I'm sure there's aftermarket stocks that could help with that, but I don't mind rifles that are a little on the heavy side anyway. The Weatherby Vanguard S2 is what I'm leaning towards right now.
 
What's wrong with a Ruger American in 243? You can drop a good Nikon scope on the rifle and be hunting under $700.

Yes, it's a "budget" rifle but one that reviews well and has proven to be just as accurate as the much higher priced guns. It's light and easy to pack. Big bonus there. I'm considering picking one up in 22-250 just to have a little fun.

I'd be hesitant to carry my Remington 700 Sendero afield because it's way too much weight and bulk to hump around.
 
I have and older walnut stocked Weatherby Vanguard that has been my go to deer rifle for 20 plus years. They are HEAVY. For years I did not understand how people took offhand shots with a scoped rifle, until I realized just how heavy the Weatherby is. The rifle will hold 1/4 MOA with the right loads and me doing my part. Now I have a Savage 11 trophy xp .308 as well and its a great brush or spot and stalk gun. The bolt is butter smooth and it is well balanced. The best I can get the rifle to average is about 1.5 MOA. Fine for normal hunting ranges but if I know I am shooting 200 plus yards I grab the Weatherby every time.
 
Can't go wrong with a Remington 700. Well you can if you pick up a brand new one. They sure don't make them like they did even 15 years ago. I had the floor plate taken out and changed over to a magazine on mine last year and it is awesome
 
Weight dosen't bother me to much, I'm sure there's aftermarket stocks that could help with that, but I don't mind rifles that are a little on the heavy side anyway. The Weatherby Vanguard S2 is what I'm leaning towards right now.
Click to expand...

When I was looking at rifles the S2 did not even interest me, the sales person had to talk me into just holding one at the store. I 'm sure glad I listened to him, I found it had some really nice features and the trigger was just down right impressive. After I got my S2 I told a friend about it and he got one in 270WSM. His is also extremely accurate. He regularly shoots sub MOA 3 shot groups using Federal Premium ammo and his reloads.
 
One commercial hunting rifle is pretty much the same as the next(they bore me to tears.). And your list describes any commercial hunting rifle. You can buy entirely based on price without any fuss.
However, a grand with sights limits your options. So does "Mauser claw extractor".
Hard to beat a Savage anything for out of the box accuracy. Their package rifles are the same as those that do not come with the low end scope. Said scope can be changed whenever you feel like it.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top