Rifle in 7mm-08

Which one?

  • Model 70 Featherweight

    Votes: 35 53.8%

  • M77 Hawkeye

    Votes: 7 10.8%

  • Other

    Votes: 23 35.4%
  • Total voters
    65
  • Poll closed .
B

baddarryl

New member
Hi all. I am looking for a rifle in 7mm-08. I want a nicer rifle than the budget class so I have been looking at things like the M70 Featherweight, Ruger Hawkeye etc. I have a budget of about $800 for the rifle. I had my heart set on a Model 70 Sporter, but they don't make on in that caliber. Part of the reason is weight. I like a little heavier in a rifle. If that were the only difference I would go with the M77 as it is 4oz more than the Featherweight. I know that may sound trivial, but I am trying to help a bad shoulder here. What others can you guys suggest that compete well with these two? As it is, I am pretty settled in this caliber.
 
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Get the Featherweight. If you don't like the stock get a different one later. The Featherweight is hardly a 'light' rifle by today's standards.
 
1. t/c encore with an mgm barrel
2. rem. model 7
3. tikka
4. savage

the encore with a 7mm-08 mgm barrel would be my first choice, the model 7 in 7mm-08 which i have is capable of .4" at 100 yards.
the others i would guess about, and maybe the ruger #1 if it exists
 
For a rifle on the heavier side I'd say go with the Ruger. If you are wanting a light rifle my vote is for the Tikka I have one in .270 and it is the most consistently accurate rifle myself or my friends have ever seen. We have fed it 8 different types of factory ammo and ALL of them have been MOA. My handloads are shoot groups smaller than a nickel.

May a suggest a recoil pad like a pachmeyer or a Limbsaver add that to a 7.5 to 8lb bare rifle and you will have a deadly rifle that kicks like a kitten. Also have you looked at the Weatherby Vanguard S2. Of the 4 hunting rifles I own it is the heaviest, but I wouldn't call it a brick either.
 
CarJunkie-- How accurate and how do you like that synthetic stock on the Weatherby? I am leaning walnut, but like the looks of that rifle.
 
I'll be honest I haven't even shot the Weatherby in 7-08 yet... I really like the feel of it the weight is nice. The trigger is GREAT right out of the box and the stock is fit nicely and seems to be stiff. The weatherby vanguard S2 does come with a MOA accuracy guarantee shooting Weatherby ammo or Factory premium ammo. I got mine for right at $500 and for the money it is a hard rifle to beat. The only bad thing I can say about it is that the rifle was DIRTY straight out of the box. It wasn't a display model either. I cut the tape on the box so it had to ship that way. I gave it a good cleaning, oiling, and wipe down and it is a FINE rifle.
 
Just want to add my 2 cents, I own 2 7-08's, one is a model 7 which is my "deer rifle" is light and accurate and if I load it a bit under max loads my 130 lb daugthter shoots it with no recoil complaints. My other is a Ruger Hawkeye which I have changed the stock to a Boyds Thumbhole which did add a bit of weight but also because of the design cut down on the recoil. When I do my part it shoots 3/4" groups with my handloads but I will admit it is fussy what it likes.
 
Nice rifle with a wood stock, none of the above. Except maybe the Model 7 and Featherweight. I'd look for a Sako 75 or 85 in 7mm08. I have a 75 and it is a beautiful and good shooting gun.
 
Tikka also comes in wood. I like mine in synthetic, but the stock is a bit cold in late fall in Maine.

I've looked longingly at the Weatherby S2, but it's a bit heavier.
 
I voted for the Model 70 Featherweight. I have one of the newer FN Featherweights in .257 Roberts, and it is a fantastic rifle. There's just something about a M70 Featherweight that is 'right'. It shoots well and balances/carries well for me.

SR
 
Here is my reasoning. I have a Marlin xl7 in 270 that weighs 6.5 pounds and has a nice recoil pad on it. I have no problem in the woods, but even sighting in with a 1/2 a box of shells is about all I can take. I looked at some guns today and liked the feel of the Browning x bolt the best actually, but can't afford that.

I think I have gained more sense and going to allow this budget of $800 for rifle and scope. That in mind I am really liking the Weatherby Vanguard that I handled today. It was not a 2 and not in 7mm-08 but nevertheless seemed well made. Not sure, but think I am going to go with one of those and a $300 scope. I hate to change direction, but what else is a good competitor to the Weatherby?

My only concern is ammo availability. I know it is out there, but certainly not as plentiful as the old standards. How is your luck in getting it?
 
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Remington Model Seven - +4

The one I had, with a synthetic stock, was lighter/handier than my Winchester M70FW's, and my Ruger M77's.


.
 
I've shot some lightweight 270's over the years and they can really kick, so I know your pain. I like that you're looking at the 7mm-08, it is a very underappreciated cartridge in my opinion. I voted you get the Model 70, before I read you last post:( When I was last rifle shopping the Model 70 would have been my choice except the gun store I was in wanted way more than they should have and going out of town was not an option. I ended up handling a Vanguard S2 and it impressed me enough that I bought it, and I've not regretted that decision. I have friends that own Vanguards and we shoot together from time to time. All of them speak very highly of their rifles, and all shoot more than accurate enough for hunting. I don't think you'll be disappointed at all if you go that route.

7mm-08 availability, in my area, is about as good as any other cartridge except .22lr, which is still nowhere to be found.
 
I voted for the M70 Featherweight a few hours ago. But I have to say that I'm a big fan of the Weatherby Vanguards as well. In my opinion they are the best rifle for the money in the $400-$600 range. They are well-built and the ones I've laid my hands on (granted, only two of them) were very accurate.

You can't go wrong with a M70 or a Vanguard. I would buy either one of them long before I would buy a Remington or Tikka. But that's just my opinion.

SR
 
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