Need suggestions for new Rifle.

[.Stephen.]

Hey everyone I am looking at purchasing a new big game rifle. I currently own a Browning Blr in 308 and love it. I am torn as I enjoy shooting Browning rifles and considering the Xbolt but looking at the vanguard series 2 and also the tikka T3. I have held them all and they all feel awesome. Looking for thoughts and suggestions on this tough choice. Also debating between 30-06 and 300 win mag for mostly deer and elk maybe one day moose.

[thebaunster]

Are you recoil sensitive? Whats your budget? The Tikka in any magnum caliber is goin to give you a good thump. But if you can handle it, and like a lightweight, budget rifle then why not? From what ive heard, the S2 is an excellent gun. The guy I talked to yesterday from Bashaw Sports had nothing bad to say about his. Browning is a good gun as well from the guys Ive talked too. Little high on price but good product. Ive shot an xbolt and enjoyed it, the gun didnt fit me perfect, so thats why I dont have one, but if you like browning, they fit you good and in your budget then why not?

Heck buy all 3

[Canuck Bob]

I doubt you will have any concerns regarding your choices. It would come down to good fit and wanted features. One thing I might add though. If you are not accustomed to a 300 Mag try and find a buddy to borrow from and buy a box of cartridges for a test drive. I am accustomed to a 444 Marlin but once found a Rem 700 7Mag too much for me and sold the gun and stayed with less kicking rifles. Fit and comb shape really matters with a kicking gun. The 700 was a fine gun but it didn't work for me.

The 30-06 outshines the 308 in the heavy bullet area ideal for moose and elk. It would be my choice in an x-bolt. The 300 is a classic BIG game rifle but it does kick a bit and barks loud.

[Snoik]

if your going vangaurd, rock the .257wby pretty sick little caliber

[rugatika]

Have a look at a 30/06 in a winchester mdl 70 featherweight.

[north american hunter]

Take a Look at winchester model 70 or the vanguard s2 in .257 wby

[Hunter1602]

I've always been a sucker for the .300wsm. The Xbolts are really nice.

[.Stephen.]

I have not looked into the Winchester model 70 but was told they are one of the best Winchester made. Anyone have expierence with these? Are they better than the x bolts?

[rugatika]

Originally Posted by .Stephen.

I have not looked into the Winchester model 70 but was told they are one of the best Winchester made. Anyone have expierence with these? Are they better than the x bolts?

yes

[Hunter1602]

Originally Posted by rugatika

yes

LoL.

It comes down to what feels comfortable to you. Both are well made and both very accurate.

[Flatlandliver]

Originally Posted by Hunter1602

LoL.

It comes down to what feels comfortable to you. Both are well made and both very accurate.

X2 all the rifles around a grand (winchester 70, Browning xbolt, rem 700, ruger, savage etc) are of similar quality IMO. Head to the nearest gun shop and try them all for fit and feel. I like the 06 caliber. Buy good bullets like a TTSX.

[wolf308]

I have model 70 s on both 30-06 and 300 H&H. They are super nice rifles. The rifle mans rifle. Can't go wrong with that pick. 7 saum to 30 wsm and everything between your good to go.

[roger]

Originally Posted by Snoik

if your going vangaurd, rock the .257wby pretty sick little caliber

Yup theres something thats user friendly about 100grs of premium bullet at 3600+fps. Fox to moose n everything in between.
The twofiveseven has filled my trphy room

[nelsonob1]

Sako also make a great rifle - a little more money but a great gun.

[Prairiewolf]

Originally Posted by .Stephen.

Hey everyone I am looking at purchasing a new big game rifle. I currently own a Browning Blr in 308 and love it. I am torn as I enjoy shooting Browning rifles and considering the Xbolt but looking at the vanguard series 2 and also the tikka T3. I have held them all and they all feel awesome. Looking for thoughts and suggestions on this tough choice. Also debating between 30-06 and 300 win mag for mostly deer and elk maybe one day moose.

Between Browning, Weatherby, and Tikka my vote goes to Browning. I think the X-Bolt has the best features and fit. The Tikka, while still a good gun, felt a bit too plastic for me. The Weatherby is a nice gun too, I have less exposure to it though.

If it was me, I think the 30-06 is the better calibre. So versatile. I know I wouldn't like to practice on the 300 WM given the kick.

[sns2]

What is your budget? Stainless / Synthetic or Walnut / Blued? Let us know

[.Stephen.]

I would like to stay around the 700 to 1000 range as I also would like to buy a scope for my new rifle. I was leaning towards the winchester m70 and the x bolt. I like the wood look. Those 2 are on the top of my list right now in 30-06.

[sns2]

Originally Posted by .Stephen.

I would like to stay around the 700 to 1000 range as I also would like to buy a scope for my new rifle. I was leaning towards the winchester m70 and the x bolt. I like the wood look. Those 2 are on the top of my list right now in 30-06.

WSS South Edmonton has a very nice Model 70 Featherweight Stainless in 270 Win. I have had to control my impulses so as not to buy it.

It will meet your needs to a tee. However, if you want the big thumper, I believe WSS North has a 300WSM.

$979.99

[.Stephen.]

Would you say the winchester out shines the browning x bolt. Reviews have said yes but also read that the workers at the browning factory say the xbolt suprisngly has the edge for the m70. I know both are great rifles and held both and feel great. Now its just deciding haha

[north american hunter]

Model 70 over the xbolt anyday of the week.

[sns2]

Originally Posted by .Stephen.

Would you say the winchester out shines the browning x bolt. Reviews have said yes but also read that the workers at the browning factory say the xbolt suprisngly has the edge for the m70. I know both are great rifles and held both and feel great. Now its just deciding haha

If they both feel equally good, I would go with the Model 70 100 times out of 100. It is a quality gun, accuracy will be equal, the triggers are essentially the same, though not interchangeable, resale will be higher, and it has a much, much more classic look.

[.Stephen.]

Would buying a sako be worth th extra money? Is it a step up from these rifles?

[sns2]

It all depends. Are you addicted to guns? Do you like having nice things? Do you trade in your vehicles every year? Is your wife gonna kill you for spending the money?

Sako, along with Cooper, and some might say Kimber, are arguably the nicest production rifles. They are also the most expensive. They are all very, very nice. Go to the gun stores and handle all of them. Buy one that makes you say, "Wow, this thing fits like it's a part of me and is it ever a beautiful gun!"

Finally, don't get caught up in cartridge choice and magnum mania. Your 308 will kill anything you can get a tag for just fine, so there is no need to jump up to a 300 WSM. They often don't feed as well as the 30-06 you mentioned and the ammo is way more expensive. Spend your time and money on ammo to practice with and you will outshoot the dude with the big magnum who squints and flinches each time he pulls the trigger the one time he sets a pie plate up on a cutline the day before hunting season opens.

[Flatlandliver]

Originally Posted by .Stephen.

Hey everyone I am looking at purchasing a new big game rifle. I currently own a Browning Blr in 308 and love it. I am torn as I enjoy shooting Browning rifles and considering the Xbolt but looking at the vanguard series 2 and also the tikka T3. I have held them all and they all feel awesome. Looking for thoughts and suggestions on this tough choice. Also debating between 30-06 and 300 win mag for mostly deer and elk maybe one day moose.

Here ya go. He's looking for a blr too.
http://www.outdoorsmenforum.ca/showthread.php?t=216982

[Hogie135]

My Vanguard S2 270 spits out laser beams with 130 gr pills. I highly recommend it!

[raab]

What are you looking to do with it? Is it a gun you'll use for sitting or are you a guy who likes to walk a lot? Do you drive lots of oilfield roads or will you be hunting off a quad?

[.Stephen.]

Would anyone recommend savage over the winchester? I have a buddy who swears by savage and says they are more accurate than the model 70. I know nothing about savage.

[Pagespirit]

Fishing World in Hamilton just gave me a great deal on a Win 70 Extreme in 300. I think they have one more. Although wood is beautiful simply not practical for my hunting application. The Extreme is comfortable and accurate. Just my .02

[raab]

Pretty much any gun you buy is going to be accurate now a days. What your paying for is fit and finish.

In saying that I would recommend a 30-06 Win Savage 111 Combo pack for your uses or maybe one you haven't consider the 7MM Rem Mag. Either way they're 419 bucks at Wholesale Sports. You can buy a nicer stock from Boyds and get a rifle basix trigger for around 100 bucks each when you have the money to upgrade them. Take the money you save on the gun and invest in a nice scope. I will say to stay away from the Axis if you have the money to buy something a bit better but thats JMO.

Also depending what your planning on doing with the rifle I'd recommend the Savage as it'll be a bit heavier then the Winchester M70 which is a good thing with the calibres your looking at.

[Flatlandliver]

[QUOTE=raab;2425328]Pretty much any gun you buy is going to be accurate now a days. What your paying for is fit and finish.

I would avoid the cheaper package stuff and sps rem. They are cheap for a reason. Lots of guys are impressed with Savage for out of the box accuracy.