Two guns to end them all?

[Nyksta]

Originally Posted by wildwoods

The only thing positive about a “light” gun is just that- it’s light. I would buy a regularly weighted T3 and keep better accuracy. My friend had a T3 lite (I believe 7mm) and that rifle was very inconsistent.

I’m sure I’ll be refuted by someone one here, but in general terms I believe myself to be correct. If it’s your all around rifle, stick with regular weight.

a heavier setup helps minimize the effects of a shooter's inconsistencies. If someone was trying to achieve the tightest possible groups at the range, the heavier the better.

[Wiz]

I use my 30-06 Tikka T3 hunter with walnut stock, stainless bbl, and vortex viper 3-9 for all big game hunting and have killed elk, moose, mule and white tail no problem. Took my elk at 400 yards, and took a large mule at 500. My rifle likes the Nosler green tip 180g

30-30 is a nice close range big game gun.

.223 for coyotes

12g for birds and defense

And of course a bunch of .22’s

[Dweb]

7mm-08/7mmRM

[270person]

7 mag over 30-06 all day every day. Nothing wrong with 30-06 but I just don't see it having any advantages. Recoil is the same. Not much difference for ammo cost.

7mm will outperform anything the 30-06 can do with similar bullet weights unless you feel the need for 220 grainers which not many shoot.

[roper1]

300WinMag & a .223

[58thecat]

Originally Posted by 270person

7 mag over 30-06 all day every day. Nothing wrong with 30-06 but I just don't see it having any advantages. Recoil is the same. Not much difference for ammo cost.

7mm will outperform anything the 30-06 can do with similar bullet weights unless you feel the need for 220 grainers which not many shoot.

Hmmmm go literally anywhere and ammo for the 06 is more readily available...advantage.

[270person]

Originally Posted by 58thecat

Hmmmm go literally anywhere and ammo for the 06 is more readily available...advantage.

Not really. 7mm is a very popular cartridge and I doubt there's many stores stocking ammo that wouldn't have at least have Rem or Win softpoints on the shelves. Ive sure never been in one. Might not be Nosler AB's but in those times I doubt a guy would care much.

To be honest Joe's hardware not stocking a particular cartridge would rank high on my list of worst reasons to buy a particular rifle.

[Ronaround]

Originally Posted by 270person

Not really. 7mm is a very popular cartridge and I doubt there's many stores stocking ammo that wouldn't have at least have Rem or Win softpoints on the shelves. Ive sure never been in one. Might not be Nosler AB's but in those times I doubt a guy would care much.

To be honest Joe's hardware not stocking a particular cartridge would rank high on my list of worst reasons to buy a particular rifle.

To be honest Joe's hardware not stocking a particular cartridge would rank high on my list of worst reasons to buy a particular rifle.[/QUOTE]

A very good point Above>
Comfort and having a total feeling of trust in your weapon is utmost in my opinion.

[leaseman]

Need and want are two very different things....

My 30-06 has done everything for me....except upland game birds.....

All the other calibers are for fun! (Yes,I have too many!)

[7magtime]

.243 or 25-06 and 7mm Rem or 300 Win would be my choices for if I had to pick two big game rifles......

[Nikanit]

I own a 30.06 and I really like the different types of grains one can use (I use 180), and for deer I have a lethal .243.
The 30.06 I can handle it just fine, and it's a versatile gun for hunting in the mountains for larger game. I wanted a rifle that could also protect if something went south while we were dealing with a deer. The .243 is mostly for deer & coyote hunting.

My husband likes his .243, for deer and coyote, and has a 338 win for the distance and power. He uses this for elk. If he was hunting bear from a stand, his trusty Marlin 45.70 Guide gun

[ICMDEER]

I agree; one gun is likely enough. I'm a 300 Winchester mag fan. But you can't beat a 30-06. I shoot everything from antelope to moose with my 300. Maybe too much for an antelope, but the thing I like is the heavier bullet penetrates and it also doesn't get too much wind drift.

And I also agree on one really good scope. Get one that you can use for long distance. I like Leupold, but there are lots of great brands out there. But you kinda get what you pay for.

Then start saving because you always need another rifle.

[OldRussian]

If I were you I would get one gun and shoot everything with it. I've never killed something too dead. There is also something to be said for consistently using the same weapon.

The Tikka T3s are a nice choice. I personally like the T3x Strata. It is packed full of features and doesn't blow out the budget. At the very minimum get a t3 that is S/S and synthetic.

You can also check out the Montana Rifle Co X3. It is a semi custom rifle that runs around 1900. Prophet River is the Canadian importer. Mine shoots tight, points and handles well.

For caliber I would suggest a 300 WM or 300 WSM. Shoot a premium bonded bullet for animals bigger than deer. Last thing you want is a cup and core bullet failing to penetrate the shoulder blade of an elk.

For scope I can't recommend the Leupold VX5 HD 3-15x44mm enough. It is lightweight, crystal clear, has a locking elevation turret, and transmits lots of light in low light situations.

I would stay away from vortex. They are junk. You have a high probability of using their awesome warranty.

If you take my advice you will have one premium setup that won't let you down. If you go the two gun route you will have two so-so setups and one that likely has no scope due to warranty work.

[bsmitty27]

What ever you decide will work just fine. Cartridge gets way over talked. There is the solid 30 cals 30-06, 308, 30-30,. The 7mm's the 08 and the 280 or the euro versions, throw the 270 in this group as well. The 6.5''s 260, the creedmore, 55 Swede, 57. And if your interested in shooting coyotes from a distance as deer with the same rifle the 243, 25-06 fills that roll quite nice. Then the varmint cartridges, and everything in between.

I will give 2 pieces of advice first is buy used. That way when you think you want to try something else (and you proubably will) you can sell for the same or more money. And I'd personally stay away from the magnums, unless your target is consistantly game over 400y.
One more thing dry fire the hell out of what ever you buy and get a nice rimfire CZ to go with it.
Good luck and enjoy!

[sns2]

6.5 Creedmoor

&

338 Win Mag

If the above scenario doesn't work for you just get a 30-06 and call er quits

[patriot11]

I'm not a very experienced hunter but from what I've gathered by talking to people and general research seems a .308 with the right ammo is more than enough to take down anything North America has to offer? So .22, .308 and a 12 gauge covers pretty much everything?

[marky_mark]

Originally Posted by sns2

6.5 Creedmoor

&

338 Win Mag

If the above scenario doesn't work for you just get a 30-06 and call er quits

This

[35 whelen]

444 Marlin 30 odd 6

Sent from my SM-G930W8 using Tapatalk

[CanadianEh]

7x57 Mauser. No second gun required.

[Huntsman]

Originally Posted by patriot11

I'm not a very experienced hunter but from what I've gathered by talking to people and general research seems a .308 with the right ammo is more than enough to take down anything North America has to offer? So .22, .308 and a 12 gauge covers pretty much everything?

Yes you can’t go wrong with that combo ☝🏼

Mine is similar with the addition of a .223.

[Dubious]

Why only 2? There’s so much out there that can be amazing for one thing but horrible at another thing. One example is the classic 3006 if you want an all around gun it’s great but if you mostly hunt whitetail in the trees there’s better choices. If you want to do some varmint control 223 is fantastic big game ,not in Alberta. Neither of those rifles will be good for small game or birds. A 4-5 cabinet would be a lot better set if for the vast selection of game in Alberta

[shooter12]

If its only two, I would take 300 WSM and 308 win.
It could be on Blaser platform also.
S12

[Roadgear]

The .270 has served me well on all game for 55 years.

[Iron Brew]

I've seen one answer close to mine. I like my 30-06 and my 45-70. Nothing like taking game with a bullet you cast and loaded. And, the 45-70 does minimal meat damage with a cast bullet IF you don't hit major bone.

I've got the 7mm single shot, the 303's, 270's, etc. but I'd say 6.5/270/30-06 for the longer range stuff and a heavy and slow for the big critters up close and personal.

And keep the 30-30. Yes, it does the same thing as the 45-70, but not as good a bush buster, and I got the 45-70 for a back country carry (read grizzly). It rapidly became my go to. As I heard somebody say about a long shot once "gee. That's too bad. Maybe next year you can get closer". I have gravitated that way for my hunting, but I don't criticize those that like longer shots IF they have practiced and take ethical shots.

[Fordevr]

.204 Ruger for pelt friendly coyote hunting (also can take the head off a chicken nicely with practice) or gopher patrol and a bigger rifle for any big game. My personal choices are 6.5 cm .270win, 30.06 or my personal favorite the 300 win mag.

[BigPapaBear]

Like most I have a lot more than 2 rifle but for me the 300 WSM and 22-250 get the most use.

[1899b]

.30-06

.22 lr

[Crock44]

300 win mag
22-250

[MetisHunter]

just an update on what I’ve purchased so far. Being an over thinker it’s taking me some time to figure out what I want, but then I came across this guy on Gunpost and couldn’t pass it up. It’s a Tikka T3 Lite Hunter in 30-06. It came with a bipod, ammo holder, limb saver, a cheaper Burris scope and 160 rounds(80 are Hornady Superformance). All for $800cdn which I thought was pretty dang good. Now I have some extra money to invest in a good scope. Thanks again for everybody’s input. Time to go to the range and have some fun and then go hunting.

I can’t figure out how to upload photos here.

[jayquiver]

Originally Posted by MetisHunter

just an update on what I’ve purchased so far. Being an over thinker it’s taking me some time to figure out what I want, but then I came across this guy on Gunpost and couldn’t pass it up. It’s a Tikka T3 Lite Hunter in 30-06. It came with a bipod, ammo holder, limb saver, a cheaper Burris scope and 160 rounds(80 are Hornady Superformance). All for $800cdn which I thought was pretty dang good. Now I have some extra money to invest in a good scope. Thanks again for everybody’s input. Time to go to the range and have some fun and then go hunting.

I can’t figure out how to upload photos here.

download Tapatalk on your phone and upload from that app. WAY Easier!

Nice purchase!