Need input on new hunting rifle purchase

[ssramage]

I'm going to be picking up a new hunting rifle for this year, and likely sending my current rifle to NRG for an overhaul. Currently shooting a Rem 700 ADL .25-06 but having some feeding issues. I've been wanting to do it, and have some $$$ saved to do so.

So, in order to not be "down" a rifle, I'll be buying a new one to be the workhorse for this season. I have others I could use, but I've made up in my mind that it's a necessity...

Here's the criteria
Caliber: 7mm-08
Fairly Lightweight
Good enough quality to pass down one day (aka I don't want a Ruger American)
Budget +/- $1500

Rifles I'm currently considering but open to recommendations: Win 70 Extreme Weather ($1300-1400), Browning BAR MK3 Satin/Wood ($1300), Tikka (~$700-800), Other???

I have shot Rem 700s FOREVER, but thinking of trying something different. Will likely have to order online since gun shops down here are terrible and rarely carry decent inventory.

I'll likely top it with my old VX3i 3.5-10x44 for now and pick up a VX5HD for the rifle I'm building.

Thoughts, comments, suggestions?

 

[bullgator]

Tikka, Browning xbolt, Bergera

 

[Ruger#3]

Look around and you can find new “old stock” in a Ruger All Weather for 1K or less.
I have one in .308 and will be proud to pass it down.

 

[NWS]

Winchester Model 70 Featherweight 7mm-08 makes for a fine hunting rig

 

[sghoghunter]

If I was on a +-$1500 budget I’d be all over a browning ****’s canyon

 

[GregoryB.]

Ruger #1 A in 7mm-08. $1500 on gunbroker new in box. I don't like plastic stocks.

 

[B. White]

After years of Remington, I bought Howa the past few . I thought it was the best bang for the buck (at the time), since I could get barreled actions and match with the stock I wanted for each rifle.

 

[GeorgiaGlockMan]

I like the Browning Xbolts better than the rem 700s.

But to each his own.

Good luck on your quest.

 

[Nimrod71]

I looked at a Bergara 7-08 at Brantley Marine in Vidalia today. They also had Hells Canyon to.

 

[01Foreman400]

Tikka and upgrade the glass.

 

[ssramage]

Tikka and upgrade the glass.

This was the thought with the Tikka. I have seen some weird reviews of the 7mm-08 Tikka though for whatever reason. Accuracy not being in line with the other calibers.

 

[menhadenman]

I finally caved to Tikka fanboys and bought one two years ago (T3X lite, stainless 6.5 CM). Shoots like a laser and the stories are all true. I also bought an X-Bolt (HC Speed 7RM) I can say the same there, a dang fine rifle. These two quickly became my two of my favorites.

I’d see if you can get your hands on a few different models, sometimes that goes a long way. Good luck!

 

[01Foreman400]

This was the thought with the Tikka. I have seen some weird reviews of the 7mm-08 Tikka though for whatever reason. Accuracy not being in line with the other calibers.

I have T3x and have zero accuracy issues.

 

[Big7]

The Ruger American, or anything Ruger is very durable and plenty good enough to be an heirloom rifle IMO.

Having said that: I'd go with the newer, and just as good as an M77 MK II is the Hawkeye.

AWESOME ACTION, as close as you can get to the original Mauser action. And we know it's the best. ?

I have several Ruger M77 MKII's and love all of them.

Available in different OA length, bbl weight / lengths , wood, composite or straight synthetic.

CAN'T GO WRONG WITH A RUGER. ?

 

[furtaker]

Why 7mm-08?

Why not?

 

[Tight Lines]

Tikka or Sako in that range...can probably find a Sako for $1900ish...if you really want to step up you can get a Cooper for mid-2000s. Other than that, everything else had been said...

It is super hard to beat a Tikka synthetic in stainless for $650...then put a $1200 Swaro on top of it and you have a lights out weapon...

 

[Dub]

Winchester Model 70 Supergrade.




Done.

 

[Tight Lines]

7MM-08 is a great round...you'll like it...

 

[SC Hunter]

Tikka or Bergara.

My buddy has a Tikka T3 in 22-250 that is absolutely lights out accurate. He's had it for a while now and we have killed a pile of stuff with it.

 

[aabradley82]

Winchester Model 70 Supergrade.

In Maple



Done.