Searching for the perfect first HP rifle.

[workinmansteve]

I have searched for a thread that compares the Remington, Savage, Wichester, Ruger and, any others. Not having found it and at risk of starting a Ford vs Chevy vs Dodge fight my question is. Should I grab the first one I find that I can afford or is it worth saving the money and holding out for one that costs more?

[jrebelo]

I'm a total newbie with high power, so fair warning there. A term my friend and mentor taught me when I started planning to get into high power a couple months ago is 'silhouette accurate'. When you're shooting off hand at targets roughly 6MOA in size, whether your gun shoots .5" or 1.5" at 100 yards isn't really significant. The human element is always going to be far more detrimental. Any of the models you're already aware of probably shoot comparably well and more than well enough to be silhouette accurate. So then I think the larger question might become how the platform you choose will limit you (or not) from future modifications.

The rem 700 platform seems to be one of the most popular platforms and also one of the best in terms of after market parts, modifications and sheer volume of owners (meaning more used parts on the classified ads, more literature available regarding experiences with the gun).

I don't know which Savage line you are looking at, but I previously owned and was planning to get started in Silhouette with a Savage Edge (same as Axis). I ended up abandoning this plan and sold the gun when I was faced with a complete unavailability of aftermarket stocks. The gun in particular was an ugly camo synthetic stock, which I cannot stand, and I learned that Savage's design for this gun is really prohibitive for popular stock manufactures, so it requires a custom solution. I got out of it instead.

I ended up choosing a Ruger M77 Mk2. I tend to like to contradict popular opinion and looked for some alternative to the Rem700 line. I am really happy with the gun, but there are a few warnings I would issue to anyone shopping the same line: The M77 Mk2 is not synonymous with M77 Mk2 Hawkeye. The Hawkeye has an adjustable high quality trigger. The Mk2 comes with a HEAVY, CREEPY hunting trigger. Add $100 to your total cost to factor in a trigger upgrade. Second, the M77 has Ruger's own proprietary scope mounting system and so you may end up adding an adapter base to it if you're like me and don't want to be stuck using Ruger's own rings (I wanted to use Burris Signature Zees on mine). Fortunately, the base is readily available and not too costly and then you have a weaver mount for some nice Burris Sigs and you're off to the shoot.

[DanDeMan]

Steve,

If I was going to purchase an off-the-shelf Hunter HP silhouette rifle, the below link has my first choice in 260 Rem with an 8-twist barrel. The Tika's have a reputation for excellent accuracy. I don't know how their triggers are any more. The last time I worked on one was probably 12 years ago.

http://www.tikka.fi/pdf/specs/Hunter_Stainless.pdf

[BCloninger]

If you know where to find a Tikka T3 in Rem .260, have them save one for me! A 6.5mm anything is hard to find off the shelf, so I'll probably shop a 7-08 and try to overcome the recoil phobia.

[DanDeMan]

Here ya go...

TIKKA T3 Stainless/Synthetic
.260 Rem , 7-08, .30/06
- $875.00

http://www.shooterschoice.ca/rifles.htm

[BCloninger]

Too bad I'm so cynical - they actually have them in stock! Double checking the price.

[Jason]

Umm.. Isn't that place in Canada?

[BCloninger]

Umm.. Isn't that place in Canada?

Well crap. Sure looks like it from the area code.

[Bob259]

Try here, we got several Tika's from them http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/index.php

[BCloninger]

They're out. Everyone is pretty slammed with gun orders right now, so if Senator Feinstein would just settle down the panic buying might taper off. Sheesh. It would be polite thing for gun makers need to send her a thank you note. Anything factory in a 6.5 would probably have to come from Savage. Otherwise, I can step up to a 7-08 or down to .243 - or I can just wait for the panic buying to pass and see what comes along.

[Bigfoot]

If you're in love with the tikka it's really not that big of a deal to have it shipped to your local ffl.

If you want help with it pm me and I'll take you through the steps. I work for ups and have done it so many times that I'm pretty sure I could fill out the commercial invoice and import control forms in my sleep.

Having said that. I went the custom route with my first (and 2nd which will be a std rifle) hi power rifle and couldn't be more happy.

I went with a defiance rebel single shot action and Lila 3 groove barrel. Jewel trigger and Steve Wooster hunter stock. Loren Peter of Vancouver WA chambered it for the 260 Bobcat and away I went. I toyed with a rem 700 but figured by the time I got done tweaking this and that I would probably be spending the same amount of cash so why not get it all right the first time.

[Bob Mc Alice]

Steve, your rifle choice will depend largely on what cartridge you choose. Off the shelf rifles have limited chamber choices. The Tikka is a well made rifle but you will still need to spend another $400. to $600. on the proper scope.

jrebelo has mentioned in his well written post about the drawbacks of the Ruger 77. The Winchester 70 action is heavier than a Rem 700 action , something to consider when trying to stay under nine pounds total weight.

In my opinion, an off the shelf Remington 700 is the way to go. The large majority of silhouette shooters use the 700 action. Aftermarket parts and components are abundent. Sportsmans Warehouse sells the no frills Remington 700 SPS for around $400. in matte carbon steel and $500.00 for stainless. Stainless barrels will last longer than carbon. The 7-08 chamber will be your best bet as Remington has long stopped chambering for their own .260 Rem. cartridge. Us Colorado shooters have bought plenty of SPS rifles in 7-08 and they have been great shooters right out of the box.

As for the right truck.....FORD all the way.

[Snake]

Brother McAlice you are spot on! The Tikka is a long action ...they only make one..its a cheap sako. It uses the same barrel as the model 75 & 85 Sako. Tuning up a Rem action is a breeze, they are strong, smooth, reliable and there are plenty of parts and accessories readily available for them. Not so much for Sako and Tikka

[colorado shooter]

workinmansteve, Sportsmans warehouse in Thorton has in stock Remington 700 ADL Stainless Steel packge deal with mounts, 3 x 9 scope $499. Plus Remington has rebate on on their 700 rifles.

Dave

[Bob Mc Alice]

What good is a shooting website with out a gun picture every now and then, I ask?

Steve, this is the rifle I was using at CRC practice last Sunday. It was one of those ADL scope package stainless 7-08's I bought 15 months ago for $479.00 at Sportsmans. It had the plastic stock and 3-9x Bushnell scope included. Sold the stock and scope for $100.00 right away. Found a camo painted used HS Precision stock and bottom metal for $250.00. The stock was opened up for a varmint barrel so I filled it in with epoxy and shaped it to better fit the sporter contour barrel. I replaced the X-mark trigger with an old style one. It was topped off with a 8.5 - 25x Leupold. It will head shoot turkeys off the bench with 150 gr.SMK's and 38.0 grs. Varget. Not too shabby for an unmodified stock action with factory barrel. Those Remingtons shoot.