New Stalking Rifle

[Jack0106]

So I'm in the market for a new stalking rifle.

I'm currently looking at a number of possible candidates al with synthetic stocks. These being:

- Bergara B14 HMR
- Tikka T3 CTR
- Mauser M18 Impact
- Remington 700 AWR

Out of curiosity what are your opinions on these? Ill be shooting Sika, Fallow and Red Deer and I'm leaning more towards getting one chambered in .270 or .308.

I've had some people swear by these calibers and others giving out stating that its too much gun. (they're 6.5 Swede shooters)

Thanks in advance for the help.

Jack

 

[enfieldspares]

How far will you be walking, how much of that walking will involve you carrying the rifle?

Which receiver has the best suited available off the shelf 'scope bases...of a sort you prefer...available for it?

What do they sell for, used, on Guntrader? Residual values, if and when you come to sell, should be considered when framing a purchase.

What is the twist rate? If and/or when lead free bullets become mandatory will that rifle handle these longer for calibre projectiles? That'd for me would rule out anything other than a true 7mm or .30" calibre.

 

[savdp]

Jack, I would seriously look at the weight of some of the rifles you mentioned. The 700AWR is a very nice stalking rifle, along with the Mauser, but the other 2 are heavy. Carrying a heavy rifle into the field and shooting from a tower or high chair with minimal walking is doable, but a day out in the hills, go a little lighter if you can.

A rifle can be too light if you are new to shooting or recoil sensitive, but one weighing between 6 1/2 and 7 1/2 lbs is a good start. Consider a browning Xbolt and the Sauer 100 or 101(as there are deals to be had). These are all very good stalking rifles. If you like the Tikka and Bergara, then look at the standard barrel (hunter) profile versions.

 

[savdp]

By the way, in terms of cartridge, both are very effective, and if you are using factory ammo, then again both are readily available. Really just a choice of the rifle you like, and if both cartidges are available, then comes down to long or short action (except in the case of the Tikka). Generally, short action will be a little lighter.

 

[Benji53]

Get a tikka t3 Varmint and be done with it

 

[Jack0106]

How far will you be walking, how much of that walking will involve you carrying the rifle?

Which receiver has the best suited available off the shelf 'scope bases...of a sort you prefer...available for it?

What do they sell for, used, on Guntrader? Residual values, if and when you come to sell, should be considered when framing a purchase.

What is the twist rate? If and/or when lead free bullets become mandatory will that rifle handle these longer for calibre projectiles? That'd for me would rule out anything other than a true 7mm or .30" calibre.

I know the Bergara is quite a heady rifle with it's built in chassis and heavy barrel. Not to mention the fact I'll probably put a moderator on the end of it.

Appreciate the input, certainly some things in there that I hadn't quite considered yet. I don't think I'd be selling the rifle again though. I do like the Remington 700 with it's ease of accessing parts and versatility. The 1022 for the center-fire world if you will

 

[Jack0106]

Jack, I would seriously look at the weight of some of the rifles you mentioned. The 700AWR is a very nice stalking rifle, along with the Mauser, but the other 2 are heavy. Carrying a heavy rifle into the field and shooting from a tower or high chair with minimal walking is doable, but a day out in the hills, go a little lighter if you can.

A rifle can be too light if you are new to shooting or recoil sensitive, but one weighing between 6 1/2 and 7 1/2 lbs is a good start. Consider a browning Xbolt and the Sauer 100 or 101(as there are deals to be had). These are all very good stalking rifles. If you like the Tikka and Bergara, then look at the standard barrel (hunter) profile versions.

You have read my mind. I was looking at the Bergara Hunter line. The AWR is a lovely rifle but being in Ireland, I'll probably have to order one in. Made an excellent point about the weight. By time I've packed out a deer I'll be sinking

 

[Jack0106]

Get a tikka t3 Varmint and be done with it

Do they come in a caliber higher than 243? Might be my ignorance though

 

[Jack0106]

By the way, in terms of cartridge, both are very effective, and if you are using factory ammo, then again both are readily available. Really just a choice of the rifle you like, and if both cartidges are available, then comes down to long or short action (except in the case of the Tikka). Generally, short action will be a little lighter.

I've also read the short action can give way to more accurate rifle too since the actions stiffer. I was recommended 6.5 Swede but ive gone to a couple of RFDs and they have maybe one or two rifle in that but a whole wall worth of 30cals and 270s

 

[tom308w]

jack ive got a 308w in tikka varmint very good rifle and 308 ammo is readily available all over the country at sensible prices.

 

[stevenedwards]

I've also read the short action can give way to more accurate rifle too since the actions stiffer. I was recommended 6.5 Swede but ive gone to a couple of RFDs and they have maybe one or two rifle in that but a whole wall worth of 30cals and 270s

Is that because no one wants them and all 6.5x55's have been sold ???

 

[NullMac]

Depends on what your version of stalking is really.

The HMR seems great. I am happy stalking with heavy rifles but that's just a bit much even for me. I went with a B14 Ridge. Same #5 contour barrel but without the heavier stock and mag systems, but its a pure stalking rifle and I have others to do the "MR" bit. FWIW I went 270. 24" barrel and it seems fast so getting great results with modern powders and bullets.

Tikka looks good also. The CTR looks like a great option.

The M18 is not in the same class for me and Remmy needs to sort out their QA.

 

[stevenedwards]

On a serious note while 6.5x55 is an excellent choice particularly if one has limited experience the twist rates available are in general to slow if copper bullets are to be used.

 

[NullMac]

Do they come in a caliber higher than 243? Might be my ignorance though

300WSM big enough ??

 

[Heym SR20]

They are all good rifles. I would avoid heavy barrels - great on the range or from a high seat, but otherwise unnecessary weight - keep to a standard sporter weight. And heavy barrels are pain to carry on a sling - add in a moderator and they are even worse. Bergara's are good value for money, but other than that it will pretty much come down to which feels best for you. T3s shoot well, but I don't like the 3 shot detachable magazine - much prefer a five round fixed mag (saves have loose rounds in your pocket - five is plenty for an outing to shoot one deer).

 

[Millerich]

Have a look at the Mauser M12. I got one to compliment my two T3s. Very happy with it.

 

[TH4]

Try as many different makes as you can and buy the one that you prefer shooting with and you are most accurate with. Doesn't matter what make it is.

 

[Benji53]

Yes I have one in 7mm rem mag great tool

 

[Jack0106]

Is that because no one wants them and all 6.5x55's have been sold ???

I might be wrong but isn't a 6.5 Swede the same as 6.5x55

 

[Jack0106]

300WSM big enough ??

Not really a varmint round then