Mauser, Browning or something else.

[Pete_Cambs]

So now I’ve had my FEO interview I should see my certificate through the post box in the next 3-4 weeks meaning it’s time to re-visit my rifle choice in anger.

The slot I have for a stalking gun is 6.5cm. I have no land of my own so will be 6-10 guided stalks a year with maybe a syndicate in future if I can find something suitable - I’d imagine 100-150 rounds a year between zero check / practice and actual live quarry shots. It’s also not my only rifle, I have multiple other slots for target disciplines.

Off the bat I’ve discounted Tikka as I don’t like the fact you have to take the gun off safe to unload…. Been fine with borrowed Tikkas I’ve used but just doesn’t sit right with me.

So I think I’ve narrowed it down to a Mauser M12 impact and the new Browning X-Bolt 2 as they both allow safe unloading and air in my price bracket.
I know you can’t re-barrel the Mauser but I figure it’s good for circa 2500-3000 rounds which is probably a decade or more of life with me so don’t think it’s an issue.

 

[Will the chippy]

Howa in the stock of your choice. It's got a 3 position safety and can be re barrelled if needed.

 

[Pete_Cambs]

Howa in the stock of your choice. It's got a 3 position safety and can be re barrelled if needed.

any idea who the Uk distributer is for Howa? not seen a new one one in my local RFDs

 

[Will the chippy]

They should be everywhere. Think it's highland outdoors. I've just got one as a barreled action and put it in a GRS stock, I'm very pleased with it. They might be cheap but there Japanese made and great quality, not as slick as a tikka but really solid, my mate ran over his and it's still fine.
Ryan Charlton is a top competition shot and for a few years competed with a howa action and new barrel of his choosing by Mike Norris. So there not cheap crap.

 

[BigT]

any idea who the Uk distributer is for Howa? not seen a new one one in my local RFDs

It’s Highland Outdoors afaik

But the howa section of their website seems to have been under construction for months now.

Not seeing a lot of new howas being advertised (possible that I’ve looked in the wrong places.)

 

[C&K Suffolk]

So now I’ve had my FEO interview I should see my certificate through the post box in the next 3-4 weeks meaning it’s time to re-visit my rifle choice in anger.

The slot I have for a stalking gun is 6.5cm. I have no land of my own so will be 6-10 guided stalks a year with maybe a syndicate in future if I can find something suitable - I’d imagine 100-150 rounds a year between zero check / practice and actual live quarry shots. It’s also not my only rifle, I have multiple other slots for target disciplines.

Off the bat I’ve discounted Tikka as I don’t like the fact you have to take the gun off safe to unload…. Been fine with borrowed Tikkas I’ve used but just doesn’t sit right with me.

So I think I’ve narrowed it down to a Mauser M12 impact and the new Browning X-Bolt 2 as they both allow safe unloading and air in my price bracket.
I know you can’t re-barrel the Mauser but I figure it’s good for circa 2500-3000 rounds which is probably a decade or more of life with me so don’t think it’s an issue.

Sauer or Mauser!

 

[HonestJohn]

Or a Schultz Larsen, or a win mod70, or one with an aftermarket 3 pos safety, or learn safe gun handling

 

[Pete_Cambs]

Or a Schultz Larsen, or a win mod70, or one with an aftermarket 3 pos safety, or learn safe gun handling

Safe gun handling is not the issue, as mentioned I’ve used a Tikka without a problem but a rifle with a 3 position safety is my preference.

 

[HonestJohn]

definitely go for a rifle that has a swing / wing type arm safety on the bolt shroud then, not the ‘buttton’ slide type as they don’t physically move the cocking piece off the trigger sear.

 

[Ronin]

Mauser

 

[FISH BOY]

Mauser M12 - bias as I have three of them.

Light, great mag & safety and overall better finish over a Tikka.

All shoot everything factory lead or copper accurately out of the box.

Wear well and modestly priced makes them definitely worth a shout.

 

[Hook'N'Bullet]

Safe gun handling is not the issue, as mentioned I’ve used a Tikka without a problem but a rifle with a 3 position safety is my preference.

Never understood the whole dislike for 2 position safeties. Used a tikka for 5 or 6 years, never had an issue with it. Keep the finger pointer off the trigger and muzzle in a safe direction (usually the ground for me). Definitely shouldn't be a deal breaker

 

[3595wilk]

M12 is a solid workhorse. I had one in .243 and did take a battering during my ownership......but mechanically, no issues at all. Accuracy was great, bolt is one of the best (although a bit long) and trigger break is on point. Magazine system is double stack polymer and feeds very well. The 3 position wing safety will give you all the reassurance you need.

Don't get hung up on the Tikka safety though. Good practice is better than relying on mechanics. Too good a rifle to discount. I've had 2 and are excellent. My .222 now has a 2 stage Tikka trigger unit with safe bolt release. I bought it for the two stage element off here - a Tikka OEM - which cost £150 and took 2 minutes to install.

Tikkas also benefit from a degree of customisation - so you can have modularity in magazines, stocks, triggers, rails, bolt handles, bolt fluting etc. This will allow you to fiddle (if so inclined) with it to make it more personal too.

 

[HonestJohn]

There used to be a German company called AHS that did a 3 pos safety for t3’s

 

[Keith Edmunds]

Howa in the stock of your choice. It's got a 3 position safety and can be re barrelled if needed.

A very sensible suggestion. I would check out CS Sporting (CSS on here) and Ian Hodge - both have excellent options in GRS, Stocky's, HS Precision stocks - you do get superb value for money

 

[West5575]

As far as Browning I think the X Bolt is one of the very best push feed actions out there. A ton of value and features for the money. It checks every box for me EXCEPT there is zero aftermarket support. There are some crazy deals on the original now that the Xbolt 2 is out. I'm so tempted to buy one but you have to make sure you are happy with the rifle as it comes in the box. The newer models have better stocks but the price is much higher. Between those two I would go with the Mauser 12.

I understand about the Tikka. I still have one on order because of all the other upsides.

I never hear anyone on this board talk about Model 70s. I find the new ones made in Portugal to be very nicely made and one of the few still making CRF and the 3 safety. I love my 270 and am about to get one in 308 I like the handling so much. Action is very smooth out of the box for a CRF bolt.

 

[Ronin]

There used to be a German company called AHS that did a 3 pos safety for t3’s

No longer available

 

[Ronin]

There used to be a German company called AHS that did a 3 pos safety for t3’s

You could consider HS Precision - their rifles come as standard with three pos safety

 

[Koenig]

Every rifle you mention in your list of possibles has pro’s and con’s. I think you’re missing a trick with the T3x personally, but after all it is your choice and yours alone. I note you have actually used T3 to be fair. The shotgun type tang on the X-bolt is nice (a mate has one) and rifle a joy to shoot and use. I know less about the Mauser, but have no doubt it will serve you well. You ought to try and fire and actually handle a good cross section. Some rifles just won’t fit or ‘feel’ right. You’re unlikely to have confidence these which in turn will impact your shooting. Don’t rule out second hand. I bought a lovely Sauer 202 for £1k last year (always wanted one) but it doesn’t shoot any better than my 12 year old T3. Try before you buy if you can.

 

[W1LL]

I’ve got an XBolt in 308 and a Howa in 243. I’ve found the XBolt to be ammo fussy but I like the design of the mag, safety and bolt. The Howa has been fantastic seeing as its a “cheap” rifle and was very cheap 2nd hand, it’s still sub moa with most factory ammo. I changed the Hogue stock as it was bendy on the bipod, but I’d definitely get another.