New Stalker - First rifle - Advice

[Lateral]

I do about half of my stalking in woodland, and 4x can be too much.

The persistent point here is that ill-defined use cases result in broad compromises.

However, if the primary criterion is to have just one rifle and optic, for economy, space-saving, consistency, simplicity, or whatever, and if that criterion is met, any shortcomings, inconveniences, or discomforts that arise in specific situations thereafter are just the costs of that benefit.

I commonly find that what someone "thinks" they want, and what they actually "need" are two very different things, and the trick is asking enough questions, to identify that.

On my K95, generally used for woodland stalking, I have a Z8i 1.7-13.3 x 42, for me, it's a fantastic allrounder, but still a compromise, because I by far prefer the Z8i 2.3-18 x 56 for general stalking. Again personal preference, and at the time I bought them, I was in the very fortunate position to do so.

But there are so many cost effective options, it's just a case of taking some time to find one that suits.

 

[davegixxer]

Well I have read the posts and it is a personal choice this stock v Chassis issue. Mine well I have two Tikka in mdt chassis. For me they hang perfectly on the shoulder with the moderator fitted ,unlike the factory synthetic stock. The flat forend of the mdt sits perfect on my quad sticks and i personally find the pistol style grip easier on my wrist than the traditional stock.
I know certain people frown upon it , like the shotgun sbs/over under debate for clays. I say Go with what you find comfortable with as an aside I have zeiss 3x12x56 ret60 scopes on both of my rifles. Tikka would not have made the AceGame if there wasnt a call for it.

 

[hendrix's rifle]

I commonly find that what someone "thinks" they want, and what they actually "need" are two very different things, and the trick is asking enough questions, to identify that.

On my K95, generally used for woodland stalking, I have a Z8i 1.7-13.3 x 42, for me, it's a fantastic allrounder, but still a compromise, because I by far prefer the Z8i 2.3-18 x 56 for general stalking. Again personal preference, and at the time I bought them, I was in the very fortunate position to do so.

But there are so many cost effective options, it's just a case of taking some time to find one that suits.

I'm almost certain a vast majority of us have been in this same boat before now and spent good money on heavy rifles, heavy stocks and heavy, expensive optics to decide it wasn't what was actually required and wasted a chunk of cash in the process

 

[chevy1562004]

Pick what suits you and you alone, there is always great advice on here from some really knowledgeable guys but as individuals we all have our own preferences. I run a tikka in a MDT chassis with a delta Stryker on top for glass and a heavy jet z mod and weights. I use it for stalking and long range shooting with no issues. I also run a VORN LT12 backpack if I’m going stalking for a few hours. I also have a semi custom tikka in a PSE evolution which is great. You can get great scopes from opticswarehouse with the deltas on sale just now at great prices. However try to get your hands on several scopes to see what suits you. Also you now have a rifle with a chassis you can pick up a cheap tikka stock on here to swap it into if you want. I will probably buy a 223 ace target for the same reasons so I have the chassis and can swap it out into one of the standard stocks when I want too.

 

[CarlHoward]

Well I have read the posts and it is a personal choice this stock v Chassis issue. Mine well I have two Tikka in mdt chassis. For me they hang perfectly on the shoulder with the moderator fitted ,unlike the factory synthetic stock. The flat forend of the mdt sits perfect on my quad sticks and i personally find the pistol style grip easier on my wrist than the traditional stock.
I know certain people frown upon it , like the shotgun sbs/over under debate for clays. I say Go with what you find comfortable with as an aside I have zeiss 3x12x56 ret60 scopes on both of my rifles. Tikka would not have made the AceGame if there wasnt a call for it.View attachment 471975

Excellent points - I absolutely agree - they must have seen a demand in the market.

I really liked the pistol group - felt similar to a thumbhole in terms of comfort.

 

[Lateral]

I'm almost certain a vast majority of us have been in this same boat before now and spent good money on heavy rifles, heavy stocks and heavy, expensive optics to decide it wasn't what was actually required and wasted a chunk of cash in the process

Totally agree, been there !

That's where threads like this can be a massive help to an OP, BUT, the problem, is too many people lose sight of the OP's question, dare I say often lacking in enough information, and recommend what suits "them", rather than the OP !

 

[CarlHoward]

Pick what suits you and you alone, there is always great advice on here from some really knowledgeable guys but as individuals we all have our own preferences. I run a tikka in a MDT chassis with a delta Stryker on top for glass and a heavy jet z mod and weights. I use it for stalking and long range shooting with no issues. I also run a VORN LT12 backpack if I’m going stalking for a few hours. I also have a semi custom tikka in a PSE evolution which is great. You can get great scopes from opticswarehouse with the deltas on sale just now at great prices. However try to get your hands on several scopes to see what suits you. Also you now have a rifle with a chassis you can pick up a cheap tikka stock on here to swap it into if you want. I will probably buy a 223 ace target for the same reasons so I have the chassis and can swap it out into one of the standard stocks when I want too.

Very true - I think the second stock could be a good solution of it were to become too heavy for longer stalks.

I was checking out the Vorn backpacks just yesterday - very practical option.

Totally agree, been there !

That's where threads like this can be a massive help to an OP, BUT, the problem, is too many people lose sight of the OP's question, dare I say often lacking in enough information, and recommend what suits "them", rather than the OP !

Yes, that's true - some of the posts have been really helpful, others seem to answer a different question.

 

[hendrix's rifle]

Very true - I think the second stock could be a good solution of it were to become too heavy for longer stalks.

Right until you realise you're probably gonna have to re-zero every time you change it and you will get fed up of quickly you will end up having it in one or the other so sort of defies the point.

As many others have said, you've already made your mind up so you might as well close the thread. I personally think poor choice but thats my opinion, I've wasted my share of money on things that look nice but aren't actually practical when you start using it it

 

[CarlHoward]

Right until you realise you're probably gonna have to re-zero every time you change it and you will get fed up of quickly you will end up having it in one or the other so sort of defies the point.

As many others have said, you've already made your mind up so you might as well close the thread. I personally think poor choice but thats my opinion, I've wasted my share of money on things that look nice but aren't actually practical when you start using it it

Have you actually held the Ace Game Hendrix?

I can agree it might feel cold to the touch in winter but weight wise without a scope it seemed very light to me as a target shooter.

As an aside how do I close a thread?

 

[hendrix's rifle]

Have you actually held the Ace Game Hendrix?

I can agree it might feel cold to the touch in winter but weight wise without a scope it seemed very light to me as a target shooter.

As an aside how do I close a thread?

Yes, I have. Nice rifles. If i was after a dedicated long range gong basher or foxer, I'd probably have one. As a predominant stalking rig? No thanks, not for me.

There is a vast difference in weight between that and the lite but again, that adds up when you then stick a target biased scope on it, heavier bipod because its now a target orientated rifle and so on along with a heavy mod because its now used for range stuff

It will also be VERY cold to touch during winter. I wouldn't have another metal/bare stock/chassis because it was bloody awful. Leave that on the ground gralloching a deer and you better have gloves with you.

You've asked for advice, been given a wealth of advice from people who have been down this exact road and wasted thousands of pounds in the process and it appears you're being somewhat ignorant about it. If you already had your decision thats sound, it doesn't effect me. Just say that We're saying it because we'd rather you have a good experience over a poor one and the rifle is a pretty fundamental part of that. First few months you'd love it but I can assure you, It gets boring real quick.

As others have said, get two rifles and spec em both to suit. Far, far easier than 1 rifle for it all without the experience to KNOW exactly what you want/need in terms of rifle, optics and sling/bipod systems than go at it without that prior knowledge

 

[Jagged77]

Bit late to this one but I’ll add some thoughts. Chassis stocks and long range / precision set ups work really well for stalking. You just have to find a comfortable way of carrying them ie side mount push button bases and a biathlon type sling like TAB gear. My main stalking rifle is a lump but it carries well and I have utmost confidence it it.

As an experiment I’ve just put this one together, very long range hunting focused being .338 lap mag but it’ll get some range time too. All weighing less than 4.5kgs. Looking forward to stalking with it.

 

[CarlHoward]

Yes, I have. Nice rifles. If i was after a dedicated long range gong basher or foxer, I'd probably have one. As a predominant stalking rig? No thanks, not for me.

There is a vast difference in weight between that and the lite but again, that adds up when you then stick a target biased scope on it, heavier bipod because its now a target orientated rifle and so on along with a heavy mod because its now used for range stuff

It will also be VERY cold to touch during winter. I wouldn't have another metal/bare stock/chassis because it was bloody awful. Leave that on the ground gralloching a deer and you better have gloves with you.

You've asked for advice, been given a wealth of advice from people who have been down this exact road and wasted thousands of pounds in the process and it appears you're being somewhat ignorant about it. If you already had your decision thats sound, it doesn't effect me. Just say that We're saying it because we'd rather you have a good experience over a poor one and the rifle is a pretty fundamental part of that. First few months you'd love it but I can assure you, It gets boring real quick.

As others have said, get two rifles and spec em both to suit. Far, far easier than 1 rifle for it all without the experience to KNOW exactly what you want/need in terms of rifle, optics and sling/bipod systems than go at it without that prior knowledge

I haven't been at all ignorant I asked a question, got the answer and was polite in my questions of clarification - yes I had a preference that should have been clear from my original post. I'm an extrovert so I think out loud. I've heard and reflected on all feedback from all replies.

Further I have also had to deal with a lot of passive aggressive comments from people like you who can't just give an answer without trying to make the poster feel negative for asking a question. People ask for advice and then have to deal with comments like yours. Its a wonder anyone posts at all.

 

[hendrix's rifle]

Ok snowflake, simmer down. Not worth engaging if you think that is being passive aggressive

 

[CarlHoward]

Bit late to this one but I’ll add some thoughts. Chassis stocks and long range / precision set ups work really well for stalking. You just have to find a comfortable way of carrying them ie side mount push button bases and a biathlon type sling like TAB gear. My main stalking rifle is a lump but it carries well and I have utmost confidence it it.

As an experiment I’ve just put this one together, very long range hunting focused being .338 lap mag but it’ll get some range time too. All weighing less than 4.5kgs. Looking forward to stalking with it.

View attachment 471982

Thanks for your response Jagged - much appreciated.

I was starting to wish I hadn't asked to be honest - some people just wanted to tell me I'm an idiot.

 

[CarlHoward]

Ok snowflake, simmer down. Not worth engaging if you think that is being passive aggressive

I'm no snowflake - I'm 53 and have experienced cancer and life changing injuries.

I just don't respect people who don't respect others. Now jog on.

 

[hendrix's rifle]

I'm no snowflake - I'm 53 and have experienced cancer and life changing injuries.

I just don't respect people who don't respect others. No jog on.

you do you let me know when you're selling it because you're bored of the weight please, I might be interested

 

[suburban bushwacker]

Whats a good glass scope in the £500-900 range?

£900 will get you a used delta stryker i’d have one over a vortex any day

 

[suburban bushwacker]

Too late I already secured a variation at 308

one-for-one aren’t difficult

 

[CarlHoward]

one-for-one aren’t difficult

Not especially but probably another 2-3 weeks and I am happy with the choice of 308

 

[suburban bushwacker]

Not especially but probably another 2-3 weeks and I am happy with the choice of 308

if you’re set on a 308
a vast number of options opens up to you. while i default to ‘buy a tikka’ it’s really worth looking at older options: sako L579 and 75 are
brilliant and can be almost free, there are also some fantastic Parker Hales out there.

The famous Roe expert Richard Pryor is often credited with “buy the best scope you can, spend the change on a rifle”.

Word to the wise i stalked with a tiktac (tikka tact A1) for a while and while it was fantastic from a high seat or the landrover, it got old quick lugging it across rough ground dragging a red.