New to Stalking

[SpanielOH]

Hi all

I am new to stalking, but have been reading forum posts for quite some time.

DSC1 Completed, Carcass and butchery course next month - 3 days accompanied stalking completed with more booked up - FAC application submitted.
I know that this is a contentious issue, but I have questions about rifles.

Q1. Which rifles come with a premium just because of their brand name?
Q2. Sako, Sauer or Blaser - I don't want to spend lots of money just for the sake of it or to showboat. I want an accurate, lightweight rifle that is fit for purpose. If a Blaser R8 Carbon is the best option, so be it... but if I can spend less, maybe a Sako Adventure... why wouldn't I?

Now, I fully understand a rifle is only as accurate as the person holding it... so that is a mute point. I have also already decided on calibre - no advice need there. I also appreciate that I may be even more confused about which rifle to purchase after reading any response, should I get any....

Thank you in advance

 

[bullet chucker]

Welcome to the site. The rifles that you mention are all good, that does not mean they are the same? I would narrow it down by handling them at some stage to see if you were still of the same opinion.

BC.

 

[T.eddie]

Welcome from Essex, most rifles will be arguably similar and a lot will be just preferences

I've a sako 85, does exactly what it needs to and I got it second hand which was a bonus

 

[LuckyEddie]

Welcome to the site.

Rifles and calibres are personal choices.
The newest rifle I have is my Tikka T3 which I got secondhand from Gregor MacLeod in Tain. I doubt it had more than the sighting rounds put through it before the owner moved it on.
My other 4 rifles are 40+ years old and all bought secondhand due to my limited budget.

For me it is simplicity. I can take all my rifles’ bolt mechanisms apart and clean them. I wouldn’t dream of touching a Blaser due to its complexity.

You may, on the other hand, never wish to take the bolts apart and instead get them serviced by a gunsmith.

It is entirely you choice.
Good luck with whatever you end up with.

 

[SpanielOH]

Welcome to the site.

Rifles and calibres are personal choices.
The newest rifle I have is my Tikka T3 which I got secondhand from Gregor MacLeod in Tain. I doubt it had more than the sighting rounds put through it before the owner moved it on.
My other 4 rifles are 40+ years old and all bought secondhand due to my limited budget.

For me it is simplicity. I can take all my rifles’ bolt mechanisms apart and clean them. I wouldn’t dream of touching a Blaser due to its complexity.

You may, on the other hand, never wish to take the bolts apart and instead get them serviced by a gunsmith.

It is entirely you choice.
Good luck with whatever you end up with.

Thank you

 

[CastleStalker]

Welcome aboard,
I've owned all 3 that you mention in various models & calibres, all very good rifles and you wouldn't go wrong with either, that being said though i'd make a point in getting hands on to see what suits you best but i'm pretty sure you'd be happy with whichever one you choose.

CS.

 

[SpanielOH]

Thank you