Which out of the box rifle do you recommend?

[Cyres]

First .243 was a S/H Howa 1500. Still have it. It is silly accurate. Have a semi custom Remmy 700 in .243 again 3rd hand. Scary accurate should be as Daserman fettled it up.
I think it's just a case of finding one make you like. Cannot advise on bigger calibres.
D

 

[Bo Diddley]

Tikka T3x, boring but bulletproof, with loads of aftermarket bits if you feel it is needed, they just work and they are middle of the road price wise.

 

[Tarquin]

I have a Tikka T3 super varmint in stainless 20inch factory threaded barrel in 260 rem. (remember that antiquated cartridge?)
Totally standard and incredibly accurate out to 600 yards with handloads.

 

[Essexsussex]

Out of the box and looking for a long action then I would look at a T3.

CZ's seem to have improved their actions.
depends on what he likes. I wouldn’t buy an American rifle because the triggers are too heavy. You can of course buy a lighter trigger…. But out of the box? European for me.

Accutrigger on American savage is adjustable to fairly light. I like my savage it’s light, accurate, great trigger pull and cheap and only a bit nasty. I have other classic beautifully made euro rifles but savage has become go to.
Even shoots ppu well.

 

[jcampbellsmith]

Thanks for all the feedback. My friend already owns several rifles, but is looking to replace his 243 Win. My take on the feedback so far is T3x - Tikka T3x Compact Tactical Adjustable Synthetic/Stainless Right Handed
Regards
JCS

 

[Claret_Dabbler]

If he’s on a reasonable budget, the T3x is probably the most reliable option.
If the budget allows for it, then Blaser is the only answer….

 

[hendrix's rifle]

Accutrigger on American savage is adjustable to fairly light. I like my savage it’s light, accurate, great trigger pull and cheap and only a bit nasty. I have other classic beautifully made euro rifles but savage has become go to.
Even shoots ppu well.

My last savage was probably the most accurate rifle I've ever owned. The worst bit is, it was a 308 axis, about as cheap as cheap comes it put literally anything under half an inch at 100 and reloads were quite literally ragged holes. Shouldn't have ever sold that thing

 

[hendrix's rifle]

I wouldn't have a tikka because I find every time they just don't fit me and I don't want to drop another £600 on a stock on top of a £1300-1400 rifle.
Howa or bergara for me. Howa do stainless in sporter barrels, just but the barreled action and a stock to suit what the intended use is, buy some ammo and go and shoot some deer nothing more to worry about

 

[slider]

Browning X Bolt. Better value that the Tikka, nice crisp trigger, lock-release button that lets you open the bolt and unload with the safety on.

 

[User00040]

Browning X Bolt. Better value that the Tikka, nice crisp trigger, lock-release button that lets you open the bolt and unload with the safety on.

Rubbish trigger

 

[Ronin]

Thanks for all the feedback. My friend already owns several rifles, but is looking to replace his 243 Win. My take on the feedback so far is T3x - Tikka T3x Compact Tactical Adjustable Synthetic/Stainless Right Handed
Regards
JCS

That’s a wise choice

 

[Steff]

Thanks for all the feedback. My friend already owns several rifles, but is looking to replace his 243 Win. My take on the feedback so far is T3x - Tikka T3x Compact Tactical Adjustable Synthetic/Stainless Right Handed
Regards
JCS

Absolutely horrid in my eyes. A screw knob on the buttstock to catch on everything that comes along, a rail bolted to a rail, a protruding magazine and an unnecessarily heavy barrel. But, everyone to his own.

 

[VSS]

I'll go now and put one of my Parker-Hales in an old cardboard box. I expect it'll still shoot pretty well when I take it out again, so I'll be able to recommend it in accordance with the requirements of this thread

 

[Ronin]

Absolutely horrid in my eyes. A screw knob on the buttstock to catch on everything that comes along, a rail bolted to a rail, a protruding magazine and an unnecessarily heavy barrel. But, everyone to his own.

Yet still used by many professional and amateur deer killers to great effect in the UK

The OP asked what folk recommend - most if the answers gave views pointing towards detachable magazine fed weapons

 

[Ronin]

I'll go now and put one of my Parker-Hales in an old cardboard box. I expect it'll still shoot pretty well when I take it out again, so I'll be able to recommend it in accordance with the requirements of this thread

They do - sadly not available from the factory otherwise I’m sure it would have been mentioned as an option

 

[3.5mag]

I've the T3X laminate stainless in .223 & Varmint in .243.
As people have said they just plain work with excellent accuracy.

 

[Steff]

Yet still used by many professional and amateur deer killers to great effect in the UK

The OP asked what folk recommend - most if the answers gave views pointing towards detachable magazine fed weapons

I‘m sure it will work. But do would a standard Tikka without all the weight and bulk adding features - if it has to be a Tikka. But I suppose it does as this is a UK forum.

 

[slider]

Rubbish trigger

Not in my opinion. Nice end crisp. I find the Tikka trigger far too light

 

[Taff]

Get to a shop and find a gun he likes the feel of, all guns will out shoot the shooter, liking the feel is more important, obviously his biggest mistake so far is using the creedmore word, a fad that will go away as quick as rainbows on a police car, man up and go 270

 

[User00040]

Thanks for all the feedback. My friend already owns several rifles, but is looking to replace his 243 Win. My take on the feedback so far is T3x - Tikka T3x Compact Tactical Adjustable Synthetic/Stainless Right Handed
Regards
JCS

I'd wait and see if he can get the 1-8" twist version.

They also do them in 6.5PRC...