I am getting married in March, and my future wife is going to by me a nice new rifle and shotgun for my wedding present (who said a big ring is not worth it). I have decided pretty much on the Shotgun. 12 gauge of course... Probably going to opt for the Benelli Super Black Eagle II. Berretta is a close second for now. What are your opinions on that. Will use for Ducks, Turkey, and birds (dove). I have a 1187 old 12 guage but just want a new good all around for hunting.
As for my rifle... I am not sure on the caliber.. I hunt whitetail only in southern GA and southern AL... probably will go out west one day for mulies and elk, but no plans for that now. I currently have Browning A Bolt .270 synthetic with Boss. Love this gun... I am currently think of an .06 or a .300 wsm. I really love the Tikka T3, but honestly I will probably buy that for myself in the caliber that I do not choose for her to purchase b/c the price is so affordable. I have really had my eyes on a Sako 75 stainless. I just love those rifles. $800-1250 is the most that I want her to put on this rifle, but I want something that I would probably not splurge on and buy for my self. What are you guys recommendations for calibers and actual models. Is the Sako 75 as good as advertised. I do not want a show gun, I want a nice one, but one that I will use and hunt with and not be afraid with normal wear and tear. I have only shot a couple of rounds but loved the Sako, not to mention it is beautiful...but to be honest, I have really only shot the normal Brownings, Rem, Ruger, Savages, Vangaurds.... no real experience with any others. I am open for suggestion of other makes and models. I do not reload or anything, I simply hunt...buy my bullets and go the firing range then the deer woods.
Oh, nice lady! I am partial to Sakos. At the same time, sounds like you have what you need for deer and maybe, if I understand you right, you'll get a Tikka in 300? Maybe it is time to step away from the bolts and go to a single shot. Maybe Ruger #1 in a magnum for those long shots out west. Otherwise, lots of fun to be had in the smaller .22 centerfires. Sounds like the flow of ordinance at your house will be good!
__________________
Mess Chief, Ft Arroyo
"Tucson sweet. Best chili in the Saguaro."
Of course these are all everyones opinions but for the price range you are looking for I would get a Kimber 8400. They go for $900 and have the best trigger I have ever felt which translates into accuracy. They have very fine wood and look to me to be an upgraded M70. They come in three calibres 7MM, 270 and 300 short magnums. Good luck.
I'd get a CZ 550, and spend the difference in cost from a Sako 75 to buy really good glass.
__________________
Obamanfreude - 1. taking pleasure from the misfortunes of an Obama supporter as he or she is adversely affected by the policies of their Dear Leader.
I will continue to buy Sako 75's ..I don'[t need the hassle of having trigger adjustments and fine tuning..glass bedding for the gun to work like it is supposed to from the factory. Get a set of Sako rings and a good scope and shoot it. I like CZ's also but they are not in the same category although my 22lr CZ is one of the best values out there.
__________________
"Banning guns is an idea whose time has come."
- Joseph Biden
Associated Press 11/18/93
"Be thankful that we're not getting all the government we are paying for." Will Rogers
First off, since these will be wedding gifts, from one of the involved parties, I'd either save your money, or get something extra special....
You're just getting married, and although I'm not really aware of the financial status of you or your wife to be, I'm betting you're not going to be necessarily "well off" right off the bat, so letting her shell out a grand or so before things even get going isn't the best idea.
Now, if you're certain that you're both going to be in good shape financially, I'd suggest to the little lady that maybe you forego the combo and just buy one really really nice gun, you know something that will last the ages and shine for a lifetime. Just buying some harry hunting rifle and shotgun doesn't really scream out "great wedding gift", whereas something along the lines of a Winchester 1 of 1000 Model 70 tends to offer to hang around a while.
Just my opinions on the matter of course.
__________________
"When you tell a fellow to go to hell, you had better be sure you can get him there."--LBJ
I second the Kimber rifle either the 8400 in WSM calibers or 84M in classic short actions calibers. Very accurate, well built rifle. They come with match grade barrels and triggers that you would pay $200 for plus they are made here in the USA!
New Gun? What would you choose?
