Accuracy on a budget !?!?
 

I have been living in Hawaii for the past 7 years and hunting here isn't really an option. Now I am planning a move back to the mainland in early November(probably Texas) and I can't wait to hit the woods again. The move will probably set the family back $5 - $7000, so the budget will be a little tight. I need a really accurate deer rifle and scope for around $7- $900. I was a marksmanship instructor in the USMC and I take a lot of pride in my shooting, so sloppy groups just won't work. Open to all suggestions, but this is the way I'm leaning.....

RIFLE - Savage model 111GNS w/accutrigger - 7mm mag - around $400
Never owned one, but haven't heard anything negative about the accuracy.

SCOPE - Burris Fullfield II 4.5-14x42 - $320
Seems like a lot of scope for the money.

Please reply to this if you have any experience with either of these items or if you have a better suggestion and please be specific.

The move is 7 and a half months away and I am already losing sleep over this. Seems a little early for buck fever.

RE: Accuracy on a budget !?!?
 

Within the price range you mentioned my personal picks would be a Tikka Whitetail Huner or T3 along with a Bushnell 3200 series scope or the Burris you mentioned. I think you'll find the Tikka rifles to be much more refined rifle than the Savage and on average better accuracy as well. I own several Savage rifles, but much prefer the Tikkas.

RE: Accuracy on a budget !?!?
 

IF, You only need one shot why not get the T/C Encore? That gun will make almost any scope seem as though it works well!:D

RE: Accuracy on a budget !?!?
 

Thanks diyj98. I had never considered a Tikka and I don't really know alot about them. I took a look at their website and I must say that I'm pretty interested. How much will one of these run me and how hard will it be to find a dealer?

RE: Accuracy on a budget !?!?
 

Tikka rifles must shoot a 1" group before leaving the factory and often do much better.Two of my friends have t-3's and both shoot well under 1" with handloads.

RE: Accuracy on a budget !?!?
 

the rem. senduro are very accurate for around 700$. I personaly have more fun making a rifle shoot accurate. Part of the hobby you see. I have an 80$ used mosberg model 8a (.308) that I have tweeked into making 1/2" groups. These are the things you do when your not hunting. you glass bed, you mess with the trigger, you work on a load, It's all fun.

I think it's fun to out shoot my buddie at the range with my ol beater rifle and he shoots an M1A national match with springfields best scope.

RE: Accuracy on a budget !?!?
 

Joenhawaii,

I would think almost any dealer could order a Tikka for you. I have four of the pre T3 models, a .223, .243, 22-250 and .308, and all four shoot well under 1" with handloads.

RE: Accuracy on a budget !?!?
 

I heard recently that WalMart can now order Tikkas for you. Hope this helps.
Charlie

RE: Accuracy on a budget !?!?
 

Howa rifles are also quality at an affordable price. Check out the Leupold Rifleman scopes. Should be able to put together a decent rig for under $700 easy.

RE: Accuracy on a budget !?!?
 

Hey joenhawaii,
I'm in the same position as you at the moment with purchasing a new rifle. I don't really have any advice on a rifle for you, but for a scope you might want to look into a Sightron. It is a company started by ex Leupold employees and has been around for about 10 years. They make great scopes with the same quality as Leupold, but a bit cheaper. The warranty on their products is also great. Lifetime warranty, fogproof, shockproof, waterproof, and they will replace faulty products no matter who is the origional owner. Hope this helps

RE: Accuracy on a budget !?!?
 

I only have one werd to say savege

RE: Accuracy on a budget !?!?
 

Ain't nothing wrong with a savage in the accuracy dept, my only beef is the blind mag. system but that is personal preference. Tikka is solid as well, but I really wouldn't put the WT hunter as finished any better..the T3 has some nice improvements but they don't make a lefty model in the T3 so I won't consider Tikka until they do.

Scope the Burris or Bushnell Elite 3200 are worth consideration.

RE: Accuracy on a budget !?!?
 

Ruger M-77, Winchester Model 70 and Remington 700's are not any more expensive that what others have listed above and they're American Companies

RE: Accuracy on a budget !?!?
 

Trust me and the others, buy a Tikka. Find a Whitetail Hunter if you can, the T3's aren't quites as nice in fit and style in my opinion (but still shoot as well). Since money is tight the Bushnell 3200 Elite gets much good press from what I've read (although I've never looking through one).

My Tikka shoots pretty good out of the box. Once I get the handloads dialed in I think I'll shoot a little better. Probably glass bed it this summer for the fun.

100 & 200 yard targets:



300 yard targets:

RE: Accuracy on a budget !?!?
 

I have read several articles and numerous posts on this board about Tikkas and my decision has been made....Tikka it is!!! Now I have another problem. I am having second thoughts about scope and caliber. I read some nasty posts about Burris scopes and the 25.06 seems like an excellent caliber for deer and can double as a varmint rifle. Any thoughts?

RE: Accuracy on a budget !?!?
 

I like the Nikon Monarch scope. Nothing wrong with the 25-06, most people who have one swear by them.

RE: Accuracy on a budget !?!?
 

Joe,

I may have just had a couple lemons, but I have had to Burris go bad on me. Burris replaced them both, but it's still a hassle. The Bushnell 3200's are excellent for the money!

I'm a big fan of the Tikkas as well. I currently have Tikkas in .223, 22-250, .243 and .308 and they all are super accurate.

The 25-06 is a great cartridge work, but ammo may not be as easy to find as it is for some of the more popular calibers. And you won't find as big a variety.

RE: Accuracy on a budget !?!?
 

Me personally i like the Howa. It is a great gun at a great price too

RE: Accuracy on a budget !?!?
 

i'm kinda partial, but I would look into a Ruger, They are good solid american made rifles.

RE: Accuracy on a budget !?!?
 

25-06 is a great caliber. In East Texas, ammo is readily available.

RE: Accuracy on a budget !?!?
 

The Tikka Whitetail Hunter's are really nice rifles. I think you would be real happy with one.I would top it with a Leupold. I liked the original Redfields but they're gone now.Leupold has some decent scopes for around the 200.00 + range.The 25-06 is supposely is a excellent deer cartridge and varmint gun.I've never used a 25-06 so I can't speak from experience.
Good luck on you move back to the mainland.
Ruger Redhawk

RE: Accuracy on a budget !?!?
 

25-06 will be an excellent choice for you needs. The other option I'd look at would be a 308 win, which is accurate, can be loaded up and down all day long for game. If your planning on buying factory(over the counter) ammo it might be a better choice, depenedant on the area and availablity of ammo for the 2506.

I have had no issues with my Burris or Bushnell Elites. Best advice is try to look through as many as possible in natural light.

RE: Accuracy on a budget !?!?
 

The Tikka is a great rifle.Leupold VX I or II scopes are really wonderful optics for the money. If you shop around you can find them pretty reasonably. Another cartridge to consider would be the 260 Remington. That cartridge can be handloaded with an 85gr. varmint bullet at 33-3400 fps and 120 or 140 grainers for deer. Just MHO.