need adive on a bolt action
 

Well, I just sold a rilfe(cetme) and I plan to use the money to buy myself a nice bolt action. I have $500 but can go a little above that if need be. I already have a scope to put on it so I do not have to worry about that. I am thinking .308 as I have plenty of ammo and have found that to be a good caliber for various things. I plan on using it for hunting and long range target shooting. As far as what I have had in mind I was thinging either a rem 700, tikka t3, or a savage. Would love to here expereinces with any of these models or suggestions on what I should look for.

Thanks guys.

RE: need adive on a bolt action
 

all 3 are very good guns but the savage will save you some $$$ without sacraficing accuracy. The Rem and Tikka will have a nicer fit and finish but when it comes to accuracy the savage will just plan shoot

RE: need adive on a bolt action
 

I picked a weatherby vanguard and love it!!!!!!

RE: need adive on a bolt action
 

I have a Remington 700 in 270, A interarms Mark X in 270, and a BSA Majestic in 30-06 they all shoot better then I canunsupported Most bolt actions are accurate. I would say try each one for fitand if you like the controls such as safety placement and operation.

RE: need adive on a bolt action
 

I would get a ruger m77mkII target if you are shooting long range.That is a great rifle and not to heavy to carry in the woods.

RE: need adive on a bolt action
 

I am partial to the savage but I'm a cheap kinda guy . Have 1 in 308 I haven't found anything under 165 grains that it won't shoot under 3.5 in and Ive shoot some cheap oddball stuff from all over the world.

RE: need adive on a bolt action
 

I just bought my second Savage, can't beat them for price and accuracy out of the box. The "Weather Warrior"is a decentlooking, great shooting rifle.

RE: need adive on a bolt action
 

Does anyone know if the 700's have freefloating barrels. I assume they do as it seems to be the standard, but I notice that they are one of the only ones that do not put it in there description.

RE: need adive on a bolt action
 

My Remington 700xcr is free floated.

RE: need adive on a bolt action
 

I don’t know Dan, having a rifle just under 10 lb. with out a scope and rings with a 26” barrel would be a bit much for carrying around in the bush unless you’re a body builder...:D

RE: need adive on a bolt action
 

I like the Rem 700

RE: need adive on a bolt action
 

If I were you I would do a bunch of shopping. Handle as many rifles as you can find. You should buy a rifle that feels right-I know that is subjective, but you will know it when you "FEEL IT". Rifle's are also a thing of beauty. People may laugh at this, but buy something you are proud of. Your cartridge choice is a good one. Tom.

RE: need adive on a bolt action
 

I will get a tikka some day, but only when im looking for a standard caliber. I dont like how you can only get a long action. If I was looking for a 308 it would probably be in a short action rifle.

RE: need adive on a bolt action
 

Take a look at the tikka varmit ssin 308 it doesn't weigh much more than the t-3 reg 308.And it shoots.

RE: need adive on a bolt action
 

Trailer I am a bodybuilder!!!!!

RE: need adive on a bolt action
 

Yeah, I know. I was just having a little fun. Hope you didn’t take it the wrong way...:D

RE: need adive on a bolt action
 

Lots of folks have plenty of great stuff to say about all three. And really, no matter which way you go I think you'll be happy.

It really comes down to you. You need to handle each one and see what feels best in your hands. Personally, I was really drawn to Tikkas until I shouldered one. I thought it was very uncomfortable. But, I'm not built like everyone else. What feels good on me, you might dispise. You are the only one shooting it, so ultimately what matters to you is whats most important.

RE: need adive on a bolt action
 

No I didnt take it that way brother!!!

RE: need adive on a bolt action
 

You can't go wrong with a Savage. In the price range you qouted you might look at http://www.savagearms.com/12fvss.htm or http://www.savagearms.com/12fv.htm or http://www.savagearms.com/12bvss.htm

My neighbor and hunting buddy got the 12BVSS in .308 Win. 4 years ago and put a 4.5-14 Nikon Monarch on it. That thiing has been consistantly shooting in the .5" range since day one, with Federal Gold Match 168gr Sierra HPBTM ammo. It has not had anything done to it all, strictly as is out of the box. It shoots so consistantly good, that he won't even let me bed it or reload for it, LOL!

I just got a Savage 12FV in .223 Rem., about 2 months ago and so far it is a shooter. I replaced the factory synthetic stock with a B&C Duramxx, bedded it,and put a Nikon 6-18 SF Buckmaster on it. First trip to the range with test loads, got it shooting under .5" with several test laods. Second trip to the range produce groups in the .3" range, with a couple loads. Third trip to the range with the load I decided on,produced loads again in .250"-.325" range. My wife loves toshootit as well and she can shoot consistantgroups well 1" with it.

RE: need adive on a bolt action
 

It may not be too heavy for Missouri or Minnesota, but a 10 LB+ gun would get dang heavy after a day of hiking@ 10,000 ft with a back pack...:D

I picked up a used Tikka T3 lite, which seems to be a decent gun for under $500 (I paid about $400).

RE: need adive on a bolt action
 

The new remington SPS is actually cheaper than several of the Savage's...at least wholesale price wise it is.

I for one have had most brands at one time or another but I just Love the feel of a Remington. You can get the SPS for the money you are looking to spend. The SPS Varmint, I believe comes in .308 and has the new trigger as well. Just a cheap, but very functional stock.

700xcr, If your Rem xcr is floated, it came from some batch other than mine. All Rem. Synthetics have 2 small pressure points in the nose of the stock one on each side at aprox the 5 and 7 o'clock positions. They can be taken out with pocket knife or a few licks with a file. From there it is floated to the recoil lug. I took my points out of my new 270wsm. It shoots great by the way.

Actually all 3 are good guns. All are in the same price range. All have pluses and minuses.

Bottom line, like has been said time and again. Go handle all three. I for one would stay away from the new Ruger Hawkeye...not much gun for the money IMO.

Good Luck on your decision.

Dave in WV