What would you choose
 

I am not sure why but I always like a combination of options that are not available. Being left handed makes this more likely but at this moment I cannot find a gun that meets all my desires so if you will please let me know what you would pick given what I describe below.

The guns I have considered are Tikka, Savage, Browning and Ruger. I looked at the models in stainless with a synthetic stock and want to keep the cost down in the sub 800 dollar range.

I like the Tikka but I do not like that you need to take the safety off to unload. I like having a clip, I like its accuracy and adjustable trigger. I plan on replacing stock with a laminated stock and it seems it is harder to find for this brand.

A lot of people here suggest Savage. What I do not like is that they do not have a clip for the 7 mm Rem Mag. I think the safety can be engaged when unloading.

Ruger I am certain has a safety that can be engaged when unloading and locks down the bolt. My Remington does not lock down the bolt and I have resorted to using a rubber hoop from a bike tire to hold it down when walking through the woods. The new trigger is better but I like the idea of having a quality trigger although I currently use a Remington so it is more a believe than something I have experienced. I have also read that they are not as accurate as some of the others. one of the big pluses is they can be had in left hand, stainless with a laminated stock. None of the others have this option.

Browning, soundslike it is a very good gun but again you need to have the safety in the fire position to unload. It is a small point but it is one thing I do not like with my weatherby.

The synthetic stock is not a great issue as I plan to replace it but if you have a view that the synthetic stock of one of the brands I listed above is what you would consider excellent tell me so.

RE: What would you choose
 

With the Browning XBolt you can unload and still have the safety on.

RE: What would you choose
 

I am Lefthanded too. I have Savage Weather Series, Model 16. The saftey thing is not an issue for me. Are you set on 7mm mag? I know the .300WSM has a clip option and so does the .270 and a couple others.

What won me over on the savage, was the weight and the accu trigger. I love the fact the rifle is super light and the accu trigger is amazing. I love it. I have a .300WSM and I abuse my gun taking it to god awful places where the weather is brutal and the gun still looks new and its 5 or 6 years old. It also shoots just about any bullet well. Im shooting quarter size groups at 200yrds only using a backpack as a rest.

All the guns are great options, but for the price i love the savage.

RE: What would you choose
 

I like the 7mm Rem Mag because I already have one so I would be able to use the same ammo in the new gun as well as the older one so my son can use it. I considered the 7mm WSM but there does not seem to be as many options when it comes to bullets both in type and manufacturer. I am thinking that Savage fits the bill the most and might just accept the bullets it has available. I think the literature says that it can be unloaded with the safe on but I am not sure. I know the price is right and its reputation as an accurate gun is good enough for me. I am not going to be shooting it 400 yards so I do not think it would be any worse than my Remington which is good enough to feel sure I can kill a deer if I can get the cross hairs on it.

I will have to look at the X bolt but I wonder if it comes in left handed. Also Browning is a bit more expensive so changing the stock puts me in the price range where I can consider a Weatherby which in my experience is a great shooting gun.

RE: What would you choose
 

I would go with the Savage also. Yes you can load and unload without taking the safety off. If the clip is that big of a deal for you then call Savage up and have them set it up for you. I dare say the Savage just might outshoot your Remington.