burniegoeasily

I have owned all of those and I would add one more to your list to consider, the Ruger American. Great gun for the money. I would suggest looking into them. They have a trigger similar to the accu trigger. Other than that, I would suggest holding and possibly firing them all. What one person likes others do not.

Berserker

For walking, light guns are the way to go. But like I said, working up loads can take a long time. Need more than one.

Keep in mind, most of us will have a heavy coat on or sweatshirt when hunting to absorb recoil. Even if you don't, its only one shot.

BRUSE

I'd go with the cdl. I do have a mountain rifle in 25/06 had a 280 but turn it into a 280AI and changed the stock. The barrel is thin but working up loads isn't that bad just don't get to carried away I shoot mine in groups of 3. It is a tack driver. Another reason I say cdl is the wooden stock. My mountain rifle has one and all the ones I've seen now have a synectic stock. Just my thoughts good luck

SilverbulletM70

I promise I'm not just trying to muddy the water...too much.lol While not on your list, I'd also recommend the TC Compass in the budget rifle range you're looking at (have one in .308). Can't beat it for $200! Do take note that it's a 1:12 twist though, if that's the sort of thing that matters to you. It doesn't like 180+ grain bullets but is superb with most 150-168 shells.

The Ruger American previously mentioned is a great shooting budget rifle as well (have one in 7mm-08).

If you've already looked at these rifles and ruled them out, I'll throw one more into the mix....the Mossberg Patriot with wood stock, fluted barrel and bolt. Great looking budget friendly rifle and all of these mentioned are light enough to be used as "mountain" rifles.

Berserker

It can be hard to experiment with other rifles, like TC, but I have been curious after reading a few reviews.

Though, not sure what you mean by for $200.

06300bang

Today I handled the Tikka T3x, Winchester M70, 700 SPS, 700 CDL, 700 Mtn. SS, and a Savage.

Figured I would handle a Tikka T3x due to the hype, and they felt cheap to me. The magazine is cheesy and the plastic trigger guard? I don't really like the looks of the Tikka/Sako 85 actions.

The Savage action is very long on open/close and it's an ugly rifle. They shoot awesome though from my experience with them. I've owned a few over the years and had .3 - .5 groups stock out of the box using Federal Fusion or my hand loads.

700 CDL felt the best and next was the M70. I just didn't like the way the bolt felt on the M70 and the safety sucks.

SilverbulletM70

There is a $75 rebate in several TCs right now and with that, there are several Compass models in .308, 30-06, .223, .243, etc. that are going for $199 with rebate. For $200, you can't beat it.

Berserker

Ya the T3 felt cheap. I guess that is part of being ultra light. I have handled some Sakos I really liked though. I was debating the black bear.

Also they don't do the standard 1:10 twist, which is you may or not care about.

Berserker

Wow, that is cheap. Don't have any scopes laying around, but ya, you can't beat the price.

06300bang

I just went with the CDL and ordered a 510 trigger.