I tested a couple of Patriots. I have a target that I shot with a 308 Synthetic that put 3 rounds measuring .38". Bought a walnut stocked 25-06 but the bolt had so much play that it would almost contacted the comb of the stock when extracted all of the way. The short actions don't have that problem. They still have a lot of slop but they don't have a chance to damage the stock. The wood guns look good. If I was on a tight budget I could live with one.Anyone have experience with the Winchester XPR or the Mossberg Patriot? I know the Winchester is at my upper limit, I may lend myself upwards of $750 limit on a rifle.
I'm probably leaning towards a Tikka T3 or Savage 11 now. I like the AccuStock Savage offers, adds rigidity to the rifle and that it's pretty good quality over the Axis. Tikka T3 because it's a great rifle brand. Bolt slop bugs me. When I tried a 770, the bolt slop was horrible and I felt like it could cause a mis-feed or the bolt may drop out when opened. When I compared or to an Axis, the Axis felt much better in quality and the bolt was smooth.
I do like that Tikka magazines are aluminum vs polymer of the Savage. Not site if that would bug me or not, but I have dropped a magazine before from my tree stand loaded (didn't seat it right) and it hit one of the wooden rungs that are screwed into the tree as a ladder. I'm not sure if a polymer magazine could hold up to that kind of abuse. I have no doubt a 6061-T6 aluminum magazine could withstand abuse a bit more, but I could be wrong. Though a .308/7-08, .260 magazine run at $137 or so vs $40 for a polymer magazine from Savage. Though I can get 10 round magazines for both, it'll be easier to swallow a $40 pill vs $100+. I like having more than one magazine, in case of issues, or I just want to keep shooting.
I do like that Tikka magazines are aluminum vs polymer of the Savage.
I think Tikka magazines are also polymer.
Well I checked out another Cabela's today. Looked at the Ruger American and the Mossberg MVP LC, since that is pretty much what I'll be going for, just a bit cheaper. They didon't not have either the Ruger or Savage Axis in the caliber I wanted...well not 100% accurate. They did have a Savage AXIS in 7-08, but without the accutrigger. We did check on the Cabela's website to see if they could order one from it, however they only had .270, 300 Winchester Magnum,. 308, .30-06 and 6.5 Creedmore. So I can order from Savage and pay the $25 transfer fee to Cabela's which is $20 cheaper than what Gander Mountain charges.
I'm ditching the cheap scope almost right away. Besides the BBC, which is usually set up for 22-250, realistically how much should I look at spending? I've been eyeing Vortex's economy scopes and knowing Vortex is a pretty good company, how much would I be losing on the cheaper end vs say mid range for them?
I also looked into the Leopold VX Hog 1-4x20 because realistically I don't need much above 6 magnification, but not sure how that will do in low light. Would get a Leopold with the odd objective, but they discontinued them.
Just looking for advice on a scope that'll let light in at sunrise during the fall so I can see what my target is clearly. I've cheap scopes, but adjusting for wind and elevation leaves a bit to be desired. My current scope is a Bushnell XLT 3-9x40 and it's okay but not great.
https://www.amazon.com/Leupold-1153...ng-20&linkId=9a52bf082f21f4f333cbb7c0c0575119
this was just a quick search.....but Leupold makes a wonderful product.
https://www.amazon.com/Nikon-M-308-...ng-20&linkId=e01e0ebad9151577cc08b8ce83d1ee24
Or you can get this Nikon for a bit more money. Also, having your scope lapped and mounted properly with the proper amount of relief and rise is a big factor as well. I'm sure you already know this though.
Hey 08, Of the two rifles you listed on your OP, the Tikka is way better. As you may know, Tikka is made by Sako, one of the best gun makers in the world. The Tikka is relatively light, bit over 6lbs. By the time you add scope, bipod, ammo, you'll be up close to 10 lbs. That's still a lot to tote into the field...might want to leave the bipod at home and prop against a tree instead. A Tikka is on my wish list so I have limited experience with them, but friends have therm and they are top notch; the bolts slide like butter. I have a Savage model 25 in 22 Hornet and had to send the first one back for a replacement. Savage CS was good and they replaced a dysfunctional rifle with a really good shooter, so I'm not unhappy. It's just that the fit and finish is not to my liking. I'll not buy another. As far as scopes are concerned, I've owned Weaver, Redfield, Burris, Bushnell, Leupold, and some other cheapies I threw away when I was young. Of these listed, Leupold is the best. I've also used my brother's Weatherby, Pecar, and Zeiss. My Leupold and his Pecar scopes are about equal and are better than the Weatherby and low-end Zeiss Conquest (I've never used a high-end Zeiss). I've used 7-8 different Leupolds and all of them excel over other brands. The VX-II is in your price range and technically superior to most other scopes in that price range. Good luck with your new rifle.
+1 on the TikkaHey 08, Of the two rifles you listed on your OP, the Tikka is way better. As you may know, Tikka is made by Sako, one of the best gun makers in the world. The Tikka is relatively light, bit over 6lbs....
Good luck with your new rifle.
I prefer plastic centerfire rifle magazines to metal. They are very tough, don't bend into troublesome shapes, and generally are quieter. Look how many more AR-15 magazines are plastic rather than metal. Not saying one is better than another for every application, but it's the 3rd millennium...I do like that Tikka magazines are aluminum vs polymer. I'm not sure if a polymer magazine could hold up to that kind of abuse. I have no doubt a 6061-T6 aluminum magazine could withstand abuse a bit more, but I could be wrong.