Looking for a new rifle
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I have 2 mags for mine and never had issues with either.
Captcurt
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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.
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. 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.
Well just got the okay for a rifle build. Going to look for a brand new Savage Axis or model 11 for a decent price without a scope. Then I'm picking up a MDT-LSS or LSS-XL 6061 Aluminum chassis. I've been allowed just under $1000 for everything, chassis, glass, rings, AR stock, pistol grip, and rifle.
Reason why I'm deciding to go with this particular chassis system is for a few reasons, first being a second kind of cool type thing. It sparks my interest in looks as well as being really functional. It should also do better than the AccuStock, which from reading reviews seems to be a mixed bag. Another reason, it's different from the traditional hunting rifles of wood and finerglass/synthetics. It also has a lot easier customization and adjustability. Before I was thinking getting a McMillian M40 style stock, but I'd like to have an adjustable length of pull on the fly, especially if I let my nephew or even my dad shoot it.
In doing the math, it appears that I can stI'll be reasonable in weight. The more I thought about it, 6.5lbs is pretty light, and since 7mm08 is just a bit less on the recoil side of .308, an extra pound and a half to two pounds extra will be acceptable. I'm hoping to get everything together by the middle of May to early June...have not had a lot of working time put in as this winter has been garbage, compared to what everyone said. So far I can pick up majority of everything I'do need.
I know this is kind of a 180 compared to what I had originally intended, but I still very much appreciate all the advice given to me on here. After this rifle build, I'm probably will be taking up hand loading. I had looked into it, but at the time didn't have the funds to do it. Still don't have as much for funding, but I can save up quite easily.
Reason why I'm deciding to go with this particular chassis system is for a few reasons, first being a second kind of cool type thing. It sparks my interest in looks as well as being really functional. It should also do better than the AccuStock, which from reading reviews seems to be a mixed bag. Another reason, it's different from the traditional hunting rifles of wood and finerglass/synthetics. It also has a lot easier customization and adjustability. Before I was thinking getting a McMillian M40 style stock, but I'd like to have an adjustable length of pull on the fly, especially if I let my nephew or even my dad shoot it.
In doing the math, it appears that I can stI'll be reasonable in weight. The more I thought about it, 6.5lbs is pretty light, and since 7mm08 is just a bit less on the recoil side of .308, an extra pound and a half to two pounds extra will be acceptable. I'm hoping to get everything together by the middle of May to early June...have not had a lot of working time put in as this winter has been garbage, compared to what everyone said. So far I can pick up majority of everything I'do need.
I know this is kind of a 180 compared to what I had originally intended, but I still very much appreciate all the advice given to me on here. After this rifle build, I'm probably will be taking up hand loading. I had looked into it, but at the time didn't have the funds to do it. Still don't have as much for funding, but I can save up quite easily.
Went down to Cabela's today to look at rifles. They only had one Axis in 7mm08, and it was a standard Axis, no scope or AccuTrigger. They took down my name and number so their sales guy can get a hold of me later about pricing and what not. Anyone familiar with how much Cabela's charges for ordering and how long it usually takes to get a rifle in?
Art Eatman
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My local gunsmith buddy does a lot of sight-in work. He speaks highly of the Ruger American. Generally around one MOA for five-shot groups.
I have a 700 Ti in 7mm08. Neat lightweight rig. But the 7mm08 is just a .308 with ten grains less bullet in the common deer load. Negligible difference.
I have a 700 Ti in 7mm08. Neat lightweight rig. But the 7mm08 is just a .308 with ten grains less bullet in the common deer load. Negligible difference.
JeffG
Member
I own both brands of these rifles. I think you would be pleased with either. BTW the Savage magazines hold up well to being dropped out of tree stands...
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 think Tikka magazines are also polymer.
I saw both around on their site and others.
SoonerMedic
Member
I think you'll love the Savage....and some of them come with a Nikon BDC scope vs a Weaver or Bushnell some makers slap on there.
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.
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.
SoonerMedic
Member
Well, You can spend anywhere from $0 for the scope that comes with the rifle all the way up into the several thousands. It's really a matter of opinion (in my opinion) because the likelihood of any of us being able to tell a REAL difference between a midline and marginally better scope will be almost zero. I don't think I could tell the difference between a Nikon and a Vortex scope or a NightForce and a Leupold aside from major aesthetic differences.
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.
SoonerMedic
Member
I'm pretty sure any vortex scope will do the trick. The earliest you can shoot (in my state anyway) is 30 minutes before sunrise....which should still allow plenty of light. You can also find scopes with illuminated reticles at a fair price as well. Your budget would help greatly in determining the right direction to point you.
SoonerMedic
Member
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.
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.
That Leopold is right in my budget for glass. I probably want to stay around $350 pre tax on optics.
T.R.
Member
My lightweight carbine for hunting mulies in rough country is this Glenfield in 30-30. Energy and trajectory are just fine since my shots rarely exceed 125 yards. The old 30-30 cartridge has been knocking 'em dead for over a century.
TR
TR
My lightweight carbine for hunting mulies in rough country is this Glenfield in 30-30. Energy and trajectory are just fine since my shots rarely exceed 125 yards. The old 30-30 cartridge has been knocking 'em dead for over a century.
TR
A lever gun in .30-30 is on my list of rifles to get. Just not sure which rifle to get, but it'll be a few years.
BlondeBear63
Member
The best carrying rifle I have ever owned is my Model 94 Winchester. I doubt many will argue that.
I hunt the Blue Ridge Mountains & Appalachia where toting a battleship takes some of the joy from the hunt. I was shooting a Savage 110FNS. A good gun, but laborious to haul through thick cover up & down mountains. A couple of years ago I decided enough was enough and did the research. I was practical about my budget, well at least fairly so. Too, I knew enough of the specs and decided to be firmly committed to actually hold the different guns. I checked out the Remington 700 w/scope Wal-Mart offers. Out the door, less than $375. Chinese scope, flimsy feeling plastic stock, and the finish looked as though it was sprayed BBQ grill paint. It didn't fit too badly, but it definitely seemed disposable.
From my research, in order, was Browning, Weatherby, Thompson Center, and TIkka. I have learned that specs and online reviews do not guarantee you are going to get you the right gun, whatever it may be. I went to Gander Mountain on a slow afternoon and held the Brownings. They felt decent, better than Weatherby. Then I held the Thompson Center, what a tank! I was impressed they had scope rings mounted on all their rifles, which became a big help. I asked to look at the TIkka T3 hunter they had and it is an ideal fit. It is similar to a shotgun that is close to target just by shouldering it. I am not advocating for Gander Mountain, etc. But I have learned it absolutely necessary to hold AND compare different examples before buying.
About my Tikka. It is 30-06 caliber and wears a SImmons 44 Mag scope with side AO. I have not found any better scope for the money PERIOD. Some of their other stuff is crap, but not this model. It walks the rectangle with 180 RN Remington. Tikka advertises MOA using their 175 grain ammo. I have tried 165 & 168 grain rounds, but the 180 grain rounds are reliably more accurate and repeatable. The bolt locks with the safety on, has a detachable magazine, beautiful wood stock, very slick bolt, nice finish everywhere, light weight, and a soft butt plate that really does make shooting more comfortable. I also have found a good fitting gun is not as punishing as one that is ill-fitting.
Bottom Line: Go out and shoulder some guns. Find what you like & don't.
I hunt the Blue Ridge Mountains & Appalachia where toting a battleship takes some of the joy from the hunt. I was shooting a Savage 110FNS. A good gun, but laborious to haul through thick cover up & down mountains. A couple of years ago I decided enough was enough and did the research. I was practical about my budget, well at least fairly so. Too, I knew enough of the specs and decided to be firmly committed to actually hold the different guns. I checked out the Remington 700 w/scope Wal-Mart offers. Out the door, less than $375. Chinese scope, flimsy feeling plastic stock, and the finish looked as though it was sprayed BBQ grill paint. It didn't fit too badly, but it definitely seemed disposable.
From my research, in order, was Browning, Weatherby, Thompson Center, and TIkka. I have learned that specs and online reviews do not guarantee you are going to get you the right gun, whatever it may be. I went to Gander Mountain on a slow afternoon and held the Brownings. They felt decent, better than Weatherby. Then I held the Thompson Center, what a tank! I was impressed they had scope rings mounted on all their rifles, which became a big help. I asked to look at the TIkka T3 hunter they had and it is an ideal fit. It is similar to a shotgun that is close to target just by shouldering it. I am not advocating for Gander Mountain, etc. But I have learned it absolutely necessary to hold AND compare different examples before buying.
About my Tikka. It is 30-06 caliber and wears a SImmons 44 Mag scope with side AO. I have not found any better scope for the money PERIOD. Some of their other stuff is crap, but not this model. It walks the rectangle with 180 RN Remington. Tikka advertises MOA using their 175 grain ammo. I have tried 165 & 168 grain rounds, but the 180 grain rounds are reliably more accurate and repeatable. The bolt locks with the safety on, has a detachable magazine, beautiful wood stock, very slick bolt, nice finish everywhere, light weight, and a soft butt plate that really does make shooting more comfortable. I also have found a good fitting gun is not as punishing as one that is ill-fitting.
Bottom Line: Go out and shoulder some guns. Find what you like & don't.
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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.
They don't make the Zeiss Conquest anymore, but I wouldn't call it a low-end scope or inferior to Leupold. The new Zeiss Terra, maybe.
BlondeBear63
Member
+1 on the Tikka
My T3 Hunter in 30-06 shoots 180 RN Remington rounds with amazingly accuracy.
BlondeBear63
Member
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...
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