Should you get this one or that one? ...or does it end up being both?

[desidog]

Frequently there are threads on choosing between two comparable rifles, and after a bunch of input, presumably the OP goes out and gets one of them.

You've probably been in that quandary too...i know i have...but down the road i seem to pick up that other option at some point (as time, funds, and serendipitous meetings at random rifle racks occur).

So do you end up with both? Not necessarily at the same time; perhaps after reconsidering your first purchase?

 

[Nugilum]

I usually don't debate between two rifles. I just get what I want.

 

[dakotasin]

i have enough rifles and have shot enough rifles to know exactly what i like. it is a very rare occasion that i even debate a rifle purchase.

 

[desidog]

^ I hope i attain that level; at this rate, it takes some test driving and tire kicking.

 

[hardluk1]

I tend more often to buy what most have no experience with or some don't like and have made my mind up with out takeing what forums say to heart.

 

[Tirod]

If it was a professional level forum with experience, I surf and search. I don't clutter up their neighborhood with beginner questions like which is better. And I don't ask beginners.

If the difference isn't apparent, it's not professional level, and neither is the advice.

What's really wrong about some A vs. B is that they are completely different calibers, actions, and intended uses. Apparently ballistics and the operator "interface" need some filling in. And what they do best means limiting it to that, rather than forcing it into a completely opposite use. Of course, the gun industry doesn't mind at all, they sell the stuff that is reputed to "improve performance." That most of the improvements lack any explanation, field test, or measurable difference seems to be accepted.

After fiddling with making something into what it never was intended to be, then we get reports that the poster got the other gun, and the process is repeated until both look a lot like each other, and do nothing well.

Ah, but this is America, the storied land where money and common sense have no relationship at all.

 

[kwelz]

For me the question usually ends up being "which should I get first".

 

[Hatterasguy]

I never debate between two rifles, because eventually I'll buy every rifle I want. AR vs AK who cares own a bunch of both.

Since I have limited myself to 2-3 guns a year now my debate is what will I buy next year.

 

[HOOfan_1]

I wish it was always answer #1...but I can't believe I was the only person to pick answer #3...I take up a new interest every few months and nearly forget about my old interest...although I will eventually come back to the old interest again...and wish I had done option #1

 

[NWCP]

I'm in the fortunate position of being able to support my habit. If there are two guns that I take a liking to and I can't seem to settle on just one I usually end up owning both sooner or later. That is unless the first one purchased takes care of my "need".

 

[TheAmplifiedsoul]

I went with option #3. Since I can't afford averything I want I usually spends months researching what ever interest I have. Most of the time I end up buying something completely different then the options I was looking into. Sooner or later I come back to them however and usually get one or the other.

 

[Art Eatman]

By and large for the average deer hunter, there's not enough difference among most cartridges to make much difference about meat in the pot. Differences enter the deal when the consideration is between factory ammo and handloading.

As for the rifle itself, the fit is the most important thing. If a Sako fits me better than a Remchester or other, I'll go Sako. If a Savage fits me better than a Sako, I won't get the Sako.

Generally, the only way I've ever owned two rifles of the same make and cartridge is if I ran into a deal that was just too good to pass up. Eventually, I take some profit and smile...

 

[Legionnaire]

Don't know that I've ever asked anyone on a forum to help me choose between two firearms. Rather, I tend to research and settle on one I like, or narrow the range down to a couple, and then ask such questions as: "What's your experience been with the Tikka T3?" etc. Such questions tend to result in more objective replies than asking, "Which is the better rifle of these two?" "Better" is so subjective, and these questions typically trigger responses driven more by brand loyalty or "what I have" than generate objective input to a decision.

On occasion, I've bought a reputable rifle that I just never took to. Eventually I'll replace it with something else. Did that with a CZ 527 American not too long ago; fine rifle, but it never really felt right, and the reverse safety grew rather than waned as an annoyance. So now I'm happily (thus far) shooting the Tikka T3 that replaced it. Once I've settled on one I like, no need to keep looking, and no need to keep the one I like less. I can only shoot one at a time, anyway.