Let's find out,,what is the most,,,,,,,,,,,,,

[Die Judicii]

What is the most popular Brand, followed by caliber,,,, rifle sought in Aus, regardless of cost ?

[bladeracer]

What is the most popular Brand, followed by caliber,,,, rifle sought in Aus, regardless of cost ?

What are we basing it on - what we have or what we want to have?
I own eight Rugers so I guess Ruger is my most sought after brand.
And I have twelve .22LR's so that's my most sought after chambering, followed by nine 6.5mm rifles as my most sought after calibre.
I'm really not seeking any more rifles but I would grab another .357 Mag lever if I find one. I can't think of anything I would want "regardless of cost", but there are a few I'd like if we didn't have the laws we're lumbered with.

[bigrich]

Tikka 243 or 308 . Ya rarely see them for sale, except the varmit models. After people work out their too heavy to lug around

[geoff]

I think actual data is hard to come by unless you're in the dealer network

10 or 15 years ago I would have said Rem 700

But for centrefires I presume it's the Tikka T3 series now. Either 223 or 308, prob 223.

I would hazard a guess that the CZ has gotta be a top seller in the 22lr game? If not the Ruger american just on price point

[Blr243]

I think there would b a stack of 223 howas kicking around

[Fester]

In centerfires, Howa and Tikka would be up there.
.223 would be a top farm pest rifle, wouldn't it?

Years ago the Rem 700 may have been king.

.243 and .308 could also hold the belts in Aus.

[Die Judicii]

Tikka 243 or 308 . Ya rarely see them for sale, except the varmit models. After people work out their too heavy to lug around

One of the biggest points I've taken big notice of over the years,, is how some products (regardless of what they are) are'nt commonly
seen advertised 2nd hand.

That is a big telling factor for me, as to how good the product really is.

[bigrich]

Tikka 243 or 308 . Ya rarely see them for sale, except the varmit models. After people work out their too heavy to lug around

One of the biggest points I've taken big notice of over the years,, is how some products (regardless of what they are) are'nt commonly
seen advertised 2nd hand.

That is a big telling factor for me, as to how good the product really is.

absolutely . the most common 300 win mag rifle i see advertised for sale second hand is the T3 tikka . i don't think some people realise what their getting into with that cal in that weight rifle .

[Larry]

Sako and Anschutz would be my first go to if money is no option.

[geoff]

I think it would Howa and caliber 223.

Looking what is for sale second hand is false logic, as its stuff people bought but don't use or need. While anecdotal, every one I know owns a 223. (except of course 22lr), but that my be a country vs city thing. As in the country firearms are often tools, not only a sport.

It would good to see the stats from firearm registries, but they are such a mess I don't think they can give a clear report.

There's only a couple of major distributors that import the big brands so it wouldn't be hard to collate the sales numbers. I imagine that at that level the data is pretty clear. They would be able to tell you in an instant which is #1

Can't see it being public though

[SomeoneElse]

When I ordered my BLR last year the shop looked up importer backorders. 200 of them in .223, none in .308. That calibre ratio surprised me, so I made sure there was at least one in .308 by the time I left the shop. Only Winchester AU know the final numbers by the time the shipment was dispatched, unless you can find the shipping consignment details. BLRs seem a bit uncommon on the 2nd hand market, so I suspect they are “a keeper” for most buyers. I imagine the XBolt sales are considerably higher than BLR too - this is all just a single non-authoritative data point.

Having said all that and based on what my friends buy, my pure speculation is that the Tikka T3 has probably captured the centerfire zeitgeist of the early 21st century in Aus. Calibre guess would be .223, followed by 6.5CM.

I imagine the Ruger American .22 is well up there in sales as well.

Someone Else

[Die Judicii]

I think it would Howa and caliber 223.

Looking what is for sale second hand is false logic, as its stuff people bought but don't use or need. While anecdotal, every one I know owns a 223. (except of course 22lr), but that my be a country vs city thing. As in the country firearms are often tools, not only a sport.

It would good to see the stats from firearm registries, but they are such a mess I don't think they can give a clear report.

If your referring to my post, I think you missed my point.
My point was,,,,,,,,,,, What you DON"T see for sale 2nd hand.

[Bugman]

If I had the money and the inclination to use it, either an Anschutz or Sako in 243. I know I'm dreaming but dreaming is quite cheap these days.

[bigrich]

If I had the money and the inclination to use it, either an Anschutz or Sako in 243. I know I'm dreaming but dreaming is quite cheap these days.

yeah, dreaming is about all i can afford to do at the moment i've still got a couple of custom builds and purchases i'd like to do

[Die Judicii]

If I had the money and the inclination to use it, either an Anschutz or Sako in 243. I know I'm dreaming but dreaming is quite cheap these days.

I've worked hard over the last 15 years selling most of the rifles that I bought in younger years,, that had little real thought put into.
As I did so, I gradually bought replacement ones that I've put an awful lot of thought and experience in to.
Along the way I also bought good quality accessories as well.

Now in the twilight years of hunting I find myself looking just as avidly at adverts and in gunshops,, but walking away because I don't need to buy.

[bigrich]

If I had the money and the inclination to use it, either an Anschutz or Sako in 243. I know I'm dreaming but dreaming is quite cheap these days.

I've worked hard over the last 15 years selling most of the rifles that I bought in younger years,, that had little real thought put into.
As I did so, I gradually bought replacement ones that I've put an awful lot of thought and experience in to.
Along the way I also bought good quality accessories as well.

Now in the twilight years of hunting I find myself looking just as avidly at adverts and in gunshops,, but walking away because I don't need to buy.

i can relate to that . i've bought/owned/built firearms that have peaked my interest , for historical, technical , or i "just want" reasons , but haven't been really practical at times. i find myself not being as financial these days , or as fit as i was for hunting. i've rationalised my collection into what's truly practical and affordable . can't help the big kid inside me that gets all keen on a new firearm though . but ,like you, i've gotten better at walking away . 444 marlin would be nice but ........

[Wapiti]

Someone will do a search and find the most sold brands here, and the most purchased ammo calibre surely?

As far as opinions go, they are completely subjective, aren't they?
The latest craze in new firearms designs are 223 only at present, because it's cheap and easy.
For punching holes in paper, people are going to be best served by an accurate round that gives them scores... trajectory and power have no bearing as the scope can be clicked for any trajectory. Exception would be Metallic Silhouette, but even then they complain if you have a cartridge that damages their targets.
The people who have to kill animals for their businesses are after an accurate, adequate cartridge and firearm that is accurate and quick to use and clean/maintain, in a cartridge where suitable ammo is the norm.
And genuine hunters aren't concerned by economics, the one tool they carry has to do the job well in all conditions.

Seems to me, one man's medicine is anothers poison. I reckon the most popular cartridges and firearms are not necessarily better, they are just driven by a market.

[bigrich]

Someone will do a search and find the most sold brands here, and the most purchased ammo calibre surely?

As far as opinions go, they are completely subjective, aren't they?
The latest craze in new firearms designs are 223 only at present, because it's cheap and easy.
For punching holes in paper, people are going to be best served by an accurate round that gives them scores... trajectory and power have no bearing as the scope can be clicked for any trajectory. Exception would be Metallic Silhouette, but even then they complain if you have a cartridge that damages their targets.
The people who have to kill animals for their businesses are after an accurate, adequate cartridge and firearm that is accurate and quick to use and clean/maintain, in a cartridge where suitable ammo is the norm.
And genuine hunters aren't concerned by economics, the one tool they carry has to do the job well in all conditions.

Seems to me, one man's medicine is anothers poison. I reckon the most popular cartridges and firearms are not necessarily better, they are just driven by a market.

That’s a very good assessment. The bottom line is want versus need, and that differs with people.

[Die Judicii]

i can relate to that . i've bought/owned/built firearms that have peaked my interest , for historical, technical , or i "just want" reasons , but haven't been really practical at times. i find myself not being as financial these days , or as fit as i was for hunting. i've rationalised my collection into what's truly practical and affordable . can't help the big kid inside me that gets all keen on a new firearm though . but ,like you, i've gotten better at walking away . 444 marlin would be nice but ........

Seeing as you put it this way,,,,,,,, there are two that I'd like or want,,, but both for non sensical reasons.

Marlin Dark (BL)series 30/30,,,,,,,,, cos they really look nice.
(I had from new an XLR 336 laminate and hated the small loop cos I've got arthritic fingers)

Marlin 45/70,,,,,,,,,, until I saw the cost of factory ammo. Then changed my mind flatout like a lizard drinking.

[bigrich]

i can relate to that . i've bought/owned/built firearms that have peaked my interest , for historical, technical , or i "just want" reasons , but haven't been really practical at times. i find myself not being as financial these days , or as fit as i was for hunting. i've rationalised my collection into what's truly practical and affordable . can't help the big kid inside me that gets all keen on a new firearm though . but ,like you, i've gotten better at walking away . 444 marlin would be nice but ........

Seeing as you put it this way,,,,,,,, there are two that I'd like or want,,, but both for non sensical reasons.

Marlin Dark (BL)series 30/30,,,,,,,,, cos they really look nice.
(I had from new an XLR 336 laminate and hated the small loop cos I've got arthritic fingers)

Marlin 45/70,,,,,,,,,, until I saw the cost of factory ammo. Then changed my mind flatout like a lizard drinking.

i had a 45-70 and wasn't that impressed with it's game performance with 300gn speers on medium game . loaded heavy on the heavy game intended for ,their excellent on buff at closer ranges

[Cape_Yorkee]

You'd have to say Tikka or Howa would be the most popular brands these days. As for cartridge - 223 or maybe the man-bun (6.5 creed)?

Could be wrong, but feel there is a resurgence for the 270Win over the past few years. Maybe not the most popular, but perhaps 'trending'.

[MG5150]

There was a poll in a Victorian Sambar hunter group What is your preferred calibre and it was 30-06 as the clear leader. (obvious bias towards deer rifles in the group)

This wasn't the exact poll, but I saw most people opting to win a 30-06 if given the choice - that might mean people who don't already have one want one, or just 30-06 fanboys going to a new gun in the calibre they love.

[womble]

300 win mag is gaining a cult following too lately.

But thats a great poll. I’d like to see all 35.

This is a great article I read recently that really gives you an evolution of deer hunting calibers. Just the phases through the ages.
https://www.gameandfishmag.com/editorial/best-cartridge-hunting-deer/526727#replay

And people do favour certain phases and just stick with the tradition from that era.
Perhaps partly why 3006 is always the go to here. And it’s always been the solid choice with so many spin offs.
In the US you get a lot more deer hunters that will insist on a lever action rifle for that job.
But yeah, you see everything here. Especially country Victoria. The hound hunters love their pump action Remingtons in 3006. That thing kicks like the proverbial. That’s things readjusting your retinas. Why would you.

Sambar specific. Granted you may as well be armed for moose or elk. There are some behemoths out there. I’ve only ever caught them at a glance. I’ve seen huge prints that sink deep into ground compared to the other prints around them. Just awestruck by how big they must get. Probably some mutant hybrid razorback beasts out there.

And yet still I’m not ready to admit.
30 30 at 50 yards or so. With suitable bullets. I’m still 100% confident here. And I’ve got a reasonable chance of tagging it twice.

So anyway, by the end of above article it sort of dawns on you why you’d want to go backwards in time. We’re not getting better choices.

[MG5150]

Just awestruck by how big they must get. Probably some mutant hybrid razorback beasts out there.

This one was fkn hoooge!

[womble]

You are going to need a bigger ute

[MG5150]

Couldn't fit them all in but after the last entry not a single one has more than 1 vote and many of them are double-ups of earlier entries (7 rem mag, 7mm08 etc)

1635 votes total

30-06 with 521
300 Winmag with 339
308 with 256
338 with 65
270 with 76

[womble]

Most interesting thanks.
3006 clear winner.
I kinda thought 35 whelen would be up there. And 270 has really fallen of.
But then we had an ammo shortage for a while and perhaps people adapted to what was easier to come by.
Small sample group size but interesting nonetheless.

[bigrich]

i woulda thought 308 would be in first place . very practical where i live . ahhh well, guess i'll have to buy a 30-06 ti hang with the cool kids

[womble]

308 is recoil friendly. These mountain men would call that a girls gun I think.
I think they’re nuts. I’ll take the 308. My shoulder has had enough. I’ll take anything but 3006. 338 winmag not with a ten foot pole.

You can keep your stupidly long cases with tiny necks.
Just give me 6.5 Grendel or something. I’m happy.

I suppose you might come across a deer travelling in an armoured tank. But highly unlikely.