TassieTiger wrote:I usually kind of frown on ppl simply recommending exactly what they have as it’s always a biased opinion-but I’m going to suggest a steyr varmint pro.
JimTom wrote:Sako A7 or Tikka T3x.
I own both of these and can’t fault either.
SCJ429 wrote:Best to get a second hand rifle, get the owner to take you to the range to show you what it can do. Sure fire way to eliminate the dud three inch grouper. A friend bought a new Remington which couldn't hit the side of a barn, if only he could have test fired it before he bought it. Would have saved a lot of grief.
Islander7 wrote:This most probably will be my first, the only one, and last rifle...
knowsnothin wrote:Islander7 wrote:This most probably will be my first, the only one, and last rifle...
Yes yes, of course it will be...
Also I recommend getting a high end second hand rifle.
Blaser, Mauser Steyr. Etc.
don’t discount their polymer offerings, they are far superior to the cheap stuff and if you are knocking around varminting you are going to ruin nice wood.
TassieTiger wrote:I usually kind of frown on ppl simply recommending exactly what they have as it’s always a biased opinion-but I’m going to suggest a steyr varmint pro.
They are about $2400 and come with a set trigger / normal trigger and a 3 position safety, including a “storage” feature where the bolt handle pulls down really low as to not catch in safes or bags, etc. the set trigger is freaking amazing - can dial it to 100 grams of pull if you want. Or use normal trigger at adjustable and around 1kg.
They are a 1:9 twist so can take 70gn projectiles. Mine will shoot golf balls dead at insane distances for me (250m). The bolt and action are machined perfectly, like glass - maybe too slick at times.
The barrel is a semi heavy unit - can fire a good amount before it gets hot...is it a walker? Maybe a bit heavy but that’s why it’s soaccurate and can shoot multiples.
The spiral fluting on barrel is not to everyone’s liking but it’s different.
Steyr have a guarantee to shoot better than Moa with factory ammo, but mine is 1/4 to 1/2 with 24gns ar2206h with 55 hornady ballistic.
Yes, sako, tikka are regarded highly, but if your wanting something a little different...?
Ps - do not confuse this with a steyr pro hunter. Very different rifles and performance is not really comparable.
Gaznazdiak wrote:Well unless you're a competitive grade shooter, most decent rifles will be far more capable than the average, casual shooter.
I'm not casting aspersions here Islander, I don't know you, but the above being the case why pay extra for what will most likely only be a psychological difference.
Why not go for a good mid range brand like a 24" Howa and put the extra dollars into a really good glass?
I'm only an average shooter, with shakes and wobbles from a brain injury and I have managed one hole groups at 100 with my Howa .223.
It always sounds good to go for "the best you can afford", but only if the extra money it costs you gets you a substantive measurably better result.
The again, some like to buy the most expensive they can manage because the price paid is the attraction.
Whatever bloats your goat Islander, and makes you happy with it. Have fun looking, buying a new gun is always exciting.
My 2 cents.
Chappo wrote:Hey islander.
Have you had much experience with firearms?
I’m assuming you haven’t and your looking for the “one and only” and you wanna make sure your money is wisely spent and that’s fair enough.
Islander7 wrote:Bigrich, stainless laminated Tikka T3x is still not out of question, if I can't find anything 'better'.
Stix wrote:Let me tell you, not being able to top load with the Tikka is becoming painful.
I didnt think it would be a problem, but the amount of times i chamber a round upon pulling up on a fox or titchy bunny, & then have to unload the firearm & remove the magazine to put round back in mag is an annoyance.
Then there is the occasional time you drop a round from all the magazine fiddling & it slips down the side of the seat, &/or you've had the door open & you're not sure if it landed in or out of the car & end up spending time looking for it...
It may sound like im exagerating, but im sure those that do a lot of this type of shooting will vouch for what im saying.
With the Sako, it would be straight back in the top, hold the round down & slide the bolt forward for a safe empty chamber
So top load through ejection port is, in my opinion, a very important feature for a varmint rifle if budget comfortably allows.
albat wrote:forget the one rifle scenario, it just dont happen anyone on here will tell you that! .223? for a one trick pony?, theres better choices.
Stoney wrote:Islander7 wrote:Bigrich, stainless laminated Tikka T3x is still not out of question, if I can't find anything 'better'.
Don't listen to bigrich he's a snob. If it's not a Winchester or Sako it couldn't possibly shoot.
I have both Steyr .308 and Tikka .233 and both shoot 3 shot clover groups@ 100, out of the box with the right factory ammo.
bigrich wrote:if it was me go the sako 85. or find a second hand 75. thinking out of the box , what about the kimber ? mauser style action, come in a variety of bedded stocks . supposed to be a good thing ? maybe a higher grade weatherby than the vangaurd . they have a good reputation for accuracy and don't have a lot of plastic in them . you said you don't like plastic mags, that rules a lot of rifles out, including the stainless laminate tikka t3 which would be my choice at the bottom end of price
Islander7 wrote:Stix wrote:Let me tell you, not being able to top load with the Tikka is becoming painful.
I didnt think it would be a problem, but the amount of times i chamber a round upon pulling up on a fox or titchy bunny, & then have to unload the firearm & remove the magazine to put round back in mag is an annoyance.
Then there is the occasional time you drop a round from all the magazine fiddling & it slips down the side of the seat, &/or you've had the door open & you're not sure if it landed in or out of the car & end up spending time looking for it...
It may sound like im exagerating, but im sure those that do a lot of this type of shooting will vouch for what im saying.
With the Sako, it would be straight back in the top, hold the round down & slide the bolt forward for a safe empty chamber
So top load through ejection port is, in my opinion, a very important feature for a varmint rifle if budget comfortably allows.
Thanks for sharing your opinion and experience, then its sako85 for me out of this two..
I others in my list that I'm currently researching are:
Kimber 84m
Anschutz 1771
Remington 700vls
Ruger 77 hawkeye predator
Lighgow la102 - crossed out due to latest recall...
Mate you say you have used the AK47 in the army would it be rude of me to ask what army you were in although i'm sorry if it's a personal question
Cheers