$1000 rifle budget

OK, I know this type of thread has been done to death but I would like to see a few opinions on this one.

I turn 40 this fall and my wife was recently tossing a few ideas around about what we should do. Should we go to Vegas for a weekend? Maybe a last minute trip down South? I brought up the point that my birthday always falls during the gun season for deer. Since I would already be doing what I really want to be doing, you would be hard pressed to get me to go anywhere else. I said "what about buying me a nice new rifle?" And so the $1000 budget was established. The scope will come afterward and is not included in the rifle budget.

I haven't bought too many brand new rifles in the past because I usually found that buying used would get me the best quality for the dollar. This time I would like to go with new but I'm still open to a good deal on used.

I already have a few ideas in mind and in the end I will probably just pick the one that fits best in a standard medium-big game calibre. Just curious to hear what others would decide on if they were on the same budget. I'm not really interested in semis. This rifle will eventually replace my old model 670 in 30-06 that I will hand down to my nephew when he's old enough.

Let's hear your picks. Mostly just a fun thread but you never know which way a suggestion might send my train of thought.

As far as I'm concerned you can't go wrong with a tikka T3...............That would be my choice and depending on the configuration you might have a bit of $$ left over to go towards a good scope.

Well, there's a lot of variables out there for personal taste.

If I was in the market for a nice rifle at $1000.00 I'd be looking for a very nice, accurate bolt gun. Mauser actioned, with a modern chambering like .308 or .270 ( my two favourite calibers).

For the $$$, the CZ centerfire rifles are very good. Something like a CZ 557 Sporter, or in my case ( I have a weakness for Mannlicher stocks) I'd buy a CZ 550FS.

Well, its for a special occaision, so I'd try to get the budget bumped up a bit to get one of the new model 94 Winchesters. Its a lot for a lever action, but they are pretty nice.

Bump your budget up just a touch. I just bought a new Ruger M77 (.270) synthetic stainless with a 3-9x40 Nikon scope from Cabelas for $1184 all in with free shipping. This rifle completes my Ruger collection. Next year (God willing and the water don't rise) I want to start on an new O/U,hopefully a Ruger Red Label,too.

Here ya go...
http://thathuntingstore.com/

Browning X-Bolt Stainless Stalker chambered for 308... on sale.

Your 0ld bolt 06 served you well so upgrading it can be done with a Tikka T3 within your budget. Hard to beat a quality bolt 30-06 as an all around big game rifle. For a few bucks more a Browning Xbolt is a great choice too. After you hand down your 670 to your nephew he will still have a bolt .30-06 like his uncle and will be well equipped to hunt most big game in North America.

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Originally Posted by trimmer21

Bump your budget up just a touch. I just bought a new Ruger M77 (.270) synthetic stainless with a 3-9x40 Nikon scope from Cabelas for $1184 all in with free shipping. This rifle completes my Ruger collection. Next year (God willing and the water don't rise) I want to start on an new O/U,hopefully a Ruger Red Label,too.

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They have discontinued it again.

I like the Tika as well. I would rather a Sako 85 but that's not in your budget or mine right now for that matter.

Good woman you got.

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Originally Posted by terrym

They have discontinued it again.

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They discontinued the New red labels? Where did you hear that?

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Originally Posted by terrym

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Originally Posted by trimmer21

Bump your budget up just a touch. I just bought a new Ruger M77 (.270) synthetic stainless with a 3-9x40 Nikon scope from Cabelas for $1184 all in with free shipping. This rifle completes my Ruger collection. Next year (God willing and the water don't rise) I want to start on an new O/U,hopefully a Ruger Red Label,too.

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They have discontinued it again.

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Wow that was fast for the red label. Sounds like it had some quality issues though although in this thread Ruger says they couldn't make it for feasible retail price.

I just made my new big game rifle purchase in that price range.
I do my homework, I read hundreds of reviews, compared dozens of rifles in the "under $1000" price range.
I settled on a Browning X-Bolt (specifically the composite stalker).

I chose this rifle because:
Target barrel crown
Adjustable trigger
60 degree bolt lift (no interference with scope and feels slick)
Bolt knob locks down (plus the button release is fantastic)
Stock is stiff, rigid, and the Duracoat feels awesome
Glass bedded action from the factory
Detachable box mag. sits flush (and is heavy duty, almost indestructible polymer)
Plenty of examples of sub MOA accuracy online from this rifle

I shouldered this rifle at the shop, and the fit, finish, and quality is second to none. Worth every penny.
Stainless version runs around 1100$, I picked up the regular blued for under 860$
You will not be disappointed. Hope this helps!

Thread regarding red label I forgot to post above.

http://www.northeastshooters.com/vbulletin/threads/272519-2015-Ruger-Red-Label-shotguns-discontinued-again-No-trace-of-them-on-Ruger-com

I have a Red Label... it is a very nice shotgun to handle. Dropped my first turkey with that shotgun. I bought two turkey chokes for it for the coming season!

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Originally Posted by Tomislav45

I just made my new big game rifle purchase in that price range.
I do my homework, I read hundreds of reviews, compared dozens of rifles in the "under $1000" price range.
I settled on a Browning X-Bolt (specifically the composite stalker).

I chose this rifle because:
Target barrel crown
Adjustable trigger
60 degree bolt lift (no interference with scope and feels slick)
Bolt knob locks down (plus the button release is fantastic)
Stock is stiff, rigid, and the Duracoat feels awesome
Glass bedded action from the factory
Detachable box mag. sits flush (and is heavy duty, almost indestructible polymer)
Plenty of examples of sub MOA accuracy online from this rifle

I shouldered this rifle at the shop, and the fit, finish, and quality is second to none. Worth every penny.
Stainless version runs around 1100$, I picked up the regular blued for under 860$
You will not be disappointed. Hope this helps!

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In the link I provided, That Hunting and Fishing Store in Richmond (just south of Ottawa) has a X-Bolt Stainless Stalker .308 Win for $991.14

Fun place to window shop

http://store.prophetriver.com/catego...e-Consignment/

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Originally Posted by terrym

They have discontinued it again.

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Well,crap. I love Ruger products. Hopefully,they work it out.

If I had a grand to buy a new all-rounder I'd look seriously at a Rem 700 CDL detach-mag. .30-06 is good, but I'd likely go for a 7mm-08 just because I recently got a 700 BDL in that chambering and it is a sweet cartridge to shoot!
I'd also consider a Tikka T3; make mine blued/walnut. I just hear so many good things. My brother used his .270 BDL to take about 20 BC bull moose in 25 years, and when he finally decided to buy a new rifle for his elk hunt, it was a Tikka T3 in .300 WinMag, which he loves. His grown son has a couple as well.
One last choice: A Ruger Hawkeye in your choice of cartridge. I have one in .257 Roberts and it is solid as a rock. When you chamber a cartridge it locks up like a bank vault. Great hunting rifles.

Tikka T3 Hunter would be a good choice - 270WSM

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Originally Posted by duckslayer

As far as I'm concerned you can't go wrong with a tikka T3...............That would be my choice and depending on the configuration you might have a bit of $$ left over to go towards a good scope.

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Was looking around last year for a decent 7mm-08 bolt with basically the same budget. Went to many stores/shops and best I could find in stock was a new Kimber but didn't have the $1800+ for it or a used Kimber for around $1400+. Kept searching and didn't want a 30-06 or another composite stock gun. Found a pretty good deal on a 1973 Sako Finnbear in 30-06. Prolly the best shooting firearm I've ever owned. You've got some time to look and research your new firearm, good luck with your quest.

outback

Would you consider a single shot rifle at all? Look at the variants of the Ruger No1. They're beautiful and functional.

The Thompson Center Encore is nice too.

the new 700 and model 70 with the fluted barrels are sweet I am a ruger 77 fan .but the sendaro always got my attention .not so much a tika or sako guy .I would rather have a model 70 super grade .Dutch

My fav rifle I own is the x-bolt white gold however just a little over your budget. If you work up the budget a couple of hundred you will get one of the most beautiful stocks out there with a stainless barrel in almost any popular caliber you want.

I'm researching guns myself although looking at a custom build in .338 lapua. I don't see anything out of the box I'd rather have then the x-bolt white gold so no choice but to go custom for me.

If you're passing through durham on the 401 I don't mind showing the x-bolt off to you :-)

I'm gonna sell my Savage and eventually purchase a Winchester Mod 70 in .270 WSM. So my vote is for the Winchester :-)

I would agree with the T3 as well but also consider the Weatherby Vanguard II line. TC

'Best rifle I have is my Tikka T3 30-06, action is sooo smooth. Recommend going for the wood stock as I find the synthetic has a hollow sound that I was not impressed with. On the other hand the wood knurling seems to bruise easily. Maybe while transporting and climbing up deer stands you should put a sock on it like I should have.

I'd buy an Accutrigger Savage, and put the other $400 towards upgrading the optics you're going to buy. I'd rather have an accurate $500 rifle and a $1500 scope, then the other way around (mind you, you haven't said what your scope budget is). It depends on what you want - an accurate rifle that's real pretty to look at, or just an accurate rifle.

I would be looking at a weatherby vangaurd best bang for your buck what ever you buy don't cheap on the scope

Tikka T3 synthetic can't go wrong. Super accurate and reliable.

Browning x-bolt all the way. Quality, accuracy, durability. What more do you want.

Ruger M77

Tikka T3 Lite and you will have for set of bases and rings for that 1K...
good and accurate guns,for Ontario and rest of Canada use just great long bores...

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Originally Posted by Fenelon

I'd buy an Accutrigger Savage, and put the other $400 towards upgrading the optics you're going to buy. I'd rather have an accurate $500 rifle and a $1500 scope, then the other way around (mind you, you haven't said what your scope budget is). It depends on what you want - an accurate rifle that's real pretty to look at, or just an accurate rifle.

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Now there's a wise man....why spend the whole wad on just the gun...there are some excellent guns for allot less than $1K...leave you lots of room to buy a scope and a few $100 worth of ammo.

Thanks for all of the excellent feedback! Probably the most replies to any thread I've started to date. It's nice to get this kind of feedback because I've read enough of most of your posts to be able to relate your recommendations to how your hunting and shooting style might compare to mine.

I figured that the X-bolt and T3 would come highly recommended but there are a few surprises here as well. I'll try to address a few of the replies here to let you know where I'm at. It's a long response, but this is a great time of year to talk about guns.

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Originally Posted by Bluebulldog

Mauser actioned, with a modern chambering like .308 or .270 ( my two favourite calibers).

For the $$$, the CZ centerfire rifles are very good. Something like a CZ 557 Sporter, or in my case ( I have a weakness for Mannlicher stocks) I'd buy a CZ 550FS.

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I'm pretty sure I will be going with .308, .270 or 30-06. If I settle on a T3 I'll stick with a long action as they are not a true short action. I've never handled a CZ bolt rifle before but I've read good things and they look nice too, I'll be sure to check them out.

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Originally Posted by werner.reiche

Well, its for a special occaision, so I'd try to get the budget bumped up a bit to get one of the new model 94 Winchesters. Its a lot for a lever action, but they are pretty nice.

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I've owned model 94's in the past and currently have a Marlin 30AS in 30-30 that has served me well. If I go with another lever gun, I'll probably go with what I believe is one of your favourites, a big bore .444.

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Originally Posted by trimmer21

Bump your budget up just a touch. I just bought a new Ruger M77 (.270) synthetic stainless

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Not many guys I hunt with carry Rugers, but one older fella did and he let me carry his older M77 in .270 for a few days one season. I did like the feel/fit of the rifle and will be sure to look at them as well. Bumping up the budget a bit is likely possible, I'll just have to work a bit of OT or do some extra buttering up!

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Originally Posted by DGearyFTE

Here ya go...
http://thathuntingstore.com/

Browning X-Bolt Stainless Stalker chambered for 308... on sale.

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My Dad just bought an X-bolt Micro (we have short arms...lol) and I do really like the 60 degree bolt and the overall look and feel of the gun. An X-bolt is high on my list.

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Originally Posted by Kilo Charlie

If I had a grand to buy a new all-rounder I'd look seriously at a Rem 700 CDL detach-mag. .30-06 is good, but I'd likely go for a 7mm-08 just because I recently got a 700 BDL in that chambering and it is a sweet cartridge to shoot!
I'd also consider a Tikka T3; make mine blued/walnut.

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I definitely won't rule out Remington, hopefully they've had a wake-up call in the quality department. My BIL has a T3 in .300 Win Mag and an older model (model 595 or 695?) in .308 and I wish they still made those. To me, they seem a little higher quality than the T3's. The new "Forest" version of the T3 is the one I have my eye on if I go that route.

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Originally Posted by outback

Found a pretty good deal on a 1973 Sako Finnbear in 30-06. Prolly the best shooting firearm I've ever owned.

outback

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I'm definitely keeping my eyes open for a used Sako. Might have to up the budget a touch to make it fit but I'm thinking it will be worthwhile. The Sako A7 looks like it might be worth a look too, although I wish they came in a wood stocked version.

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Originally Posted by GoldenLakePete

Would you consider a single shot rifle at all? Look at the variants of the Ruger No1. They're beautiful and functional.

The Thompson Center Encore is nice too.

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I hadn't, but thanks for the suggestion, I will check them out. I currently use a single shot (H&R) in my shotgun areas and I never feel like I'm at much of a disadvantage as it's the first shot that usually counts.

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Originally Posted by dutchhunter

I would rather have a model 70 super grade .Dutch

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I have a real soft spot for Model 70's and my gut feeling was to replace the 670 with a nice new Model 70. The Stainless Featherweight isn't in production anymore, that's one I would have liked.

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Originally Posted by JeffBondar

My fav rifle I own is the x-bolt white gold however just a little over your budget. If you work up the budget a couple of hundred you will get one of the most beautiful stocks out there with a stainless barrel in almost any popular caliber you want.

If you're passing through durham on the 401 I don't mind showing the x-bolt off to you :-)

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I really, really like the look of wood and stainless together. I know it's not the most accurate combo possible but being a special occasion, I'm leaning towards a rifle that is nice to look at and will still be accurate enough for practical hunting ranges, which leaves the door pretty much open. I might take you up on the offer to look at that rifle sometime. You've posted pics of it here before that I've drooled over...lol.

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Originally Posted by Fenelon

I'd buy an Accutrigger Savage, It depends on what you want - an accurate rifle that's real pretty to look at, or just an accurate rifle.

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I hear you on that and it's good advice to be sure, but I was a step ahead of ya on that one! A couple of years ago I bought a Savage Model 11 in .243 with the accutrigger and it's a real shooter. As I said above, I think this time I want a looker as well as a shooter. Although, those first few dings and scratches will be tough to bear. I do a lot of bush hunting and can be hard on guns.

I should have added that although I'm giving my old Winchester to my nephew, my own son won't go without. He is getting his great-grandfather's old Model 94 in .32 spl. I thought that it would be fitting for my 670 to be passed along to my brother's son as it used to be my Dad's rifle.

Don't know what they cost now, but I'd also suggest a #1 in your choice of caliber. My 243 has been flawless for well over twenty years, little small for moose but great for deer or groundhogs...and no clip to loose or jam.

To me after all the guns I've shot and worked up loads for Tikka is tops.

That 1k will get you a hunter with a stainless fluted barrel and a nice would stock. You have already picked fantastic calibers and let me tell you that I have t3 in short action and honestly see no issue at all.

What I do notice is their MOA guarantee is there for a reason.

Browning is also nice but again Tikka's are just so darn accurate every time.

Great advice has been given already and I am sure whatever you choose will suit you well for a lifetime so the only thing I can add is personal bias .LOL /I also suggest looking at a Ruger #1 as I believe they are one of the classiest looking rifles around and they have less moving parts than the bolts and levers.
I am sure you can find a used one in your budget as new ones run around $1200 - $1400 , Mine is a 45-70 and it is one on my never trade or sell list.

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j1...psdea3fd31.jpg

That is a beautiful No. 1, John!

Thanks Pete . She may be my favorite in the stable.

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Originally Posted by Hunter John

Thanks Pete . She may be my favorite in the stable.

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The "Canadian Edition" Ruger #1 in 303 Brit is on my wishlist.

Someday.....

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Originally Posted by blasted_saber

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Originally Posted by Hunter John

Thanks Pete . She may be my favorite in the stable.

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The "Canadian Edition" Ruger #1 in 303 Brit is on my wishlist.

Someday.....

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Don't think it's the Canadian but just saw this from Prohpet River and thought of your post.

http://www.canadiangunnutz.com/forum/showthread.php/1151262-Ruger-1-A-in-303-British

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Originally Posted by Hunter John

Great advice has been given already and I am sure whatever you choose will suit you well for a lifetime so the only thing I can add is personal bias .LOL /I also suggest looking at a Ruger #1 as I believe they are one of the classiest looking rifles around and they have less moving parts than the bolts and levers.
I am sure you can find a used one in your budget as new ones run around $1200 - $1400 , Mine is a 45-70 and it is one on my never trade or sell list.

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j1...psdea3fd31.jpg

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Very nice. Not a rifle that was originally on my list but they do have a good reputation and obviously come highly recommended by some knowledgeable people here. I'll most definitely have a look at a few. Thanks HJ!

Over the last couple of weeks I gave quite a bit of thought as to what I need in a rifle right now versus what I want. In the end, what I want (or rather have always wanted) was the winner. I appreciate everyone's recommendations and I did consider pretty much everything that was suggested. A Winchester Model 70 super grade almost came home with me one afternoon. Another day it was a Tikka, the next day it was the X-bolt, I was driving my wife crazy. I did manage to convince her that although my birthday isn't until November, it might be best to buy now before the prices go up because of the dollar.

Sunday afternoon I took a drive up to Ellwood Epp's and finally scratched the big bore itch that has bothered me since I first started hunting and shooting. It won't be the most accurate gun I have, nor will it be very fast or flat shooting, but inside 100 yards it will put a serious smackdown on pretty well anything. I'm sure it also has a serious fun factor on the range too, really looking forward to trying it out. The good folks at Epp's switched out the factory irons right there for a Williams receiver peep and firesight front post. A couple of boxes of shells as well and I stayed well under $1000.

Marlin Model 1895G in .45-70 gov't

http://i296.photobucket.com/albums/m...ps8ntr4gay.jpg

To compare the size, here is my Marlin model 30AS in 30-30. The 30AS is pretty much the same as a 336 except for a cheaper stock.

http://i296.photobucket.com/albums/m...ps48irpsri.jpg

Beautiful looking piece of equipment! Congrats on the new addition

Great looking gun GW! enjoy the early bday present!

That is awesome GW, you are gonna love the thump of that bad boy and the peep sight is a perfect match for that rig. Look forward to the range report.

Nice!!!!!

Welcome to the big bore club.

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Originally Posted by werner.reiche

Nice!!!!!

Welcome to the big bore club.

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LOL... werner, knowing your preference for big bore I knew you would like GW11's choice!

It is a great looking rifle!