I want a new hunting bolt gun

CaptNemo · Nov 1, 2024

I'm looking for a new bolt gun in .308 for deer hunting out of blinds or deer stands in central Alabama with a max shot distance of about 300 yards.
Looking for an 18" -20" Barrel - Prefer a 1-10" rifling twist rate - not a drop dead "Must Have"
Muzzle Threads 5/8" -24 - I have suppressors to use on this rifle and have mounts
Synthetic Stock - adjustable comb height is a definite plus
I want something fairly nice - no Savage's and I'm hesitant for a Gen II Ruger American - the stock is ugly and the bolt sounds like zipper when you run it.
I want to be into the rifle less than about $ 1200.00
I'm a Tikka guy, but there is nothing in the US Catalog that jumped out at me with those specs and I didn't want to have a barrel turned and switch barrels around on the actions I have.
Grabbing a complete rifle is vastly more convenient and conserves time and ammo.
The Bergara Wilderness Sierra B14S801 seems to be tailor made to those specs + Standard Sling Studs & Fluted Barrel @ 7.4 Lbs.
The Bergara Wilderness Terrain B14S651 is almost the same as the Sierra, but is AICS Mag compatible and has a Mini Chassis Stock with Flush Cups and sling studs in the fore end @ 8.9 Lbs.
Both of these are within my budget, with the Wilderness Terrain about $ 120.00 more than the Sierra

Are there other rifles I should look at with these specs in this price range ?
.

stello1001 · Nov 1, 2024

The howa comes with a 16.25" barrel as a barreled action. Then, you can get an MDT oryx on black Friday for like $280 bucks. Total, you should have about less than $700 into it and you'll be far ahead from any savage or ruger.

They probably make a 20" version too but they don't an 18".

FuhQ · Nov 1, 2024

Spend a little more and get you one of these from Josh @ PVA ( @bohem )... He can probably make you a hell of a deal with a stock, too.

Solus Barreled Action

[email protected]

patriotvalleyarms.com

beetroot · Nov 1, 2024

Tikka T3x CTR .308 Win SS 20" Barrel Rifle JRTXC316S

Tikka T3x CTR .308 Win SS 20" Barrel Rifle JRTXC316S | Only at EuroOptic.com!

www.eurooptic.com

Is almost what you want, fixed check piece and 1:11 twist though.
I don’t know why Beretta USA doesn’t import the adjustable check piece models of the CTR.

nobbie333actual · Nov 1, 2024

Have you looked at the sig cross?

Turkeytider · Nov 1, 2024

Doesn’t fit exactly price wise ( you can hunt and probably find one close to 1500 . I did. ), but I love my Tikka Super Varmint more each time I shoot it. It’s a bit heavy for a tote about rifle, but for stand/blind I think it would be ideal.

jbuck88 · Nov 1, 2024

Had a sig cross and it was a legit 1/2moa gun. I regret getting rid of it. That Tikka CTR that @beetroot posted should be looked at closely.

If your open to buying used the original Remington 5r rifles were very good as well.

6brshooter · Nov 1, 2024

Aero solus with bravo stock. They make one with a 20" 308 barrel. Bravo stock, tt trigger and nice action. As a bonus it uses prefits that are same tenon and headspace as an origin. Recently, midway had a blowout sale on the solus hunter. A friend bought one and it was the nicest 1500 factory rifle I've saw.

LeftyJason · Nov 1, 2024

Turkeytider said:
Doesn’t fit exactly price wise ( you can hunt and probably find one close to 1500 . I did. ), but I love my Tikka Super Varmint more each time I shoot it. It’s a bit heavy for a tote about rifle, but for stand/blind I think it would be ideal.

Can be had cheaper. Less than 1400 shipped out the door.

Downside for OP is the 24" barrel.

K80/6.5 · Nov 1, 2024

Tikka T3x Roughtech Ranch .308 Win 16" 1:10" 5/8x24 Bbl Roughtech Black Rifle JRTXRTR316/16

Tikka T3x Roughtech Ranch .308 Win 16" 1:10" 5/8x24 Bbl Roughtech Black Rifle JRTXRTR316/16 For Sale

www.eurooptic.com

Put a cheek riser kit on it and call it a day.

Simonsza1 · Nov 1, 2024

I have a couple friends running the seekins nrl hunter rifle for nrl hunter. It comes with a triggertech diamond and all of there’s are shooting extremely accurate. Bonus is you could run it in factory division for nrl hunter if you compete if not it’s a heck of a rifle for hunting. I’m really impressed with the seekins rifles even though I don’t own one. Highly suggest you don’t over look it if it’s in your budget.

TheJeanyus · Nov 1, 2024

beetroot said:
Tikka T3x CTR .308 Win SS 20" Barrel Rifle JRTXC316S

Tikka T3x CTR .308 Win SS 20" Barrel Rifle JRTXC316S | Only at EuroOptic.com!

www.eurooptic.com

Is almost what you want, fixed check piece and 1:11 twist though.
I don’t know why Beretta USA doesn’t import the adjustable check piece models of the CTR.

This is 100% the way I would go...then I'd watch the PX for a deal on a KRG Bravo to stick it in.

powdahound76 · Nov 1, 2024

I would go Tikka (10 or 11 twist) over Bergara personally.

I shoot lighter bullets from my Tikka T3 (old, before there were any models of the T3) and it is dead nuts to 550
155 amax hornady black for deer.

That 16.5” would seem ideal in a blind with suppressor.
But I like 16” barrels.

Enough that my gunsmith is spinning up a proof CF 16.5” 6.5 creedmoor for an Origin, mainly for my daughter and Im sure I will use it too.

jbuck88 · Nov 1, 2024

Simonsza1 said:
I have a couple friends running the seekins nrl hunter rifle for nrl hunter. It comes with a triggertech diamond and all of there’s are shooting extremely accurate. Bonus is you could run it in factory division for nrl hunter if you compete if not it’s a heck of a rifle for hunting. I’m really impressed with the seekins rifles even though I don’t own one. Highly suggest you don’t over look it if it’s in your budget.

I picked up a NRL hunter 6cm for my wife's hunting rifle this year. Super accurate rifle, with minimal load work. If the OP was willing to look into the PH2 offerings and see if something would work for him I'm sure he would appreciate them as well.

CaptNemo · Nov 1, 2024

TheJeanyus said:
This is 100% the way I would go...then I'd watch the PX for a deal on a KRG Bravo to stick it in.

I have a Bravo, a Manners and an MDT ACC for my Tikkas, as well as the CTR Take off and laminated Boyd's that's on Karen's 6mm CM.
I'm contemplating a leap into the Rem 700 SA Footprint, but it's tough to argue with a 20" CTR.
My first Tikka was a 24' 6.5 CM CTR, so that would be like going home - with 4" less barrel.

Darryle · Nov 1, 2024

X-Bolt SPR 18" 308 threaded 5/8-24

Rifle was $626 new from Grab A Gun
McMillan McSwirly was $625

Turkeytider · Nov 1, 2024

LeftyJason said:
Can be had cheaper. Less than 1400 shipped out the door.

Downside for OP is the 24" barrel.

I believe you can get the Super Varmint in .308 with a 20” barrel. Less than 1400 is a great price for that gun.

redneckbmxer24 · Nov 1, 2024

The new Xbolt 2’s are really nice rifles and the SPR model checks all the boxes. Around $1100 street price, adjustable LOP/cheek, cerakoted, DBM, 18”, 5/8-24, and 10T.

I would not take another Bergarbage if it was free. My Sierra Wilderness 7PRC wouldn’t shoot less than 3MOA and that was after a trip back to them.

LeftyJason · Nov 1, 2024

Turkeytider said:
I believe you can get the Super Varmint in .308 with a 20” barrel. Less than 1400 is a great price for that gun.

Lockedloaded.com, eurooptic, and sportmans warehouse (where I first encountered them) all only show the 23.7".

CaptNemo · Nov 1, 2024

LeftyJason said:
Lockedloaded.com, eurooptic, and sportmans warehouse (where I first encountered them) all only show the 23.7".

I haven't seen a 20" barrel Super Varmint and it has a heavier barrel profile than a CTR.

Turkeytider · Nov 1, 2024

LeftyJason said:
Lockedloaded.com, eurooptic, and sportmans warehouse (where I first encountered them) all only show the 23.7".

You know , I saw the 20” on Tikka’s web site. It could very well be that the 20” is not available in the US. I got mine from Black Market Armory in Missouri. They had a pretty wide selection but don’t know if they had a 20” .308.

Turkeytider · Nov 1, 2024

LeftyJason said:
Lockedloaded.com, eurooptic, and sportmans warehouse (where I first encountered them) all only show the 23.7".

Found a 20” .308 Super Varmint on Gunbroker. Gary’s Guns. It lists for $1649 BUT it’s also a “ Take a Shot “. That usually means that they will accept a lower offer. That’s how I got mine.

LeftyJason · Nov 1, 2024

Turkeytider said:
Found a 20” .308 Super Varmint on Gunbroker. Gary’s Guns. It lists for $1649 BUT it’s also a “ Take a Shot “. That usually means that they will accept a lower offer. That’s how I got mine.

Have you received yours yet? Have you checked the barrel length? What are the numbers on the box? TFTT2952A73C963B or TFTT2952A73C9G3B?

Tikka site. Compare the numbers. Which is the 20"? The first one. What does euro say the barrel length for that number is? The second one. Something is off.

Finding that Gunbroker listing.
This is farther up the page.

This is farther down.

That UPC matches the eurooptic 23.7 barrel version.

@CaptNemo sorry for the derail.

redneckbmxer24 · Nov 1, 2024

Pretty sure the 20” super varmints aren’t imported to the US. Regardless that’s a stupid price to pay for what you get with those things. You can do an origin, prefit, and bravo for hardly more money and not have a mediocre factory rifle with shitty mags and a slow barrel. If tikka is the route the CTR SS for significantly less money, better mags, and a lighter barrel contour is a better option.

TheBigCountry · Nov 1, 2024

I mean

It’s a hair over your budget

But still

Tikka T3x Drover .308 Win 20" 1:10" Bbl Roughtech Green/Blued 10rd Ranch Rifle JRTXWV316/20

Tikka T3x Drover .308 Win 20" 1:10" Bbl Roughtech Green/Blued 10rd Ranch Rifle JRTXWV316/20 For Sale

www.eurooptic.com

Turkeytider · Nov 1, 2024

LeftyJason said:
Have you received yours yet? Have you checked the barrel length? What are the numbers on the box? TFTT2952A73C963B or TFTT2952A73C9G3B?

Tikka site. Compare the numbers. Which is the 20"? The first one. What does euro say the barrel length for that number is? The second one. Something is off.
View attachment 8536892

Finding that Gunbroker listing.
This is farther up the page.
View attachment 8536893
This is farther down.
View attachment 8536894
That UPC matches the eurooptic 23.7 barrel version.

@CaptNemo sorry for the derail.

Just going by what I saw on Gunbroker. My Super Varmint is a 6.5 Creedmoor with a 23.7 barrel.

tacoman69 · Nov 1, 2024

Get a ss t3x lite and cut and thread it with a collar. Put it in a bravo or get something to raise the comband your gtg

CaptNemo · Nov 1, 2024

We have two contenders:
Browning X-Bolt

X-Bolt Max SPR OD Green - Bolt-Action Rifle - Browning

2024 SHOT Show Special – Long-range hunting and target rifle featuring an OD Green composite Max stock with adjustable comb, shorter heavy sporter barrel with suppressor-ready 5/8"-24 muzzle threading, and extended bolt handle.

www.browning.com

Tikka T3x

https://www.scopelist.com/Tikka-T3x-Hunter-308-Win-16-1-10-Bbl-Walnut-Blued-Rifle-w-1-3rd-Mag-JRTXA316SB.aspx

epeet · Nov 2, 2024

Another vote for the Howa barreled action. Everything you want, way under the price you are looking for. Or buy a Tikka and have the barrel cut down and threaded. I have the 20" Solus in .308. It is pretty heavy for hunting, even with their fluting. Bug Aero about offering a lightish weight 18" Solus. I doubt you are the only one looking for one.

rdramsey8 · Nov 2, 2024

I have a Bergara B14 Wilderness Hunter in 6.5 creed and it is an incredibly nice rifle for the money. It will shoot 1/2 MOA with Hornady 140 ELD-M’s and 143 ELD-X’s if I’m doing my part. I did replace the factory stock, but the original stock was definitely the best factory stock I’ve come across. I’ve also been very happy with the factory trigger. Overall great rifle.

TheBigCountry · Nov 2, 2024

CaptNemo said:
We have two contenders:
Browning X-Bolt

X-Bolt Max SPR OD Green - Bolt-Action Rifle - Browning

2024 SHOT Show Special – Long-range hunting and target rifle featuring an OD Green composite Max stock with adjustable comb, shorter heavy sporter barrel with suppressor-ready 5/8"-24 muzzle threading, and extended bolt handle.

www.browning.com

Tikka T3x

https://www.scopelist.com/Tikka-T3x-Hunter-308-Win-16-1-10-Bbl-Walnut-Blued-Rifle-w-1-3rd-Mag-JRTXA316SB.aspx

Tikka

FuhQ · Nov 2, 2024

epeet said:
Another vote for the Howa barreled action. Everything you want, way under the price you are looking for. Or buy a Tikka and have the barrel cut down and threaded. I have the 20" Solus in .308. It is pretty heavy for hunting, even with their fluting. Bug Aero about offering a lightish weight 18" Solus. I doubt you are the only one looking for one.

I think a 16" spiral-fluted Sendero contour Solus chambered in .308 Win (1:9), 7mm-08 (1:8), 6.5CM (1:8) and 6mm ARC (1:7), would be a big hit with the suppressed hunting crowd. Just my thoughts based on following the trends on here, and social media.

Darryle · Nov 2, 2024

I have purchased from BattleHawk multiple times with no issues.

Only drawback to this version is the weight of the stock, it's close to 40oz alone.

Browning X-Bolt SPR 308

Darryle · Nov 2, 2024

Here's another option, 22" version though. I have the 6.5 Creedmoor version and it will fit in the McMillan X-Bolt stocks. Comes with the Recoil Hawg muzzle brake, thread protector, ARCA rail, picatinny rail and one 10rd MDT magazine.

Browning X-Bolt Competition Lite 308

Browning X-Bolt Competition Lite 308

My 6.5 Creedmoor version in a McMillan Game Scout, knocks 18oz off the published weight.

hafejd30 · Nov 2, 2024

Another vote for tikka

I have a T3X alpine veil and CTR in a bravo. That CTR in the bravo is as close as you can get in my opinion (from factory and reasonable price) to a Sako or AI.

Awesome triggers and excellent magazines in the CTR. I run mine with a bravo and a sterk knob

Varmint-Hunter · Nov 2, 2024

Wait till Tikka comes out with an 8T in 243. Then run Hammers as you need a fast twist. Hammers will replace Barnes as they are like hens teeth.

Darryle · Nov 2, 2024

Varmint-Hunter said:
Wait till Tikka comes out with an 8T in 243. Then run Hammers as you need a fast twist. Hammers will replace Barnes as they are like hens teeth.

I thought they had already released them

Edsel · Nov 2, 2024

A plastic - stocked Tikka.

Perfect “packable” rifles - I personally pair mine with Badger Ordnance MAX-50 rings and SWFA SS scopes.

I regard them as dependable “Glock rifles.”

The only downside to the SS Lite models is the slender, non - threaded barrel…

…they really shaved all of the unnecessary weight off.

Possibly unsafe or perhaps detrimental to accuracy when machining common - sized threads, if ever.

The models with threaded barrels have thicker profiles and are a tiny bit heavier; not sure if the stocks are heavier, too.

There are some newer variants I’m not familiar with which may fit the bill.

CaptNemo · Nov 2, 2024

Thanks guys for all of the input !!!
Final choice was the Browning X Bolt Max SPR.

X-Bolt Max SPR OD Green - Bolt-Action Rifle - Browning

2024 SHOT Show Special – Long-range hunting and target rifle featuring an OD Green composite Max stock with adjustable comb, shorter heavy sporter barrel with suppressor-ready 5/8"-24 muzzle threading, and extended bolt handle.

www.browning.com

Buds had them for $ 617.99 ( Credit Card Price ), I picked up an extra magazine for an extra $ 37 this evening.

I had the 16" Tikka Ranch Rifle in the cart at Eurooptic and was ready to pull he trigger at $799.

Tikka T3x Hunter .308 Win 16" 1:10" Bbl Walnut/Blued Rifle w/(1) 3rd Mag JRTXA316SB

Tikka T3x Hunter .308 Win 16" 1:10" Bbl Walnut/Blued Rifle w/(1) 3rd Mag JRTXA316SB For Sale

www.eurooptic.com

I have several stock options for the Tikka ( Bravo, Manners, OEM Take off Plastic and an original CTR ) Mags to run the CTR bottom metal are over $100 and conversion bottom metal to run AICS mags in a plastic mag stock is about $ 130.
Then I have to address the cheek riser - yes there's a Triad Tactical Stock pack / Riser and they're a good solution for a non-adjustable stock, but I wanted the cheek riser bult in.
Lastly, the rifle has a funky M15-1.0 muzzle thread with a long / funky looking adapter for 5/8"-24 threads.
All of my suppressor mounts are based on the Griffin Armament Taper Mount and they only have one taper mount adapter that's not my preferred style.

The Browning checked all of the boxes for this application and was the "Easy Button" this time around.
With 2" more barrel for more velocity than a generally slow OEM Tikka Barrel, I think this will work out well.
I'm still a hard core Tikka Lover, but I have a soft spot in my heart for a Browning rifle or shotgun.

When the Browning gets here, I'll give the bore a good cleaning, check the rifle functions, check the suppressor alignment, check trigger trigger then give the stock and barreled action a Krylon / Rustolem camo paint job, put it all back together to do a barrel break in and accuracy test.

Pics to follow.

Darryle · Nov 3, 2024

Remove the action from the stock, it's going to be wet with preservative. I use 35inlbs to torque the action back into place, then tweak the front screw up or down during break in to see if it responds positively or negatively.

The bolt handle is threaded, they use thread locker on it if you decide you want something different. You can replace the trigger spring too, several suppliers have them ready to ship.

If you are interested, send me a PM with your address and I will send you this free of charge. It is brand new I in the package. I will also send you a trigger spring.

Turkeytider · Nov 3, 2024

CaptNemo said:
Thanks guys for all of the input !!!
Final choice was the Browning X Bolt Max SPR.

X-Bolt Max SPR OD Green - Bolt-Action Rifle - Browning

2024 SHOT Show Special – Long-range hunting and target rifle featuring an OD Green composite Max stock with adjustable comb, shorter heavy sporter barrel with suppressor-ready 5/8"-24 muzzle threading, and extended bolt handle.

www.browning.com

Buds had them for $ 617.99 ( Credit Card Price ), I picked up an extra magazine for an extra $ 37 this evening.

I had the 16" Tikka Ranch Rifle in the cart at Eurooptic and was ready to pull he trigger at $799.

Tikka T3x Hunter .308 Win 16" 1:10" Bbl Walnut/Blued Rifle w/(1) 3rd Mag JRTXA316SB

Tikka T3x Hunter .308 Win 16" 1:10" Bbl Walnut/Blued Rifle w/(1) 3rd Mag JRTXA316SB For Sale

www.eurooptic.com

I have several stock options for the Tikka ( Bravo, Manners, OEM Take off Plastic and an original CTR ) Mags to run the CTR bottom metal are over $100 and conversion bottom metal to run AICS mags in a plastic mag stock is about $ 130.
Then I have to address the cheek riser - yes there's a Triad Tactical Stock pack / Riser and they're a good solution for a non-adjustable stock, but I wanted the cheek riser bult in.
Lastly, the rifle has a funky M15-1.0 muzzle thread with a long / funky looking adapter for 5/8"-24 threads.
All of my suppressor mounts are based on the Griffin Armament Taper Mount and they only have one taper mount adapter that's not my preferred style.

The Browning checked all of the boxes for this application and was the "Easy Button" this time around.
With 2" more barrel for more velocity than a generally slow OEM Tikka Barrel, I think this will work out well.
I'm still a hard core Tikka Lover, but I have a soft spot in my heart for a Browning rifle or shotgun.

When the Browning gets here, I'll give the bore a good cleaning, check the rifle functions, check the suppressor alignment, check trigger trigger then give the stock and barreled action a Krylon / Rustolem camo paint job, put it all back together to do a barrel break in and accuracy test.

Pics to follow.

Congrats on the new gun! Seriously considered one of the Brownings when I was looking for a new range gun. I always said that before I shuffled off this mortal coil I wanted at least once to own something made by Browning and John Deere. That little life’s mission has been accomplished.

CaptNemo · Nov 3, 2024

Turkeytider said:
Congrats on the new gun! Seriously considered one of the Brownings when I was looking for a new range gun. I always said that before I shuffled off this mortal coil I wanted at least once to own something made by Browning and John Deere. That little life’s mission has been accomplished.

This is the rifle that I bought my dad back in the early 1990's - A Bolt Hunter in .308. I have a connection with this rifle, but it's not the right tool for this particular job. I'll still take it with me from time to time, but suppressed is better these days.

Darryle · Nov 3, 2024

Turkeytider said:
Congrats on the new gun! Seriously considered one of the Brownings when I was looking for a new range gun. I always said that before I shuffled off this mortal coil I wanted at least once to own something made by Browning and John Deere. That little life’s mission has been accomplished.

Get both, you're not getting younger

Turkeytider · Nov 3, 2024

Darryle said:
Get both, you're not getting younger

View attachment 8537950

Oh , indeed I have already! As I said, mission accomplished!

CaptNemo · Nov 4, 2024

UPS Tracking went live this evening with Wednesday Delivery to the FFL !

Bender · Nov 4, 2024

https://www.gunbroker.com/item/1072999761

PearlWhiteGT · Nov 5, 2024

stello1001 said:
The howa comes with a 16.25" barrel as a barreled action. Then, you can get an MDT oryx on black Friday for like $280 bucks. Total, you should have about less than $700 into it and you'll be far ahead from any savage or ruger.

They probably make a 20" version too but they don't an 18".

Yup. $777 to be exact for the barreled action and MDT oryx.

stello1001 · Nov 5, 2024

PearlWhiteGT said:
Yup. $777 to be exact for the barreled action and MDT oryx.

View attachment 8539698

Right! And this was without the black Friday deal MDT offers. They're usually very close to 50% so it could come out being less than that.

Unless you still got a deal on the chassis that I'm not aware of, then the $777 is prolly close to what it would be with the black Friday sale and at that price it's still good.

PearlWhiteGT · Nov 5, 2024

stello1001 said:
Right! And this was without the black Friday deal MDT offers. They're usually very close to 50% so it could come out being less than that.

Unless you still got a deal on the chassis that I'm not aware of, then the $777 is prolly close to what it would be with the black Friday sale and at that price it's still good.

Got the Howa on sale for $367 and MDT for $410 shipped. If Brownell's has them on sale for BF and 50% off MDT I'll be getting myself the 6.5 CM. Will be less than what I paid a few weeks back.

CaptNemo · Nov 8, 2024

I picked up the rifle from the local FFL on Wednesday and took it apart to clean the stinky rust preventative coating off an inspect the rifle, clean the bore, etc.

The scope rail arrived today - Thank You @Darryle and the ~~Atlas~~ Area 419 Pic Rail w/ flush cup arrived too.
Now I just need little free time to give the stock a Krylon / sponge camo paint job and then put it all back together, bore sight the scope, etc.

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