I want a new hunting bolt gun

CaptNemo

CaptNemo

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    • Apr 8, 2009
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    Southern Alabama
    #1
    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 ?
    .
     
    #6
    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.
     
    #8
    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.
     
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    #9
    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.
    Click to expand...
    Can be had cheaper. Less than 1400 shipped out the door.

    Downside for OP is the 24" barrel.
     
    #11
    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.
     
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    #12
    beetroot said:
    www.eurooptic.com

    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 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.
    Click to expand...
    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.
     
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    #13
    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.
     
    #14
    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.
    Click to expand...

    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.
     
    #15
    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.
    Click to expand...
    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.
     
    #16
    X-Bolt SPR 18" 308 threaded 5/8-24

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

    full-25419-413264-img_2881.jpeg
     
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    #18
    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.
     
    #21
    LeftyJason said:
    Lockedloaded.com, eurooptic, and sportmans warehouse (where I first encountered them) all only show the 23.7".
    Click to expand...
    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.
     
    #23
    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.
    Click to expand...
    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.
    SmartSelect_20241101_140602_Chrome.jpg


    Finding that Gunbroker listing.
    This is farther up the page.
    Screenshot_20241101_140456_Chrome.jpg

    This is farther down.
    Screenshot_20241101_140506_Chrome.jpg

    That UPC matches the eurooptic 23.7 barrel version.

    @CaptNemo sorry for the derail.
     
    #24
    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.
     
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    #26
    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.
    Click to expand...
    Just going by what I saw on Gunbroker. My Super Varmint is a 6.5 Creedmoor with a 23.7 barrel.
     
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    #28
    Last edited:
    #29
    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.
     
    #30
    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.
     
    #31
    CaptNemo said:
    We have two contenders:
    Browning X-Bolt
    www.browning.com

    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 www.browning.com

    Tikka T3x
    Click to expand...
    Tikka
     
    #32
    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.
    Click to expand...
    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.
     
    #34
    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.

    full-25419-421231-img_3834.jpeg
     
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    #38
    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.
     
    Last edited:
    #39
    Thanks guys for all of the input !!!
    Final choice was the Browning X Bolt Max SPR.
    www.browning.com

    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 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.
    www.eurooptic.com

    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 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.
     
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    #40
    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.

    full-25419-435642-img_5359.jpeg

    full-25419-435643-img_5360.jpeg
     
    Last edited:
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    #41
    CaptNemo said:
    Thanks guys for all of the input !!!
    Final choice was the Browning X Bolt Max SPR.
    www.browning.com

    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 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.
    www.eurooptic.com

    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 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.
    Click to expand...
    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.
     
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    #42
    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.
    Click to expand...
    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.
    IMG_8988.JPG
     
    Last edited:
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    #43
    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.
    Click to expand...
    Get both, you're not getting younger

    20200508_104125_Original.jpeg
     
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