Hey guys and gals, I've been lurking for a little while, and now I need your help.
I've really been lusting after a center fire bolt action rifle for a while now, but last week I had a new experience, and some new requirements have been thrown into the mix. What was my experience you ask? Well, I went hog hunting on my Godfather's 200 acre ranch in East Texas. I'm totally and completely hooked! It was such a rush, and now it's difficult to think about anything else.
So here's the issue: I was hunting with a Benelli SBE with 3 1/2" buckshot (can you say recoil), and while this works well in many cases, there were several opportunities that I chose to pass up because I felt that the hogs were out of range for a clean kill. They were however EASILY within iron sight rifle range, which is what I want to switch to.
Here are my thoughts on rifles: As mentioned earlier, I really want a bolt action (probably .308). I'd like to do some longish range target shooting (maybe 600-800 yards), but I would also like to take this gun hunting. I would prefer a varmint barrel but want to keep the stock relatively light for carrying it around. The second issue is that I'm a recent college grad, so I'm on a budget. I'd love to have a custom build, but I can't afford the price tag; I'm trying to keep the cost under $1000 (without optics).
My initial attraction is to Savage's Model 10 line, especially because of how easy they are to work on, and their inherent accuracy. I really like the Precision Carbine, but I'm unsure about the quality of the stock. However, one issue I've noticed with Savage (especially current models) is that their upgrade path is limited compared to say.. Remington, so it leaves me feeling uncertain.
The next bolt action I've looked at is the Tikka T3, I really don't know that much about them, but people seem to say their quality is very nice; I really need to go handle one.
CZ 550 Varmint. I have several CZ pistols an love them. I've heard that their rifles are very accurate, but that the bolt lift is very high, requiring you to mount the scope high as well (annoying), but tell me more.
I would say Remington 700, but after handling a couple, I'm really not impressed by their fit, finish, or perceived level of quality.
My main concern about a bolt action in these formats (relatively tactical) is that we hog hunt at night, and therefore I would need iron sights. Unfortunately I'm looking for something kind of unique; an optic ready heavy barreled rifle with back up iron sights. I REALLY love the BUIS on the Specter-Babr from Underground Skunkworks http://www.undergroundsw.com/page3.php . In fact in my mind this would be the perfect gun, but I simply can't afford it. Is any kind of aftermarket BUIS system available for bolt actions?
OTHER RIFLES:
Ok, I've also been looking at the Marlin .308 MX. Seems like a good overall round, in a fairly compact rifle, and has the iron sights. Upgrade path: limited, but will do a hunting job well. Not really sure that I would want this one for range duty.
I have an AR lower that's waiting for its build. I was maybe thinking about doing a 6.8spc upper. This would give me enough firepower for the hogs.
The problem with both the .308MX and 6.8SPC is that who knows if these rounds might disappear at some point? We know that .308 winchester is here to stay.
Alright, I know this is a heck of a first post, but what do you guys think? What other recommendations do you have, I'm all ears! Please help!
I've really been lusting after a center fire bolt action rifle for a while now, but last week I had a new experience, and some new requirements have been thrown into the mix. What was my experience you ask? Well, I went hog hunting on my Godfather's 200 acre ranch in East Texas. I'm totally and completely hooked! It was such a rush, and now it's difficult to think about anything else.
So here's the issue: I was hunting with a Benelli SBE with 3 1/2" buckshot (can you say recoil), and while this works well in many cases, there were several opportunities that I chose to pass up because I felt that the hogs were out of range for a clean kill. They were however EASILY within iron sight rifle range, which is what I want to switch to.
Here are my thoughts on rifles: As mentioned earlier, I really want a bolt action (probably .308). I'd like to do some longish range target shooting (maybe 600-800 yards), but I would also like to take this gun hunting. I would prefer a varmint barrel but want to keep the stock relatively light for carrying it around. The second issue is that I'm a recent college grad, so I'm on a budget. I'd love to have a custom build, but I can't afford the price tag; I'm trying to keep the cost under $1000 (without optics).
My initial attraction is to Savage's Model 10 line, especially because of how easy they are to work on, and their inherent accuracy. I really like the Precision Carbine, but I'm unsure about the quality of the stock. However, one issue I've noticed with Savage (especially current models) is that their upgrade path is limited compared to say.. Remington, so it leaves me feeling uncertain.
The next bolt action I've looked at is the Tikka T3, I really don't know that much about them, but people seem to say their quality is very nice; I really need to go handle one.
CZ 550 Varmint. I have several CZ pistols an love them. I've heard that their rifles are very accurate, but that the bolt lift is very high, requiring you to mount the scope high as well (annoying), but tell me more.
I would say Remington 700, but after handling a couple, I'm really not impressed by their fit, finish, or perceived level of quality.
My main concern about a bolt action in these formats (relatively tactical) is that we hog hunt at night, and therefore I would need iron sights. Unfortunately I'm looking for something kind of unique; an optic ready heavy barreled rifle with back up iron sights. I REALLY love the BUIS on the Specter-Babr from Underground Skunkworks http://www.undergroundsw.com/page3.php . In fact in my mind this would be the perfect gun, but I simply can't afford it. Is any kind of aftermarket BUIS system available for bolt actions?
OTHER RIFLES:
Ok, I've also been looking at the Marlin .308 MX. Seems like a good overall round, in a fairly compact rifle, and has the iron sights. Upgrade path: limited, but will do a hunting job well. Not really sure that I would want this one for range duty.
I have an AR lower that's waiting for its build. I was maybe thinking about doing a 6.8spc upper. This would give me enough firepower for the hogs.
The problem with both the .308MX and 6.8SPC is that who knows if these rounds might disappear at some point? We know that .308 winchester is here to stay.
Alright, I know this is a heck of a first post, but what do you guys think? What other recommendations do you have, I'm all ears! Please help!
