A little help on a bolt action rifle purchase.

[cussedemgun]

Just my $.02 worth -

Per your original requirements & planned use, MY #1 choice would be - - - -

The pre '64 Winchesters are still available & affordable within the budget you state. You would not detract from a shooter grade gun's value with light & occasional use.

In pre '64, the 30-06 is most common, the 270 being second & 308 is 4th most common caliber. Prices go up in terms of rarity of caliber so the three are generally the most affordable for us common folk. A 90% gun in the 3 calibers mentioned should run $800 -$1200.

You would be getting a classic that would be an investment rather than money spent. Combine that with age proven lines, craftsmenship no longer seen in a production gun, & a piece of history to boot!

Ammunition for the three calibers mentioned is also usually found on the shelf in every town coast to coast.

Lastly, about scopes, I prefer to stick with 3x9 max for a hunting gun. Avoid the larger end bell models because they require higher mounting rings. Keep your line of sight low to match the fit of a production stock.

 

[Texas Star]

If you hunt in dim light at times or in woods, the Euro No. 4 reticle may be worth a look. The three lower crosshairs are heavier to allow quick sightihg.

The Leupold Duplex reticle is also very good.

 

[rojodiablo]

As to optics; I saw you mention the Nikko Sterling 4x12. I have it on my Howa 1500 in a 243. It is by far, the easiest shooting rifle due to its' size and light recoil. Physically, it is fairly small, and I am in love with it. Coyotes????? Not so much!
I hunt nights and the scope is decent, but I will say I have a Weaver 3x9x38 on my Rem. 700 30-06, and it is a better optic when we talk about drawing in light.
If I were looking at new, modern glass? I would pick the Nikon and Weaver as tied, Leupold 3rd and Nikko Sterling 4th.
This is not to say the Nikko is not that good an optic; it has taken a hog through brush at 350yds, and 3 'yotes at 600 and change. By far, the longest shots I have ever been successful at attempting. My rangefinder goes to 600, and I had 1 yote who was beyond the rock I ranged at 620 yards. The range dial on the Nikko worked pretty well, and I set it for 500 and then held over the yote by maybe 6-8 inches and held to the rear of the dog (Sideways). The bullet hit the lower chest, about 1" from passing in front of the dog. I can not know the actual range on the shot, but I CAN say that it took several minutes to walk to the dog. I was simply amazed. So yes, that scope is pretty good!
I judge optics by their ability to draw in light. My Weaver beats both my Leupolds in this regard. I hunt a lot of hogs at night, under the moon in Tx. And usually, with 1/2 moon or better, I can see hogs well enough in a field to take them without lights, out to 75/100 yds max. On a real good full moon, I have stretched it out further..... a good bit further.

EDIT: Since you said Elk...... I also agree to go to the 30-06. Plain and simple, more hit at 250 yds than the smaller calibers, without the brutal recoil of the 300WinMag.

 

[Straightshooter2]

You pick out the rifle but I'll recommend the .30-06. It will provide everything you're wanting in a round and, even when stores are out of almost everything else, they will almost always still have .30-06. It's easy to handload, IMR 4895 was the original .30-06 powder and it's still made. Brass is plentiful, trim it to just above minimum and you're set for several loadings. Bullet weights are 125,130 and 135 for youth loads using Nosler, Hornady and Sierra bullets with Hodgen powder. Bullet weights are also 150, 165 and 180 with numerous manufacturers and powders from the old IMR standbys to the newer Vihtavouri powders. I would have to look it up but I seem to remember a 110 grain lead load that used Unique pistol powder simply for fire forming brass to your chamber!

Now one thing about rifles. If you're lucky as I was to find a mid 70s Remington 700 in great shape (mine was unfired) jump on it because they are great rifles. I don't know when Remingtons QC started downhill but I know it was still good in the 70s. But the Savages, the Winchester 70s (as someone said the pre-64 Model 70s are basically grail guns) are all good. Kimbers are great but I'm not conviced that the amount paid is worth the difference. Scopes, I'm a Redfield man but generally shots we are making in Georgia do not justify huge amounts for scopes. It's just waste of money to spend on a $4800 Carl Zeiss when a $250 Redfield will do. If you will be hunting out west where you may have to make a shot from one mountain to the next, they yes the Zeiss might make sense even though I still think there is a Weaver, Redfield or a Leupold for that.

If this seems disjointed, it's late and I'm going to bed!

CW

 

[Backlighting]

Look into a Gunsite Scout.

 

[CH47gunner]

I'd be looking at a CZ550 American in .308, W/ Nikon monarch 4-12
If I didn't already have a nice .30-06, that's what I'd buy.

 

[gregintenn]

If you like your "tupperware Savage", but you're looking for something with a bit more class, check out the Savage Model 14 American Classic. Mine is chambered for 250-3000 (250 Savage).

 

[Lost Lake]

I just read an article on the Remington 783. It sounds promising!

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