Hunting/target rifle mfr/model - your opinions?

[Weetabix]

I've been rolling this around in my head for a while. I'd like to get something I can hunt with and shoot paper with. I'm pretty sure I want .308. I won't ever need to knock something down past 200 yards. My eyes are getting old enough that I need glass, so my old rifles are basically out.

I'm thinking of a Winchester Model 70 in .308 based on Whirlibird's comment, but they seem a bit hard to find. Winchester's website has a bewildering array of them. I'd like synthetic and stainless. What about the M70 Ultimate Shadow?

I find this Remington Model 700 somewhat attractive. I found it at Bud's for $759.

Also, BassPro seems to have a Tikka T3 Lite for $700.

My main question is, are there any problems with any of these manufacturer's or models that would make any of them a no-go?

[Darrell]

I hear good things about the Tikka. A lot of people like the Ruger Gunsite Scout, though I have no experience with it. It's not really a target rifle. Also, I'd wonder at the Tikka's "Lite" version for target shooting.

Would you be willing to split up the target and hunting objectives? Perhaps a good .22 would serve your target shooting needs.

[First Shirt]

Before you do anything rash and foolish, check out what Savage has to offer. I used to be a big Ruger fan, but lately their rifles just don't do it.

Four years ago, I didn't own a Savage rifle, now I have four, and am reloading for six.

[Netpackrat]

It wasn't asked about, but since it was brought up, I have been reading about all sorts of troubles people have been having trying to mount suppressors on the Ruger GSR. Similar problems as with most AKs, such as threads not accurate to the bore, pinned front sight block not suitable as a thread shoulder, etc.

[Vonz90]

If you are looking 200 yards and in, probably anything will work reasonably well. I like Savage (not the Axis though) if you are looking reasonably cheap. 700 probably not a bad call. I would maybe think about something with a Mauser action too, cause they are better (Win 70 is basically a cheapened Mauser action, although not that FN owns them I think they are selling some FN Mauser actions as Pre-64 style Win 70 too).

[Durham68]

Owned a 700 and loved the action, but the trigger was heavier than any gun I owned before or since.

[Darrell]

CZ then--Mauser actions and set triggers.

[Netpackrat]

Owned a 700 and loved the action, but the trigger was heavier than any gun I owned before or since.

Factory 700 trigger can be adjusted somewhat, or you can have a Timney installed. Definitely factor that expense into the analysis, but a heavy factory trigger is no reason to not consider a rifle that has a good aftermarket unit available.

[oilcrash]

Also, BassPro seems to have a Tikka T3 Lite for $700.

My main question is, are there any problems with any of these manufacturer's or models that would make any of them a no-go?

I have a T3 Lite LH Stainless in .270 that i use for hunting. The biggest gripe anyone seems to have with them is that the bolt shroud, magazine and trigger guard are all plastic.

The only other complaint from some is that it's a push feed mechanism instead of controlled. Mine is bone stock and a dream to shoot with an amazing trigger (stock).
I cannot turn you away from it, I heartily endorse it.

[PawPaw]

Winchester, Remington, CZ, they're all great. Lots of campfire discussions about the best for a particular purpose.

I keep coming back to Savage, or Ruger. There are more of those in the family battery than any of the others. Don't be aftraid of the Ruger American or the Savage Axis. Those two are making the other manufacturers play catch-up.