Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Predators and Varmints HELP CHOOSING NEW RIFLE PLEASE!

Hi guys. I'm wanting a new light weight target/varmint/plinking rifle & have it narrowed down to two. I have plenty of reloading supplies for both cartridges I've chosen so I don't have to buy anything. Also I have plenty of heavy barrel target/varmint rifles that shoot bugholes but I want something lighter, with a light report, that I can carry around & shoot from a truck. The max distance would be 250 yards. The 1st rifle I'm considering is a Tikka Forest T3 in 222 Remington. I love Sako rifles and love the 222 but I don't know about the Tikka, I've never had one. Not super crazy about the looks but it will grow on me if it's accurate. The 2nd is a Kimber Montana in .223. It's close to a 222 & I like the looks & love a model 70 type action. My limit is $1000 and I can get the Tikka delivered for $800 or the Kimber delivered for $995, both new in box. Which one would ya'll go with & why? I know this is like asking to choose between a brunette & redhead, I had to wind up with the redhead. Thanks for any information or comments.
Jim D

I'd get the Kimber....save up a few bucks and have it set back and rechambered to 222......


Or another option....find a CZ in 222....

I have aT3 light in 308 and like it more than I thought I would. However, I think a Montana in .223 would be the perfect walking varminter.


mike r

Tough choice, but I'd go Tikka.

Thanks guys, I'm beating myself up over this decision, kind of leaning towards the Tikka but it's not as good looking to me as the Kimber.
Jim D

Gonesouth: I own a BUNCH of Rifles in caliber 222 Remington - both heavy barrel and sporter weight barrels.
If you want accuracy, lightweight, dependability and a very handsome Rifle I would recommend you look into a Remington 700 Classic in 222 Remington!
I bought one of these back in 1994 and it was so wonderfully accurate that when an opportunity came up a few years later to buy another one, I did so.
That second Rifle is every bit as accurate as the first one!
And I am sure you can find one for well under $1,000.00!
best of luck with whichever you choose.
Hold into the wind
VarmintGuy

VarmintGuy, thanks very much, I like the idea. My most shot rifle is a Remington Classic in 220 Swift. I'm going to have to put everything on hold for now though. I had something offered to me today that I just couldn't pass on. It's not the light weight I wanted but you know things happen. It's a new in box Remington 700 SS .223 mil-spec with a green HS Precision stock. It has a 20" threaded-capped barrel with tactical 1-9 twist and 5R rifling, beautiful, and was offered to me for $800. Just couldn't resist it. Anyhow, thanks for all the help you fellows gave me.
Jim D