Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunting Rifles Battle Of The $1200 (+/-) Synthetic Rifles

Here are the contenders in no particular order:

1.) Kimber Montana
2.) Montana Rifle Company X2
3.) Rem 700 Mountain Rifle SS
4.) Nosler 48 Patriot
5.) Winchester 70 EW

Who is number one, and why?

Or you could go to cdnnsports.com and get two Ruger All-Weather Hawkeye rifles for $499 each, have two rifles and still save money...

Got an All-weather in .280 Rem last fall. Like my other Ruger M77/MKII/Hawkeye rifles. It is a good shooter and I really like it. Of course, I'm biased toward saving money...

But then you'd still be supporting the old anti gun Bill Ruger's company.

Steyr prohunter packaged with Zeiss 3-9 in Talley rings...1199.
Beats the chit out of everything listed.

Damn pard, Bill Ruger died 12 years ago. Long time to hold a grudge against the company considering they likely could care less about his affiliations or perspectives and they are a gun manufacturer so likely are sorta pro-gun as a whole.

Having only shot one from the list, and held maybe 3, take it for what it's worth. When I picked up my 84m I was a bit reluctant and wondering if this was a good way to spend $900. In the years since, I have come to really appreciate what that rifle offers. First of all, it's a hunting rifle for those staying in the typical shot ranges of <500 yds. In the steep mountains at high elevations it is extraordinary how much nicer it is to carry a sub-6lb rifle. I've run marathons and regularly lift. It's not a fitness thing, but rather a comfort thing. With a carbon-Kevlar stock and stainless construction it has proven to handle the elements exceptionally well. Mine has been soaked, frozen banged off rocks. No problems whatsoever. While I've never had an issue with push feed, the controlled round feed is a nice to have. The three position safety is very nice. Lastly, it fits like a glove, points like a Magic wand and it is very accurate and that is what really matters once you finally find that elk. There may be other great rifles, but after a few years with my 84m I know it is included in the list of great rifles.

For $1200 I definitely buy TWO rifle. Either two of the same or one of each...

Weatherby Vanguard S2's or Tikka T3's!!! Both of these rifles have solid reviews, not just from the gun writers but from regular hunters and shooters!

Having handled all of them, I would go with the MRC X2 or the Patriot, unless you really need a light rifle. In that case, the Kimber would be my choice out of those listed.

FWIW, I bought a Winchester EW and a Weatherby Back Country about a week apart, and it didn't take long to send the EW down the road. Everyone I know that has one is either upgrading to a better stock or planning to do so.

I would have said the same thing about one vs. two. Now I've changed my tune. Having one nearly perfect rifle for the task trumps having two rifles that I like. If I liked them equally obviously I'd go for two.

+1

If $1,200 means I could monkey together a Rem 700 in an Edge, that's were my money would be.

Emphasis on "my".......

Agree

Quit making sense.

Any reason Forbes is not on the list? I've not owned one, but have handled a couple have owned an ULA and loved it.

Not that there is nothing wrong with a Steyr Prohunter but I think you are stretching it a bit.

There should be a Forbes 20b or 24b on your list. If you shop around you can find one near your price range.

Very accurate with many different loads and bullet types
easy to carry
durable
and a great bargain compared to a NULA

The forbes can easily compete with any of those on your list. It will beat several for sure in accuracy and weight.

With my biased opinion, having shot only number 3 and 5 on your list - the Remington and the Winchester- I chose Forbes.

This

Yes I overlooked the Forbes, let's put that on the list also

In what category exactly?
Weight? Maybe.
But glass any of those with the Zeiss/telley and tell me which comes in under 1200 and .5" groups.

You still got a beef with S&W working with the Clinton administration too? Give it a rest.

My vote would be for another rifle not listed, I'd go with a Remington Mod 700 XCR II and the left over money would go toward a Leupold VX3 3.5-10x40 scope, for just a little more than your rifle budget you could have a first class rifle and scope, I have Had at least a 1/2 dozen of these rifles and every one has been MOA accurate right out of the box, they are surprisingly light and feel/handle great.............Good luck...................Hb

Spot on assessment Hillbilly.......he he he.

I agree. They had some growing pains like ALL companies do, both of mine were just recently made and the fit and finish is outstanding.

I have owned two Nosler Patriots. Both were extremely accurate, with excellent fit and finish. The Nosler's stock is a B&C which for me, was a little too chunky. Also, they are push feed which seems to matter a lot to some people. Several of my family members have the Winchester M70 EW and they too have been excellent rifles. Accurate and reliable. Again, not a fan of the B&C stock, but throw a McMillan Edge on them and they are outstanding.

Out of the box, Kimber. If you can like and shoot a truly featherweight rifle. Under 6 lbs in a short action, under 7 in a long action. If you want a lightweight rifle that can come in between 7-7.5 lbs for $1200 buy a used Remingon or Winchester and buy an Edge for it. I prefer Winchester.

No one makes a lightweight stock for the Ruger. If you want a heavier 8+ lb synthetic I have no complaints with them.

that list makes me laugh... espicaly since m $600 Tikka will outshoot every one of them....

That and a Sako A-7.

Another vote for the Tikka and enough money left over to buy a good scope too.

+4 ( i think that's where we are at) for the Tikka T-3 ..... My limited experience with mine has changed the way I view a hunting gun. It is vigorous to shoot(.300 Win mag) but accurate thus far and fits good and is slick and feeds smooth and is light and did I mention it is Accurate. You get the point. Only thing to do to it is clean it once in a while and shoot it......

I'm a wimp and not interested in a heavy rifle so make mine a Kimber . Recently put a new scope on an 84M in 7mm-08 and shot 430y, 490y, and 670y with good results using the 162gr AMAX.

Still need more testing, but so far its very forgiving to shoot at distance considering the light weight.

I assume that all the 'fire folks that need a lightweight rifle have a real need for one given their hunting methods?

If I was after a short action I'd try a Kimber, if I wanted a long action, or magnum I'd try the Montana rifle.

How many "Need" a heavy rifle? Just a preference. But it sure is nice when climbing at over 10k ft.

Not a popular choice for sure, and it has to be the fugliest rifle on the face of the earth . . . bar none.

There's a reason they're selling (or not selling) so cheap.

Based on the rifles on his list, I am thinking he wants a good stock too

I have in my safe both the MRC XWR .308 and Kimber Montana .223. Unfortunately neither one is mine! I bought the XWR for my son-in-law and the Kimber Montana .223 for my wife.

Fortunately, I have shot both.

I haven't put the Kimber on paper but have shot it at some short range (200 yards) steel. I gotta say that the Kimber Montana in .223 is probably about the most fun you can have with your clothes on. I am impressed with the overall package enough that if it ends up not shooting well, I'll just keep it and have it rebarreled.

I am extremely impressed with the XWR. I have spent a bunch more money on rifles that would not shoot nearly as well. Here is the thread I posted about the XWR. Note that the group shown is a 10 shot group. I'd venture to say that not many factory hunting weight rifles will do this…

https://www.24hourcampfire.com/ubbth...ntana_Rifle_Company_XWR_Rang#Post9645294

John

Damn good shooting John. I have a 9.3x62mm that will shoot like that on any given day. Are you thinking about keeping that MRC and giving your son in law a different rifle now?? . I'd hang on to that sombeesh!!

2. Because it's made in America and it has all the features I look for in a well made rifle...

Pretty just spreads her knees, ugly has to know how to fk.

#2.

I think it's interesting that this is one of the "hotter" rifles on here and basically copys a pre 64 M70 with modern up grades.

Been hunting with similar stuff for decades. It's "familiar".

In 7/08 I'd take the Kimber simply because of the weight.

Sako 85 finnlight.

It's not on the list but should be.

Dink

It's not on the list because it's a $1600 (+/-) rifle.

Oh oh, spoiler alert! But sometimes the truth cuts deep.

This

So lets say they all shoot the same, including the Tikka. Drop the Tikka in a McMillan and now the cost is $1,200

You still buying it?

For $1200 it's mathmatically possible to take a Remington 700, send it to ITD to be barreled (throated and twisted appropriately) and add a MR edge. Sell the take off barrel and stock.

A 700 with a #2 contour barrel sitting in a MR edge just feels perfect to me.

The patriot is a sweet setup.

This is always the problem I have with rifles in this price range.
My most recent build included a nice older Rem action which I traded into, including a Timney trigger. Value $500. I bought a Rock Creek #2 barrel here for $325, and stumbled upon a Hunters Edge in an auction for $265 (yes, that price is correct). I added a Bat ADL trigger guard ($50), and had my smith chamber the barrel with MY reamer in 6XC ($100). Total cost to me is $1240. I did have the bolt fluted and a knob installed as well, but those are irrelevant for this cost comparison. So, I have a properly-twisted rifle, cut with my reamer, with a premium barrel, quality trigger and Edge stock for the same price as these factory guns.

I could easily do this again with an even cheaper SPS action and more expensive stock - it all comes down to patience, and ability to jump on the deal when it presents itself.

No, I want to go purchase a COMPLETE rifle from the list provided, and go shoot/hunt with it. Period. I am not interested in buying a Tikka (although accurate, I find it to be one of the ugliest actions out there) and then have to order an aftermarket stock, then send it to so and so to get it re-barreled, then go buy a snazzy-dazzy trigger, and after all that, assemble the whole darn thing!

If I wanted to do that, I would have posted in the Custom Rifles And Wildcats section....
"I have $1200 to spend, help me build a rifle"

Where are you guys seeing Nosler Patriots for 1300 new?

$1299 on gunbroker today

I'm in the same frame of mind as you right now Soapy. Im looking hard at the MRC X2. I want see some of the rifles the guys who participated in group buy from SAS look like and their reviews. You can have mrc make some minor mods for pretty cheap like barrel length. I like the idea of them doing it. Looks like a pretty good package to me.
I think the Kimber would be my second choice based on reviews here and the many guys who say the stock really fits them well. The bullet dont come out of the stock but the stock is what you have in your hand. So very important to me.

NEWS FLASH!
DECISION MADE!

Just pushed the "buy now" button on Gunbroker.
Montana Rifle Company X2, .30-06
$1179 With free shipping!

Bingo....

Spare no details when you get it.

Will do! I estimate that I should have it by the end of next week.

Gee, for that much you could have purchased at least three Ruger American rifles....

Sorry, just following the old Campfire tradition of not answering the original post, while implying the original poster is (a) ignorant and/or (b) FOS.

or (c) gay.

No, it's a 30-06, not 270

I look forward to your review.

I have bought several NIB Sako 85 finnlights between $900-$1100. Just have to look for them.

Dink

Allow me to redefine "fugliest" for you.

I have less than that in my 6BR Tucky. Bought it NIB less barrel,threw a #3 Brux 1-8" on it,that was pared down to Montucky contour dupe and crowned at 20". No-turn neck/throated to my whim.





22",21" and 20" Tuckys.



Of the turn-key over the counter rifles cited,the Montucky blows everything else outta the fhuqking water. Their S/S construction,killer trigger,svelte receiver,excellent handle and balance/ergo's simply STEAL the fhuqking Show.

Should it cheer folks up,I may have seen a custom 700.

Once.(grin)

So Boxer, have you shot the other rifles on the list?
That's a pretty authoritative statement to make about the Kimbers.
I know the KM is a good rifle, but there is a multi page thread here about all the tinkering that needs to be done to a lot of them to get them to shoot accurately.

You brag about re-barelling, re-chambering, re-crowning, cutting barrels and then proceed to tell us that they are the best turn key rifles out there. Thinking you just might be a fanboy.

I went with the X2 because of all the positive reviews.
No tinkering required.
To each his own.

So please answer the question, have you shot the listed rifle choices, or is it just your "imagination and pretend" giving that answer?

Oh yes, almost forgot.....

Laffin!

That is a lot of work to shoot fish!

Ok, you win . . . but not by much

Boxer, I don't see why you need that kind of firepower for those little old fish....

I haven't owned an X2, but have owned all of the others. Of the others, the Montana has been my favorite.

I like them all, but I am not as fond of the stock on the EW, Nosler, and 700 MR.

The Nosler is also a lot heavier than a Montana, and it appears to me that the X2 is the same. As long as weight isn't a big factor in your selection, the X2 or Nosler would be a good choice.

I plan to try an X2 in the future, in hopes that the stock is better than the others provide. They look like a really nice rifle, but not a lightweight.

$1,200 will getcha a 270 WSM Montucky with a 3.5 x40 CDS.....

You got something against Plastikka!?....where would we be without it? No water bottles, no trash bags, no Tikka T3's.............Lol!................but by Gawd they shoot good!.............Hb

When it comes to viewing these pics, we all lose.

Tikka and Ruger American out of the box probably would outshoot most on the list. Call them ugly. Since they shoot like that they will be the first one I reach for while the pretty ones sit in the safe and get sold to someone caught up on looks.

I'm a fan...


But a bigger fan of your old gal, which is why you need a Montana..

So,did this with a MRC M 1999 American .338 RUM and 250 gr Nosler Partition.

Even killed an cow elk with it,but used a 210 gr NP.

Broad brush generalization. Rifles vary one to the next.

But I won't argue that the T3 and RAR are not accurate.

For myself, I would rather have 3 very nice rifles than 6-9 low cost rifles. YMMV

Look great!

But no doubt a Tikka or RAR would tighten that group right up

And good luck finding one in 338RUM

Yes......

No....

TikkaT3 270 w/swaro 4x12 brh reticle for me. Lights out in most depts.! Coat of the right paint solves ugly and all else is sweet.

Mac Life NRA

I Would go with a tikka and spend the rest on optics and ammo, done.

That was the right choice IMO. Congrats and let us know how it runs for you.

Great! Let us know how she shoots...........Good luck..........Hb

Thanks guys

Oh well,I'll just suffer with the MRC .338 RUM.

I have a few. They DO shoot. And I don't worry about a scratch or two...




But I still love my custom Remmys and my 308 Montucky is a joy to hike the mountains with. If I had to choose, it would be a Remmy custom or the Montucky.

I'd add Browning X-bolt SS Stalker to the list and in my experience I'd vote it #1. Right around $1k on GB. Have one in 7mm wsm and it's a better and more accurate rifle than the EW 300 WSM I let go. I have two SS Rem 700s and out of the box, neither was in the league of the X-Bolt. May not be the 'fire fav since the trigger may lock up and fail to shoot in salt water, but fortunately I live in Missouri, so that isn't a concern for me....I haven't owned a Kimber (handles nice), or a Nosler or a XW2. The XW2 with the new stock sounds intriguing. Just my experience.