Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunting Rifles Weatherby VG vs T3 vs RAR

I've been kinda looking around for a do-all rifle here lately, and have more or less narrowed the field to the Weatherby Vanguard S2, Ruger American or maybe a Tikka T3. The Tikka wouldn't be in the running as its priced well over the other two, except that I'm pretty sure I saw one on the shelf at the LGS for $619. It was a 7mm-08, which is one of the calibers I'm considering, and I saw it and thought to myself that it was cheap. It didn't really hit me till a day later that it was REALLY cheap.They generally go for over $800 here. The shop is in the process of moving, and won't open till tomorrow so I can't go and see if I'm delusional or if I saw correctly.
The Weatherby I can get for $650, and the Ruger for $500. I'm looking at either a 7/08 or one of the 6.5's. Shot a friends Tikka in 6.5x55 this weekend, and its pretty nice minus the chintzy mag. What would you recommend,and why?

Remmie 700 ADL, 7-08, Talley's, Leupie. Save your pennies for a McMillan. Live happily ever after.

Schit really is that simple.

No.

Those three...in the order you listed them.....

Interesting. Prices being even, what is it that you prefer in the VG 2 over the T3? Seems like a bargain to me too,accuracy guarantee and all that, but it doesn't seem to get nearly the press the Tikka does. Maybe just cause its a bit heavier?

If you like the Vanguard, and want a 6.5x55, you can get it in a Howa. It is the same gun, minus a different bolt shroud. Usually cheaper too.

I really like my Tikka SS lite.
If you're on a budget, look at the thomson center venture. Very accurate rifle, guarantee MOA. It's a little heavier than the tikka but shooter for sure.

+1 on the Howa

Good to know, thanks. I didn't realize Howa offered different chambering options than the VG's. I don't know of anyone around here who sells them, but I'll see if I can find one online.

What bullets are you planning to shoot? The Vanguard twist rates are rather unimpressive in most chamberings, so that may affect the decision.

I've really enjoyed the T3 as well as the RAR. The RAR is priced a lot lower and has very similar feel and function.

Not sure,never had a 7mm before. Was thinking maybe a 120gr TTSX might be a good all around bullet. Honestly the rifle will probably go on one elk hunt a year, and only get used if I can't get it done with the bow. Other than that, the wife might use it for whitetails a couple times. Heaviest I'd think about shooting would be 140's, can't see a reason to go heavier than that. Haven't checked the twist on them, but would 140's be an issue?

I put a Timney in my RAR and it goes from pounds to what feels like ounces, and anywhere in-between. Timney advertises 1.5 lb, but mine feels much lighter. Still need to get a scale on it.

I've had (5) Tikklers, all had nice trigger except one Super Light. Fired a bud's the other day and it seemed a little on the mooshy side. No comparison to the Timney I have in the RAR.

Nope. Any of those options would shoot most 120-140 gr bullets without issue.

I have no experience with the other two, but my Tikka is hands down the most accurate rifle I have ever owned. Not finicky either, it just shoots. I would be more interested in the RAR if the stocks weren't so flimsy.

Supposedly Ruger upgraded the stocks sometime this winter to make them stiffer. The forend now has a cross-hatch pattern of reinforcing.

I presume that's the Boyds stock on your RAR. Do you have any more photos, like of the whole thing?

Was it a good fit, or need a lot of work?

Thanks.

+1. My T3s are twisted right. I bought them before the prices started going up. I would go with a VG on anything not needing fast twist. I have no experience with the RAR, but it would be hard to beat for the $ from what have seen and read.

The Ruger is a true short action. Every T3 is the same action size.

Its the Prairie Hunter. Don't have a pic of the whole thing but you can see more of it below.

It was a little tight on the port side of the channel (might be the rifle), the mag catch needed a washer under it, the catch needed a trim, and the mag stops were more like splinters rather than stops. All easy stuff, and still a good deal for what you get compared to the milk-jug stock.

In hindsight, I should have gotten stippling added as its slick.

You asked for opinions and these folks will tell you what they think...whether it is right for you or not is something only you can decide.

I have owned damn near everything the VG and Tikka. Not the RAR as it felt like a POS. The VG shot great but never felt good and was toward the heavy side. The Tikka is cheap feeling but shoots great and is very light. I fixed the feel by painting the stock with the Tan flat stuf with grit in it. Now it looks, feels and shoots great. Put a good scope on and I'm happy. Pick the one that feels the best to you and spend your money. Good Luck!