I have a great 270 that shoots factory 130 Accubonds well under MOA, sometimes under half MOA. Stainless 700, topped with a VX2 3-9 with a low profile turret and sits in a bedded Edge. Great for elk or long range deer.

Been wanting another rifle, something smaller, most likely short action for shorter ranges on deer and hogs. And probably blued/wood stocked. Just bought a VX3 2.5-8 and not sure what to put it on.

I really want to like Kimbers, but still hear too much on accuracy issues. Would love a Cooper, but that's some serious coin. Haven't seen any wood stocked 700s that would interest me and not a huge fan of the M70. Any other rifles worth looking at?

As far as caliber I'm thinking either 243, 257, 260, 6.5 Creedmore, or something along those lines. A 7-08 is too close to a 270 so no point for me to get one.

Any good experiences with rifles/calibers in that range with factory ammo? Don't want to have to put a lot of work into it with bedding or load development, just want something good out of the box. Of course everyone wants that lol

get the cooper. you'll not regret it (or have concerns about reliability or accuracy).

Buy the Cooper and don't look back. You won't be disappointed.

Are the Coopers really that good? Look great, but never held one. Never heard a bad thing about accuracy though.

T/c Icon if you don't mind a little weight

Tikka makes a nice rifle, .243 is a good caliber.

Yes, in my opinion the Coopers are that good. I currently have two and will own more. They feel special when compared to other factory rifles that I own and bring me a lot of enjoyment.

From my perspective I think the Kimbers are under valued. I really like the 257 in my Kimber. The way I have it sighted in I can hunt coyotes with 87gr and also shoot the 120gr for deer without resighting. It fits me well and light to carry. I wish I would have bought this caliber a long time ago.

Don't rule out a Montana Rifles Model 1999.

Kimber 257 Roberts.

No flies on a Kimber, but I like Coopers too. If wood and blue is your game...

Kimber 84M Classic -- $900ish
Cooper 54 Classic -- $1800ish

Those are the NIB prices at the LGS. Yes, the Cooper is twice the price. The Cooper is also heavier. The Cooper comes with a 1/2" guarantee. The Kimber has no guarantee.

From my experience (and maybe mine alone) the Cooper will shoot twice as good from the factory (at least). Not that Kimbers can't be made to shoot, but I've yet to see one that will hang out of the box....and I'm on my 12th.

The best buy in a production rifle is easily a Sako. You will find them for under $1000.00 used and they will outlast and outperform anything within a few hundred$$$ in price. No manufacturer designs the rifle to fit and function better, yet for some reason they are still less money than a Weatherby Mark V and still a better gun.

I have no doubt if you look around, you can find one and once you own/shoot it, you won't be sorry and your next rifle will be bought around the new standard you will expect from your Sako...

Shrapnel, if you ever come across a good old used Sako please buy it and sell it to me for a good deal.

I've never owned a Sako...can't comment there. I hear they're nice, but we can't pronounce the name correctly in Kentucky. People think you're referring to a watch....

I've got no experience with hogs, but for short range deer, how about a Cooper in 6br or 6ppc? They make the 6br in an 8 twist if you want to sling some berger 105s at said deer, then shoot the club 1000 yard competition that afternoon with the same rifle.

You missed this one for $675.00, I didn't get it but found he had a rare set trigger .243 heavy barrel, bofors marked gun and I bought that one...

Pics of Levers Sako:

That would work!

Here is a live sale, it isn't really a deluxe, but a nice rifle...




Pics. No offense was taken by anyone I'm sure - but if you say it has beautiful wood, it didn't happen without pics!