Hello,
In terms of "go to", the last maybe 5 or so years have seen the tikka T3 become the best selling centre fire rifle in Australia, and probably the "go to" rifle. This has carried on with the new T3X. Sako rifles are also popular, however folks seem to be more interested in purchasing older, pre model 85 rifles. Don't blame them. Howa rifles are a big seller, followed by remington.
Remington rifles have developed a stigma around them as not being so great anymore, or not as good as they used to be. Kimber has also seen an increase in popularity in the last 2 years or so, mainly with the montana and mountain ascent. From my own experience Winchester 70s are not so popular, and i'm not too sure why. The only upside to this is they can be found cheap on the used market so can be had for a good deal (luckily i love them).
As far as rimfire rifles go, the CZ 452/455 and before them the Brno models 1 and 2 are definitely the most popular and revered .22 rifles in Australia by far. The model 2 is perhaps the most quintessential rabbit rifle in Australia. The usual suspects follow, anschutz, savage, and the ruger american rimfire as well as marlins. Sako P94 models are also held in high esteem and fetch big money on the used market, to the point where you can maybe buy two to three CZ rifles for the price of one used mint condition p94.
Others may have different opinions, but from what I've seen working full time in a gun store for a number of years these are the trends at least in the state of Victoria. We are probably the most hunting/shooting friendly state in the country.
Last edited by Below_par; 02/20/17.
