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I know this gets asked a lot but I also know how much most here like spending other's money. Sold both of my pumps this year and looking for a new stainless/synthetic rifle. Trying to keep the rifle cost in the $500-$600 range. Sort of an all around rifle and thinking 6.5 Creedmoor to 308 to 270 but open to suggestions. Pre-enjoyed isn't a problem. I have not seen a new or used SS rifle in any of my local shops in well over 2 years so I really can't compare. Mainly for use in the northeast if I have to be honest but who knows what the future holds.

All suggestions appreciated

You said you were trying to keep the cost in the $500-$600 range, but we’re open to suggestions. I’d suggest saving up and investing in a Winchester Extreme Weather, I have a 308. The action is as smooth as I’ve ever owned and it’s crazy accurate!! I did drop it in an Edge, but truthfully it shot better with the B&C that it came in.

JDK,
Find a good used stainless Ruger Mark II or Hawkeye. They should easily fit in your budget and you'll have a rifle that will last the rest of your life. As suggested about, the Extreme Weather is a nice rifle. I recently purchased one and have been impressed with it. But they are generally a few hundred out of your initial price range.
Rob

Find a Tikka T3X.... if you shop, you can probably find one in that price range! memtb

Couple of good choices above. For your budget I'd also look at a Vanguard .

Save a few more bucks and have an elk one day rifle.

R700

Stainless Vanguards are just a bit higher than your upper limit and have great triggers. They're a little heavy, but are excellent rifles. New Hawkeye All Weathers can still be found for about $600; just got a .223 myself for $600, shipped. The rings are included, which saves a bit. This is my third Hawkeye, and aside from floating the mag box on all three, and the barrel on two, they've been just fine as-is. The .223 barrel is making contact full-length, and after seeing how it groups TTSXs, I'm leaving it be for now.

The Vanguards are all over GB. Keep at it a bit, and a Hawkeye for a suitable cartridge (except maybe the CM) will pop up.

700 ADL Stainless. Under 5 bills for package. Sell the scope.

PM sent about Tikka T3 stainless in 270.

The Tikka may be the best rifle for your budget, although the Ruger Hawkeye could run a close 2nd.

Whitaker’s has a few of the T3X Lites in 6.5 CM.. a little outside of your budget in the SS version but the blued model fits I believe. Hard to resist one of them.

Vanguard s2

Another Tikka vote here. Watch the sales. I got my T3 Lite SS in 6.5x55 for $549.

With all laid side by side with a bucket of ammo, no one that actually shoots chooses a Ruger, M700, M70 EW, or Vanguard...


Having seen the above more times than I could count, and having shot multiple barrels out of each, Sub $1k there is nothing that touches a Tikka T3/T3x Light stainless.

For $650 you get a 6lb rifle with great barrel, a great trigger, a great action, and the only factory plastic stock that's actually stiff enough.


The Tikka T3x Light in 6.5 Creedmoor should be the default answer in rifles for big game.

+1 I have one in 30-06 and absolutely love it

the vanguard s2 is the best for the money about 500 lots of calibers availiable

Dat's a bold statement..........


But true.

Add another $250 for a SWFA and pound for pound you've got the best deal going......

Vanguard is great, Tikka a little better.

Yes indeed.