Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunting Rifles Looking for advice on next hunting rifle

You didn’t specify a weight, so any of the M70s would do. Bought an EW MB last Fall and am impressed with the fit, function and finish, waaayyyy better than the two SS Classics my sons bought years ago (NH made). It goes 7-12 with a 13oz scope. $1500 offers a lot of options. Despite their functional virtues, Savages just don’t do it for me. You might find a Montana, and the Hunter is a solid option if you can’t.

Unless you have a strong preference, I’d suggest handling as many as you can before you buy to see what feels right so you only have to do this once. You have time now.

I second handling as many rifles as possible and get the one that fits and feels the best. With emphasis on fit.

M70, The Rifleman's Rifle!

I've fiddled with about everything, keep coming back to these.

If your strictly utilitarian, then get a Tikka.

If you dont mind a little weight or mostly a stationary hunter, the Weatherby Vanguard is another good option. They offer some fiberglass light weight stock/rifle options as well.

I’m not one for buying a new rifle unless looking for a modernized rifle twist rate, ie, .224, 6mm, 6.5mm, etc. In a 308 Win most have a 1-12, 1-11, or 1-10 twist rate and they all shoot accurately using up to 180 gr loads. I prefer older rifles in great shape. Typically they cost more (and better made in my opinion) if they are 60s, 70s or 80s made Remington 700, Sako, Winchester, Ruger, Weatherby. They also hold their worth and value. If you are willing to spend $1,500 on a new rifle and want only a new rifle I would look at the Springfield Armory 2020 in 308 Win, 6mm Creedmoor, 6.5 Creedmoor, 6.5 PRC. They run in that price range possibly slightly higher. My other choice would be a new leftover Sako 75, if you can find one. In a Winchester 70 their 20” barrel compact is really a great carry as well and has the Featherweight profile but smaller and lighter.

There’s also the Howa Stalker with a 22” CMb or carbon barrel and both are plenty light in 308 Win, 7-08 Rem and 6.5 Creedmoor. They are in high demand and are difficult to acquire at this time. Price range early on was $999 - $1399. Good luck.

If the OP is right handed, this is a really good choice.

Bergara B14 Hunter gets my vote.

Take the additional money and stick it in a McMillan Edge.

Great advice all I really appreciate your time and replies thank you.

Scott

Not walnut/blued. Can still get walnut/threaded stainless with a factory rail. Gross.

It's the well-done steak of the Ruger line.

But you can get a tactical 45/70 now... for terrorist bears 😇😂

Half you guys would just need a good vet ti bring your plate back to life.

Not me, I'm not in the super rare camp either.

If you like Savage rifles make sure and handle one of their Model 110 Ultralites, it has a Proof Research carbon wrapped barrel and mine weighs 5.8lbs (bare rifle) I own one in .308 Win and it is an absolute tackdriver! As many have suggested if weight is not a concern the Mod 70 EW is an excellent choice...Tikka is fine for a long action cartridge but Tikka's one size fits all action sucks for a .308 Win.....Good luck and enjoy your quest!....Hb

Dang I guess I'm out of the loop on the 77's then, didn't realize they were basically discontinued. Pretty sad really, but would have been nice if they're action didnt feel so sticky and rough.

Anyway, I'd go to a sporting goods store or 2 and find out what triggers your happy meter the highest. And I'll give a nod to the Winchester model 70. Maybe see if you like bergara as well.

Find a Christensen arms dealer and handle a Mesa.

IMO, a lot of gun for the $

I’d vote for Tikka also

I would buy a Rem Mt rifle in 308, 7mm-08, 7x57 or a 280 Remington. I'd put the best scope on it I could afford and work till I found a load that it liked. powdr

Easy....... .308win in a Model 70 Extreme Weather

Winchester 70 Extreme Weather is a great rifle but not light. If you want a light weight rifle the Kimber Montana or Mountain Ascent are excellent.

Its not. But easier to kill with offhand. And if ya gotta carry extra ammo? Might as well be 1 in the chamber and 5 in the belly.