Buying a new gun..Dilemma

ItemB

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I need help making a decision :) Planning on buying a new gun in the next few months. With the accuracy of guns now a days do I get $500-$800 go kill stuff, spend the money saved on gas money, hunting trips, hookers and blow, or any hunting gear.
OR
Buy a higher end gun? ( Christensen, Barret, seekins, fierce, etc.)
Wanting a lighter weight hunting gun, capablee out to 600ish yards if I ever get good enough at that distance.
 


Downrigger

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People with more knowledge will help more than me but a lot of good rifles in that 5 to 8 hundred range that will shoot great to 600 yards.

I will just say go buy a 6.5 creedmore to get ahead of some people on this site but you have lots of good options out there. If weight is an issue, my brother shoots a 280 ai in a kimber that is easy to carry and very accurate.
 

wjschmaltz

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You just described a Tikka. They make guns that are better than I will ever be at 600 yds. No need for one of the “higher end” rifles unless you’re shooting over 600 or swimming in cash. Maybe spend a little more and go with a Sako, which is basically a Chevy to a GMC upgrade.

For a mountain gun (assuming that’s why you want it lightweight) I’m in love with the 7mm 08 for everything except brown bears.
 

risingsun

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Minot Rifle and Pistol club gun show ending tomorrow afternoon at All seasons Arena in Minot.
 


PrairieGhost

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For 600 yards stick with a production rifle, and you have many choices of cartridges. For $800 the Kimber Hunter is tempting as is the Tikka light weight. Stay under $1000 and spend the money you save on a good scope.
 

NDwalleyes

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Proven fact: If a guy buys a 6.5 Creedmoor and grows the required man-bun, they kill more deer.

Seriously though...what PrairieGhost said. I can consistently shoot an 8" armor plate with my T3 in .270 at 500 - 600 yards. It's more about the right round, practice and good glass.
 

Browneye

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I know a guy that bought a very expensive rifle that looks beautiful but wont group close to what my savage model 10 does. Which I got at cabelas for less than $400.
 

Bed Wetter

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You just described a Tikka. They make guns that are better than I will ever be at 600 yds. No need for one of the “higher end” rifles unless you’re shooting over 600 or swimming in cash. Maybe spend a little more and go with a Sako, which is basically a Chevy to a GMC upgrade.

For a mountain gun (assuming that’s why you want it lightweight) I’m in love with the 7mm 08 for everything except brown bears.

Pretty much sums it up. If Barrett weren’t making the Fieldcraft, I’d own a Tikka T3x stainless Hunter in 6.5 Creedmoor. It can be had for about $850 online. If you want a rifle that weighs 1 to 1.5 lbs less than a Tikka and will take you from “exceptional” accuracy to “holy crap, I didn’t think that was possible” accuracy, you can spend close to twice as much money on a Barrett.

I don’t believe Christiansen Arms makes a bad rifle, but I don’t believe it gives you any advantages over a Tikka. Not worth the extra $4-500.

- - - Updated - - -

Gratuitous Barrett bragging pics:

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9799D254-9681-4C13-ADE6-4DF9A89D9416.jpg
 


BrokenBackJack

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We have many makes, models, and calibers of rifles. My go to rifles since i was 16 is Winchester Model 70 22-250, 243, and 300 magnum. We have many others but these are our favorites and won't knock anyone who shoots something else as we all have our preferences.

Buy a decent rifle, get good optics for it, and buy different loads and see what works best in your rifle. If you reload then you have half the battle won already. What might shoot good in my gun might not even hit the target in yours.

Good luck and have fun looking!
 

ItemB

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Tikka, kimber hunter any others to throw in there? I have Thompson Center venture 22 250, that I bought used for cheap that shoots lights out, so maybe through that in the mix. I haven't decided on caliber yet either but going to be 7mm rem mag, 300 win, 300 wsm most likely. I have a 7mm-08 already so got that spectrum covered without having to get a man bun.
 

Kurtr

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300 win mag or 300 prc with 215 Berger or 225 eldm if you feel like touching shit way out there . If you have a 7mm-08 take the money you were going to spend on a gun get a great scope some 162 eldx and make 600 yards your bitch because it is just getting warmed up. Big 30’s are better at 1000 plus stuff recoil sucks.
 

fj40

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Although uglier than a run over possum, Savage rifles, either 110 or 10, will shoot as well or better than the high priced stuff. Save your money for hookers and blow.
 


LBrandt

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The gun is only as good as the guy on the trigger. Seen a lot of fancy guns that could't hit shit.
 

Achucker

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My son just bought a ruger American predator in 6.5 creedmoor. Read good reviews about it as far as accuracy. Cant wait to get out and shoot it. Let you know
 

Bed Wetter

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300 win mag or 300 prc with 215 Berger or 225 eldm if you feel like touching shit way out there . If you have a 7mm-08 take the money you were going to spend on a gun get a great scope some 162 eldx and make 600 yards your bitch because it is just getting warmed up. Big 30’s are better at 1000 plus stuff recoil sucks.

Nothing will discourage accuracy like buying a gun you hate to shoot. You will hate practicing and experimenting with various loads and your shooting will never be as capable as the rifle. Father-in-law got tired of a 30-06 kicking his old ass so now he’s shopping for a 6.5 Manbun.
 

DirtyMike

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My tikka took a shit this year. Started to group poorly and then a retainer clip fell out of my trigger assembly. Parts aren’t available until February. I’m in the market as well.
 

Kentucky Windage

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I think we need to hear more about your needs before helping you narrow things down. It’s like asking us to pick you out a new girl. You want a fat ugly one, or sexy skinny one. I’m a Rem 700 guy with light to heavy guns and everything in between.
 


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