Bolt-action question

[mdollan]

Hi all...I'm getting ready to buy my first bolt-action rifle and was wondering if anyone had any pointers on which brands to look at or important features I need to look for? Any insights would be much appreciated.

Thanks!

[NYBuckhunter]

Definately look long and hard at the Remington 700s. Very versatile, proven and lots of options. You can get them in many many configurations, calibers and price ranges. My Remmy 700 SPS in 223 shoots sub moa with factory ammo all day. Once I start reloading and messing with loads, its gonna really shine.

Brownings are awesome guns and the Beretta Sako series is nice as well. Howas are pricey, but you should take a long look at them.

What are you looking to do with the rifle? Features and calibers really depend on intended use.

[mdollan]

Basically I'm looking for something to hunt with (locally for now, but big game trips down the road). Also, I'm not looking to spend over $5,000

[NYBuckhunter]

I assume you mean big game hunting, right? There are lots of calibers that work great on deer, anything from .243 to 30-06 and larger. If you plan on using the gun for game larger than deer at some point, like elk, I would say a 30-06 would be the best one to go with. You have lots of options in that caliber as far as ammo goes, and you can pick it up just about anywhere. 300 Win mag would be another great choice. Your $5000 budget is easy to stay under for a quality gun. If you are willing to spend the money, Id say look at the Browning A bolt or X bolt and top it off with the best glass you can get.

[DocHolladay]

If you are wanting it for big game, look at .270 Win, .30-06, .300 Win and 7mm Rem Mag. There are some others, but these are what stick in my head. Your budget of $5000 should allow you to get almost any rifle and scope you want. Here's where I would look in order...

1. Remington 700
2. any Savage(with Accutrigger)
3. Tikka
4. ER Shaw Mark VII(a custom rifle for $1200 or less)
5. Howa
6. Browning

As for glass, you can go with just about anyone. Here is where I would look, in order...

1. Leupold
2. Redfield(the new stuff)
3. Vortex
4. Burris
5. Bushnell
6. Weaver

[ironhead]

WOW,,,no love in here for Ruger or Swarovski???? For a $5000 budget,,,get the very best optics you can,,,with a good quality rifle,,,you will be fine,,,my favs are
1 RUGER
2 Browning
3 Sako
4 Remington

[Dettom]

You don't need to spend that much on your first bolt action rig. Thats like spending 40,000 on your first car.. Why not spend 500.00 and use the rest towards a really cool dream hunt? You can find a decent rifle and scope for 500 to 700 on the used market. Help him out, guys..

[DocHolladay]

You don't need to spend that much on your first bolt action rig. Thats like spending 40,000 on your first car.. Why not spend 500.00 and use the rest towards a really cool dream hunt? You can find a decent rifle and scope for 500 to 700 on the used market. Help him out, guys..

$700-1200 for a rifle, $300-2000 for scope.... Why buy a yugo, when you can buy a cadillac? The budget you have, you go as cheap or as nice as you want and probably put money in your pocket. I would look for a rifle in the price range mentioned above and look for a scope in the $300-800 range. You should end up with a nice combo and one that should last a life time. Look at all of the manufacturers and find the ones you like and then look for places that have them in stock for you to hold and inspect.