Factory long range rifle help!

[AKFISHGUIDE]

I am considering a medium to long range hunting rifle to use in the pursuit of Antelope, Deer and Elk. I understand that the first thing I need to do is formally improve my shooting skills and technique. That being said I have been looking at different factory rifles and scopes that fall within my budget, I do not reload so will be looking for a caliber that is not a wildcat. To date I have narrowed it down to these three rifles in a 270 WSM or a 7MM WSM. A Winchester FN built Coyote lite, A Savage Whitetail hunter (same components as the model 10 predator hunter). A Browning A bolt model 1000 eclipse (a thumbhole predator style rifle). I have seen some other rifles that would seem appropriate but they are limited in thier caliber offerings. The Winchester is the only one that has an accuracy gaurantee which kind of makes it the front runner. I am looking at the Nikon Monarch lineup of scopes. Am I on the right track or is their something I am missing here. Any thoughts on these choices.

[Trickymissfit]

Originally Posted by AKFISHGUIDE

I am considering a medium to long range hunting rifle to use in the pursuit of Antelope, Deer and Elk. I understand that the first thing I need to do is formally improve my shooting skills and technique. That being said I have been looking at different factory rifles and scopes that fall within my budget, I do not reload so will be looking for a caliber that is not a wildcat. To date I have narrowed it down to these three rifles in a 270 WSM or a 7MM WSM. A Winchester FN built Coyote lite, A Savage Whitetail hunter (same components as the model 10 predator hunter). A Browning A bolt model 1000 eclipse (a thumbhole predator style rifle). I have seen some other rifles that would seem appropriate but they are limited in thier caliber offerings. The Winchester is the only one that has an accuracy gaurantee which kind of makes it the front runner. I am looking at the Nikon Monarch lineup of scopes. Am I on the right track or is their something I am missing here. Any thoughts on these choices.

buy a Savage Long Range Hunter, or maybe a MK.V Weatherby and be done with it. A generic 7mm mag will do just about anything you ever want, and down the road will be cheaper. For elk, I would prefer a 30 caliber round (bullet construction alone). But wouldn't be afraid to shoot one with my .270 mag anyday of the week. To be exact a generic .270 Winchester will do everything you want with plenty of money left over. Your always gonna be able to find .270 Win cases as well as 7mm Remington mag cases, and the only thing that's gonna know the difference is your wallet. Even a plain jane 30-06 will get the job done 95% of the time
gary

[Lexthepilot]

What exactly is the budget you had in mind? Also what ranges are you planning to shoot to? My opinion may be biased but I would highly recommend savage. They have very accurate rifles and the best customer service I have experienced so far. A buddy of mine bought a model 12 just like mine and couldn't reproduce the accuracy I could so he called savage and they not only remedied the problem but they paid for shipping and returned the gun with three targets the largest group of which was .33 inches at 100. And it was a 1.5 moa gun before. Not even abnormally inaccurate for rifles today. I have a few of their rifles now and I am pleased with all of them. Also with savage it is easy to swap calibers through changing barrel and bolt head. So you can start with a more tame round like a .308( which I also highly recommend. A hard hitting mag just is not the way to refine your accuracy potential as a novice shooter in my opinion) then once you feel comfortable past 400-500 yards it is inexpensive to change up to a heavy hitter like a .300 WSM that will reach out a little further. My first centerfire rifle was a 7mm rem. Mag and I firmly believe all the practice I did with it caused more harm then good. I developed a pretty wicked flinch and my accuracy suffered greatly because of it. Anyways just a bit of info for you to digest. Let me know where you decide to go with it. But I'm pretty sure across the board you won't find anyone saying that savages just aren't accurate...

[J E Custom]

Originally Posted by AKFISHGUIDE

I am considering a medium to long range hunting rifle to use in the pursuit of Antelope, Deer and Elk. I understand that the first thing I need to do is formally improve my shooting skills and technique. That being said I have been looking at different factory rifles and scopes that fall within my budget, I do not reload so will be looking for a caliber that is not a wildcat. To date I have narrowed it down to these three rifles in a 270 WSM or a 7MM WSM. A Winchester FN built Coyote lite, A Savage Whitetail hunter (same components as the model 10 predator hunter). A Browning A bolt model 1000 eclipse (a thumbhole predator style rifle). I have seen some other rifles that would seem appropriate but they are limited in thier caliber offerings. The Winchester is the only one that has an accuracy gaurantee which kind of makes it the front runner. I am looking at the Nikon Monarch lineup of scopes. Am I on the right track or is their something I am missing here. Any thoughts on these choices.

There are several others that have accuracy guarantees. the Weatherby Accumark is a great
Factory rifle but it may be a little expensive for you.

The best buy at the moment IMO is the Weatherby Vangaurd (Under $400.00) and in many good
calibers. they have all been good shooters and parts for the Howa will fit.

I like the Remingtons and there are plenty to chose from and you can get any component for them
if you want to customizes. I have not had good luck with the Winchester Coyotes quality.

The Savages have a good reputation also.

J E CUSTOM

[Long Time Long Ranger]

Look at a Tikka T-3 light or the Weatherby Vanguard. The vanguard may be the best buy on the market. A trigger and a little bed work and they are great little rifles. The Tikka costs more but is lighter and accurate out of the box with no modifications. Since you include elk and want a cartridge you can buy a box of bullets anywhere then look at the 300 win mag and 338 win mag.

On the expensive end there are many good choices. Weatherby Accumark will get you long range. Some remingtons and high end savages designed for long range. Stay away from the Brownings.

[yote doctor]

My vote is the Browning Eclipse. This is a 270WSM and has been a very accurate rifle to say the least. It shoots sub moa out to 800 yards. Dropped a cow this fall at 473 yards. It has a good trigger for a factory trigger. You can take stock off and take it down to a crisp 3lbs with a turn of a screwdriver. This rifle is a little on the heavy side just so you know. I personaly dont mind packing it around. Very nice stock(like the thumbhole) I too own savages and have nothing but good things to say about them as well. I wanted to let you know because when I was looking at this rifle I wasnt able to find any reviews on it so wasnt sure about it. Took a chance and havent looked back since.

Good Luck!

[Dr. Vette]

FYI, Weatherby will announce some upgrades to the Vanguard on Tuesday at the SHOT show. Rumor has it that a 3 position safety is coming as are other changes/improvements.

Drop a Vanguard into a B&C Medalist stock and you'll probably have everything you ever need.

Else I shoot Weatherby Mark V's as well as Savages and a Sendero.
Any are good, though the Sendero and other heavy barrel rifles are a bit much (heavy) for most hunting.