I can't afford a custom rifle

What does The Real Gunsmith recommend for a good hunting rifle if you don't have the budget or inclination for a custom rifle?
First published in December of 2019 on our Patreon channel, / therealgunsmith . There will always be at least 4 years of videos only available on Patreon, along with articles, Cathy's local photography and artography.
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[@hillbillyscholar8126]

The best advice I ever had regarding firearms was to “buy one good one” rather than several mediocre ones. Best advice I ever followed too.

[@derekmcmurry]

The moment I read the title I decided to comment. My recommendation is TIKKA! But, my first experience with one was a factory T3x stainless left hand 308. Was a dud. Now it has a Brux barrel and an AG Composite stock and an aftermarket trigger spring (like all of my Tikkas now), where trigger pull is at a pound or barely over. I found a website that had Tikkas very cheap, $20 shipping and no tax if you are outside Alabama. I purchased 4 from them, one at a Big Box store, and 4 off the most popular gun auction website. Most are in 270 Winchester but I have 300WSM, 300WM, 308s also. My newest stainless T3x in 270 shoots as well or better than any of my custom 270s. In fact, it is more consistent than any of them, shooting 1 hole 3 shot groups with Berger VLD 150s. 3 of the other 270s (some stainless, some blued) all shoot 1/4 minute with handloads from 150 Nosler ballistic tips to 110 Barnes TTSX and 129 Barnes LRX. The 300WM is a 1/2" rifle with factory norma 180 Bondstrike and factory norma 150 gr Whitetail ammo but that rifle did take about 20 rounds down the barrel to get there. I'm working on the 300 WSM currently. So far it's a 3/4" rifle with 180 Nosler ABs, 168 Barnes TTSX and today, the same with 150 Barnes TSX. Tikkas, OTHER than my first one, the 308, have driven me to sell many of my custom built rifles. When I can take a 270 I paid $669 for plus $20 in shipping and get it shooting 1/4 MOA, the only rationale for keeping the custom rifles is aesthetics and enjoyment, and possibly sentimental reasons, and these hand built rifles wore Lilja, Hart, Broughton, Krieger, Bartlein, Obermeyer, Pacnor, Shilen and one German Lothar barrels. The most I paid for any of the Tikkas, new or used, was $880 AFTER tax. The aftermarket trigger springs are only $8.00 and worth every penny When I went down this Tikka road, the idea was simply to use the actions for builds. But then I wondered, what if it shoos well as it is? I had no intentions of owning a 300WM. I bought it to build a 7PRC. Well, it's staying as is. I have no intentions of reloading for it. Instead, I bought several hundred rounds of factory Norma ammo Right now I have a Tikka Roughtech in mind, left hand, 6.5PRC. Oh yea, I also put Limbsaver recoil pads on all of them. The factory recoil pad is junk

[@terpsurfer7221]

I think for about 95% of people factory rifles will work fine. I tell my customers that they do not make bad factory rifles anymore. Personally, I used to buy pawnshop rifles and upgrade the barrel. There's no sense in going custom for me. I have found and rebuilt plenty of old Winchester 70, remington 700, and ruger 77's. They all shot great.

[@edwardabrams4972]

I don’t know much after 69+ years of hunting reloading and collecting rifles and coming from a family that has hunted for 6 generations but this man is spot on about hunting and guns and if you listen to him it will save you a lot of money and trouble when hunting. He speaks the truth at no cost except a little of your time! I have owned hundreds of rifles in very brand and caliber you could possible think of and this man is really helping our young ones to start out on the right track and we owe his a huge thanks for his much needed wisdom and knowledge! In a world of so called know it alls this man has been there and done most of the problems you will go through when owning a rifle!

[@MaxWray111]

When I decided to get a rifle so I could go deer hunting with my son this year, I had a limited budget being retired on Social Security. I went to a gun show in February, and found a sporterized K98k from 1943, chambered for 7mm Mauser(not 8), with a 1998 Leupold M8 6X scope for 4.5 benjamins. It will shoot 1-1.5 MOA at 100 yards with S&B 140gr SP factory loads. So checking gun shows and pawn shops can also be beneficial. The important thing I believe is to not get in a hurry.

[@markive9907]

I have a model 70 stainless,300 win mag ,red field mounts 3.5 x10 leupold scope ,taken many Elk & muledeer ,never jammed or let me down ❤

[@dpwhitaker7088]

Folks what Randy just said is absolutely spot on advice!

[@aldocella4947]

Of the rifles you mentioned, Tikka is the only one offering left hand models so my choice of Tikka was an easy one and I'm very happy with the accuracy. Thanks Randy for another great vid!

[@nightwave3782]

Honorable mention Ruger M77 Hawkeye series

[@Drivapete]

I have a Weatherby Vanguard 2 in 257wby. You described my rifle to a T, very smooth, reliable and inheritly accurate with 100gr TTSX. Can't afford a custom and dont need one when you find a factory rifle that just plain works anf fits perfectly.

[@Paladin1873]

Excellent rifle choices. I used to recommend Leupold scopes to my customers, but I no longer carry the brand, not because of any quality issues, but because they have gone the direction of Colt in demanding that distributors not sell their products to any dealer unless he has been approved by Leupold and buys into their minimum purchase program.

[@stillbill1878]

Always have had the utmost respect for Randy. This is the most remarkable vid you will ever see. Here is a man known for the best rifles built. Yet, he takes the time and effort to post an information gold mine about commercial rifles. Hats off to you, sir!

[@plinnytheother6107]

Weatherby Vanguard 30-06, leupold, handloaded with 168gr barnes reloads

[@bneaclab1]

I prefer buying a 60 year old sako, husquvarna, or tikka than anything new. Half the price and machined by tradesmen. My 1958 Sako was bought for 700 canadian three years ago and shoots well under moa.

[@paulsimmons5726]

I’ve sent a Leupold back for a reticle change and they had the scope back to me in less than two weeks, Alabama to Oregon and back to Alabama and that included the work time, crazy quick! Oh, and the reticle exchange worked like a charm! Keep Leupold on your list!

[@TODinWY]

How long ago was that??

[@edwardabrams4972]

I have been using Leupold over 60+ years and the only new scope I will but after they replace an old vx3 that had problems free of charge that I got on a used gun trade since I collecting hunting rifles

[@REDNECKROOTS]

Burris has such great scopes and clear glass. I sware by Burris

[@glennanderson2790]

There are many scope companies on par or even better than Leupold, too many to name in fact. I’ve purchased a few Sightron scopes and find them of great quality.

[@ranchodeluxe1]

"And, it's just as good as a Ferrari." "And, it's just as good as a Honda." "And it's just as good as a Model 70." Ya. No, it's not.

[@leoncolwin8645]

Just find an old Mauser-based sporter in good shape. Something like a Husqvarna or a Parker-Hale. I recently found a lightweight Parker Hale 1100C. This is a 6.5 pound .270. It has the Mauser claw extractor etc. It cost me $500.

[@REDNECKROOTS]

Federal fusion is great ammo also. Its also cheap. Cheap n works great

[@beestoe993]

My rifles tend to be mostly Mausers for hunting and Savages for precision. Hard to beat either of those in terms of performance, but very affordable. Just today I received a made in japan Weaver scope from FleaBay. Very light, excellent optics, $100.00. It will likely be going on a Mauser for deer hunting. I agree with the Weatherby Vanguard/Howa. Excellent value.

[@edwardabrams4972]

Ya those old Japanese scopes are one of the great buys still out there! I buy a couple of them at least every month for my rifles that didn’t come with a scope!

[@338mag]

Couldnt agree more with Tikka and Howa. If you have budget constraints they are the way to go. If down the line you want to change the stock you can upgrade with aftermarket offerings. With load development they will shoot very well. Recently I went with Tikka because they were one of the few that offered the 25/06 which works really well for me in my area.

[@tyb3938]

Run a couple Vanguards with nightforce 2-10x42 and they shoot lights out 1/2 moa and getting over 1300 yards w 30-06 212eldx

[@markseawright2418]

Vanguards from the 70s and 80s were great. Today’s do not shoot as well

[@abbeybremner4162]

Perfect advice Randy. Loaded with common sense that isn’t common in todays ‘hype up and sell’ times

[@woodman8261]

In 1995 I bought a Tikka 30-06 m595. It shoots all factory ammo well. Where it really shines is with my hand loads. Now I'm thinking of buying a Tikka in 7mm-08. Excellent firearms.

[@jerad4336]

Excellent rifles, I have one in 6.5 Creedmoor.

[@martinklitzke8699]

Always good to hear from a true professional. I have the upmost respect for your opinion. Thank you for sharing.!

[@20cameron1]

The tikka T3X lite roughtech in 30-06 with Hornady Outfitter 180gr loads produces 1/2” groups from my experience so far. The outfitter is a copper alloy monolithic bullet.

[@ericfrontczak8016]

Randy kove the hat just love it

[@Siskiyous6]

I bought a Vanguard many years ago, it has had Leupold and Burris scopes on it. In 300 Weatherby it has been the ticket for Western Mule Deer and Elk hunting.

[@Jezus42]

My next rifle will be a carbonmark in 300 weatherby.

[@Jezus42]

I will also be putting either a leupold or nightforce on it

[@u.t.grader4210]

A very kind and generous gesture from you Mr. Selby - spot on as well. I'm curious as to your opinion on the new production Winchester M-70.

[@calvinwebb3980]

A genius with common sense. Good stuff

[@NebukedNezzer]

I bought a new ruger standard american in 308 for 250 bucks. what a great gun and deal. when the first came out. Sako has always made good guns.

[@abbeybremner4162]

Oh yeh. They tika all the boxes for the $. Slick action. Superb trigger and accuracy, light and stiff. Most popular hunting rifle in New Zealand, as is Leupold glass

[@johnnash5118]

When you hunt, you can’t carry a bench and rest with you, let alone a shooting mat when you’re hunting mobile- Still-hunting and stalking. You have your small pack, light binoculars, cougar/bear pistol, and shooting sticks. Two shooting sticks at arm’s length standing performs like a bipod, but doesn’t require a prone position; it’s a much better position than off-hand, but not as good as a bench and bags. So your distances have to be within your maximum point-blank range, a 5” radius in the vitals. If you’re capable of 1-MOA with shooting sticks on unlevel ground with logs and brush, then your MPBR would be 500 yards; but is that realistic under the average hunting conditions? If you’re @2 MOA, perhaps your MPBR would be @250 yards; any functioning rifle with the appropriate bullet will perform well with a 250 yard MPBR, even the starter rifles and cheap scopes, so weight should be considered and first focal plain should be deemphasized, because the maximum magnification would be used for the 100-250 yard ranges (which is the scope’s calibrated magnification,) any mag less than max at ranges less than 100 yards would have no detrimental effects. So save some money on second focal plain scopes, but with high definition (HD) coated optics.

[@roonbooks3227]

I didnt hear the word "husqvarna"...i suppose its because they are not made anymore..but, if you can get your hands on one , particularity the rifles with the improved actions built in the 70s..SILKY SMOOTH ACTIONS

[@edwardabrams4972]

I have 2 of them and Bill Ruger once said they are the best rifle ever made! They just make rifles like that anymore at an affordable price!

[@WilliamStihl]

Thank you Randy & Cathy God bless you!

[@randyeliason6471]

Thank you, Randy. I picked up a Bagera B-14 wilderness hunter chambered in .308 earlier this year. Put a Leopold 5xxd on using their rings and mounts. Shoots less than an inch at 100 yards with Federal factory ammo. I have been following your reloading techniques and have it down to .420 @100 yards so far. I'm very thankful for what you do for all of us! Thank you, Randy.

[@jackdundon2261]

I have DOZENS of calibers, I have lost track of how many 4x4 (or larger bucks) OTC I have killed. I do believe the older I get. The "one gun" I still the 30-06. (Especially with modern powders and bullets).

[@Greyzonecompliant]

One brand that impressed me that may not be as common in the states. The Sauer 100. Their stocks dont really fit me. But they can really shoot.

[@randlerichardson5826]

It’s been a while since me and my wife went to Knoxville Tn and ordered my Savage 111 chambered in 25-06. It’s been 8-10+ years ago and i got it with a wood stock. By the time i got my 25-06 and the Simmons s6x24x40. I’ve never shot a factory round in it only my reloads. I started out with a 85gr Nosler Ballistic Tip and it shot great then I went to the 100gr NBT and that was the ticket for it. I’ve taken deer coyote big hogs and ground hogs with it. Randy sir your exactly right sir. GOD BLESS y’all Amen 🙏

[@anthonywychock3449]

My favorite educator go to has always been gunblue from New Hampshire and i am very glad to have stumbled across this guy. Once these older gentlemen are gone so is our knowledge.

[@RDL1965]

"The Real Gunsmith" and Gunblue490 are both a wealth of information. Since my time of KZbin, I spend the winter after hunting season listening to these gentlemen. I thank both for sharing their knowledge. They have both fine-tuned some of the ways I do things on the bench. I also admire both for their acknowledgment Christ.

[@ultrahighgain412]

My two favorites are Gunblue490 and Randy.

[@Jaysol24]

Mr. Randy Selby, THANK YOU for Your videos and other work. from small-town in Wisconsiin

[@aaronwilcox6417]

Good advice on not mounting heavy optics on a light rifle. Yeah, Tikka, Howa, and Bergera are probably about at the top for factory rifles that work at an decent price point.

[@Greyzonecompliant]

My tikka T3 shots really good. But my howa 1500 surprised me the most. It is really not far behind. They are cheaper new. But they can be a real steal if you find a used one. Have not had a Bergara yet. They have nice stocks, but i almost always change the stock anyway so it is not a plus for me. And for the howa/weatherby Vanguard you can just get the barreled action. 😅

[@NelsonAdvisors]

You are spot on Randy! I have a Tikka T3x Superlite in 7mm-08, after being a Remington guy my whole life, and oh my goodness! The bolt is super smooth and it’s an absolute tack driver with practically no kick, with 150 grain Norma ammo. I’m using Talley rings mounted the normal way, but maybe need to take a look at the “dovetail” option. Thank you for the great content. God Bless and Godspeed

[@REDNECKROOTS]

I love 7mm08. But I don't hand load and can't find ammo hardly ever ware I am. And if I do it's of the corelokt grade and quality. Not exactly junk. But not a federal terminal accent either. Wish it was more popular cuz I don't think there is a better whitetail cartridge made that can do what that does with the minimal recoil and insane accuracy at distance and close

[@NelsonAdvisors]

@@REDNECKROOTS Midway USA is the way to go…….

[@tylercash8914]

I agree with you 110% on the Tikka, I have 6 of them and they are without a doubt the most accurate and well functioning factory offering out there. Unless you do a custom build you will not find a nicer rifle

[@jamesjaeger3976]

Sauer model 90 338 win mag is my go to meat successor 👍. Action is magnificent

[@docholliday1588]

Hi Randy. Hope you and your wife are doing well. I bought the Weatherby vanguard in Remington 7mm, in 1985, shoots 1/2 inch MOA at 100 yards. I bedded the stock even though it came semi bedded. It also came with a self lapping bolt, that I think contributes to the rifles accuracy. It's been a very good riffle, and I am still using it today. Enjoyed the video, I love the knowledge from your experience.

[@REDNECKROOTS]

I've got a weatherby vanguard weatherguard bronze. 308. It also shoots half inch or even less at 100ysrds With federal terminal accent 175gr. Also shoots federal fusion 150gr well

[@REDNECKROOTS]

The vanguard is awesome Such an under appreciated rifle Most guys I talk bout it with haven't even heard of a weatherby vanguard..... I'm like really 😢

[@chrisbomboy3206]

People need to throw those Lead Sleds in the trash. They are good at wrecking optics and driving customer service people at optics companies crazy.

[@rudygeorgiamulesandcountry1594]

I've found that I've never needed anything more than my $ 99.oo Remington 788 in .308 Win.

[@lisaannaallen6283]

today thats a $500 rifle 😂😂😂🤣🤣🤣

[@edwardabrams4972]

Back when Remington make good rifles 🤔😳

[@CharlesRushing-ck2qm]

Those were introduced during the hard times of the Jimmy Carer administration as an economical alternative to the Remington 700. They are VERY accurate.

[@buckaroobonsi555]

I wont use a credit card for a rifle. I always pay cash. I did a custom rifle one part at a time piece meal. I purchased high end match grade barrels when on sale. I purchased a donor rifle on sale. I had the action trued and timing corrected. I had it reharled and blued. So it has a blueprinted mass produced action, a Brux barrel, a fully bedding block synthetic stock with steel base and rings and decent scope. The entire thing cost me $1400 to piece together. I slowly acquired all the parts and pieces over about 13 years. So a custom rifle does not have to cost $6000 just depends on how much rifle you want or need.

[@roonbooks3227]

I bet Randys rifles all have luepold scopes😂

[@edwardabrams4972]

That’s because he is a smart man! 60+ years of hunting reloading and collecting rifles and that’s all I buy new! I will get other brands in my used rifles but I usually give they away to friend or my gunsmith to give to new hunters for free!

[@e.l.robbins5614]

The CVA Cascade is a nice shooter.

[@johnanon3081]

Thanks for putting out this video, TRG!

[@fritzd2116]

Thank you very much tor this information. Randy! God bless you and your family.

[@mikeleschber33]

Thanks Mr & Mrs Selby for all these great videos and the information you share. God bless both of you!

[@TODinWY]

You and Cathy have a GREAT Holiday weekend!

[@davewinter2688]

I’m 70+ years old now and haven’t been able to hunt much in recent years because of some health problems. Just had a hip replacement a little over a month ago so probably won’t be able to get back out this year, but I’m hoping for next year. You youngsters are lucky to have Randy to educate you. I’m lucky enough to have had a mentor for reloading and other gun related issues. I’m mostly a controlled round feed Mauser action type guy. Over the years I’ve been able to accumulate several custom built rifles that I got really good deals on because they were in estates etc and needed to be sold. They’re all built on ‘98 Mauser actions. Not known as extremely smooth actions but reliable and accurate with my hand loads. 7x57, 8x57, 308 Winchester, 338-06, 358 Winchester, 35 Whelen and Siamese Mauser 45-70. I’d only heard of the builder on two of the rifles. The 358 was built by a well known Kansas gunsmith, Bill Meyer, who does beautiful work. Stole that rifle at an estate auction for just a little over $300 including a Bausch & Lomb scope. The 338-06 was built by Iver Henricksen. Got that one from a young guy who was trying to build a collection of Savage 99 rifles. He got the rifle from someone who didn’t know much about it and neither did he. Didn’t know who Iver Henricksen was. Traded it straight across to me for a Savage 99 that I had that I didn’t have much invested in. I don’t think I’ve paid over $800 for any of these rifles. I’m going to have the 8x57 re-barreled in 257 Roberts. Still won’t have over $800 in it except for a reasonable quality scope. Oh I forgot I have one of the “Sporterized by Kimber” Carl Gustaf M96 6.5x55. I can make it do anything a 6.5 Creedmoor will do and more. Another $500 deal that a young guy inherited from an uncle! Although I can hand load for everything I have, in recent years I have been buying some factory ammo when I found good deals. Old sporting goods stores going out of business, estates, guys quitting their 270, 308 and 30-06 because of being sucked in by Hornady’s 6.5 Creedmoor marketing hype. I’ve been able to get a lot of ammunition that way by buying in quantity for less than I could load it for and acquire once fired brass for future use at the same time. I’ve gotten lots of bullets, new or once fired brass, powders and primers the same way. None of it off of Gunbroker. Right place at the right time. I’m an OPM guy. I like using other people’s money. With all that said if I was going to buy a factory rifle, since I don’t have the money for most of the Kimbers except the Hunter model , my choice would be the Weatherby Vanguard Sporter even if it is not a controlled round feed action. Besides that I’ve always wanted to have a Weatherby just because of home town pride. I live just a few miles from where Roy Weatherby grew up in central Kansas. I’ve known several of his friends who grew up with him and told me stories about their youth. Sadly those folks are all gone now. I’ve always said I would want the 270 Weatherby because it was his first creation and the 257 because I’ve seen what it can do. Otherwise I’m not a big magnum rifle guy. I’ve got one 300 H&H and that’s probably going to be enough for me in my lifetime. Happy hunting boys and girls!😊

[@toddvandyke8737]

Great advice, as always, Randy! Thanks for posting this.

[@mikemitchell9157]

Im in ohio and we have a straight wall restriction for deer. That being said i picked up a cva cascade and the gun itself is actually very solid and i like it very accurate and affordable youre lookin at 8-900 with a 200 dollar scope

[@markjones1918]

Sir, I guess I should have googled it, but rather hear from an actual resident. Why the straight wall cartridge law?

[@mikemitchell9157]

@@markjones1918 honestly none of it makes sense here. We were a shotgun only state for the longest time. Yet at the same time for squirrel it says any caliber asked the game warden and that includes .50 bmg. But a few years ago they opened up deer to straight wall cartridge up to .50 cal projectiles. It all has to do with the range of the projectile.

[@johndiblasi4803]

Spot on as usual. God bless

[@georgekasza7295]

Thanks ,I totally agree. God bless you and yours.

[@johnflocco3803]

Beautifully said Sir pleasure listening to your years of experience. I can listen to you for hours, very much like your videos, God bless you Randy.

[@ashmerch2558]

I bought a Tikka T3x superlite it shoots sub-moa to 1.2 MOA with everything. I've Tried Hornady Superformance, Federal Premium, Federal Power-Shok and Remington Core-Lokts for factory ammo, along with handloads. The rifle really likes the Superformance with the 165gr CX and it shot the 168gr Barnes TTSX very well (0.5MOA - 0.75 MOA) with very little alterations or fuss. I basically just read the Nosler load manual and I already had some IMR 4350. I laddered up to near (1.0gr under) max and found that shot well with everything else @ normal spec. The 168gr TTSX has been my go to bullet for just about everything. Whitetail, pronghorn, black bear, elk and even 1 very unfortunate Coyote. I really want to try cooking up some 190gr-210gr loads ( ABLR & 200gr Accubonds) but I've found that this particular gun seems to like the lighter bullets. It shoots 150s & 165gr/168gr bullets tighter than with 180gr bullets, at least with the factory ammo I've tried. 15:23 Either way, great rifle for the money, I paid $860 for mine. It's light & accurate with just about everything, and stellar (by my standards) with the right bullets. Again it's a factory stock Tikka T3x Superlite in 300 Win Mag and has a Swarovski Z6i 1.7-10x42. It weighs 8lbs loaded with Scope and shoots great. Plus the action is super slick and smooth. Can't say enough good about Tikka.

[@ngallakp62]

Gotta love a tikka never seen one that doesn’t shoot

[@karts-fish-Rc]

Bergara are good too😊

[@davidsalsedo]

Thank you Randy for another excellent video with great advice. IHS

[@TTT-du6oj]

Thank’s Randy,pretty cool that you recommended some of these great factory rifles as you build very high quality customs👍i am partial to the Tikkas and Savage 110 actions

[@HappyHunts]

Been a loyal follower and fan since the channel started. And patreon subscriber. Would love to hear Randy do a breakdown on hunting knives in the field and what he uses and likes. I’m like a spounge I soak up all of the knowledge I can from people who have been there and done it. So much respect for Randy.

[@frankieboy2417]

Glad I found your channel, my son and I are getting into reloading and your channel will def help in learning the right way right off the bat so as not to pick up bad habits. Also wish you were my neighbor.

[@williammills7778]

Thank you for sharing your expertise and experiences. They are invaluable. Merry Christmas to you and your wife Cathy. VR Bill Mills

[@TheRealGunsmith]

Thank you and Merry Christmas to you and yours!

[@carlwilliams6300]

Great information on guns and ammo and also optics .

[@tophatter74]

This gentleman is a national treasure.

[@bisleyblackhawk1288]

@tophatter74…I’m happy to see I’m not the only one who feels this way 🫶🏻🫶🏻🫶🏻

[@avelinaosborne32]

I know nothing about scopes but i really like this guy.

[@justinfletcher7630]

I seen this same comment on gunblue

[@fredkeisling5014]

@@avelinaosborne32 5:02

[@nebraskaman8247]

All my scope issues ceased to exist once I started bedding them to the action. All I used now if possible is Talley lightweight single piece ring/base. No more issues.

[@sethlarson5110]

Barnes is the most consistent rifle to rifle, Federal premium Terminal accent is great to good from rifle to rifle for me.

[@lisabussiere6469]

Thank you always enjoy

[@robjohnson6747]

Thank you !

[@dula4552]

Brilliant discussion! I had made exactly the same assessments , glad to know I'm on the right track from someone much more knowledgeble than myself! Have variations of all the rifles mentioned and all shoot sub moa with ease when you do your job and are well built as stated!

[@robertpagel8951]

My Tikka T-3 in .308 has been a shooter since day one. In the first 10 years with it, I learned that it will shoot all factory ammo around moa or a slightly larger. Once I started rolling my own cartridges I can say i have a few handloads that shoot .5 moa. I have a few tacticool rifles come my qat since then but when I want to print groups at 100 I grab my first deer rifle lol. It's a laser out to 500 yards for me. Nosler Partion 165gr bullet, IMR 4895 powder and Rem or CCI primer and loaded out long to magazine length is my guns sweetheart.

[@Notreallyme377]

Very good advice

[@jimpalmer4916]

Excellent video. I've been keeping up with your program since I found it. Went shooting in this 104 temperature in west Texas heat, and these guns all tend to shoot a little higher than when cooler temperatures arrive. I just love to see these differences between hot and cold weather conditions. It's written down for future reference. I've had the triggers on all my rifles worked on a long time ago, because I was trained using the good ones, and I have to admit that these triggers on factory rifles ain't the best. Thank you for your time and expertise. Semper Fi.

[@michaelhill6451]

Good advice on Tikka. My CTR in 6.5 Creedmoor is the most accurate rifle I've ever owned. I will definitely choose Tikka for my next bolt gun.

[@powskier]

Good rifle but he's not a fan at all of that round for big game.

[@Mountain-Man27]

@@powskierit’s more than enough for whitetail, that CTR is more of a target setup anyways.

[@michaelhill6451]

@@Mountain-Man27 True. I use it mainly for punching holes in paper, but I wouldn’t hesitate to use it on a deer.

[@marcushibdon2415]

GREAT RANDY THANKS

[@frankkee8709]

Yes sir spot on !!

[@jmgates09]

Tikka and Bergara make the best affordable rifles

[@karts-fish-Rc]

Yes sir

[@gk5891]

CVA Cascade (Bergara Barrel and same trigger assembly) + Nightforce Standard Rings + Trijicon Huron. My buddy put that together on a $1,000 budget for his boys first rifle and I wouldn't kick it out of my safe. The stock isn't Bergara nice, but it beats the ones on cheaper rifles.

[@dougkahler7152]

So I was in need of a good left handed 25-06 and couldn’t find a Tika or any other good factory rifle then I came across the up grade to Tika a Sako 85M was it expensive yes but wow is it accurate out of the box.

[@jeffcooper5789]

My first rifle was a Weatherby Vanguard. I even own a Tika. Thank you for the advice.

[@justinalter4510]

Very surprised you didn’t recommend the ruger Hawkeye

[@oldschooljack3479]

Good info in this video. I own a Bergara B14 HMR. It's decent ( kind of heavy too) but I had to put some effort into making it a shooter... And after talking with other Bergara owners they can be hit or miss on quality and accuracy. The important thing is to have confidence in your rifle and to be as competent as it will allow you to be.

[@sethlarson5110]

Ive got a tikka 270 and a vanguard 7mm rem. I bedded action and then barrels on both guns. Tikka is a bit picky, 1.25 moa to .50 moa depending on which factory ammo u use. Vanguard shoots a lot of ammo .75 to under .50 moa.

[@mfallen6894]

Sounds about right. I'd add the CVA Cascade in there as well, but the Tikka would be my go to for a sub-$1000 rifle. My only issue I take with it is if you want a detachable box mag, be it in an intermediate with AR15 mags, short-action with SR25 mags, or standard+ length with AICS, you're paying twice the price. Once you're in the $1200-1400 range (like the Tikka T3x CTR, Varmint, etc) now you're in Sako, Winchester Model 70, Browning, etc range. I might balk at spending $1300 on that Tikka CTR when the Browning BLR (or Henry Long Ranger, though its chambering's are pretty bare bones) is right there... Or the Ruger SFAR for that matter if I was looking for a .308/6.5CM. I only bring this up because if there is a factory action smooth enough to really make good use of a detachable 10-30rd mag for a "ranch rifle" setup, it's the Tikka T3. So it's a shame you have to get into that medium price tier to make it happen, and I'm choosing a lever .270 or 7mm-08 over a bolt gun in most cases, if not a semi-auto (obviously not in ..270, just saying...) I've never met a well-made, well-maintained lever that won't run quicker than a bolt, though whether that matters is dependent on how much one values a quick follow-up shot (and maybe I just suck at running a bolt, lol) This is the one reason the Ruger American, as crappy as their actions are, sell like crazy: they can be had with detachable box mags and threaded barrels without paying any extra and their accuracy is up there with the Tikka, Wby Vanguard, Cascade, etc. I think Tikka could sell just as many of their T3x as Ruger does the American if they'd make the AR15/AR10/AICS mag versions a basic option, even with the T3 costing ~$300 more. Just a shame, that's all.

[@greybone777]

About 10 years ago i spotted a beat up old gun in a stack in the back corner of the gunshelf in a local store. I pulled it out and it was a pre 64 model 70 with a 450 price tag. It was nearly perfect but the finish was totally crazed . Others at the shop were asking where did i find that? It also had an original Balfour A scope. One of the best deals i ever made. If you find any older sporterized mauser, Springfield etcetera, they can be very good rifles.

[@tacticalrabbit308]

I'm willing to wait to get a rifle with what i want on it that's why im buying it one peice at a time .

[@kesleycottrell1416]

Back in the old days l bought a dozen Mauser 98 actions. Can't remember the price horse trading was involved. I build custom rifles for my son's a daughter now it's time for the grandkids. Really it's not too expensive and the rifle is just better than stock and the cartridge choice is huge. Pretty much get a reamer and reloading dies and good to go.

[@35southkiwi16]

Good point re scope weight. Dont personally own a tikka but I've used a few and they worked well. Have a good Christmas.

[@richarddecker1380]

I can vouch for rifles built by Sako. I have a L46 Riihimaki that I inherited from my grandfather, I've used this rifle since I was around 10 years old. My grandfather bought it from our neighbor Jim Carmichael that was an editor for Outdoor life. It's still a .5 moa rifle with various loads even though we'll over 1000 rounds. It has shot quarter minutes groups over the years with handloads. It's chambered in 222 rem. Very lightweight hunting rifle. Thank you sir for all your wonderful information on handloading.

[@Bamamike223]

Thanks Mr Randy! I really appreciate the knowledge. Gotta say though this just make me even more want a "BUILD BY RANDY" rifle. Also the Winchester Deer Season XP is very accurate and has worked very well for me. All of my deer have not gone more than 25 yards with a great Blood trail and full expansion even at 20 yard shots in a .270 Win.

[@JH-kc9tm]

Great video! I get questions like this sometimes and I can’t explain it better than you Mr. Selby I will refer people to this video. I’ve been impressed with what Tikka rifles offer for the money very competitive.

[@ranchodeluxe1]

Yup. My Model 52 with 50's era Litschert 12 power made my friend's Ruger Precision with Chinese glass, look silly. The Tikka would be my choice in a " modern" rifle, but the Model 70 still rules in my World.

[@carlmarks6145]

Another great video. My friend has a Franchi (hinged floor plate model) with a Bushnell 4500 scope that shoots less than 3/4 moa on bad day. Quality bullet from Sako and Hornady giving .45 to .48 as typical groups. Remarkable!!! My list would be the Tikka T3x or Franchi Momentum tied at the top, Sauer 100, Bergara B14, Weatherby/Howa, Savage 110, Ruger American are all very close behind. A side note, although the Browning AB3 is currently not in production, it can pretty much shoot bullets through the same hole from a rifle less than 600 dollars, I have seen this, I just do not like the trigger assembly. What I like about the Bergara model lineup is B14 is a modified and slightly improved model 700 action and the Premier series bolt system appears to be a high quality hybrid of the Savage 110 front half (with a floating bolt head double lug design) and rear half of the action is like B14 (modified Remington 700 with tight tolerances). However the best value priced rifle I have ever experienced for consistency was the Marlin bolt action before Remington bought them out. The XL7 was/is a superb shooter than even liked cheap ammunition, unfortunately it became the cheaply built Remington 783 to compete with the Savage axis.

[@HowieDewitt7575]

I can vouche for 100% of the information you provided because those are the choices I made personally, I find barnes vortex ammo to be around 3/4 to 1.5" in any caliber I shoot it from, those freedom scopes are perfect on those Tikka t3's weighing around 7lbs topped off with a leupold

[@KathrynLiz1]

Good review. The Tikkas are favourites of hunters here i New Zealand, and for those really on a budget the Howa rifles are excellent. Lately the Bergaras from Spain seem to be making their mark. The Savage 110 series have always been excellent value. Put a half decent optic on them and they will not fail you. All of our optics are imported here, and Leupold are favourites and for the well heeled there's Swarovski, but I cannot see the cost/benefit of a scope that costs more than the rifle. For factory fodder most are happy with the Federal Premium, but it's fearfully pricey here, around $4 or more per round. Most hunters here seem to reload, so tune their ammo to suit a particular rifle. Our biggest game here is the Wapiti (Elk), so a .30 or 7mm is usually chosen. The 7/08 is very popular here, being a modern equivalent of the old 7x57. Some opt for the 7mm Rem and the like, and they are fine rounds but do kick a lot in a light mountain rifle. So refreshing to hear your views on scopes re power and weight. I am a bit 'old school' too (I will be 81 next month) and the trend towards huge magnification and quarter acre objective lenses has never made any sense to me. I haven't seen many Weatherby Vanguards, but one or two have crossed my workbench to have suppressors fitted etc. and they sure are nicely made. What really amazes me these days is the quality and accuracy of even the really low priced rifles today. I guess it's a product of the clever computer driven machine tools we have now. It's always interesting to 'compare notes' with someone as experienced as you are that lives in a far country.

[@REDNECKROOTS]

Federal terminal accent bullets Those r real game projectiles