"Classic look"

[quadmx301]

Thinking of delving into the bolt gun game. Always been an iron sight guy, but am now finding I'd like a little more precision for those shots 300 yards and beyond. I'm more of a shooter than a hunter, but would like to get into hunting more. For that reason, I'm considering both .30-06 and .308 (with the edge to the -06), but am not opposed to doing a .270, perhaps even a .243. Ammo price and commonality is a leading factor in caliber choice.

I love the classic look of a wood stock, and was wondering what you guys would suggest. I've always loved the M77 Hawkeye classic, and recently, the Tikka T3 Hunter has caught my eye, with the gorgeous stainless finish. The sporter weight doesn't bother me; I don't expect to be doing 10 shot strings. Plus, the weight is a big bonus too, as I hike with a rifle often.

Let me know if you guys would have any suggestions, and what direction you would point me. Thanks!

[The King]

Go Sako Bavarian, or go home.
I like mine. You may like your money more.

If you hunt the Sierras you usually don't need stainless and composite.
Get an old school hunting rifle of wood and blue.
It will look good 50 years from now.

[quadmx301]

I like my money much more. Budget for rifle alone is ~$700, $800 if something really special shows up.

If money wasn't an option, I'd have a closet full of Sako's and current production Mauser hunters, plus a few handmade Mannlicher's. But, I digress... back to reality...

[TMB 1]

http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/cPath/36_61/products_id/57511/Winchester+Blue+Walnut+5+%2B+1+243+Win.+Featherweight

http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/cPath/36_61/products_id/57513/Winchester+Blue+Walnut+5+%2B+1+308+Win.+Featherweight

[Calif Hunter]

I have 2 Tikkas and sold a couple others that I regret. My .243 shoots excellently, and my .300 Win is not far behind it, though it is a bit much off the bench. .30-06, .308 or .270 will be good for anything in CA. A .243 might be a bit light if you win the tag lottery and draw an elk tag. Ruger Hawkeyes are also good guns, though my 2 cents is that Tikkas will shoot better out of the box and their trigger is great as-is.

[TMB 1]

http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/cPath/36_758/products_id/97073/Mossberg+PATRIOT+22+3006+WS+WAL

[pennstater]

quadmx301. Where abouts are you located? I have something that just might interest you perfectly. Pm me if you need to.

[LynnJr]

You really can't go wrong with any of your choices.
I was at Dicks Sporting Goods recently and the largest selection of ammo was 30-06.

[Elgatodeacero]

Hard to beat the Winchester Model 70 Alaskan for looks- and the 25 inch barrel is great for reloading performance.

http://www.winchesterguns.com/products/rifles/model-70/model-70-alaskan.html

The Ruger Guide Gun also looks quality and pretty cool, but more futuristic and hi-tech.

8 lbs before scope is a nice comfortable weight for a .30-06 that is shot a lot.

[ducky_0811]

The .30 cal's are a great choice but don't discount the 6.5's. Tikka and sako both make a 6.5 swede. A .260 with a hand load is a heck of a deer round too, same with 6.5 CD. those will all do you well out to 300 and beyond.
The other thing to think about since you mentioned possibly hunting is non lead ammo for CA. Both .30 cal and 6.5 are in solids are great picks, but be careful with the barrel twist rate, a 1:12 .30 cal may not stabilize a long 165 gr solid.

[Cypriss32]

T3 Hunter in 6.5x55 sweed is a nice rifle.

[RNE228]

Friend had a blued version Ruger 77 International in 243 with the full length Mannlicher stock and a 1.5-4 Leupold.

That was a pretty rifle... Very classic lines, and handling.

It looked like the rifle shown here:

http://www.tactical-life.com/firearms/custom-ruger-m77-rsi-250-savage-classic-rifle-reborn-gun-review/#custom-ruger-m77-rsi-250-savage-classic-rifle-reborn-_-gun-review-11

[SMarquez]

T3 Hunter in 6.5x55 sweed is a nice rifle.

I love mine. Put a decent scope on it and shoot 1" out of the box. I just need to load up some lead free loads.
Right now it shoots Nosler 120 gr. Ballistic tips really well.
I had to order my 6.5 Tikka out of state so that puts a premium on it.
The .243 will work on Elk with a well constructed bullet and proper shot placement and decent range.

[beardog308]

CZ 550