Next rifle (need suggestions).

[HskrVern]

I'm looking to buy a rifle within the next 4 moths or so (long enough to save a grand). I want something to haul around with me in the wasatch plateau. I want something around the 7lb range, center fire, any action. As far as usage I want basically a scout/jack of all trades rifle that is rugged, portable, and suitable for mountain lion/deer/elk if the need arises. I've checked out ruger's new scout rifle and marlin's guide gun. Is there any other ones that yall have had good expierances with?

[762.DEFENSE]

The Ruger Scout is a good choice from what I've been hearing online. You could always go with an AR chambered in .308, 6.5, or 6.8.

Another possible solution might be a Ruger Mini-30 chambered in 7.62x39mm.

[killshot44]

Savage, Remington, Tikka all make sporter-weight bolt-guns at a price that would allow you to include a decent scope for less than $1K.
Can't go wrong with a .308, ammo for it is everywhere.

[BigNick]

I would really check out the Tikka t3s they are lite and the action is very smooth and very, very accurate. You should be able to find them for 5-600 bucks and still have some cash to buy a decent scope.

[bubbapug1]

I second the Tikka. Its super light and I shot one at Burro one gentleman had. I shot 5 308 rounds in a 1/2" hole in high wind at 100 yards with reloads.

The recoil was lighter than my LMT MWS.

The Tikka is a very high quality gun which has fallen below the radar, but its a real shooter.

I did buy one, a Tikka 308 Tactical. Its in lockdown for 3 more days, after thats over...a range report.

[HskrVern]

Looks like I'll have to fondle some tikkas at the money pit this weekend then.

[missiontrails]

The Ruger Scout is a good choice from what I've been hearing online. You could always go with an AR chambered in .308, 6.5, or 6.8.

Another possible solution might be a Ruger Mini-30 chambered in 7.62x39mm.

My brother fired a Ruger Scout yesterday (along with a pre-ban .50 cal) at the South Bay Rod & Gun Club, and said the Scout was flat out COOL...

[k1dude]

If you want a semi-auto and shoot up to 200 yards, an AR in 50 Beowolf will do the trick. If you shoot up to 350 yards, an AR in 6.8 SPC II will work great. If you shoot up to 800 yards, an AR in 6.5 Grendel is ideal. The 6.5 Grendel's ballistics basically mirror the .308 in range, trajectory, and power, but it weighs a lot less and fits into the standard AR platform.

An AR in those calibers is ideal depending on your needs because the AR is light, rugged, proven, semi-auto, weatherproof, and reliable.

I don't care for the .308 as much. It's a great cartridge, but the ammo and rifles are too heavy to lug around the countryside for long. Why lug all that weight if you don't have to? The only exception might be the new Ruger Scout. Cool rifle! The ammo still weighs more, but since you're hunting, I guess you aren't carrying that many rounds.

[Don29palms]

The Ruger Gunsite Scout is a very nice gun. A friend of mine has one and it shoots real nice. It's lightweight and comfortable to shoot.

[X-NewYawker]

Dude -- everyone who has fired my Scout is stunned how great it is. You can't go wrong for what you're looking for.



I think it is exactly what you're describing. Mine was slamming them at 400 meters...