New Bolt Action Rifle Recommendations

[BayouBuck985]

I am in the market for another deer rifle, likely in .308, and I thought I was set on a Bergara B-14 (.308 Hunter or .270 Timber model, since I don’t want to go with a 20” barrel in the .308 Timber) or a Browning X Bolt 2 Hunter. However, I recently came across a gently used Remington 700 XCR (green synthetic stock with black hogue grip inserts, with the TriNyte coated S/S barrel) in .270 as well as a used but in great shape Savage Model 14 American Classic in .308. The Savage looks really nice with a nice classic walnut stock. I have concerns with the Remington since it was made under the years of the major X Mark Pro trigger recall, so I would likely be buying another trigger. The Remington 700 would run about the same cost as a new Browning X Bolt 2 Hunter (~ $1000). I could probably get the Savage for much less. I am just not familiar with Savage at all and have had the impression that they were a notch below Remington/Browning/Bergara and that the bolt is not as smooth but the accuracy is great for a gun at this price point. I was leaning toward the Browning mainly for the lower bolt throw angle. Of these options, which one would you go with? Any thoughts are welcome.

 

[Chingon]

The answer is always Tikka. No drama, they just shoot.

Bergarbage would not honor their MOA guarantee on a B14 I bought. Told me to pound sand. Bought a Tikka and never looked back...

 

[Southern Elk]

I would go with the x bolt out of the choices mentioned.

 

[BayouBuck985]

I’m open to other choices as well. My main requirement is that the .308 needs to have a barrel length of at least 22”. And I’d prefer to keep it around $1000 or under. I also don’t want a threaded barrel. I was almost willing to stretch it on a really nice Sako .30-06 (out to $1300 for a used one in great shape), but I don’t really need that much firepower. I have a .35 Whelen for that.

 

[thomas89]

Tikka T3X Hunter .308, walnut stock. 22” barrel.

 

[Redman]

I have an X-Bolt Hells Canyon Speed Rifle in .308. I was a lucky winner in a Go Hunt giveaway and had my choice of calibers to choose from. I picked the .308 so if my daughter wanted to go elk hunting with me she would have her own gun. She never ended up going but did kill a few whitetail with it. I ended up using it after she lost interest. Out of all my guns it is the go to. I have killed everything with it from bull elk to coyotes and everything in between. I feed it 150 gr Barnes TTSX over 44 gr of Varget. It just does everything you ask of it. I would have never considered one and had GoHunt not given me this one I probably never would have. I bought another one in 7mm08 for my wife and it is the same story. Actually prefer the 7mm08 over the .308 but that is just my opinion.

 

[BayouBuck985]

I have an X-Bolt Hells Canyon Speed Rifle in .308. I was a lucky winner in a Go Hunt giveaway and had my choice of calibers to choose from. I picked the .308 so if my daughter wanted to go elk hunting with me she would have her own gun. She never ended up going but did kill a few whitetail with it. I ended up using it after she lost interest. Out of all my guns it is the go to. I have killed everything with it from bull elk to coyotes and everything in between. I feed it 150 gr Barnes TTSX over 44 gr of Varget. It just does everything you ask of it. I would have never considered one and had GoHunt not given me this one I probably never would have. I bought another one in 7mm08 for my wife and it is the same story. Actually prefer the 7mm08 over the .308 but that is just my opinion.

I hunted with a Remington 700 chambered in 7mm-08 for the last 18 years but recently got rid of it, so I’m wanting to switch it up a little. No doubt it’s a fine caliber for whitetail. I also was recently the lucky recipient of a winning raffle ticket which got me a Bergara B-14 in 6.5 Creedmoor, but I wasn’t a fan of the caliber.

 

[Potsie]

Make sure you have enough wallop and fine, detailed lettering.

 

[Carl 9.3x62]

Didn't you say you just got a browning xbolt 2 in 308?

 

[Jnasa]

I am in the market for another deer rifle, likely in .308, and I thought I was set on a Bergara B-14 (.308 Hunter or .270 Timber model, since I don’t want to go with a 20” barrel in the .308 Timber) or a Browning X Bolt 2 Hunter. However, I recently came across a gently used Remington 700 XCR (green synthetic stock with black hogue grip inserts, with the TriNyte coated S/S barrel) in .270 as well as a used but in great shape Savage Model 14 American Classic in .308. The Savage looks really nice with a nice classic walnut stock. I have concerns with the Remington since it was made under the years of the major X Mark Pro trigger recall, so I would likely be buying another trigger. The Remington 700 would run about the same cost as a new Browning X Bolt 2 Hunter (~ $1000). I could probably get the Savage for much less. I am just not familiar with Savage at all and have had the impression that they were a notch below Remington/Browning/Bergara and that the bolt is not as smooth but the accuracy is great for a gun at this price point. I was leaning toward the Browning mainly for the lower bolt throw angle. Of these options, which one would you go with? Any thoughts are welcome.

Rifle recommendations are tough. Every make you will get someone who swears by it and another saying they are crap.

I recently purchased a Browning X bolt speed. So far I am very happy with the function of it. I would recommend trying to find some place you can handle them. See if the feel of the action or stock fit suit you better.

For calibers I don't think you can go wrong with either the 308 or 270. I've owned and hunted with both. Slight edge to 308 on elk but not big much. You have your 35 Whelen if you need more.

Just my 2 cents

 

[Mallardsx2]

Hard to go wrong with a browning.

 

[mtmuley]

Grab the Remington. mtmuley

 

[gle3105]

In consideration and my opinion I’d suggest stay away from Bergara. Now keep reading. I’ve owned or have set up for others many many bolt guns. In regards to BPI CVA Bergara I would not buy a new one. Meaning if you know the rifle and how it shoots fine. New in box,,, forget it.
Why you ask? Their Customer Service is on a scale of 1-10 about a 1. Maybe 1.5. Long delays for actually contacting a CS. Not much creditability in their reply when one does reach them.
I recently sent back a B14 Cima. A really nice rifle. Handled well. Smooth action. It would pattern rather than group.
( I went through it thoroughly for all the probable causes first).
Was finally told after I called,,,, again that it was deemed needing replaced.
This after they had it for about 7 weeks. Upon calling again 2weeks later I was told it had not been ordered yet. Geeze!
So it is my opinion that their customer service department in whole is severely understaffed and lacking knowledge of their products or issues.
The B14 now is going on 2 months.
The previous gun I sent in for warranty took 5 months.
Do I seem skeptical?

 

[belshawelk]

I have 3 x bolts, 2 tikka. Cant go wrong either way.

 

[MaddH]

Weatherby Vanguard is a great shooting rifle

 

[Redmt]

Ruger Predator. Best bang for the buck. Top it with a Leupold VX-iii and it will kill what it sees. Caliber is up to you.

 

[Redmt]

In consideration and my opinion I’d suggest stay away from Bergara. Now keep reading. I’ve owned or have set up for others many many bolt guns. In regards to BPI CVA Bergara I would not buy a new one. Meaning if you know the rifle and how it shoots fine. New in box,,, forget it.
Why you ask? Their Customer Service is on a scale of 1-10 about a 1. Maybe 1.5. Long delays for actually contacting a CS. Not much creditability in their reply when one does reach them.
I recently sent back a B14 Cima. A really nice rifle. Handled well. Smooth action. It would pattern rather than group.
( I went through it thoroughly for all the probable causes first).
Was finally told after I called,,,, again that it was deemed needing replaced.
This after they had it for about 7 weeks. Upon calling again 2weeks later I was told it had not been ordered yet. Geeze!
So it is my opinion that their customer service department in whole is severely understaffed and lacking knowledge of their products or issues.
The B14 now is going on 2 months.
The previous gun I sent in for warranty took 5 months.
Do I seem skeptical?

It seems that they may be overwhelmed with warranty claims. That should say something.

 

[rookieforever33]

Do you have a preference of safety location, 2 or 3 position safety, floor plate, flush box mag, extended box mag? Do you want to leave it stock or add extras? There are many good choices on rifles these days. Personal preferences make it the right rifle for you. When I looked at those questions I ended up with an x bolt and have no regrets. It does not mean I dont like other rifles.