Rifle Choice

[Farmingun 0]

Alright lads looking for a bit of advise on my first rifle, Im looking for a .243 with a buget of around £2500 for the whole package. The rifle will be used for 70% foxing and 30% deer stalking. I do like the look of the Sako's and Tikka's and was looking at the Varmint models however talking to a few people I am told these rifles will be too heavy for stalking and that i should look for a rifle that is as lightweight as possible any opinions on this would be helpful. Also wood or synthetic stock I am hearing two different stories, wood apparently swells too much in the rain and synthetic is apparently too light and makes the rifle too muzzle heavy once you get a moderator on there. Ill have to make a decision at some point but the more opinions i can get on this the better, so thats my question what do we all think?

[Jono Hicks 0]

Back home in New Zealand, I have a Tikka T3 and can't fault it in any way at all.

 

It is lightweight, durable and handles the harsh weather conditions perfectly. It only cost me around $1400 NZD - or 700 pounds or there abouts

 

What about a Sako 85 Finnlight?

[IanB 0]

I'd go with that, get a Tikka or Sako, synthetic stock. Won't go wrong.

[FOXHUNTER 5,020]

I'd go with that, get a Tikka or Sako, synthetic stock. Won't go wrong.

 

Agree..

[SportingShooter 0]

Same again.

 

Just spend a considerable part of that budget on a scope, then buy the rifle

[Farmingun 0]

right so synthetic stock it is in Sako or tikka, little unsure about the ss barrel but I do like the idea of a finnlight, scope im thinking Zeiss and Im taking it that its a general agreement that lighter is better for the purpose i want it for?

[zx10mike 137]

tikka t3 hunter,all the build quality of tikka but very light.for stalking you don't want a varmint barrel unless your as hard as nails and fancy the work out.

[SportingShooter 0]

Most of the better scopes will be fairly light anyway. Zeiss, Swarovski, Scmidt and Bender etc

[The Seeker 3,048]

I have a Tikka T3 synthetic and I love it. It's the vamint barrel not sure about it being too heavy? Maybe eat more Weetabix? :laugh:

[Farmingun 0]

Thanks for the input guys, Ive taken into account everything youve said ive been to a few gun shops and checked out your suggestions and unless something gets posted that dramatically changes my mind I think Im going to go for the Sako 85 Finnlight with Zeiss Duralyte scope and T8 suppressor.

[foxshooter69 6]

Just bought a howa 1500 synthetic/blue in .243, 20" fluted barrel, this is my second howa and very happy with both of them, equally as good as my tikka t3 ( IMO ) and they cost around two thirds of the price of a Tikka, which leaves you plenty of cash for a quality scope and accessories.

Edited August 30, 2012 by foxshooter69

[jay r 5]

hi foxshooter69 ,ive got a old T3 and about to change i was thinking about a howa but some people say they're crap ,i was thinking about getting the thumbhole laminated stainless in 243,i see you rate them ,does anyone else on here cheers jayr

[masmiffy 82]

Cant say about the 243 but we use a 223 Howa 1500 with a Zeis Dyralyt scope Wildcat mod and bipod (unknown) for foxing and it does a great job.

Will say the factory trigger is a bit heavy but its fairly easy to adjust to a lighter pull

You will have lots of dosh left over from ya £2500 budget!