Top 5 hunting rifles at/under $1K

[Elkaholic Hunter]

Sauer has a nice line called the 100 series. They come in wood or synthetic stocks. These rifles use a breech ring system and have a nice 3 lug bolt that takes part in the cartridge feeding. This should make feeding very reliable. Sauer guarantees 1 MOA from 3 shots at 100 yards.

Phew - that was fun.

^^^ What this guy said. Sauer 100 rifles really don't get the recognition they deserve. My brother purchased a Sauer 100 Atacam in 6.5 PRC. I would compare it to the X-Bolt or T3X Lite with a better stock and better trigger. Shoots 3/4" six shot groups no problem. Sportsman's Warehouse has them on sale right now for $850. Plus it comes factory threaded 1/2-28. Browning is metric thread and most Tikka's are not threaded. Lastly the barrel is warranted for 10 years even if you shoot it out! I have a fierce fury and I prefer the Sauer in most aspects. So impressed with my brothers gun I just picked one up myself.

 

[blueshirt2]

3moa @ 1000 yards is 30x30 inch if Im not wrong. That would miss.

Thanks, I was just trying to make the point that I am not looking for super accuracy at long ranges.

 

[gruidie]

Hi All.
My budget for a setup is $2K for rifle and optic. I expect to spend at least half of that on glass. So now I'm trying to figure out the best rifle I can fit into. I have looked at X-bolt and Kimber Mountain. I don't need to shoot 3moa at 1000 yards or anything and don't expect to. Just looking for something accurate enough to to get a good kill shot on an elk at 500 yards maximum. Appreciate everyone's input!
Thanks!!

I just bought the Hells Canyon Speed in 6.5 PRC it's only 6.7 lb empty and under 10lb with a large vortex Viper 5x 25-50 scope. The set up is right about $2000. $700 scope and $1200 for the rifle. It has the capability to shoot and kill an elk at 1000 yards with the recoil of a 243. The rifle is known for its accuracy and flat shooting! Highly recommend

 

[blueshirt2]

One rifle that hasn't been mentioned yet is JP Sauer and Sohn. My dad bought one in 6.5 PRC and made ragged holes with hornady factory ammo and load development was easier than most rifles I've worked with. On the shelf I think it was $900, comes with detachable magazine, cerakote and an adjustable trigger.

Thanks. I haven't heard much at all regarding JP Sauer.

 

[Quintus]

That was a very informative post, thanks for taking the time do write it! I haven't seen much at all on Sauer, but the X-Bolt and Bergara are on my shortlist, all of the negative posts on here about Kimber are scaring me away. For optics, I am almost definitely going with NF, either NXS 2-10x or NX8 2-20x.

If that is your choice in optics then you are most likely going to say goodbye to the 2K budget or have a plastic stock on the gun. That said. I second the Winchester M70 Extreme Weather and also really like the Weatherby Mark V Ultra Lightweight. If you can find one used in the budget they are very accurate and comfortable to shoot and carry. As stated the Tikka is a safe bet as well. Kimber, Christensen, and Ruger can all be hit and miss and when they miss, they miss for size. Remington can be hit or miss too. They miss alot, but seldom by much. A 700 is usually pretty easy fixxy. Since you are looking at a 500 max on elk, A Leupold VX-3i LR ZL-2 CDS in 4.5-14x40 would be a perfect choice and leave a little extra cash for the rifle side. A VX-5HD in 3-15 would give a little more flexibility especially in the timber, but would make an even split in the budget. Good luck.

 

[Chris A Wright]

A lot of good information on here. Thought I would chime in with my personal experience. Bought both a Tikka tx3 and a Bergara b-14 last winter. IMO, there is no comparison, Bergara hands down, 100%. Way more accurate and comfortable out of the box. I have been fussing and fussing with the Tikka and can't get sub 1 MOA accuracy beyond 100 yards. At 500, they are scattered everywhere. I've killed numerous Ground Hogs at 500 plus with the Bergara and can't event throw dirt on them with the Tikka. Trade off is a little weight. Just my 2 cents as an avid hunter more so than an avid bench shooter. Just received my second Bergara in a 300 WMag. Excited to get some rounds through it and see how it performs!! I Will never buy another Tikka. After having the barrell threaded, purchasing a muzzle brake to tame the SOB down, different trigger spring, on scope number 3, multiple changes in bullets, etc., it still won't perform. Hell, my el cheapo Thompson Center Venture is a way better shooter than the Tikka. Muzzle Brake did make a much needed improvement to longer range accuracy, but still can't put 5 within a pie plate at 500 yards.

 

[TexHunt]

Tikka

For the money, tikka would be first with savage second. Only because I like the look of the tikka better.

 

[amyjune]

I haven't seen any mention of the Winchester Model 70. I have owned a Winchester Model 70 in .270 Winchester with a composite stock for almost 20 years. I put Nikon glass on it. The first time at the range, the first two rounds went through the same hole with the third shot touching.

 

[djkzk]

I am also a fan of the Sauer 100 line. Very similar to the X-Bolt but slightly cheaper, better trigger and a bit more LOP. Currently have the 6.5 PRC and it is easily shooting well below 1 moa.

 

[Trooper1]

I'll throw my .02 in the mix. I'm a Mauser and Model 70 fan, and continue to use them for all my rifles (with the exception of an excellent and accurate Montana Rifle Co. - which also uses the 3 position safety and claw extractor). First ceterfire rifle was a700 BDL in '06. The rifle was accurate, but for some reason, most likely the stock, pounded the snot out of me. I shot a friend's Model 70 in 300 Win Mag, and it didn't have the same "ouch" factor. Traded it off, bought a Model 70 and never looked back.

As many others stated, everybody has their favorite "brand", and it's always the best. Many other wise members have stated what I believe as well. All of the rifles you are looking at will do the job, with the accuracy you need...although you may have to try different bullets to find out what your particular rifle likes best. Pick the rifle up, close your eyes and shoulder it. Then open them. How does the stock fit you? What feels good to you? You Can always buy aftermarket parts/stock, but then there goes your budget. McMillan stocks are near $500.

The better call is to buy the best optics you can afford. If you want to stay around 2 grand complete, that Nightforce NX8 is out. There's your 2 grand right there. A most excellent scope, to be sure. I own two, and LOVE them. They are heavier than many other scopes too. My two favorite rifles wear them, and I put up with the extra weight for the quality of the optic. My favorite caliber of choice is a 280 Ackley. I use it for just about everything. That said, ammo can be an issue finding it, if you don't reload. But that is changing. For an all around cartridge, you cannot go wrong with a 270 or 30/06. Ammo is everywhere. Either will slay any beast on the continent, sans maybe the big bears, which a larger caliber would be a prudent choice if that is what you're after.

One last nugget to throw in... My nephew wants to go hunting, so to start him out, I purchased a Tikka T3x Superlite in 6.5 Creedmore and topped it with Vortex 4-16 x 42. Took it to the range to get it sighted in for him, so I can deliver a ready to go Christmas present for next years hunt. Darn thing really shoots! Less than 3/4" at 100 yards, factory ammo. And under $1000, total package! Darn thing shoots as well as my custom rifles at 4 times the cost, no scope.

Many of us here are not happy with one rifle, and must keep searching for the ever elusive perfect rifle/ca
Iber...but that's half the fun! Get the one YOU like best. Whichever you choose, I'm certain you'll be happy with it.

 

[Elkaholic Hunter]

Thanks. I haven't heard much at all regarding JP Sauer.

See my post above on the Sauer 100 (made by JP Sauer), they are not as well known but do yourself a favor and at least look at one at the gun store prior to making a decision. No doubt you can't go wrong with the tikka or x-bolt like everyone is stating, but I think you get more for you $$$ with the Sauer. The stock is more rigid than the browning x-bolt speed and the shape of the stock gives you a more vertical grip and higher comb than the tikka. Plus the trigger is better than the Browning.

 

[davidu]

1. Tikka
2.Tikka
3.Tikka
4.Tikka
5.Tikka
I have five of them from T3 to T3x to CTR to Tac a1. Modify with $10 spring if you like. All are sub moa
The Bergara gets a lot of love, but I've never owned one

 

[Tactical45]

my vote is for a 270 SWM, Winchester model 70, preferably pre '64...

 

[rbTanzan]

Many have suggested Tikka and they are an excellent rifle for out-of-the-box accuracy. But only one comment above (that I saw) mentioned barrel twist. A rifle is part of a package and the choice of cartridge and bullet will affect the rifle options.

For example, Tikka uses 11" twists in the 30-06, 308 and 300 mags. That is too slow for some of the modern bullets. The 162gn Absolute Hammer would work in an 11"-twist barrel, but nothing heavier. So if a person goes with a Tikka they should consider a caliber other than 30. Another sad note, Tikka has offered 338WM, a great elk round out to 500 yards. I've had two Tikka in 338WM. But they appear to have discontinued that offering. If you want a new rifle then you would be looking at something like a 270Win, 270WSM or 7mmRM. All excellent choices with good bullets out to 500 yards. My wife, all of 110lb, recently replaced her 270 with a Tikka 270Win. We had considered potentially rebarreling with an 8" or 7" twist, but the gun shoots so well right out of the box, that we have saved ourselves much time and money by leaving the rifle "as is." There are many great bullets that love her 10" twist. The 118gn HammerHunter and 129gnLRX are two examples and I would use either on an elk. Another sleeper bargin is Nikon glass. My wife has the Nikon P3 Shotgun 3-9 with 5in eye-relief, $200. It is the same scope that is on her 375Ruger. Leupold may do great service on repairs, but Nikons built for large caliber don't break (relatively speaking, nothing human is absolute).

Kimber have been mentioned. The Kimber Hunters retail for around $800 and are super lightweight. They "guarantee" <1MOA for three-shot groups. I have one Hunter and it meets its claim. In addition it is even lighter than the very light Tikkas. However, the Kimber barrel is quite thin and a person needs to let it cool for a third shot or more when testing for accuracy. Furthermore, the Kimber Hunter with 22" barrels are short action like 308 and 243. They make a 270 and 30-06 but the barrels are 24" and very thin.

If the original poster would like a 338 elk rifle, then the Rugers should also be considered. The Alaskan comes in 338 with a Hogue stock. The Guide-Gun model in 338 provides a laminate stock. Hawkeye Africans may still be available in 338. Another great option for elk is the 375Ruger, available in their FTW Hunter, Alaskan, African and Guide-gun models. Elmer Keith used to think the 375 to be an optimum elk rifle and I can't disagree although I prefer the 338s. The 375Ruger in a 20" barrel equals the 375H&H and slightly improves on the H&H when in 24" barrels.

Myself? I hope to hunt elk next year and am torn between taking our grandkids Kimber in 308 or my Ruger Hawkeye in 338. The 416Rigby CZ will stay at home because I don't want to carry the extra two pounds. The CZ is accurate, just heavy. The 338 would be shooting 225gnTTSXs at 2835fps or else an Absolute Hunter, should they become available and the rifle likes them.