New rifle question

[doug1]

Here's the problem, I guess its a good one to have, I am getting a new rifle with my tax return money. Only problem is I'm not sure which one to get. Kimber 8400 Classic, Sako, Rem 700, etc.

Application: White tail and mule-deer, African plains game, etc.
Caliber: 30-06.
Stock: Walnut
Metal: Blue
Price: Up to $1000.00

I've heard so many good/bad stories about every rifle out there my head is spinning. I ask one guy who shoots competitions, he says  Kimber makes a great rifle, < MOA.  I ask another guy who's a 40+ year gunsmith he says Kimber is crap, go with Sako, cheaper, more accurate. Another guy on PD says Sako trigger sucks go with Rem 700, etc, etc, etc! 

Bottom line is I want an accurate out of the box rifle. My question is, pound for pound, dollar for dollar, what is the best value in terms of accuracy, durability and craftsmanship? Thanks for your comments.

[Val]

I'm not a believer that there is a best in anything. Lots of manufacturers make fine rifles. I have Savages, Remys, Rugers, Winchesters and they are all less than MOA rifles. Some are harder to develop loads for  than others but I like every one of them. There are so many different tastes in what people like. Some like simple and  functional and sother like fancy and beautiful. Just pick a rifle that pleases you from a looks stand point and fits you well. I'm sure you will happy with the results.

[Greysky]

I'm not a believer that there is a best in anything. Lots of manufacturers make fine rifles. I have Savages, Remys, Rugers, Winchesters and they are all less than MOA rifles. Some are harder to develop loads for  than others but I like every one of them. There are so many different tastes in what people like. Some like simple and  functional and sother like fancy and beautiful. Just pick a rifle that pleases you from a looks stand point and fits you well. I'm sure you will happy with the results.

You're right on target with this, Val. Not all expensive showpieces are tack drivers. And not all relatively inexpensive firearms shoot patterns instead of tight groups.

Frankly, snob appeal doesn't impress my practical outlook. If someone is happy with a particular firearm, then why should they be ridiculed for it?

[Tikkabuck]

   I'm a Sako /Tikka nut so there ya go.

[Zachary]

For that kind of money, Sako or Kimber.

If weight is not an issue, then Sako.  If you want/need a lighter weight gun, then Kimber.

Zachary

[victorcharlie]

For that kind of money, Sako or Kimber.

If weight is not an issue, then Sako.  If you want/need a lighter weight gun, then Kimber.

Zachary

That's pretty good advice.......

[charles p]

Don't know why a Remington would not serve your needs.  Trigger is easy and any tuning you want to do is inexpensive.  Not bad out of the box.

[dw06]

Handle all of them,then pick the one that feels and fits you best.Don't worry,they are all fine rifles.

[gwindrider1]

Check out a CZ!

[beemanbeme]

Go to a large sporting goods store and have the clerk lay out all of them on the counter.  Then tell him to take a walk (he's gonna try to sell you the most expensive).  Handle all three or four or however many.  How do they come to shoulder; how do they balance. etc.  A well balanced rifle can weigh more but be lighter over the course of a long day if you know what I mean.  One of the rifles will say "take me home".  Your choice of 30-06 is a good one.  Load 57grs of IMR4350 behind any good STANDARD 165gr bullet and you have big deer medicine.  When you go to Africa, move up to a 180 or 200gr bullet --maybe a premium like a NP or Grand Slam-- and you're still good to go.  I can't believe I wrote all of that and never suggested that Remington is your best choice. 

[jvs]

There is no 'best' of anything.  Only 'better'.

There is only 'more or less expensive' and 'personal preference'.

This rule applies to Paint, Cars, Guns and everything else.   Since I usually end up with middle of the road products, I usually make out ok. 

So if it were me, I wouldn't be buying the least expensive, or the most expensive.  Somewhere in between usually suits me fine.

As a notice here, soon a below $1000 price tag will be for the bottom feeders.  Take my word for it.
   

[Doesniper]

I would suggest the Tikka. Great gun for a great price. Easy adjustable trigger, less expensive than Sako, but made with the same quality. Use the left over money for a nice scope.