Factors in rifle buying

[The Sodbuster]

I alluded to this in my reply to USMC Hunter's post re: Savage vs. Browning, but I feel it deserves repeating:  I think too much weight is given to a rifle's accuracy or reputation for accuracy when considering a new gun.  I've got rifles from Savage, Weatherby, Ruger, and Remington.  They're all good shooters; some a little better than others.  But without a doubt, every one of them is capable of better accuracy than I can get out of them shooting anywhere other than a bench rest.

Especially for new shooters soliciting advice on this forum, we need to emphasize factors such as:
  - How important is controlled round feeding vs. push feed?
  - What kind of recoil pad does it have?
  - How is the trigger, and can you adjust it or do you need to buy a replacement to lighten it?
  - Raised cheekpiece?  Monte carlo style stock? 
  - Blued or stainless?  Walnut, laminate, or composite?
  - Do you want open sights?
  - Warranty and reputation for quality
  - Hinged floorplate, detachable mag, or blind magazine?
  - 3 or 2 position safety? Tang or behind the bolt safety?
  - light, medium, or heavy weight?
  - Do you like the look of it?
  - Slim grip or fat grip w/ palmswell?

These all affect how the rifle fits and functions.  Given that except for the occasional lemon that for whatever reason won't shoot straight (I'll save which company makes more lemons than others for another posting), all major manufacturer's guns will shoot better than most of us can, so I think more weight should be given to the above factors.

[kudzu]

Sod, the only thing I will add if I might is, what will it be used for and $$$$$$

DM

[4MUL8R]

I concur that most rifles outshoot owners.

I would suggest adding 'balance' or 'feel.'  I have a very expensive rifle with composite stock, stainless,  great scope, etc. but a much cheaper smaller lighter rifle feels so much more a part of me when I raise it to my shoulder.  I plan to add weight to the buttstock of the composite stock to see if this fixes the 'feel' problem.

Another item to consider, alongside your trigger replacement question, is 'customizable.'  We all know how everyone uses the M700, and there are millions of parts for it.  Some brands just don't have any options for simple stuff like weaver bases, composite aftermarket stocks, etc.  Some brands you can't buy accessory parts for at Dick's Sporting Goods or even a specialty store.

[beemanbeme]

Most of the items listed have been argued to a standstill with no clear winner.  So, IMHO, assuming you're buying the rifle from a reputable company, it comes down to balance and feel.  You can walk up to a rack of fishing rods, 25 rods, all the same make, all the same model, and start shaking them and one will feel different, better, than the others.  The same holds true with rifles.  I would never buy a rifle without handling it first. 
The rest of it is a chevy-ford argument. 

[bluebayou]

I 100% agree with beemanbeme.  You just have to pick one up and swing it around.  Personally, at 5-10, long neck and arms, and a shoulder surgery I have to hold it.  The Weatherby Vanguard and the Remington 700 are the most comfortable rifles to me.  The little Savage that I have is handy and light at 6.5 pounds but the Remington 700 FEELS better.  I align the scope better and it swings better.  That being said, honestly, I love how I can squeeze the last drop of accuracy out of my Rem 700 with handloads and neckturning and whatever....but.........the bottom line is what does it really take to kill a deer?  This 7-08 will honestly shoot 1 MOA every single time.  It averages less than .75 MOA.  Where am I confident to kill a deer?  Probably 3-4 MOA. 

Recoil pad is huge issue to me with bad shoulder.  Can I put a premium pad on it? 

You know, I would say that warranty and customer service reputation are my deciding factors nowadays.

[victorcharlie]

Don't forget about prestige and vanity...........or, the I'm a social elete because I own an XYZ and that makes me a more "serious" shooter than you savage owners...................

[beemanbeme]

come on VC, you know that Gross Indebtedness is a competitive sport in America.  Extra points for using money you don't have to buy stuff you don't need.