Rifle Opinions

[Ragman]

I don't really have any business voting on this topic as I don't have any experience with any of them except the Tikka. I own a Tikka T3 in 7mm Rem Mag and really love it. I think they are one of the better value rifles out there. I have a couple friends that have T3's in .243 for hunting coyotes and they are absolute snipers with them. And as @gillettehunter said, the money saved on the rifle could go towards better optics, or even trophy fees in Africa!

That being said, I'm sure I would absolutely love any of the other choices as well. Those Sauer rifles really intrigue me.

 

[PHOENIX PHIL]

For value I can't see how the Tikka can be beat. Have had a few of them and all of them were very accurate with as smooth an action as you can ask for. They perform as well as any rifle costing much more, just does so in a less pretty package.

 

[PeteG]

He said "how much do you want to spend" clearly knowing he has some nice ones in stock,
@spike.t since you have pictures of them all why not put them up on this post for us all to drool over?

Ha ha ha, pretty much what he says everytime i ask him about anything... sneaky bugger!

Another vote for the Mauser M12.
I have a wooden stocked version in 30-06 and enjoy using it.
Smooth bolt, crisp trigger and a nice rifle to own.
I looked at the Sauer when I looked at the Mauser but still went Mauser.
The Sako Bavarian is a pretty rifle and being Sako, a popular maker among many hunters but I believe it's much more expensive than the other choices and that bolt still isn't as nice as the Mauser.

@spike.t has a 30-06 m12, hence why i think his opinion is slightly biased... it is nice though, ive shot it and its a mighty tempting little item...
according to @spike.t 's professional opinion, the stock is too short on the Sauer... better on the Sako Bavarian and just right on the m12...

 

[siml]

Tikka, it's Jager proof!!! Won't rust.

 

[PeteG]

Tikka, it's Jager proof!!! Won't rust.

you going to have to come test that theory one day!!!

 

[rookhawk]

I know it wasn't on the list, but I'll tell you what I did for my kids:

Pre-64 Winchester Model 70 in .243

Whether featherweight or standard, they are around $800-$1300 depending on condition. They all shoot MOA or better and you'll not find a better made American rifle for the money that one of those.

 

[PeteG]

I know it wasn't on the list, but I'll tell you what I did for my kids:

Pre-64 Winchester Model 70 in .243

Whether featherweight or standard, they are around $800-$1300 depending on condition. They all shoot MOA or better and you'll not find a better made American rifle for the money that one of those.

In fact my first option when i was thinking about this was the featherweight m70. unfortunately the "man with the master plan" at the gunshop doesnt have any in stock.

Actually i lie, the M03 was first choice, but least likely with the price tag and temptation of additional calibers that it leads to, out of the question!!!

 

[rookhawk]

In fact my first option when i was thinking about this was the featherweight m70. unfortunately the "man with the master plan" at the gunshop doesnt have any in stock.

Actually i lie, the M03 was first choice, but least likely with the price tag and temptation of additional calibers that it leads to, out of the question!!!

To find a quality pre-1964 model 70 in .243 is going to take a thoughtful internet search. It will not just appear at the local gun store. Probably 30 on gunsinternational right now for too much money...find a good one and make a fair offer and you'll have it.

My children LOVE the .243 and you're not going to find a better gun for anyone than a 1956 era minty model 70.

 

[PeteG]

To find a quality pre-1964 model 70 in .243 is going to take a thoughtful internet search. It will not just appear at the local gun store. Probably 30 on gunsinternational right now for too much money...find a good one and make a fair offer and you'll have it.

My children LOVE the .243 and you're not going to find a better gun for anyone than a 1956 era minty model 70.

true, i was referring to a new model, a pre 64 will be next to impossible here in Zambia unless i find someone willing to sell one and the chances of it being in 243 will be pretty slim.
just need to keep my eyes and ears open.

 

[PHOENIX PHIL]

To find a quality pre-1964 model 70 in .243 is going to take a thoughtful internet search. It will not just appear at the local gun store. Probably 30 on gunsinternational right now for too much money...find a good one and make a fair offer and you'll have it.

My children LOVE the .243 and you're not going to find a better gun for anyone than a 1956 era minty model 70.

I think @PeteG calls Zambia home, so it might require a bit more effort than a thoughtful internet search.

 

[PHOENIX PHIL]

Dang Pete, you posted before I finished typing mine.

 

[PeteG]

Dang Pete, you posted before I finished typing mine.

speedy fingers... ha ha ha
it helps that the internet is above snail speed today...

 

[MarkCZ]

None of them. I have a CZ 243 for the last 12 years, love it value and it is rugged. The other rifle I would consider would be a Howa.
markcz

 

[wesheltonj]

I like SAKO, and own three 85 Classics. Go with the Bavarian if you have to have iron sights, otherwise get the Classic.

 

[Rule 303]

Truth be told I don't have a dog in this fight. However I prefer the A7 above the Tikka simply because it has a double stack mag. I have had a couple of the T3 and moved them on as I am not keen on single stack mags. However the rifles shot little groups and were very reliable. Heaps use them here in Oz and swear by them.

I figure as you want a 243 you must have been dropped on your head as a baby.

Yeah! not a 243 fan.

 

[PeteG]

I figure as you want a 243 you must have been dropped on your head as a baby.

Yeah! not a 243 fan.

If you met me you wouldn't have to guess... ha ha ha

I love the 243 for pest control, crocs and testing solids for use this year on spurwing goose.

 

[PeteG]

None of them. I have a CZ 243 for the last 12 years, love it value and it is rugged. The other rifle I would consider would be a Howa.
markcz

Not a great fan of cz and they are not any cheaper than the tikka over here so still undecided.

 

[Dr Ray]

Hi all,

Just a quick one to throw this out there and see who feels what about the following rifles.
I haven't had a chance to handle them yet, i have to travel to Lusaka, probably at the end of this month, to see them and try them out, but in the mean time thought i would get opinions from owners and users...

Looking at a 243 Win and the options are

Tikka T3 hunter
Sauer 101 select
Sako A7
Sako bavarian
Mauser m12

Price wise, the tikka is about $1000 less than the other 4 all being about the same price.
I really prefer a rifle with open sights, but its not a deal breaker on this caliber.
Tikka, Sako Bavarian and Sauer are wood stocked, Mauser and Sako A7 are tupperware based.

Have a go at the poll considering prices and personal experience.

Sako Bavarian.
Sakos are just lovely to use and are very accurate. I personally have 4 sako rifles and speak from experience. You'll love the beast.

 

[Rule 303]

If you met me you wouldn't have to guess... ha ha ha

I love the 243 for pest control, crocs and testing solids for use this year on spurwing goose.

My dislike is just because of a couple of less then satisfactory incidents from others and their 243 early in my hunting life. Mostly the dislike is not entirely rational as most of the problems were due to very poor bullet choice.

 

[PeteG]

My dislike is just because of a couple of less then satisfactory incidents from others and their 243 early in my hunting life. Mostly the dislike is not entirely rational as most of the problems were due to very poor bullet choice.

i did shoot a jackal with a 243 last weekend with the 87gr peregrine and funnily enough the bullet didnt bounce off it.
i've actually shot quite a lot of small game with the 243 and been quite happy with the caliber, its fun to shoot, no recoil, just looking for a new rifle.
the musgrave that i have, the action jams up often when trying to cycle quickly, the scope isnt great, wood leaves a lot to be desired so though it best to start over from scratch... and a good excuse to try out a new make/model of rifle...