Weatherby Vanguard vx Tikka T3 Lite.(new to hunting all suggestions appreciated.)

[HSSHILL]

I have finally decided to join my friends and get into deer hunting. I have narrowed it down to the Weatherby Vanguard and the Tikka T3 Lite. I am looking at both in the 30-06. I plan to mount either with a Bushnell Trophy 3x9x40. If you know anything about these two rifles or anyother rifle I should look at let me know.

Thanks
HSS.

[Duster]

I have a Vanguard weatherguard pre-Wal-mart model in 30-06. The only problem I found was finding a load it liked to be as accurate as I demanded. I tried a few factory loads that just didn't work well enough and ended up having a friend work up a handload that turned this rifle into a tack driving bear kiling machine...not to shabby on whitetails either but I have never worked it in to long range shooting yet.

[RocketRider]

I had a Vanguard in .270 win. a few years ago and it was a shooter! I forget what factory loads I used but I believe they were Remington 130gr. boat tails.

RR~

[TROPHYTAKER308]

i have never heard of a tikka that wouldnt shoot,i would vote for the tikka..

[chadwimc]

Here is the results of sighting in my Weatherby .270 with factory ammo. It took 9 shots to get 3 holes touching:D

[aceoky]

Just a thought, but you might want to look at the Savage with accu-trigger, as one more option.... :)

[aceoky]

Being new to this, and my not knowing how sensitive you are to recoil, I'd think the Tikka Lite might be on the "fierce" side in the recoil dept . in an /06????
I know stock design plays a huge part also, so IF it fits you well that might not be an issue, but for many "Lite" rifles and an /06 don't go so well together???

[globemountain]

I have a Tikka T3 Lite in 7mm-08 and it is a SHOOTER!! Our music director at church has a T3 Lite in .30-06 and it will shoot dime size groups with his handloads every time.

[john4]

Take a look at a Savage http://www.savagearms.com/111fcns.htm
very fine rifles for the money. Nothing wrong with the Vanguard or the Tikka, but the Savage would be at the top of my list.

Do you already own the scope? If not check out http://www.riflescopes.com/departments/16/rifle_scopes.htm they have a optics forum discussing different scopes. Even if you don't buy a scope from them, you might learn of a few you should check out the next time you are at your local Gun Shop/OutDoor store. Rule of Thumb, a good rifle demands a good scope. If your gonna spend 500+ on a rifle, consider spending atleast half that on a good scope. If buying new stuff at this point looks to be too $$$. Look at the used market, lots of good used rifles out there that already have good scopes on them. Or you might find a good used rifle and put a good new scope on it, save some $$ on the used rifle and put it toward better optics. Unfortunately, this time of year they will be at a premium.

Good luck on your search and spending some quality time in the woods with good friends. Good Luck and be safe.

[cobbhunts]

One of the best "for the money rifles" available.Tikka. They are really nice and very accurate rifles.

The Savage with the Accutriger is a real bargain though. The best "for the money rifle" available.
Good luck with your choice. Every manufactuer has a lemon here and there. Just don't get discouraged if you get one, it happens.

If you can stand a little recoil, I would go with a Tikka Lite.

If you want to splurge a bit then get a Browning Stainless Stalker.

[fullstrut1]

I vote Tikka, you will not be dissapointed.