Options for first full bore bolt action rifle

[Grahamcs]

Hi,

The calibres I am going to put down are .308 and .223 to start with (I assume these are 7.62 and 5.56 as well?)

I have thought about .300 Win Mag and .338 Lapua magnum as well but may hold off on them for now.

My intention is to eventually do practical rifle with it.

Basically I am stuck.

I like tactical AI style chassis rifles.

Remington 700
Tikka T3
Sako A7
AI AX or AT

This is not like any other hobby is it when it comes to choosing?

I was going to get an AR with .223 and .22 LR uppers but I really like bolt guns now.

[20series]

Graham

Ensure when you put in for your FAC you specify 308/7.62 and .223/5.56 for both rifle and ammo.

As for what rifle to buy it comes down to budget, If you like the AI rifles then the new AT with a 308 and 223 barrel will sort you out nicely. Don't forget to leave enough funds for a good scope, personally I like Sightrons as i think they're about the best value on the market.

Alan

[Grahamcs]

Thanks for that tip.

I have budgeted a maximum of £5k to start with which isn't a waste as rifles seem to hold money well????

The thing is by the time you trick up a Remington or Tikka you are bordering on the cost of an AI I think.

Is that correct?

I have fired a lovely Tikka at the club which changed my mind back to bolts but don't really like the stocks available (unless AI eventually do an AX for it soon?)

How does a 700 action compare to a Tikka and an AI?

Is the AI as smooth as the Tikka.

It was gorgeous to use.

I have a 100m Parallax 3-9 x 50 Leupold VX-3 on my air rifle already (don't ask) so I'm going to use that for now until I save up for a better one.

[Grahamcs]

I'd also quite like to buy British

[DW58]

Thanks for that tip.

I have budgeted a maximum of £5k to start with which isn't a waste as rifles seem to hold money well????

The thing is by the time you trick up a Remington or Tikka you are bordering on the cost of an AI I think.

Is that correct?

I have fired a lovely Tikka at the club which changed my mind back to bolts but don't really like the stocks available (unless AI eventually do an AX for it soon?)

How does a 700 action compare to a Tikka and an AI?

Is the AI as smooth as the Tikka.

It was gorgeous to use.

I have a 100m Parallax 3-9 x 50 Leupold VX-3 on my air rifle already (don't ask) so I'm going to use that for now until I save up for a better one.

There are some very good chassis systems available for the Tikka T3, e.g. MDT LSS and Tac21, KRG Whiskey 3 and others.

[WelshShooter]

You can get an aftermarket trigger guard for the T3 which accepts AI mags:
http://www.midwayuk.com/epages/Midway_U ... cts/115197
but there's no AICS for Tikka as far as I'm aware. Also, if you're going to get a remington get one pre-cerburus takeover as the quality control drastically dropped since then.

Also, as mentioned above do put down imperial and metric calibres (ie 308/7.62) as some police forces will only accept what's stamped on the barrel/receiver.

[Grahamcs]

Thanks guys

[BamBam]

If £5k is your rifle budget then you could get an actual Accuracy International rifle, there's a .308 on guntrader at the mo, scope included for £3250.

[Grahamcs]

Looks nice but I would prefer an AT or AX I think.

The AT is circa £3k new

The AX is circa £5k new

I think I am leaning towards the AX

[DW58]

You can get an aftermarket trigger guard for the T3 which accepts AI mags:
http://www.midwayuk.com/epages/Midway_U ... cts/115197
but there's no AICS for Tikka as far as I'm aware. Also, if you're going to get a remington get one pre-cerburus takeover as the quality control drastically dropped since then.

Also, as mentioned above do put down imperial and metric calibres (ie 308/7.62) as some police forces will only accept what's stamped on the barrel/receiver.

Why buy from Midway when TET do T3 bottom metal - see here, which is much cheaper and British. TET also do T3 Picatinny rails and their mods/brakes are awesome.

Rumour has it that AI are planning an AICS for the T3, but I wouldn't hold your breath. There's always Roedale ... ... ... but I wouldn't

I've got the MDT Tac21 on order for my T3 Super Varmint, with MDT's own skeleton stock and various whistles and bells from here, there and everywhere.

There are replacement bolt handles & shrouds, plus replacement triggers from Jard, Timney and Bix'n Andy.