Thread: Ranking of rifle brands

Hi all.
A friend has recently got his FAL and is looking at getting a centrefire suitable for DoC land deer or goats-probably bush bash more than open shooting so I am steering him towards a .308 as it would cover both, but he asked me if brand A is better or worse than brand B and I really don't know.

So I ask you all to rank the low-mid range brands in your opinion best to worst
My 2c for what it's worth

Tikka Thats the best $/quality that he would need for his first rifle and is top of his price range.
Howa
Remington
Marlin
Savage

Are there any particular models that are problematic and should be avoided ?

Thanks,
Al

Tikka all day

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Tikka/ Sako is all you need end of story.

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Is he set on brand new? There is an “as new” Browning X Bolt S/S 308 at my local H&F suppressed, Burris 4-12 and bipod for $950.

Ruger 308, I have a m77 mark 2 currently but i’ve had a few. reliable rifle!

Tikka. Not exciting but just works.

Yes Tikka/Sako are great but other brands are an option and may save some coin to be able to spend on his optics, and there's tons out there right now.

Second hand is a good option for him, I was asking about brands as I don't want to sugest something that I have no experience with. What branch H&F ?

Originally Posted by No good names left

Yes Tikka/Sako are great but other brands are an option and may save some coin to be able to spend on his optics, and there's tons out there right now.

Second hand is a good option for him, I was asking about brands as I don't want to sugest something that I have no experience with. What branch H&F ?

Hutt Valley. Wellington.

He's a cookie cutter if he just goes for a tikka 308

Originally Posted by SneedFeed

He's a cookie cutter if he just goes for a tikka 308

A happy cookie cutter with a great reliable rifle with ample aftermarket options haha

Originally Posted by SneedFeed

He's a cookie cutter if he just goes for a tikka 308

What is it you own that is so unique and wonderful?

Originally Posted by Shearer

What is it you own that is so unique and wonderful?

A couple 10/22's

Is he a hunter or a gun guy?

If he's a gun guy, get something interesting.
If he's a hunter, get a Tikka.

Well, I guess I'm going to be the outlier - had several problem Tikka's across the bench and a few that appeared OK but just wouldn't perform. For the numbers sold they have less lemons than some other brands but there are still the bad ones that sneak through.

I tend to buy for ammo availability, what's included in the package - I view a suppressor in the 'must have' category now and a factory thread on the barrel is so much easier. For general North Is hunting you can't go much past the .308 win - factory subsonic ammo for follow up shots or close range on goats etc is not something that's widely valued but it is bloody handy at times. And, you can always get .308.

Stainless/synthetic is my other almost mandatory feature now - with a decent coating on the outside so it doesn't shine. Scope and mounts are next on the list - I prefer a solid rail mount with very secure rings and I also prefer to epoxy bed the rail. I also prefer a detach mag setup, just easier to unload. After all those boxes are ticked then I have a look at what's on offer at the time and decide from there.

Theres a tikka t3x on here 308, 18” barrel comes with DPT suppressor. Great deal for $1300. Good time to be a buyer. JohnP was the seller. Good barrel length for bush and occasional open country too.

Howas are pretty decent for the most part, I think I would agree with your ranking in original post. Ive had good experience with Rugers too, id put them up with Howas.