ToMmO20 Posted October 8, 2012 Report Share Posted October 8, 2012 Hi all, ive got .243 on my ticket and i think the time has come to buy the rifle, i have been looking around but i dont really know which is the best to go for (rifle is for use in the field)...... Ive been looking at browning x-bolt but they are quite expensive, also I have been told that when it comes to optics you want to be spending at least the same amount if not more on a scope than you do on the rifle?? Can anyone recommend a good rifle and scope set-up? cheers. Also i will be buying from new. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
al4x Posted October 8, 2012 Report Share Posted October 8, 2012 basically you need to look at your budget and use, scope wise if trying to set up for deer and normal range foxes then the best budget scope is a fixed schmidt and bender 8x56 somewhere between 300 -400 second hand and you will always be able to sell on for what you bought it for. Gun wise really there are a fair few to choose from and really at what you are looking at it comes down to the howa the A bolt and possibly the T3 out of them I'd probably choose the T3 but trying to get a reasonably cheap setup together I would seriously think about looking for a clean second hand setup. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bewsher500 Posted October 8, 2012 Report Share Posted October 8, 2012 don't be put off by 2nd hand rifles its a buyers market dont get sucked into spending 4 figures on glass either. IMO that adage was appropriate when it originated....in the 1920's! technology has come a long way and whilst S&B, Swarovski, Zeiss and Leice will always be at the top of most stalkers lists for scopes and binos there are some very solid scopes that wont make you cry when you ding it on teh gun cabinet or out in the field! Older Nikko Sterlings, Leupolds, Tascos to name a few. Some of the "air rifle" brands make very solid centre fire scopes. MTC etc as for rifles, fond one you like. I personally struggle with many of the new rifles made by the lower end makers (in which I include remington, howa, browning etc) the build quality doesnt justify the cost when you can get a second hand sako or even a new Tikka at a much higher level of quality and build. very few rifles have had teh abuse required to shoot out the barrels that people are worried about. buy from a reputable dealer and they will probably have a bore scope so you can even look at the condition. But the real bargains come from the private 2nd hand market as an awful lot of people are either getting out of the game or going for custom builds. pretty much all rifles will out shoot you some may shoot 100gr .243 better than others some will come with mags some with floor plates. some come factory screw cut, some dont decide what you want out of it, find one that fits you and your budget get out and enjoy using it! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blunderbust Posted October 8, 2012 Report Share Posted October 8, 2012 I dont think that the X-Bolt is too heavy on the wallet and they are nice enough guns. I would also suggest that you look at the Tika T3 as they are doing them as a deal with a Burris scope on top. The Tika are a bit more costly than the X-Bolt is though. You could also check out the sporstman gun centre as they sometimes have some good combo deals which include a sound mod as part of the deal. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ToMmO20 Posted October 8, 2012 Author Report Share Posted October 8, 2012 yea the thing is im a bit picky when it comes to condition, i really love the feel of a new gun, the tikka t3 does is a lovely gun and looking on gunstar there are a couple for sale around the 800 mark, i dont mind spending the money as long as what im paying for is quality. Its the optics that im the most unsure about as you say I want to be sacking foxes at 200yrds + and they are quite expensive ive found out. Really what i want to do is have a make and model scope in mind and stick with it, then i can search for a new and used and see how the price varies. Recommend a decent scope for what i require of it?? cheers lads the advise is much apprieciated. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
al4x Posted October 8, 2012 Report Share Posted October 8, 2012 for foxing it really puts the fixes S&B out as they are fine to 150 plus but 200 a variable makes it far easier. I prefer to have fewer rifles and better glass on them but the fundamentals are the cheaper glass you just stick the lamp on earlier. On a .243 its worth looking at the leupolds if you are looking on a budget or the cheaper zeiss range it just depends what you are looking to spend Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kent Posted October 8, 2012 Report Share Posted October 8, 2012 Dont forget the CZ, you need to ignoor list prices and negociate though. As for scopes 6x42 S+Bender hungarian s/h with the steel tube out of prefference or the 8x56 (never seen a steel one) hungarian again. Or Meopta that use the same glass but are not as refined on the adjustments, not that it matters as long as they hold what has been set Meopta did a lot of 7x50 's a while back. A good leupold 3-9 X 40 0r 50mm will cost about the same as these. New scope prices have gone ridiculous with exchange rates etc. personally i wouldn't buy one new today litrally we are talking double what they were 10yrs back. Watch out for any second hand .243 that hasnt done anything -they do exist! avoid those that have been owned by keen shooters they realy dont take a lot of shooting to suffer bad throat errosion. I have one in the cabinet myself that shoots realy great for about 1/2 dozen rounds then you spend all afternoon getting the copper out Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beretta28g Posted October 8, 2012 Report Share Posted October 8, 2012 Rifle wise any new rifle will do, they will all shoot well, I use a Tikka, and find it near perfect. Optic wise you can do a lot worse than Meopta, reasonable quality and their top end variable is good at about £650 Meostar R1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bewsher500 Posted October 8, 2012 Report Share Posted October 8, 2012 as they are doing them as a deal with a Burris scope on top. there is a reason for that! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
White Lodge Posted October 8, 2012 Report Share Posted October 8, 2012 I am quite impressed with my Zeiss Duralyt 3-12x50 IR scope I bought a few months ago. I have used it a few times and it seems to give more time at dusk. It has good glass for not too silly money. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jacew Posted October 8, 2012 Report Share Posted October 8, 2012 Howa are doing a combo deal any cal, in your case 243 mod Nikko scope think its £899 all in ...the Howa is. Mint rifle IMO anyway Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
white van man Posted October 12, 2012 Report Share Posted October 12, 2012 I have a .243 RWS Titan in stainless with laminate stock. I love it. I've also got a custom built .270 remington and a 22.250 riflecraft remington. most times I open the gun box I pull out the RWS. I've just got .223 on my ticket and so bought another RWS Titan. Scope wise I use a Docter 8x56 on the .243. But have ordered a Kahles. You can get some good deals on 2nd hand scopes if you shop around. It is always best to go for the big names ,Although something like a Meopta is worth a look at. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dempy Posted October 12, 2012 Report Share Posted October 12, 2012 I am quite impressed with my Zeiss Duralyt 3-12x50 IR scope I bought a few months ago. I have used it a few times and it seems to give more time at dusk. It has good glass for not too silly money. I think this is this best scope on the market at the moment for the money!!! Howa are doing a combo deal any cal, in your case 243 mod Nikko scope think its £899 all in ...the Howa is. Mint rifle IMO anyway I have seen this and it is a cracking deal, included in the money is a sound mod, bipod and mag conversion! Might want to upgrade the scope though,,,,, Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Redgum Posted October 12, 2012 Report Share Posted October 12, 2012 I would go for a good second hand Tika, as for glass Burris are a good scope for the money and another excellent scope that will run with the best European makes is the Nikon monarch. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blunderbust Posted October 13, 2012 Report Share Posted October 13, 2012 there is a reason for that! What is the reason then? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tigger Posted October 13, 2012 Report Share Posted October 13, 2012 Seriously look at a tikka t3 best value for money rifle in that price bracket, tried the xbolt didn't like it at all my friend brought one and promptly sold it don't rate the basic Remington 700's either... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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