Thread: $1000-1500 hunting setup

Looking at sorting myself a basic hunting rifle. Nothing flash, no Leupold scopes or anything, just a "get the job done" rifle. I can grab a Howa .308, stainless, suppressed and Nikko gameking 3-9 for $1300 new. That to me is a pretty good deal, BUT, is there anything else i should consider? Scope doesn't matter too much, but ideally something that comes suppressed/threaded.
Pretty set on .308, due to ammo price, range, recoil etc, but any other calibres to consider? Will mainly be used for fallow or reds, between 100-400m

That will be a fine choice for a first hunting rifle mate. Get it then get out there.

If 100-400yds is all you’re after then any factory setup should cover that just fine.
Most will shoot moa so those ranges are sweet.
Keep in mind that most gullies/valleys are more like 600yds so that deer on the far face is safe lol
If you picked up something with a good rep like a Tikka for example that 600yd shot is now on the table ��*♂️
Good luck ��

I would recommend a used rifle. Someone on here might have something in the safe to consider.

As an example, I sold a FN winny featherweight a year ago for $950 with a dpt suppressor. I also bought a mint tikka t3x 708 bare for the same money

I’m the same. A pre-loved Tikka/ Featherweight 70 with a 2-7/ 3-9 weaver/ Leupold or something on top would be a better option & be close @ 1300.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

The Howa will be ideal. You can add better scope and rings later if you want. I love Howa's, my 308 is a semi custom; Howa action and barrel with a carbon fibre stock and a timney trigger. The latter is not really needed as the Howa HACT trigger is excellent.

As above for that money you could get a secondhand tikka, which is certainly worth considering.

Agree with the idea of 2nd hand.
While not currently for sale, I have a tikka 7mm08 with a gunworks suppressor and a 8x32.

Trade me would have it at $2k. But it's a 7yo plastic rifle. The suppressor is worth nothing, so really.... move at $1500 if I'm lucky.

And once I have my 303 martini scoped, the tikka is out the door

I'm going to get my head bitten off for this, but..... I'm not a fan of Tikkas. While i 100% agree they are fantastic rifles, accurate, quality, smooth etc, I've just never found enjoyment from the few i have shot, and(not that it matters much) not a massive fan of the look of them

Understand your thoughts on Tikkas.

They are the Toyota carolla of rifles. reliable as hell, but no fun to use and you are embarrassed to admit to owning one.

Brand can be what ever you want it to be, but certainly some good second hand buys to be made for whichever brand you choose.

Originally Posted by Jamesyd

I'm going to get my head bitten off for this, but..... I'm not a fan of Tikkas. While i 100% agree they are fantastic rifles, accurate, quality, smooth etc, I've just never found enjoyment from the few i have shot, and(not that it matters much) not a massive fan of the look of them

I’ve also had a couple and I’m no fan either but they can be good buying and more boringly accurate than some shit ass things out there.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I guess end of the day i do want the best rifle for the money, so maybe should consider a Tikka. A shortened barrel .308 with a nice suppressor would do the job

Did you see this $600 for a DPT threaded ,bedded, trigger worked,lapped rings etc proven 3/4 MOA shooter a bargain & basically what you after just get a DPT suppressor .

https://www.nzhuntingandshooting.co....3-308-a-60202/

Originally Posted by Manchester

Understand your thoughts on Tikkas.

They are the Toyota carolla of rifles. reliable as hell, but no fun to use and you are embarrassed to admit to owning one.

Brand can be what ever you want it to be, but certainly some good second hand buys to be made for whichever brand you choose.

Get a grip!
I'm proud as hell of my tikkas!
I tell ya one thing, bring what ya like and try and out shoot mine at distance.
Just saying

Sent from my SM-G950F using Tapatalk

https://www.trademe.co.nz/a/marketpl...ing/2857280863

https://www.trademe.co.nz/a/marketpl...ing/2856805271

Couple of reso priced options. 708 ammo is pretty easy to Come by albeit not as Cheap or plentiful as 308