Thread: Explaining Brands

Just want to be first to say TIKKA T3!

Definitely a big can of worms, lots of opinions, and lots of options.
Value for money the Howa's are hard to beat, most guys here love their ones. I can't comment on them as I haven't used one. Only thing I'd say, is that a lot of the really cheap packages seem to come with a below average scope
Savages are also hard to beat value wise, I haven't looked recently but you could get a scoped package within your budget. Some folks love the accu-trigger, I'm personally not a huge fan.

The Tikka T3 seems to be the go to rifle, for higher quality but at a reasonable price. Many folks here love them and many folks think they are over rated.
Personally I think they seem to be so popular due to good marketing and being offered as good package deals by the Big green hunting chain store.

I would recommend a Tikka, I have two and love them. The triggers are awesome, they are light weight and both my are a lot more accurate than they should be. Quite a few stores offer package deals, but if it were me I'd go 2nd hand. Best thing about Tikka's are that everyone seems to buy them, and sell them at a huge loss on Trademe.
Right now I count: 4 7mm08s, 2 270, 1 308 for sale in different forms.
Between Trademe and this forum, you can pick up a near new one, scoped and suppressed within your budget. Some people ask stupid money for them, but usually doesn't take long and you can score a bargain.

Scopes are another topic, probably more confusing than the rifle. I highly recommend the Burris Fullfield 2s as a good value for money scope.
After all my Tikka ranting, these Howas look pretty good.
Howa M1500 .308 Camo Hogue Stock Burris | Trade Me
http://www.trademe.co.nz/sports/hunt...1246931193.htm