Thread: First Rifle...seeking advice

@TimK get a proper lefty mate they do fit and work better you can shoot a right hander yes but is not as smooth or quick
and for the extra $100 or so ontop of the right hander is well worth it nothing worse than a rifle that dosn't fit you propaly

I don't think there is much of a debate to be had here. all the guns are good, and if you have a budget of 2k then go with the most expensive, the A7, it's a nicer rifle and costs more,
The Howa is 700-800. you can't really compare unless you are talking value for money.
And the VX2 is also fine, but again, go to the shop and molest them all, see what fits you right.

I think you will battle to find a Howa for that money these days! Maybe second hand?

Hmm perhaps buying in left handed will dictate what I end up purchasing.

The only rifle in LH in your selection is the Lemmington, unless Sako have come to their senses.
243 and up Tikka T3 with the Loopy scope.
Don't buy a RH shooter. Are you wanting to get into it for enjoyment or not? Resale be damned. Take my advice as a fellow lefty.

I no where there's a nice left hand sako 85 6.5x55.

There is a left hand Sako (75 I think) just come in TM for $1600, unfortunately it is a 243!

Great thanks for that I will look at the Tikka - would the Tikka be considered better then the Howa? Any other brands/models I should look up?

Similar quality, both good rifles, personal preferences between them.

Originally Posted by Spudattack

There is a left hand Sako (75 I think) just come in TM for $1600, unfortunately it is a 243!

Pretty sweet. I would be very tempted if I had not just had one made for the R93. Also, a 243 of that vintage could have fuck all barrel life left.

Check which eye is dominant and learn to shoot with that "handed" rifle.
No point paying a premium for a left hand rifle if you are right eye dominant .

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Originally Posted by TimK

Any other brands/models I should look up?

Savage (weather warrior or trophy hunter), Browning (A-bolt or X-bolt), Ruger Hawkeye, there are probably a few other options too.

All have their own different features, fit and feel so as others have said the key is to try out (or at least handle) as many options as you can before deciding what you like best.

Originally Posted by sako75

Visit gunshops and try all 3 rifles. Buy the one that feels the best when you pick it up and shoulder. Last thing you want to do when about to pull the trigger is to think you should have bought the Sako and not the Remmington.
Same applies to the caliber. I had a couple of 6.5x55 and always wanted a 308. Bought my Sako 75 in 308 and wish it was in 6.5x55

been there, Done that......Probably do it again too

Originally Posted by TimK

Great thanks for that I will look at the Tikka - would the Tikka be considered better then the Howa? Any other brands/models I should look up?

That would depend who you talk to. Without that question there would be no forums.......

I could tell you which is but that is simply my opinion and where Tikka and other brands are concerned opinions are like belly buttons. Everyone has one and its different to everyone else's......

Pick them up and hold them, try them and see what you like. They have differences, and similarities. (the guns that is) If you are a lefty, they yes I would suggest a left handed gun. But as mentioned, check which is your dominant eye, because that is what usually determines which handed rifle you use, not which hand you write with....Most Gunshops should have a left and a right handed gun for you to handle and see which feels natural.

Howa dont do lefy's, but you can get a left handed stock for a right handed rifle. Thuogh I would still say get a left handed rifle if that was the case.

Originally Posted by TimK

Perfect. Thank you to all for the advice. I have organised to try some out and will see what I feel I like best. Once possible crucial thing I forgot to mention is I'm left handed. I have however been told its not a huge issue shooting a right handed rifle and likely better for re-sale. I shall add to the 'gun show' thread once the time comes and I have made a decision. I look forward to meeting some other Auckland shooters and learning more about shooting, hunting and the outdoors in general. If anyone owns a firearm shop and needs branding, advertising or web design done, pm me Thanks again to those who offered information and opinions.

being a fellow cackhander ,ive been happy to use righthanded weapons all my shooting career.lets face it manufacturers dont produce a lot of lefthanders and if you buy you end up paying$100-200 more anyhow.get used to doing all ya drill,righthanded then just throw rifle or shotty to your left shoulder and bingo!