Thread: Rifle choice: $1600 budget

Originally Posted by Jhon

40 yr old male, solid build, medium large hands. All round hunting with an interest and the eyesight to go longer distance but within capabilities. So as he develops moving out with better optics to 300- 400m but starting out with say a 3-9x40 e.g. Vortex Crossfire II, sticking to sub 220m

Mostly off-hand or whatever's handy, tree, post, etc for close in, bipod or pack rest for further out, maybe sticks.

The T3 stock is a bit skimpy at the pistol grip for mans hands. The fore-stock is flimsy and bears on the barrel so Bipod is out. 243 a bit light for shots at 400 for a beginner.
Howa would be better, a bergara might be better again for fit.
He could get a second hand Weatherby at a good price, but whatever rifle he does get 243 wouldn't be my suggestion for a first rifle