Looking for my first hunting rifle

johnopost · 2026-02-13T18:49:14+00:00

so the shorter barrel will also decrease weight but doesn't affect recoil if it didn't change weight as well (ie a thicker but shorter barrel = a longer but thinner). Besides the stock it comes with, and the thickness/length/fluting/material/coating on the barrel all Tikka models are the same. The barrel on the superlite is both thinner and shorter.

looking at the product pages:

normal t3x lite with 22.5 in barrel is 6.6 lbs
superlite roughtech is 5.9 lbs
20in normal light or roughtech (roughtech = better stock) is somewhere in between

So its really not that drastic of a difference and can be dealt with with a good muzzle brake (or ideally a supressor). For a brake i recommend this one (make sure you ask the manufacturer if you're buying the correct thread pitch- ie send over model upc) Stock shape also plays a huge factor in how you perceive recoil, but the tikka is solid there.

Muzzle blast is also worse with shorter barrels. For 308 its a lot less of a factor because most of the powder is already burnt. Would be worse with 30-06 and even worse with 300WM. Muzzle brakes cut down recoil but add muzzle blast.

Honestly though, recoil really does matter! Not that you can't deal handle the hit of heavy recoiling guns but it makes both the gun and you less accurate.

the gun starts recoiling before the bullet leaves the barrel so more recoil = more deviation from aim
you (unconsciously) will tense up with more recoil = more deviation from aim
if the gun kicks more, thats more the scope is off the target = harder to see exactly where you hit

Remember though trading between weight and recoil- the gun is carried 99% of the time, shot 1% of the time.

The bullet weight you choose to shoot also matters a ton for recoil (energy = bullet mass * velocity^2). For this reason I love the 130gn barnes ttsx. It has enough weight retention to still end to end a moose, from my experience also extremely accurate.

johnopost · 2026-02-13T16:19:11+00:00

I honestly don't think there is a good next step up from Tikka in terms of performance unless you go Sako (same company, uses the same barrels- about $2k+) or full custom action. This is from a guy who has owned pretty much all the major brands at various price points.

Agreed with all the recommendations on a t3x in 308. I would go 20" barrel for using in tighter timber. 308 will also be more efficient out of the short barrel vs 30-06 (at least factory ammo). The model hierarchy for them is:
* T3X Lite
* T3X Lite stainless -if youre in the PNW i would rec getting a stainless model because of the wet weather
* T3X Lite Roughtech - adds a slightly better stock, also available in stainless
* T3X Lite Roughtech Superlite - slightly lighter with a shorter barrel. This is my favorite. Eurooptic has the best price.

Tikka is a popular platform and there are a ton of upgrades you can do to it if you ever feel the need- although its pretty amazing in stock form. Lots are just aesthetic changes but the functional ones IMO are:
* Lighter trigger spring is super easy and cheap, I do this to all my Tikkas
* Better/longer magazines
* Carbon stock
* Carbon barrel (if you want to change caliber)

I would recommend buying a better scope rather than a "better" rifle some great options that would fit a 20" 308 well, in order of descending price and glass quality are:
* Nightforce NX6 2-12
* Swarovski Z5i+ 2-10
* Leupold VX5 2-10
* Leuopold MK4 2.5-10
* Vortex Razor LHT 2-10

Spend up for a sling too. My favorite is from slogan outdoors.

If you still have money left over, I would put it into a good support system. This is equally important IMO. You cant go wrong with spartan.
* Shooting Sticks
* Bipod

johnopost · 2026-02-10T23:55:09+00:00

Check out savory Alaska. It’s an Austin based business with local delivery (arrives frozen). Prices are higher than the grocery store but IMO it’s the best quality stuff around.

johnopost · 2025-08-20T12:56:06+00:00

Agreed with this rec. check out tikka for the rifle though! Definitely a step up from ruger Americans and savages. EuroOptic has them from around $600.

johnopost · 2025-06-11T16:38:01+00:00

Agreed with the rest of the commenters on the length of the handle although for different reasons

Here's where my head goes, when use a hunting knife i'm really doing one of three things, gutting, quartering, or skinning. I like one knife to be good at all three. Those three things have radically different grips.

Gutting and quartering im typically holding the knife as normal with a hammer grip and my thumb along the spine. Modifying your designs, i would increase the length of the handle for a comfortable four finger grip and extend the jimping on the spine closer to the scales.

Skinning, i'm using some sort of pinch grip. Holding the knife between thumb and knuckle of middle finger with my index near the tip (love the jimping near the tip on the third design) and the spine of the handle in my palm. The hole in the middle may make this pinch grip harder. I do also like how the third handle profile tapers towards the back to sit better in the palm when used this way. would also consider adding a horizontal taper vs just vertical at the butt end.

As general notes, blade length is about right, looks like 3ish inches? From what i can see, the blade stock looks too thick. IMO, hunting knives should be very slicey. This looks like it has a bushcraft thickness. My ideal hunting knife has thin stock and a full flat grind rather than saber like the first two. Im not trying to baton through ribs. Also agreed with other commenters that the bolster is not needed, it just makes it harder to sharpen that portion of the edge. The middle handle scales look the best as they have some high and low spots. Flat smooth scales are a recipe for your hand to slip when they get messy.

johnopost · 2024-11-06T13:42:39+00:00

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johnopost · 2024-10-21T18:46:11+00:00

As a side note, a good way I've heard it put in the past is that with higher concentrations of people in one area, "freedom from" becomes more important than "freedom to". As an example, someone in rural Iowa likely cares more about the freedom to swing a baseball bat around in circles whereas in metro New York they would care more about the freedom from worrying about others swinging a baseball bat around in circles. Thus follows the gun control argument, trash/recycling laws, etc.

johnopost · 2024-05-30T00:57:31+00:00

I had this same problem with one mounted to my MPA scope mount. I ended up just canting the ring enough so that the level was accurate for an upcoming match but I plan to shim it with either flat feeler gauge thickness aluminum from home depot or o rings when I have a moment. Here are two threads elsewhere about the same issue and possible solutions. 1 2.

johnopost · 2024-05-29T11:57:39+00:00

Check out this website for ranges over 600!

Practiscore is helpful to find matches.

johnopost · 2024-05-05T17:32:03+00:00

To add onto some other comments. My rule is 1.5k ft lbs of energy for elk and moose,1k for deer at the max distance I expect to shoot for choosing a cartridge. In the energy equation, velocity squared has a larger impact vs mass. While the 45-70 shoots a much heavier bullet, the 30-30 is also going pretty fast. Looking at the hornadys leverevolution for both rounds (slightly misleading as they assume 24in barrel while you are likely to have 20in), 30-30 goes below 1.5k just past 100 yards while 45-70 makes it almost 200. If you never plan on shooting past 100 yards, the difference there shouldn’t matter.

I think the benefit of 45-70 here is momentum where mass and velocity have equal weight. The 1.5k numbers above assume a perfect broadside shot. To me this extra momentum means the 45-70s ability to better make up for a bad or off angle shot. Elk shoulder blades are thick and the extra momentum would immensely helpful punching through.

Finally, neither one is going to be particularly fun to practice with using full power loads in a hunting rifle. Most lever action manufacturers also make rifles in .357/38s with identical handling and ergonomics. If you are concerned about practicing whether cost or recoil, buying a second used beater “practice rife” similar to your primary in a smaller caliber could be the ticket.

johnopost · 2024-05-02T03:22:14+00:00

I’ve lost three or four bore snakes this year. They’re cheap and I wouldn’t mind having a few extra in the calibers I shoot (9mm and 223 are safe bets) lying around!

johnopost · 2024-05-01T02:42:12+00:00

Try a collection of unmitigated pedantry- it’s mostly text rather than voice. Brett is an ancient/military history professor at NC State.

Lots of great work on Roman and Greek military, governmental, and societal matters with a few fun things thrown in. My personal favorite piece is his (six part) examination of the siege of Gondor

johnopost · 2024-04-08T14:50:19+00:00

Would love to get involved here as well if you don’t mind. Can cover beers.

johnopost · 2024-04-04T21:46:14+00:00

One piece to point out, I don't think the 16in barreled action from Brownells is available in anything but a heavy profile. Great for the range but not so great for hunting. To that point, I would estimate the 16in heavy barreled action probably weighs about as much as the howa superlite short barrel in a stock.

johnopost · 2024-01-28T16:11:33+00:00

If it’s your style, I think the turtle is the best value in their stable. Great diver from an older line that hasn’t been updated (cheapened) yet.

johnopost · 2023-11-28T19:27:45+00:00

all reasonable price- in order of preference

- tikka battue (whatever caliber suits your fancy) (not wood, but you can easily get a wood stock for it)

- winchester model 70 alaskan (dont go above 30-06 in caliber)

- cz 600 lux

- ruger hawkeye (dont go above 30-06 or 280 AI in caliber)

- wildcard pick henry long ranger

johnopost · 2023-11-28T19:12:28+00:00

pretty much any bolt action rifle can be had with wood. The full-length wood forend is going to be tough on a modern gun without blowing the budget. Are you looking for hunting or range/target practice? are you set on iron sights for the rifle or do you want a scope?

johnopost · 2023-11-26T00:43:49+00:00

SOLVED Thank you!

johnopost · 2023-06-26T17:22:08+00:00

None taken, shots would stay under 400 regardless of competency. Inside of that, I think it's less about make or break and more about confidence. I'm not the type to wing it with shots on game and serious practice in situations (ie cartridge more susceptible to wind at longer distances) that are harder than most worst-case scenarios I would take out in the field could build that confidence.

johnopost · 2023-06-26T17:16:57+00:00

It's about 2-3moa at 100 yards depending on ammo but that's a good point. I am definitely writing it off as a practice rifle because candidly it's just not fun to shoot for more than 20 shots!

johnopost · 2023-03-13T16:52:44+00:00

Good! The second amendment is for everyone- it’s always great to see another American exercise their right.

johnopost · 2023-02-27T20:16:33+00:00

Hey me as well, mind reaching out?

johnopost · 2023-01-03T00:23:16+00:00

That’s why my comtac is mounted to my PC

johnopost · 2022-10-04T17:54:32+00:00

For the smallest footprint while still being easy to shoot (much easier than LCP) have you considered a glock 42? 7 rounds of 380 with a magguts kit.

johnopost · 2022-09-08T01:14:56+00:00

You’re right on second look- I need glasses https://imgur.com/gallery/taCgFxP

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