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Andrew Smart

Hey Fellas,

First time poster, frequent visitor..a real wealth of knowledge on these boards and Nathan has provided a wonderful resource, thank you.

I'm essentially a bush hobbit and as such have relied on the trusty 308, forever really. I'm on my second one - yes its a Tikka, a wood/blued T3 that I bought about 15 years ago. For the last 5 years it has sat in a B&C stock and is suppressed (ducks head) I reload and use 165gr projectiles from Hornady and Speer depending on usage. I am disappointed if the holes are not all touching or very close to it when I am on the farm practicing.

I chase Sika in very tight crap and reds in Te Urawera etc..so a lot of my shooting has been 5-20m. On the odd occasion I shoot 200m or so.

I have a few spots that I would like to start hunting where it is more like long range and less like bush stalking, and I think everyone deserves a Magnum at least once in their lifetime.

So, after my long winded introduction my question is:

Am I crazy looking at a REM 700 and spending some money on it when I know a Tikka will do what I want out of the box?

For the last 12 months I have considered a few rifles but always gone back to a Laminated Tikka in 7mm RM or 300WM. (leaning toward WM for sharing some projectiles with the 308)

This week I have thought more along the lines of SPS REM 700, New Trigger and a Precision Platform Stock. Then as funds allow, bed it etc.

What I like about the REM 700 over the Tikka is that it has a 26" barrel, and allows for longer COAL if required.

What I like about the Tikka is that it is generally a known quantity performance wise and I have a set of 30mm rings for one already.

Either way I will be buy the recommended literature and follow the running in process and suggested recommendations.

I'm not interested in hearing about using the 308 for everything sorry, I want a new rifle dammit!

Cheers

Andrew