13 replies to this topic

[USNGOAT]

I have a few heavy claiber rifles and some are currently on the East coast in the great state of Maine. I have a 7mm rem mag here but am thinking I need a lighter caliber rifle for some predator's. So what should I look at getting of reasonable cost. Would not mind a .223 as I have a kel-tec and am pretty impressed with the way it shoots. Remingtom makes a tactical version that is pretty sweet and of course the model 700. Have always kinda wanted a .243 also. That can be used for deer hunting pretty effectively. Although the desert camo scheme has caught my eye I would lean toward a wooden stock as the past few guns purchased have been synthetic. If wooden something eye catching though. Give me some ideas fellas.Totally unrelated to the above has anyone shot the new SOCOM II and if so what did you think. The appearance of that gun is just bad to the bone. Unfortunatley so is the price tag. Maybe that needs to be my gun purchase of the year but have a hard time even convincing myself that is used for hunting!!Amos

[Cranky Farmer]

Amos,A 223 would get a lot of use here in CA. I keep hearing amazing things about the Savage and that Accu-trigger.

[capitol]

IMHO Socom II has to much going on up front and the rifle is un-balanced because of it. I prefer the 1st SA Socom rifle myself. They are Bad A$$ rifles regardless.

[Shoot-it]

I was holding one today at my local gun shop they are heaver than i expected ,but i still like them not the price 1400.00. I would go with a 223 bolt gun for any serious varmint hunting.If it was me savage would be my first choice as a inexpensive gun .

[USNGOAT]

IMHO Socom II has to much going on up front and the rifle is un-balanced because of it. I prefer the 1st SA Socom rifle myself. They are Bad A$$ rifles regardless.

That is a couple of hits on the Savage. I looked at them tonight on the internet and they are really decent looking with the laminet stock. I have seen a few posts commenting the accuracy of the rifle and they are really decently priced. I am headed to the Del Mar gun show this weekend so I will see what is available there. Unfortunately that show is not what it use to be much like many other things but still should be able to get a little break on a price. Thanks for the info.You guys are right that SOCOM is bad but what are you going to use it for. At least the M1A would serve a purpose.Amos

[Bill D.]

Don't forget to look at CZ's......moderately priced, out of the box accuracy, pretty wood. Pretty hard to beat a .223 as an all around great varmint cartridge.

[A17Shooter]

USNGOAT,Varmint guns I don't want to be without:Rem 700 223 with Choate stock & target barrelTC Contender pistol with 17 AH, 17 HMR and 17 HM2 barrelsTC Contender carbine with 17 AH, 17 Mach IV & 17 HMR barrelsRuger #1 in 17 JetRem 700 204 with PacNor barrelRem 700 6 X 284 long range gunMaybe this will present you with some options to think about. :DThe rest are just diversions. A17Shooter

[capitol]

You guys are right that SOCOM is bad but what are you going to use it for. At least the M1A would serve a purpose.Amos

What are you going to use it for?? I would ask yourself what can't you use it for? The Socom is a great lil rifle. It can be used for hunting, home defense, 3-gun and its a kali legal mag fed rifle.As you can tell I like em a lot

[bwana]

You can't hardly go wrong with a Savage IMHO. I was planning on going to the Del Mar gunshow this weekend as well. When are you going. Maybe we could meet up?

[RayGun]

USNGOAT, You won't go wrong with a Savage and Accutrigger, but do you want heavy or standard barrel? Go for the heavy if you plan to snipe squirrels, PD's and the like, at long ranges, but I suggest a standard config with 3-9 or 4-12 optics for active predator hunting. Carting a heavy gun all day will wear you down. Worst part isn't usually the the extra weight, but the balance is too far forward and they just don't shoulder well. That's my 2 bits worth.

[Cranky Farmer]

Good looking bench gun there, Gary!

[ShooterJohn]

I like Savage because they have a great trigger (Accutrigger) and are out of the box accurate shooting. I have a good number of more expensive Remington's in various calibers but two higher end 700 in .223. The Savage out shoots them hands down. I have some Winchesters too but I think Savage or Remington would be a better choice. As Bill D. mentioned CZ makes some fine guns but I'm not a fan of that magazine hanging down. I like the laminate stocks on the Savage BVSS and Low Profile Varminters. I have both. My Remington's are 700 VSF and VS SF with composite stocks and they are nice stocks.

[hawk eye]

i have shot the socom and i shoots great, it is weighted more towards the reciever rather than spread out but it is definately nice. i personally have an 18" M1A bush.

[peeker seeker]

Im stuck with my 25-06 savage out of the box and standerd barrel. got it for hiking in for deer but its my all around gun for now . Im shooting the remington 100 gn sp. out of the box. and the gun loves them. I killed more critters with it this summer than most of my others except the 1022. Buy a savage. next gun for me . Cant make my mind up on the cal though. 204, 223, 223AI, Remingtons and howas are OK too.