It’s probably impossible to really list all the rifles I’d like to own or at least hunt with, but these 4 rifles are my favorite for deer and elk. Starting with the Tikka T3x Lite, the Bergara B-14 Timber, Remington 700 CDL, and the All-Purpose Weatherby Vanguard Series 2. As many of our readers know, the Tikka T3 models are unapproachable for the competition because of their sub-MOA accuracy and durability. The Remington 700 is as dependable as it gets and brings a lot of comfort and nostalgia for many military veterans. The Weatherby is the most affordable of the 4 rifles but is often underrated due to its price point and lack of clout in the gun game.
Tikka T3x Lite
The Tikka T3x Lite is produced in Finland in their state-of-the-art facility and sold all over the world to spread the word about how impressive these rifles are. All lite models are built with the famous T3x synthetic stock. My favorite part of the stock is the interchangeable pistol grips and the separate attachment point to change the width of the stock’s fore-end. This attribute allows hunters to change their grip angle to improve ergonomics based on the shooting position that’s best for the individual. As you hold this gun, the first thing you’ll notice is how light and balanced the rifle feels. Once you fire the rifle the T3x recoil pad reduces almost all of the impact from the operation and has steel recoil lug to prevent wear and tear. The light 2.5 lb trigger pull makes this gun not only feel great but allows you to focus all of your attention on the shot instead of the recoil and trigger pull. I would argue that if you can’t hit your target at 600 yards with this rifle, maybe hunting is not your thing.
Specs
| Tikka T3x Lite | |
| Weight | 6.4 lbs |
| Overall Length | 42.6″ |
| Barrel Length | 22.4″ |
| Twist Rate | 1:11″ |
| Trigger Pull Weight | 2.5 lbs |
| Magazine Capacity | 3+1 |
| MSRP | $680 |
Pros
- Incredibly accurate
- Lightweight
- A smooth cycle of operations
- Cheaper than comparable models
Cons
- Anyone can nitpick on the aesthetics or the synthetic stock, but this is the best possible rifle for under $700
Features
- Two-Stage safety secures the bolt and trigger
- Adjustable and ambidextrous cheekpiece for maximum comfort
- Two-locking lug bolt for incredibly smooth firing
- Free-Floating Barrel
Where Can I Buy a Tikka T3x Lite?
Since Tikka is manufactured in Finland it’s difficult to find these phenomenal guns at most major stores. You can buy these guns used at places like Gun Broker, Armslist, and Utah Gun Exchange. My choice is to look for a Tikka dealer on their website so you can go and get a feel for the rifle and know that the gun is directly from the Tikka factory. If you’re looking for a discount, then you should go with Palmetto State Armory (for veterans and police). Either way, buying a brand new Tikka for under $700 is an absolute deal and if you can get 10% off the top, you’ll feel like you stole the gun.
Bergara B-14 Timber Rifle
The Bergara B-14 Timber in the .270 is featured in another article I wrote, so you can find all the information on Bergara (B-14 Series). The B-14 chambered in the 30-06 is my favorite because it’s the chamber that I’ve shot for years and I understand exactly what the round is capable of and what ammo to use. The B-14 stands out because it’s the most affordable of the Bergara rifles and works just as well as any other rifle you’ll find for $1,000. I absolutely love the Walnut stock with embedded pillars for better stability and accuracy. Everything about a Bergara screams quality and luxury, especially the curved trigger that has no creep and a soft 3lb pull. Bergara has better rifles, just like Tikka, but you’ll never find a better new rifle for this price point.
Remington 700 CDL
The Remington 700 CDL (Classic Deluxe) is the higher end of the Remington 700 models with its supercell recoil pad that reduces 54% of felt recoil shot after shot. One of the biggest reasons the CDL is so much more expensive the ADL ($450, even cheaper used) is due to its X-Mark Pro trigger system, which offers no creep and a light 2.5 lb trigger pull weight. One of the biggest knocks on Remington has always been the trigger and safety concerns, which the CDL took note of and is hands down the best Remington rifle you’re going to find. Besides the nostalgia for us Veterans, the CDL offers beautiful craftsmanship in the stock and bolt carrier group. This rifle is equipped with a 44.5″ barrel giving this rifle excellent accuracy up to at least 1,000 yards in decent weather conditions.
Specs
| Remington 700 CDL | |
| Weight | 7.5 lbs |
| Overall Length | 44.5″ |
| Barrel Length | 24″ |
| Twist Rate | 1:10″ |
| Trigger Pull Weight | 2.5 lbs |
| Magazine Capacity | 3+1 |
| MSRP | $846 |
Pros
- Aesthetically beautiful
- Very accurate
- Durable
- great recoil pad helps for days at the range
- twist rate allows for heavier ammo to reach out and touch your prey from great distances
Cons
- I haven’t seen any trigger issues with this new trigger, but I have heard about complaints with accidental firing that plagues the Remington brand
Features
- Supercell recoil pad – 10 years of rigorous R&D have produced the most effective recoil pad on the planet
- Supercell recoil pad – an amazing 54% reduction in felt recoil over standard factory pads
- Externally adjustable trigger – it breaks like glass, has virtually zero creep and offers a level of shot control unmatched by any factory trigger today
- Externally adjustable trigger – the X-Mark Pro externally adjustable trigger system delivers true, custom-grade performance in a production trigger and is user-adjustable
- 3-Rings of steel – recessed bolt face completely encloses cartridge head for maximum protection against case rupture
- 3-Rings of steel – barrel surrounds bolt shroud for additional strength
- 3-Rings of steel – barrel threaded into receiver machined from hardened steel
- High-gloss American walnut stock is enhanced by a distinctive black fore-end cap, classic Monte Carlo comb with raised cheekpiece and generous skip line cut checkering
- Hammer-forged barrels – of all methods, this produces the strongest barrels with unmatched consistency
- Hammer-forged barrels – model 700 barrels have exacting bore and rifling dimensions and a carefully tuned exterior contour
Where Can I Buy The Remington 700 CDL?
- Palmetto State Armory
- Gun Broker
- Armslist
- Utah Gun Exchange
- Remington
- Cabellas
All-Purpose Weatherby Vanguard Backcountry
The Weatherby Vanguard backcountry rifle is designed and manufactured for the lock treks in the unforgiving terrain that is the mountains and woodlands. The rifle is only 6.7 lbs because the stock is made of light-weight fiberglass and the exceptional barrel is fluted. People may underestimate Weatherby, but this rifle is guaranteed to produce a sub 1.0 MOA for a 3-shot grouping. That’s a better guarantee than any rifle we have ever reviewed in our blog and adding a 6-round hinged-floorplate for easy loading will increase your chances of getting a deer. The raised comb of the fiberglass stock provides a better line of sight that Remington and Most other Rifles don’t have with off the shelf rifles. This rifle is meant to be carried up and down terrain and won’t scratch or corrode the metal if it’s banged on a couple trees during your trek.
Specs
| Weatherby Backcountry | |
| Weight | 6.7 lbs |
| Overall Length | 44.5″ |
| Barrel Length | 24″ |
| Twist Rate | 1:10″ |
| Trigger Pull Weight | 2.5 lbs |
| Magazine Capacity | 5+1 |
| MSRP | $1,100 |
Pros
- Aesthetically beautiful
- Very accurate with sub 1 MOA at 100 yards!
- Durable
- Weighs just 6 ¾ pounds – ideal for long treks on backcountry hunts
- Pachmayr® Decelerator® pad reduces the felt recoil by around 50%
- twist rate allows for heavier ammo to reach out and touch your prey from great distances
- Hand-laminated, raised comb Monte Carlo composite stock
- Better carrying capacity than most other rifles on the market
Cons
- It’s a very expensive rifle that I might reserve for a 6.5 Creedmoor or 300 Win Mag
Features
- Adjustable Match -grade 2-stage trigger
- Fluted Bolt Body
- One-piece Machined Bolt Body
- Fully Enclosed Bolt Sleeve
- Vanguard Recoil Pad
- 3-Position Safety
- Cold Hammer Forged Barrel
- Integral Recoil Lug
- Hinged Floorplate
- Chrome-moly metalwork with Cerakote® Tactical Grey finish for exceptional weather- and corrosion-resistance
Where Can I Buy The Weatherby Vanguard Backcountry?
- Palmetto State Armory
- Gun Broker
- Armslist
- Utah Gun Exchange
- Weatherby
- Cabellas
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