Rifle Purchasing

[sukki13]

I'm planning on making my way out west this year for hunt and I need some advice on rifle purchasing. I live in central Ohio and I haven't been able to find a shop locally where I can demo rifles. At least the rifles I've been looking at. Most of the local and big box stores don't carry the models I'm leaning towards. Based on my research I like the following:

Savage 16/116 Lightweight Hunter
Howa Mountain Alpine
Tikka T3x Lite
Browning X-Bolt Hell's Canyon
Ruger American All Weather
Winchester XPR

As you can see, some of these are in the affordable price range and some are more expensive. I'm looking for a light weight rifle and all of these fit my needs. Since I haven't been able to demo/test any of these, I've mainly been doing research online. I got a chance to handle a few of these at the NRA show in Louisville.

My question is what advice can you give on how I should go about buying a rifle "blind"? From what I've researched all of these are capable of getting the job done. It's personal preference, but if I can't demo, or even handle, the gun how will I know it's the right one for me? If I had the funds I would buy one of each since you can never have enough firearms, but I didn't win the $400 million Powerball this year - keeping my fingers crossed for the next one. Getting any of these won't be an issue since all of the local shops can order them or I can buy online and have it shipped to a local store.

Also, if anyone knows a place near me that has any of these to demo please share. It would be great to be able to shoot any/all of these. At least be able to handle these to see if they fit me correctly.

I've been a member since last year, but this is my first post.

Thanks for your help

 

[Dave N]

Maybe it's just me, but never heard of a place where you could shoot before you buy.

 

[MJE2083]

Maybe it's just me, but never heard of a place where you could shoot before you buy.

+1 I've never heard of anywhere that you could demo(shoot) a rifle. I know some indoor pistol ranges rent handguns.
I would go to Cabela's or some other sort of big box store. I doubt you're going to find 1 place that has ALL of those rifles in stock but I'm sure you'll find a few of them.

 

[elkduds]

Check w gun clubs and shooting ranges near you. Members may let you send a few downrange if they have any of those rifles on your list. I would certainly help a guy thusly.

 

[mtmuley]

Too bad you aren't in Montana. We have a Montana owned sporting goods company that has an event once a year that allows firing of any rifle/handgun they have. mtmuley

 

[Dave N]

Too bad you aren't in Montana. We have a Montana owned sporting goods company that has an event once a year that allows firing of any rifle/handgun they have. mtmuley

ROAD TRIP! Seriously, that's a great way to try stuff out, plus make some sales!

 

[sbhooper]

You cannot demo rifles like cars and if you did, there is nothing says that the one you ended up with would fit you after putting some rounds through it. The list that you have is a good one, you can go into most stores and handle the rifles. Get one that fits you in the caliber that you like and buy it.

I have yet to find a rifle that I can't shoot. I find one that is cheap enough to make me happy and buy it. My approach has not failed me yet!

 

[mtmuley]

ROAD TRIP! Seriously, that's a great way to try stuff out, plus make some sales!

It's a pretty neat deal. I've never attended. I do know that the .50 BMG gets a lot of attention. The store just charges for the cost of ammo for each firearm. As has been said, try to handle any rifle on your list at the dealer. Or possibly if a friend has one. If a rifle feels good, firing it most likely won't be a deal breaker. mtmuley

 

[mtmander]

I think the Browning company , in Utah, has rifles you can test/shoot

 

[406LIFE]

FWIW, I have the Hell's Canyon Speed. I bought it after researching all the rifles you listed except the Ruger. I am more than happy with it and don't regret not getting something else.

BTW, that Bob Ward's shoot is something if you haven't gone.

 

[MJE2083]

Speaking of demo rifles, when I was in college I worked part time for one of the bigger national retailers. Every year they had a training seminar where some employees were selected to attend. If memory serves it was 2-3 days long and all of the major gun companies sent reps with a good selection of demo guns and tons of ammo. + all meals catered. What a great time that was.

 

[Big Fin]

Anyone in Montana is welcome to come by and test my Howa Alpine Mountain Rifles. I'll even provide the ammo; it's free.

 

[Dave N]

Anyone in Montana is welcome to come by and test my Howa Alpine Mountain Rifles. I'll even provide the ammo; it's free.

Thinking a Blizzard might make him smile!

 

[dcopas78]

Anyone in Montana is welcome to come by and test my Howa Alpine Mountain Rifles. I'll even provide the ammo; it's free.

I might have to remember that next time I'm up by Bozeman! I've had my eye on a Howa for a long time but just haven't pulled the trigger, pardon the pun.

 

[pwrwgn57]

Not sure where you're located in Ohio, but Fin Feather Fur Outfitters in Ashland has a decent selection of rifles. They have other locations as well, but not sure how well stocked they are. Also, there's quite a few Cabela's out that way, would guess they'd have some of the models on your list.

 

[noharleyyet]

Savage 16/116 Lightweight Hunter
Howa Mountain Alpine
Tikka T3x Lite
Browning X-Bolt Hell's Canyon
Ruger American All Weather
Winchester XPR

IMO...flip a coin of the bolded.

 

[sukki13]

I'm in Columbus. I may have to take a ride up to Fin Feather Fur and check out what they have. I've checked out the local and big box stores. While they carry these brands, I haven't found the models I'm looking for. I've rented handguns/ARs/machine guns, so I was hoping to find a place that had hunting rifles to rent/demo. One local place has shotguns to rent if you shoot clays, so I thought some places might have this option. Thanks for everyone's feedback.

 

[noharleyyet]

The fun part is researching, deciding, and getting it range/field ready...keep us posted.

 

[tim629]

depending upon where in Ohio might be worth the trip over to Grice Gunshop in pennsylvania call ahead but I wouldn't be surprised if they had all of your options and then some they usually also have good prices

 

[MJE2083]

depending upon where in Ohio might be worth the trip over to Grice Gunshop in pennsylvania call ahead but I wouldn't be surprised if they had all of your options and then some they usually also have good prices

+1, Grice surely has a great selection. Couple hours drive from Columbus though