I'm a left handed shooter and really like the Model 70. Since they won't be making left handed models anytime soon, I'm looking at the Tikka T3. I have a Browning A-bolt Micro in 308 that is left handed and that rifle is a consistant sub-MOA rifle. I don't like the position of the safety on that rifle and I don't like that you cannot open the bolt if the safety is on.

The Ruger has the same safety issue - I don't really like having to flip the safety off to unload a cartridge out of the chamber. It would not be a deal-breaker for me, though, since I am used to it.

....but I have been mainly using a Ruger M77 MkII stainless in 270 for the past few years....

Out of the box and using factory loads the Tikka or browning would be my choice. They are both very accurate. I have not owned a savage, but I hear good things about both. I think that if you handload and don't mind having the rifle floated, bedded, and the trigger done, the Remington will end up shooting better groups in the long run. There are exceptions. W.Seay has a 308 abolt that will shoot outstanding groups with factory ammo. I dont see much improvement on that gun. NOt everyone is like that so I still say that the odds go to the Remingtons for me.

If your talking about your Ruger,mentioned above, and it is a Mark 2 ,it has a similar 3 position. wing type safety much like the Win. M-70. Middle postion to remove the round form chamber,no need to place in the fire position. Now the older "Tang" safety Ruger is like the A-bolt.

Personally I prefer this type and posiston myself.

Good luck on findeing what you want.

Chuck,

You have to come out to the house and shoot some of mine before you buy. I have a pretty big collection to choose from. I don't consider myself an expert but I have shot competition and was a spec ops sniper for many years. IMO the model 700 action is the best out there and would put myself and three of my guns with model 700 actions up against anything (from 100 to 1600 meters). There are alot of good guns out there and am not knocking any of them but for the money it can't be beat. I have hunted out west and in Alaska so we can talk calibers also as there are also many good ones. When it comes to guns and calibers you will get more opinions than if you talk pickup trucks. I don't care what anyone says as long as the rifle is accurate and the caliber is flat shooting and adequate for the game your hunting, your good. What it all boils down to is, what feels right for you and you are confident shooting. Sorry, I don't have any leftys.

Oh yeah, we can only shoot to 400 meters until after deer season. I close my "way out there" range down during the season.

I own two left handed rifles. The first a Remington 700 in 30-06 I bought in 85 when I went on my first elk hunt in Colorado. This rifle has taken three elk, two mulies, one antelope, and several whitetails.
Several years ago I got the hankerin' for a 7mm08. Three years ago I bought a Browning Micro Hunter. I have no problem with the location of the saftey. I do not like to push the saftey off to unload the gun. But on the other hand it makes you think to point the barrel in a safe direction before unloading the gun, so this may not be a bad thing. I am very pleased with the accuracy of the rifle. I have take two antelope, three mulies, and three whitetails with the 7mm08.

Remington rules!!! Why do you think the military use them for the snipers!!! Browning was the man but remington took his lunch money!!!

Tim,
O.K., you have me drooling now. We definitely have to get together for a shooting session after the season! I'd like to do some longer shooting with my 22-250 VS (I don't have a place to shoot much over 200 yards at my place).

I have never been an excellent shot with a rifle and have only shot one deer at over 250 yards, so most guns are going to be at least as accurate as me. I did used to be reasonably good at the sporting clays range back when I was shooting on a regular basis, but of course that requires a whole different skill set than being an excellent shot with a rifle.

The main drawback to the Remingtons is the limited selection of calibers available in left hand (except for the KS Mountain rifles, which are a bit more than I want to spend). Tikka and Savage offer a much wider range of calibers than Remington or Browning does currently.

Your "bottom line" statement says it all - it is most important to shoot the gun that is most comfortable for you and that you have confidence in shooting.

Remington rules!!! Why do you think the military use them for the snipers!!! Browning was the man but remington took his lunch money!!!

The military uses the Remington because they are cheap and there are lots of replacement parts for them that are cheap. Not because they are better.

Just look at the used guns for sale next time you're in a shop. You don't see many model 70s or A bolts for sale, do you.

BZ- does that tell you something?



Are we having fun yet?

Oh, forgive me. I thought they made tomato stakes out Remingtons when the owner died.

"FUN" just wait till Tim deicdes to join in or see this.

Tim is working today, he called me earlier. I really think he's suffering from depression realizing for a few dollars more he could have had "The best there is".