r/canadaguns • u/Diamond_zT • Mar 09 '26

Buy recommendations First Hunting Rifle: cheap or expensive

Hi all,

I've passed my CFSC and am just waiting for the PAL. My first gun is going to be an SKS. After that, I'd like to get something optimal for deer hunting. Should I buy something inexpensive like a Savage Axis for its relatively low price and decent performance or should I jump right to a Tikka T3x Lite?

Obviously there's at least $400 of difference between the two. Would it make sense to get an Axis now and maybe get a Tikka later in life for x,y,z reason? I don't plan on being a avid hunter. Just looking to feed myself and father so maybe 1-3 deer a year. Also some recreational plinking of course. I don't have much money at the moment and won't for a couple of years (starting teachers college in September), but I don't mind making an investment.

Would picking up a used Tikka be something to consider?

Thank you all in advance for the advice. Lmk if any more information is required.

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u/5hane7rain Mar 09 '26

InterSurplus Firearms-->All Firearms and start scrolling. Lots of used rifles that are very decent old school go to's. Stuff like Husqvarna's, Carl Gustaf's, Parker Hales. Its worth a look to give yourself something to compare to if nothing else.

2

u/Throwaway211998 Mar 10 '26

I look at these often but I'm fairly ignorant as to what's worth owning. How many of those rifles are going to shoot accurately enough to be worth owning relative to what's available today?

4

u/5hane7rain Mar 10 '26

Thats a question you have to ask for every used rifle no matter what it is. There is always a reason someone is selling a rifle, and sometimes people lie about why. I've bough far more used rifles than new, and the majority of used rifles I've bought can be made to shoot well once you've worked up a handload that they like. In a few cases I've found bedding issues that a little light sanding on the stock under the barrel while leaving the front inch alone fixed. (pull the stock and look for a place that has been polished and is usually dark where the barrel was resting on it)

2

u/Good-Mine-1409 Mar 12 '26

I've bought a Husqvarna 1640 30-06 from them and it is great. Shoot excellent.

Their descriptions have always been accurate on guns I've bought from them.