r/canadaguns • u/Donthrowaway45 • Mar 16 '26

Gun and gear reviews First Rifle

Thinking of pairing the T3X CTR .308 ($1500) w/ a Vortex Venom 3-15x44 FFP, 34mm scope ($700) + low Vortex Pro series scope rings ($120) as my first rifle.

Reading that the T3X is pretty solid and should last, whereas the venom is an entry level scope (crazy for $700). But for the very casual plinker I though it'd suffice to get me, and keep me, into it. Any thoughts before I commit?

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u/Omega_Shaman Mar 16 '26

223/556 is cheaper for plinking. If you are only going to be shooting at the range then something like a Howa 1500 mini action with a heavy barrel is a good choice.

I would pair that with something like:

A Rossi R95 357 because you can shoot 38 special with it at pistol caliber ranges.

A Savage MkII FV 22lr bolt action also punches above its weight. Accurate as hell with CCI Mini Mag.

A Mossberg Maverick 88 Security 12 ga for shooting slugs is a ton of fun.

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u/Donthrowaway45 Mar 16 '26

I like the idea of using cheaper ammo, but I'm also torn cause I'd prefer the recoil and feel of the 308. it also seems like the 1500 isn't available in my area.

I was planning to pair the t3x with the mossberg 590a1 as well for some more close range fun.

thanks for the suggestions.

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u/FD4L Mar 16 '26

If you like the idea of a trainer rifle to go with a main, a t1x and a t3x share a lot of compatibility with parts. They can often be set up with the same stocks, trigger upgrades, bolt handles etc so you can have one rifle that easily shoot 200 yards accurately and cost 10-15 cents a round and you can have a nearly identical rifle that can be used to shoot well beyond 300 yards and can be used for hunting, if you decide to take up that hobby.

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u/Donthrowaway45 Mar 16 '26

that's good to know. I guess I could start with a t1x first to get more familiar with the sport. which just means more upgrades in the future..

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u/FD4L Mar 16 '26

My t1x is my favorite to shoot, mainly because it performs well, even with bargain bin ammo, so i can shoot 2x 10-round groups for the same cost as pulling the trigger once on my 308.

There are several good .22s out there though. The cz457 has more aftermarket support than tikka, bergara b14r is based on the remington 700 pattern, so like the t1x/t3x, the bergara will share stocks, triggers, mounts, etc with most remington 700 pattern rifles, which happen to be one of the most commonly made rifle patterns in north America.