Best first hunting rifle to buy?

[u/Western_Wish4280]

Hi all!

I have recently got my PAL and wanna go hunting this fall.

I dont wanna hunt moose for a couple years. The only reason for getting a gun rn is to hunt whitetail deer.

I know people would say buy a tikka t3x lite and all.

But i dont wanna buy it right now. Wanted a rifle chambered in 270 Winchester/ 6.5 CM for the forgiving trajectory and recoil as im super new to shooting. But in a couple years id go buy a tikka t3x chambered in 308 winchester.

I have narrowed down my search and these are the rifles i would pick one from:

1. Winchester xpr bolt action (270 win)

2. Weatherby vanguard (270 win)

3. Mossberg patriot predator(6.5 CM)

4. Ruger gen 1 bolt action(270 win)

5. Savage axis xp2 (6.5 CM)

Please help me choose and if need be advise on other models.

Edit: I thank all of you who have given me excellent advice. I really didnt know the gun community in Canada is soooooo friendly. You guys are all amazing !

[u/Birdybadass]

Go with the tikka T3x in 308. The differences between 308 and the 270 are not big, but the 308 is superior and buying one of each is unnecessarily redundant. 308 is just a better caliber for most use cases.

As for the rifle a tikka T3x is the gold standard in the $1000-$2000 range. It’s got the best action, best barrel, and best trigger of its competitors. The stock is good with tons of aftermarket if you want to upgrade later. The only pieces you’ll want to replace out of the box are the recoil pad (they’re arguably the worst but it’s a $60 fix with a limbsaver) and the trigger guard (it’s plastic, not a big deal but if it breaks your hunt is ruined. Get a metal one).