r/canadaguns Jun 01 '26

Buy recommendations Best first hunting rifle to buy?

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 !

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u/SoldiersofChristBR Jun 02 '26

I personally prefer the aesthetics of the ruger american gen 2 myself for the cost and features. 

But you will be fine with the recoil. Buy what ever calibre interests you the most long term. So I'd go tikka t3 or ruger american gen w.e in 308 and call er a day