Weatherby, Tikka, or Garand?

Question

I am graduating high school soon, and my grandfather is giving me 500 dollars for graduating, and i want to buy a rifle. I am debating buying a Tikka T3, Weatherby Vanguard Sub-Moa, or an M1 Garand. I do not know when i will use the garand, but i have always wanted one. I know the Weatherby is more expensive than the Tikka, but i think it feels better. Whichever gun i buy will be chambered in .30-06. Both the Tikka and Weatherby come with an accuracy guarantee. Any help would be appreciated.

Answer 1

Had a Garand in the service and now after service I also have a Garand.  Value will only increase with time and you can use it for anything.  My case is rested.

Answer 2

I suggest selecting the Tikka or the Weatherby by whichever one feels best in your hands.

The M1 Garand is a nice rifle, but it can be damaged by using ammunition which is not compatible with its' pressure specifications.  Some .30-06 cartridges generate pressures which could damage an M1 Garand operating rod.

Answer 3

Go with the Garand. It has a huge upside in collector value downstream. Just make sure you get one that is is good condition and that all parts are matching, otherwise its collector value drops. Unforetunately though, a good Garand may cost a bit more thn $500, ... but of the three, it's the better way to go.

Answer 4

Garand! Nothing quite like it in the world! Love that sound...

"The Greatest Battle Implement Ever Devised"- Patton

Answer 5

I have the Tikka T3 Varmit .308 and I decided on it due to the fact it felt so nice in my hands.  I am so happy with it I shoot once a week with it.  The only complaint I have with the Tikka is the cost of extra mags and other parts-expensive!  The action and trigger pull is so smooth my friends are debating on purchasing one themselves.  Go with what feels right to you!!

Answer 6

The weatherby is more expensive like you mentioned, but has good looks. The Tikka has probally the smoothest bolt besides the Sako. The accuracy is amazing and it is really light. you will be happy with either one

Answer 7

I believe you have answered the question for us all. If the Weatherby feels better and they are all chambered in the same round then the answer should be the Weatherby if you can afford it. Comfort is second to none when it comes to a rifle for me, after of course price range and caliber determination. If you dont think you will use the Garand I would not buy it I would wait to buy later. Go ahead and buy the weapon that will get the most use.

Answer 8

I am not sure what the purpose for these guns are, but if hunting is the reason, buy what feels better and is more practical. If you buy a newer produced Springfield Garand, it will shoot really well. I don't have one, but have a friend that bought a new production Springfield 2 years ago when they first came out; he pain a bit over $1000. He shoots bulk ammo as well as new stuff. I personally have seen him shoot 5 inch groups at 100 yards with open sights, loading black hills ammo.  

I make 2 inch groups with a Browning BAR in Ought 6, and a 7 power scope. Not that much of a difference!

Although it is not a practical hunting gun, I don't think he will miss any game out to 200 yards with it. It is big and heavy,but man is it fun to shoot. It puts rounds on target fast and accurately due to its weight, and it looks like a true battle weapon.

If you do buy one, you can take part in a growing number of Americans who shoot in the Civilian Marksman Program.

If you plan on touting it through the woods, and hunting game that may be 200 300 or even further, buy the bolt guns.

As far as accuracy is concerned, a Remington 700 with good ammo will shoot just as well. Keep in mind that shooting 1 inch groups at 100 yards with good ammo is very easy to attain these days with a Remington, Winchester, Browning, or FN, just to mention a few.

The Tikka and the Weatherby are great firearms, but expensive.

What ever you decide, you have a very cool grandfather.

Answer 9

Whenever people ask questions about what gun they should get it always comes back to what are you using it for. If you really need the long range shots( like for mule deer of elk) and are willing to pay for the wearthby sub-moa, then that would be better. That guns was test by Field and Stream to be the most accurate factory gun( best 3-shot group .116!!). So if thats what you  think you need, then it might be nessicary. But if you only plan to use it for shor distance( 50-250 yards) then the tikka is fine. It is also a wonderful gun. David Petzel(writer of Field and Stream) said the gun would be good for $1000 and almost perfect for $625

Answer 10

the Tikka T3 is definately the best value and in your price range. plus they are amazingly accurate

Answer 11

if you want accuracy and distance the Weatherby and the Tikka are both great rifles, HOWEVER, the Weatherby Vanguard is on the cheap side of the Weatherby line and is made in Japan, so expect some issues with it down the line; the Tikka is a stylish and finely tuned gun, but it has it's downfalls as well. the Tikka is a cheaper brand of the Sako rifle and has fewer quality parts. the Garand is the best gun for blowing your shoulder off and making a lot of noise. trouble is finding the clips for an m1 Garand.

Answer 12

The Tikka is the only one that will fall in the $500 price range of the ones you listed.

For my money, I would buy a Remington 700 in 30-06.

Answer 13

The Garand not only has proven itself in battle, but its also reliable.  If you ever had to sell it, you could get the same amount if not more than you paid for it.  Plus, theres nothing like the metal ting of that magazine when it flies out.  If you are wanting a rifle for hunting, a Garand may not be the way to go as its a bit noisy.  I like the Tikka rifles, as the actions on them are awsome.  I am convincing myself to buy a Tikka T3 Tactical just because of the action.  Weatherby's are nice too, although they are pretty pricey.  I think overall, for a hunting gun you should go with the Tikka for the cost, you can always get a different stock if the rifle doesnt fit right.  If you are after a badas* nostalgic gun that helped win wars and is a proven war machine, go for the Garand.  Either way you cant lose.

Answer 14

Your not getting the Weatherby Sub-MOA for $500.

You could find a Tikka T3 (JRTE320) lite synthetic 30-06 for $500.

If you found a $500 Garand it will probably be a tired old dog. Beat to h**l and not working.