Quote Originally Posted by FNQGU View Post
New or second hand?

Heavy barrel or hunting rifle?

.223 is a good starting calibre, accurate enough and ammo is reasonably cheap and easy to get.

Optics could be as much as the cost of the rifle, and don't forget a decent case and sling.

Do you really need a scope mounted spotlight to start with?

I am guessing you will be walking at night with it? So maybe you want a composite stock type rifle that's not too heavy? If you liked that Tikka, they are bullet proof and a pretty good choice.

If you are going new, think $2K as a ballpark.
Probably 2nd hand to save a bit of money.
Basically the only shooting I would do is foxes and rabbits at night on my mate's farm. I could definitely go without the spotlight to start with.
Once I have done a fair bit of shooting with this I will look at a 30-06 or something similar for deer stalking.
That same mate also has the Tikka in a 338 which is nice too.