Rifle and Scope $650 to $700?

16 September 2005, 05:36

My cousin it wanting to get a new rifle soon. He is the type that will probably only go through a couple boxes of shells a year so ammo cost is not to big of a concern.

What he wants is something in the 300 or 338 mag class with rifle and scope for about $700 max. Well folks what do you say?

16 September 2005, 06:03

Teat Hound

Just a suggestion but a Savage combo package would be pretty good choice given the price range you indicated. They are very accurate, and are already bore-sighted.

I got one for my brother in 7mm Rem last christmas and it was a great deal for under $450.

If it was me though, I would get a Tikka.

16 September 2005, 08:45

RMiller

My last new rifle and scope was $800 total.

The rifle is a win mod 70 classic LT 300 win mag NIB $455 shipped from gunbroker.

The scope is a Ziess Conquest 3x9x40 NIB $348 shipped from ebay.

----------------------------

There is a mod 70 classic SS 300 wsm on gunbroker for $500 starting bid and a plethora of used leupolds on ebay for under 200. That is probably what I would get. to stay under 700.

16 September 2005, 08:57

vapodog

M-70 is my first choice.....other than that I'd be looking to Howa.

16 September 2005, 09:06

Kingfisher

I like vapodogs Howa suggestion but before that I was going to suggest a 700 SPS in 300 Ultra. The cost is $400, then put the $250 down on a decent scope for it and you're done.

16 September 2005, 09:20

okie john

Since he's not going to shoot much, a 30-06 is a better choice. Probably cheaper, too. A used push-feed M-70 Winchester or Remington 700 with a scope should go for under $500 -- use the extra cash for ammo or to upgrade the glass.

Okie John

16 September 2005, 09:34

Dago Red

Can you tell us more about him? What does he like?

I think if you could find a used Win 70 featherweight in 06, PF or CRF don't matter, that would be good. my older stepbrother has one and it is great.

Otherwise check out wally world and the Weatherby vanguards. I think they retail under 400 and when walmart was still selling guns in CA you could get it in 300 Weatherby, all the gun he'd ever need in N.A. (even though I HATE the way Weatherby shoulders look, ICK! BARF!). If you found one for even 450 you could scope it with a Leupold and be off to the races, advertising says Weatherby guarantees the accuracy on them.

Red

16 September 2005, 09:36

Jarrod

Yeah I thought a 30-06 would be better also as he wont be shooting all that much. He use to hunt some but he hasnt hunted or shot in a few years. Im afraid that a magnum of some sort will cause him to start flinching no more than he has shot. Maybe I can talk some since into him

16 September 2005, 09:39

ElCaballero

I was going to say Savage. You can get alot for a little, but If you run the figures like the other guys something a little more pleasing to the eye is possible. I like the Howa idea. It's a Vanguard without the Weatherby.

16 September 2005, 09:48

N E 450 No2

Jarrod
What game is he planning to hunt?

16 September 2005, 09:53

vapodog

quote:
Originally posted by ElCaballero:
I like the Howa idea. It's a Vanguard without the Weatherby.

Bingo.....

16 September 2005, 15:46

p dog shooter

Ruger and Burris some of the best buys for the money.

I would not have a savage as big game rifle ever. I have 5 plus savage varmint rifles in the house I belive I have had feeding touble with them all doesn't much matter in a dog town but I would not risk a big game hunt with them.

16 September 2005, 16:22

MLG

Tikka T3 for that price - nothing comes near it and it will shoot rings round an M70 or Remington out the box. My next choice would be a Savage.

16 September 2005, 16:36

MLG

quote:
Originally posted by vapodog:
M-70 is my first choice.....other than that I'd be looking to Howa.

Vapodog

Don't know how you could recommend one of these without advocating considerable modification.

A local Gunshop recently sent one back to Winchester in 7mm wsm as the chamber was oval and it was splitting factory cases after the 1st shot. Good rifle and excellent action let down by piss poor quality control/ assembly.

Just take my 375 H&H stainless as another example. I got it checked out by a gunsmith after purchase and he found that the open sights were not screwed on in the vertical position, the trigger engagement lip was not uniform and it was only hanging on the edge of the lip on one side, jewelling on the bolt was only on top and bottom surfaces, not on sides - non concentric machine marks on the crown resulting in the barrel being recrowned- machine marks on the bolt looked as if it had been finished off with an angle grinder. A total disgrace.

Its turned out to be a good rifle now, but at considerable cost/modification.

If Winchester just took a little time/trouble they could easily have a much bigger segment of the market.

16 September 2005, 17:51

MontMike

Buy an SPS with a Burris FF2 and you will be under the $700 mark. The Tikka WILL NOT shoot rings around it.

16 September 2005, 17:55

Brad

I'm always suprised how few will reccomend used rifles. I make it a habit to circulate the used rifle racks and I've found some of my best rifles this way. Get a used M70 (that's what I like) and put a VXI or VXII Leupold on top.

16 September 2005, 17:55

D99

quote:
Originally posted by MontMike:
Buy an SPS with a Burris FF2 and you will be under the $700 mark. The Tikka WILL NOT shoot rings around it.

I don't know I am with MLG on this, the damn Tikka is accurate.

16 September 2005, 17:58

Savage99

It's good to get the advice here but have him handle the rifles himself so that he can pick what he likes.

What LOP does he like? There is a nice pre 64 Featherweght in 30-06 that has a Lyman on it here for $595. If a 13" LOP with a pad fits call the Autumn Gun Works in Goshen, CT. Use http://www.anywho.com to get a number.

The advice on pre 64 M70's is different as one needs to learn to like them.

16 September 2005, 19:04

Reloader

quote:
What he wants is something in the 300 or 338 mag class with rifle and scope for about $700 max. Well folks what do you say?

If he wants a very Accurate, Dependable, and Reputable set-up that will last a lifetime, I'd suggest he get a Remington 700 SPS in 300 Win Mag, Leupie Bases and Rings, and a Nikon Monarch 3x9x40. That runs around $700 if you do your homework. The SPS has a 26" tube and the Sims recoil Pad. You can't go wrong w/ a Model 700.

Reloader

16 September 2005, 19:48

Jarrod

He will probably be only hunting deer and maybe a wildhog. A 25-06, 270, 7mm08, 308 etc would all suit him just fine but he wants a magnum of some sort.
LOP im not sure he's about 5'10"

What I am going to do is take him to Whittakers soemtime in the next couple weeks and just have him to handle all of the rifles that he could get and put a scope on for his price range and see which one he likes the best. I think this would probably be the best approach.

16 September 2005, 19:53

Jarrod

originally posted by MLG

quote:
Tikka T3 for that price- nothing comes near it and it will shoot rings around a M70 or Remington out of the box.

Thanks for giving me a good laugh. You should start a new thread with this and put it in the humor section.

In all seriousness though I'm sure the Tikka will shoot good and I like the way they look and feel, but I dont know if he will or not.

16 September 2005, 23:19

vapodog

quote:
Originally posted by MLG:
quote:
Originally posted by vapodog:
M-70 is my first choice.....other than that I'd be looking to Howa.

Vapodog

Don't know how you could recommend one of these without advocating considerable modification.

A local Gunshop recently sent one back to Winchester in 7mm wsm as the chamber was oval and it was splitting factory cases after the 1st shot. Good rifle and excellent action let down by piss poor quality control/ assembly.

Just take my 375 H&H stainless as another example. I got it checked out by a gunsmith after purchase and he found that the open sights were not screwed on in the vertical position, the trigger engagement lip was not uniform and it was only hanging on the edge of the lip on one side, jewelling on the bolt was only on top and bottom surfaces, not on sides - non concentric machine marks on the crown resulting in the barrel being recrowned- machine marks on the bolt looked as if it had been finished off with an angle grinder. A total disgrace.

Its turned out to be a good rifle now, but at considerable cost/modification.

If Winchester just took a little time/trouble they could easily have a much bigger segment of the market.

MLG
You're not the first person to shoot arrows at the latest workmanship issues at Winchester. Having said this however this has not been my personal experience.

The local gunshop has also critized Winchester for poor workmanship.

The same is said for Remington as well.....and Ruger and Weatherby...

17 September 2005, 00:31

JudgeSharpe

Hello the campfire:
Just my u-needed two cents, but I have had ggod luck buting used rifles from people I know, either in gunshops or personally. Recently I have picked up a Mod 70 in 300 wby mag made 1989 and could not have been shot more than two or three boxes of shells. Works great and shoots groups of less than 1.25 inch all day. Most are under one inch with hand loads. It wasless than 400, and I put a nice scope on it for about 400. I also picked up a custom 03 in 280 for uner 500. The wood alone was worth a lot more than that. So, shop around, deal with people you trust, expect to get screwed a little, but know enough to keep it to a reasonable screwing and that the seller needs to make a lille also. Not that I am against a big screwing, just not on guns, and I want to be the screwer, not the screwee.
Judge Sharpe

17 September 2005, 00:56

boom stick

quote:
Originally posted by vapodog:
M-70 is my first choice.....other than that I'd be looking to Howa.

vap...good taste once again...i think the howa is awesome and not popular enough for the quality

stainless thumbhole sporter!

17 September 2005, 01:31

Mikelravy

I recently picked up a good shooting used stainless Ruger in 338 for $375. I put on lower rings and a Leupold VX11 scope. Total cost about $700. I later made some cosmetic changes, but I had a functional rifle in the price range.

17 September 2005, 02:04

Mohawk

I also vote for the Howa. Whole lot of bang for the buck. Then spend more on a good scope than you payed for the Howa and still come in under your budget.

17 September 2005, 02:11

N E 450 No2

Jarrod
For deer and wild hogs I think he would be happier in the long run with a 308 [my favorite] or a 30-06.
He can always shoot Hornady Light Magnums, or federal high Energy loads if he feels the "need for speed", or wants to try some long range shooting.

17 September 2005, 04:21

Jarrod

NE450No2,
That is fairly close to what I was thinking.

17 September 2005, 05:55

quote:
Originally posted by Brad:
I'm always suprised how few will reccomend used rifles. I make it a habit to circulate the used rifle racks and I've found some of my best rifles this way. Get a used M70 (that's what I like) and put a VXI or VXII Leupold on top.

I know what you say is true..............but I always prefer a new one most of the time as I know what has been done to it exactly, I realise I need to review my habits.

17 September 2005, 06:22

MontMike

If he wants a magnum, I will recommend the 700 cdl. I own a 7mag in cdl and I swear that it kicks much less than any 270 that I've shot. A little more expensive than $700 with scope but imho worth the extra.

17 September 2005, 16:30

lofter

Our local gun shop just had it's yearly sale. I got there as doors opened. I picked up a rem model 700 classic in 8x57 mauser for $315 NIB! a bushnell 3200 3-10 for $169 NIB leupy bases and rings 25. They are adjusting the trigger down to 3 LB free of charge. free float and action bed at $75. I think I did resonably well

If the thing will shoot

I think that's under your number

19 September 2005, 18:20

Reloader

quote:
I think I did resonably well

No kiddin', that's a steal.

Hope she serve's ya well.

Reloader

19 September 2005, 21:58

TC1

Go to Walmart. get a Remington 700 ADL in .300winmag $405 If they don't have it in stock, they'll order it and you'll have it in a week.

Call lock, stock and barrel and order one of the Sightron SII 3.5X10X42 scopes on close out for $199. Great scope, worth twice the price.

pick up a good set of rings and bases $50-$100 and you should have enough left over for a couple of boxes of bullets for your new rifle.

Nothing fancy, but a very solid, accurate rig.

Terry

19 September 2005, 23:45

TerryR

Jarrod

I'll add my voice to those suggesting a 30-06. If you aren't going to shoot regularly, pick something that doesn't have a lot of recoil. In fact he may be even better served with a 7X57.
Regardless, my advice is to spend the money on the scope, skimp on the rifle. With a trigger job they all will outshoot a casual hunter. On the other hand you can't shoot what you can't see, and the difference between scopes is much greater than the difference between modern rifles. With a few exceptions, each of my scopes costs more than the rifle it sits on.
IMHO the quality line on scopes starts with Leupold and goes up from there.
Before you throw stones, answer this, how many shots have you taken at last or first light? If you are a deer hunter, I'd bet quite a few. A scope that can buy you another 20 - 30 minutes of hunting time can make a bigger difference that a rifle that shoots a half inch, or whole inch, tighter group and a quality scope can buy you that extra time.

TerryR

TerryR

21 September 2005, 23:50

Atkinson

Since he does not shoot much and is not a gun officiando he will do himself a favor to find a good used 30-06 as opposed to a .338 that recoils a good deal to those who don't shoot much....Why waste money on a new rifle, I have not bought a new rifle in many years, usually I get the Judges worn out hand me downs!

22 September 2005, 01:19

Mikelravy

It seems like most used rifles in powerful chamberings have been sold because the owner didn't like the recoil. Buying used is the way to go. Not many people shoot out the barrels on 338s.

22 September 2005, 02:02

Paul H

I'd say go with a Ruger M77 Mk-II. When you factor in the integral scope bases and included rings, it's a great buy, and it's a tough rifle.

As for scopes, I'm a leupy fan, but find their new pricing structure makes them over priced for what they are. I'd likely lean towards a Weaver fixed scope, though if he has his mind set on a magnum, he'll probably want to top the rifle with some sort of celestial telescope.

22 September 2005, 09:22

MikeyB

Weatherby Vanguard, Howa Lightning, Mossberg 100ATR, or S&W 1500. They're all made with the Howa action, buy whatever is cheaper.

23 September 2005, 02:16

Wstrnhuntr

Yet another vote for the Howa/Vanguard rifle. Best value on the market, top it off with a Leupold VXII or Bushnell Elite and go hunting. I still entertain thoughts about adding one in WSM to my battery although it would be quite redundant.

I also like scouring the shelves of used gun shops, there are some incredible bargians to be had and some excellent, well made older actions available for little $, but one has to be carefull about it and realize that some of those used rifles were parted with for good reasons.

23 September 2005, 03:32

swampfox

I'd probably get a Ruger and a Bushnell Elite 3200. Maybe a Leupold. That would be up towards $800.00.

Savage has a Stevens out which is the 110 in a grey synthetic stock without the accutrigger. I have one in .308 and it shoots great. Price was $279.00. I have an old Redfield 1.75x5 on it at the moment.