The Accurate Reloading Forums
Budget rifles
21 May 2008, 18:07
KSTEPHENSBudget rifles
Whats the best centerfire rifle under $400 out?accuracy, ease of maint. and repair, fit and finish, reputation, warranty should be factors.Remington 715Howa 1500Savage Stevens 200CVA OptimaNE handi-rifle
21 May 2008, 22:03
duckboatThe best centerfire rifle under $400 is a used model in either Remington 700 or post-64 Winchester 70.
21 May 2008, 22:58
Magnum Hunter1Of the ones you listed the Howa wins for me hands down.
21 May 2008, 23:54
GrosVentreGeorgeI would have to say Howa and then the Stevens. I can not think of anything I like about the rem 715.
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22 May 2008, 00:16
Alberta CanuckFor fit and finish I would prefer the Howa, but I voted for the Savage/Stevens for the ease of changing barrels and cartridges.
forced to select from your list i'd say howa. however, a model 700 in decent condition can be had for 400. i saw a great old model 700 bdl earlier this evening over on 24 hour campfire that someone was selling for only 350. looked almost new.
22 May 2008, 10:33
2ndtimerI have a Stevens 200 in .243, which is probably the best rifle for under $300, but upping the ante to $400 brings the Howa 1500 and the Weatherby Vanguard into play ( or as some refer to them "Howabys") I think the Stevens may take the accuracy out of the box, but the Howabys score on smoothness of action, fit and finish and appearance. I just bought a new Weatherby Vanguard Varmint Special in .223, and it looks like it will be a winner. I like the way it balances with the 22" tapered bull barrel. Haven't really had a chance to accuracy test it yet, but hopefully it will get a work out on some Montana gophers this coming weekend.
Bullets are pretty worthless. All they do is hang around waiting to get loaded.
22 May 2008, 10:43
vapodogEasily Howa......but the comment of used post-64s is a valid comment.
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22 May 2008, 13:43
seafire2quote:
Originally posted by Alberta Canuck:
For fit and finish I would prefer the Howa, but I voted for the Savage/Stevens for the ease of changing barrels and cartridges.
My sentiments exactly....
actually Wally World sells some Savage 11s and 111s for under $400.00 with the accu triggers...like $349.00 here...
if you can live with the single shot, for the $200 to $225.00 they run new, those little New Englands are solid little rigs..
The only real piece of junk on there is the Rem 715, and 710..
I can't comment on the CVA.....
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24 May 2008, 03:38
ted thornI would vote (Other) Remington ADL no sights clean barrel....my choice
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24 May 2008, 04:42
260remguyWhile my $210 Remington 710 in 30-06 shoots quite good groups with a variety of factory ammo, it is a heavy rifle. Stevens 200s generally wholesale for around $250+/- and can be pretty accurate right out of the box. I have a Stevens 200 in 223 that will shoot MOA to 1.5 MOA with the 6 or 7 varieties of factory ammo that I have tried and it is much better balanced than the Remington 710. I'm waiting for some BTDT feedback on the Marlin XR7s, since they will probably wholesale for about the same as the Stevens 200, but will have an Accu-Triggerish trigger.
Jeff
24 May 2008, 04:42
ireload2There are a lot of good used rifles that can be had for $400 or less. That being said I like the Howa best on your list.
We have 2 of your options, a Handi-Rifle in .270, and a 200 Stevens in .270. We are high on both of them for the money. The Handi-Rifle is quick to shoulder and a good shooter, it is my son-in-law's favorite deer gun. And he is a really good wing shooter. The Stevens is light, and surprisingly accurate, usually under an inch at 100 yards, off a shooting stand, depending on the ammo. We did not expect that.
25 May 2008, 02:21
Michael RobinsonNo doubt in my mind - from those on your list it's the Howa.
Mike
Wilderness is my cathedral, and hunting is my prayer.
25 May 2008, 14:00
NESIKA308quote:
Originally posted by duckboat:
The best centerfire rifle under $400 is a used model in either Remington 700 or post-64 Winchester 70.
Winchester 670's are great little guns and can be picked up for next to nothing. Got my last one for $250 which I thought was high, but I wanted it and they do shoot well.
28 May 2008, 06:22
wetdog2084NEF rifles are great I won a rocky MT elk foundation edition in 35 whelen and I love It. very accurate and reliable. I'm thinking of having one re barreled to 460 S&W.
For pure value, one has to look at the TC Encore, factory barrels for a song and dance, and full custom barrels cheaper than most off the rack rifles, plus shotgun, muzzleloader, rimfire, and handgun. Plus, every one will have the same trigger, which can be very sweet for $50.00 or less with a good smith.
29 May 2008, 07:05
toadheadM70 pushfeed - featherweight, if you please.