I think the Ruger Hawkeye is the most bang for the $. It is one of the most expensive rifles discussed so far but I feel that it also gives you a lot more. If you go with wood and blue they are the only rifle that uses nothing but steel and walnut. No plastic or aluminum parts. In stainless/synthetic they are the least expensive option. Even the Savage which many consider to be the value leader costs more than a Hawkeye if you go stainless.
The Hawkeye offers a classic American style gun that is rugged and almost never has any problems compared to other brands you read about. The one complaint is with accuracy, but that rumor should have died 15 years ago. Current rifles are shooting just fine. My 308 and 280 are 1/2" shooters at 100 yards with my handloads.
There are guns that cost less that will shoot as good and there are guns that I think are better put together. Kimber and Winchester come to mind. But the Ruger is the most gun for the money in my book.
The Hawkeye offers a classic American style gun that is rugged and almost never has any problems compared to other brands you read about. The one complaint is with accuracy, but that rumor should have died 15 years ago. Current rifles are shooting just fine. My 308 and 280 are 1/2" shooters at 100 yards with my handloads.
There are guns that cost less that will shoot as good and there are guns that I think are better put together. Kimber and Winchester come to mind. But the Ruger is the most gun for the money in my book.