"Package" Rifle Deals

[Picher]

The less-expensive hunting rifle combos normally have a scope already mounted. I recently had one come to me that way, but never gave it a throught to check the scope's base screws for tightness. The factory "done it"...right? WRONG!

I checked everything else, but didn't know the rifle had been assembled "by the factory", so just didn't check the base screws before firing. Well, the rifle scattered shots all over the 100 yard target, so I thought the scope might be bad. I found another factory rifle supplied, but unused scope to put on it and in that process, noticed the loose bases. DUH. Okay, so now I'm not at the range, so which scope should I mount on it? I decided to mount "my" take-off scope and that worked out well, but still don't know if the first scope is okay. Fun and games, but I'll be wiser next time...I hope.

How about your shenanigans? Any stories?

 

[badkarmamib]

Pretty similar to yours. My most recent muzzleloader came as a package, "factory mounted and boresighted". Don't know how they managed that, since the scope was mounted about 10* off vertical. It strengthened my resolve to remove everything, and start from scratch with cleaned threads, Loc-Tite, and a plumb bob and level.

 

[troy fairweather]

Never trust any of those package deals. Savage are the worst for what I've seen. Even used guns everything should come off.

 

[Pudge]

I'm not saying you should trust the packages, but in a raffle I won a Thompson Center, (it might have been a Venture), with a Bushnell 3x9 and it was pretty close at 100 yards out of the box. I figured they bore sighted it at the factory.

 

[Captcurt]

I have sold several of the Savage 11 XP DOA packages. I always take the scopes off and torque the bases and rings. Most of them have been fine, but it is easier to check them before they go out the door.

 

[Whiteymin]

I recently purchased a new rifle that came with bases already installed. I have learned and knew that I would take them off and degrease and install with loctite. I found they were so loosely installed I could unscrew them with my pinky finger and thumb. Absolutely no torque at all. Just reinforced what I learned to do previously and my decision to always remove and reinstall whether the gun be used or new.

 

[Picher]

I wasn't aware of the newness until the lady, who waited while I did my lazer-zero and shot it. Not my usual modus-operandae (sp).

 

[bassjam]

I've only bought one package deal, it was a Remington 710 I purchased at Dick's circa 2001-02. If I recall correctly, it shipped without the scope installed, and a pretty competent Dick's employee actually installed and bore sighted it for me.

 

[LoonWulf]

I've had quite a few package rifles as I buy cheap crap, and as often as not those package guns were what was on sale.

I've had one be assembled right, but of course you don't know that till uou take it apart or shoot it lol

 

[Pudge]

I've had quite a few package rifles as I buy cheap crap, and as often as not those package guns were what was on sale.

I've had one be assembled right, but of course you don't know that till uou take it apart or shoot it lol

Cheap, maybe, but very often those low-end package rifles are well-engineered and great shooters. Not always crap.

 

[LoonWulf]

Cheap, maybe, but very often those low-end package rifles are well-engineered and great shooters. Not always crap.

undoubtedly, and while I do feel there's some true "crapiness" on almost all of the designs they are all generally good guns.
Ive got some expensive crap also lol....it's just a phrase I use to include a pile of different things.

 

[Captcurt]

I tried to upgrade and bought me a Kimber 84 Hunter in 257 Rob and scoped it with a VX-II. I hate to say it, but I have shot some $400 Savage package guns that would shoot rings around it. It's gone and I presently have 2 Savages, a model 10 and a model 11 that are sub-MOA. The 11 cost me $375 with a 3-9X Bushnell. There are several brands of package guns that are super buys. One of the best that I have seen lately is the Mossberg Patriots. Their walnut gun is a steal. If they would take some of the slop out of the bolt I would have a safe full off them.

 

[TexasPatriot.308]

I bought my better half a Ruger Predator package deal with a Redfield 3x9x40 on it for about $450. It is in .22 250. She kills hogs with it all the time, great rifle, great American made scope made by Leupold.