Suggestions for a budget varmint and plinker gun

[Noah]

I am going to a large gun shop and range as a Christmas gift on Wednesday, and have about $300 available that I would love to blow off on a rifle or carbine, all I really have now are shotguns and rimfires. For now I am looking at my neighbor's .223 Rossi, and my brother is (probably) getting a Hi Point 9mm for the same purpose, I'd be more interested in that save for its awful looks and small mag. Before you bash Hi Point, my Dad's .380 pistol has been great and their warranties and Ohio location are nice.

I want a lighter, cheaper round, specifically thinking .223, or 9mm (carbines only here I guess). Bolt, semi, lever, or single shot are all fine. I don't want a Mosin, my brother has one that I shoot often enough. I want something reliable and accurate, and made in the USA is always a plus. A used bolt action would be cool. I definitely prefer open sights, with the option to mount optics. An H&R Handi Rifle might do, my H&R shotguns have been problem free with joy aplenty.

Any ideas? What have I overlooked that I will be thrilled to hear about?

Merry Christmas!!!

 

[Mikey Idaho]

Any 223 bolt action from Savage or Remington or (insert favorite brand) would be a great way to get in at a low price though some don't have iron sights, or my preferred would be to find a used Mini 14 if you can bump up the budget a bit (I got mine for 400 and it's bulletproof and stone cold reliable after 5000 rounds and every type of ammo). Personally not a fan at all of pistol caliber carbines, 223 is just as cheap and more accurate with more range.

 

[Noah]

Stevens 200 looks nice, Savage Axis I can get Left Handed though...Both look pretty good, might have to wait for next weeks holiday pay paycheck to get one of those.

 

[marine 97-03]

Olympic plinker plus

 

[nastynatesfish]

Id go stevens 200. Mines plenty accurat with everything ive shot from 40gr fiochi to my 65gr reloads and cannt be beat for 315