BigBL87
Member
So, my sister in law was up here for her wedding (she lives in Arkansas), and while she was up here one of her employees was taking care of her animals. When he stopped by, he found three feral hogs attacking her dogs. He shot one, other two got away, thankfully dogs are fine.
With that happening, she asked if I'd be interested in doing some hog hunting the next time we head down there, and of course I'm happy to oblige especially if it gives me an excuse to buy another rifle.
I was originally planning on using my AR and .223, but from what I've read that might be a little on the light side for some of the larger hogs. Not wanting to be undergunned, a .308 seems like a good option.
So, I'm looking to get the best value for my dollar and not spend too awful much (Under $300 ideally). Accuracy is always great of course, and most of the budget rifles I've looked at tend to be at least MOA accurate when reviewed by online reviewers. This is going to be a hunting rifle through and through, not looking to shoot bench rest or long range precision any time soon.
So all that said, here's the ones I've looked at...
T/C Compass - The 1:12 twist is my main qualm, as from what I've read 1:10 is more flexible bullet weight wise. That being said, not sure I'd have a reason to use heavier bullets so not sure if I should worry about that. One of the least expensive options.
Remington 783 - I don't like the molded in sling studs, I'd probably put a metal stud in myself for use of a bipod if I wanted to use one. I've read complaints about the finish being prone to rust as well, but let's be real any gun can rust if not maintained well. One of the least expensive options.
Savage Axis II - More expensive than the other 2 and over my $300 budget, thanks in part to the fact that it only comes as a scoped combo as far as I can find. If I go with an Axis I want the Accutrigger (have one on my Mk II), so that's why I'm skipping the "regular" Axis. I'd want to replace the scope, so paying extra for the combo is kind of a waste.
Ruger American - Like the Axis, over budget but that's the only down side I've read so far. Pretty glowing reviews otherwise.
Mossberg Patriot/ATR - Haven't read much on these, what I have read hasn't been as glowing as the others but not terrible. Price is good though.
Sorry for the long post, but would like some input on the rifles above, or some other suggestions if I've missed one. I'm working on saving up the money (gun budget is tapped out after my recent 1911 purchase) so I won't be buying immediately.
With that happening, she asked if I'd be interested in doing some hog hunting the next time we head down there, and of course I'm happy to oblige especially if it gives me an excuse to buy another rifle.
I was originally planning on using my AR and .223, but from what I've read that might be a little on the light side for some of the larger hogs. Not wanting to be undergunned, a .308 seems like a good option.
So, I'm looking to get the best value for my dollar and not spend too awful much (Under $300 ideally). Accuracy is always great of course, and most of the budget rifles I've looked at tend to be at least MOA accurate when reviewed by online reviewers. This is going to be a hunting rifle through and through, not looking to shoot bench rest or long range precision any time soon.
So all that said, here's the ones I've looked at...
T/C Compass - The 1:12 twist is my main qualm, as from what I've read 1:10 is more flexible bullet weight wise. That being said, not sure I'd have a reason to use heavier bullets so not sure if I should worry about that. One of the least expensive options.
Remington 783 - I don't like the molded in sling studs, I'd probably put a metal stud in myself for use of a bipod if I wanted to use one. I've read complaints about the finish being prone to rust as well, but let's be real any gun can rust if not maintained well. One of the least expensive options.
Savage Axis II - More expensive than the other 2 and over my $300 budget, thanks in part to the fact that it only comes as a scoped combo as far as I can find. If I go with an Axis I want the Accutrigger (have one on my Mk II), so that's why I'm skipping the "regular" Axis. I'd want to replace the scope, so paying extra for the combo is kind of a waste.
Ruger American - Like the Axis, over budget but that's the only down side I've read so far. Pretty glowing reviews otherwise.
Mossberg Patriot/ATR - Haven't read much on these, what I have read hasn't been as glowing as the others but not terrible. Price is good though.
Sorry for the long post, but would like some input on the rifles above, or some other suggestions if I've missed one. I'm working on saving up the money (gun budget is tapped out after my recent 1911 purchase) so I won't be buying immediately.