I want a 7mm, Savage, Stevens or Marlin.....?

Stevens is produced by Savage but has a lower quality trigger, trigger guard and stock (to cut costs, they are entry level guns). Savage is excellent for their price point, and Marlin is a rogue element with their QC being in the toilet due to the recent change in management. I'd take the Savage, the Stevens is good in a pinch though, but you'll want to change the trigger and stock later to make it shine. You can get a brand new Stevens with a 3-9x40 scope for $320 at Cabela's, with the other two you'll need to go used.

With the options you listed for 350 id say if you can get a savage go with that, other wise stevens or used.
Dont forget to take a look at the Vanguards, and t3s also. They are a bit more but good rifles. If your willing to be picky take a look at 700s as well, look them over VERY carefully, but if they check out they are also good guns.

I'd shop hard for a used Rem 700 of '08 or older vintage. They don't turn up often in that price range, but it does happen.

Otherwise, Savage.

For another $150 or so you could get a Tikka T3

Savage all the way...

Savage, no question.

I do have to ask, why 7mm? It's rather brutal to shoot, and very expensive, too. If you're on a budget, you might want to consider the cost of ammo, too. You can save a lot on ammo costs if you switch to a different caliber in the same power range. Unless you reload, each time you pull the trigger you'll be spending around $1.50. With .30-06, it's less than $1 with many ammo varieties. Same goes for .270 Winchester. You may want to think about that, and possibly save both your shoulder and some money.

WardenWolf said:

Savage, no question.

I do have to ask, why 7mm? It's rather brutal to shoot, and very expensive, too. If you're on a budget, you might want to consider the cost of ammo, too. You can save a lot on ammo costs if you switch to a different caliber in the same power range. Unless you reload, each time you pull the trigger you'll be spending around $1.50. With .30-06, it's less than $1 with many ammo varieties. Same goes for .270 Winchester. You may want to think about that, and possibly save both your shoulder and some money.

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A savage 110 in a 7mmMag is no more brutal than a 30-06 in the same rifle. Have owned both very little difference in recoil. Plenty of places have good deals on 7mm mag ammo. Buy the Savage and put a decent scope on it, you'll be happy with it.

You would have to add $300.00 to that to get a Tikka. I would go with the TC Venture. Best barrel, 3 lug bolt, good trigger and all for about $400.00. Best buy out there!!!
Dave

I'll throw into the mix the Mossberg 4x4. It's their higher end bolt action and most have muzzle breaks, if you like that sort of thing (espescially with a 7mm Magnum)

Savage all the way

You have excellent taste, my friend. I would have to say that my Weatherby Vanguard in 7mm Rem Mag is my favorite gun! Not that I don't like my other guns. I would encourage you to listen to the "30-06 Crowd", but don't let them give you any guff for sticking with the 7mm Rem Mag if you decide, like I have, that you prefer a more modern round. I was just on gunbroker and I did not see any weatherby that would be in your price range.

You can't go wrong with any of the rifles that you mentioned, but I would select the 7mm-08 Rem. It's a deceptively efficient long range cartridge that won't beat you up quite like the magnums.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/7mm-08_Remington



NCsmitty

Before we all start throwing caliber suggestions out (Not that i disagree with any of them), I think we might should ask WHY do you want a 7mag?
If you think you need one, other options may fill your needs better.
If you simply WANT one, then well dont listen to any of us

Also David, how much are T3s going for where you live? they run about 450 here.

LW My friend just ordered T3 lefthand in 300 WM and it was $625.00 and that was the best deal he found!!
Dave

youch, I thought stuff here was expensive. thanks for the info

The Marlin is only available in 7mm-08 (a fine caliber), not 7mm Remington Magnum if that is what you are shopping for.

Dan

Lately, Savage rifles are looking like a better and better choice at any price point. They keep getting better while the quality of a lot of their competition seems to be circling the drain.

I want to get into long range target practice,

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Have you ever shot a 7mm Rem Mag or 300 Win Mag, if not, it would be a good idea to try either or both out and see if the recoil will be acceptable?


NCsmitty

7mm Rem mag is in the same class as 30-06 in recoil. Maybe a touch more, but close enough that anyone who can handle a 30-06 won't have a problem with the 7 mag. The 7 mag is probably the best choice for delivering the most energy with flattest trajectory and doing it with moderate recoil.

The 300 mags are a bigger step up in recoil. Most can learn to manage it, but the difference is there. It will deliver a little more energy at short and medium ranges, but after you reach the 500 yard range the 7mm mags actually out perform the 300 by a small margin.

Unless you are going to be shooting animals larger than deer, and at very long range the 308, or 7-08 recoil much less, are much less expensive to shoot and will work just fine.

I like the magnum rounds if you need lots of energy at long distance to kill larger animals. For smaller animals such as deer, or punching holes in paper you don't need the power.

Howa or Weatherby s2, if not...savage.

Im tempted to make a quip about the defensive virtues of the 7mm Remington Magnum...but i wont

To be a hundred percent honest, you'll get what you pay for in the 350-400 dollar range. They will ALL generally be good guns, and fairly, to scary accurate. NONE will be hands down better then the others (well besides staying away from the Rem770s, and maybe the mossberg ATRs).

Just bought a Marlin XL7 in 30-06, with a laminate stock, paid $348.- out the door and really love the rifle. Adjustable trigger that is easy to use.