Which new low-priced rifle in 7mm-08

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kcshooter

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Got a buddy looking at a 7mm-08 hunting rifle after shooting mine and liking it.

Between these three.

Marlin
http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/...7MM-08+Rem.22"+Blue+BarrelBlack+Synthetic+Sto

Mossberg
http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/..._id/79818/Mossberg+100ATR+FL+LBA+7MM08+MT+SYN

Savage Axis
http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/products_id/70945/Savage+AXIS+7MM-08

I have my opinion, (based on zero experience with them), so if you've got some time behind one or more of these triggers, what're your thoughts?
 
if you can still find one, and I think you can, get you a Stevens 200. I got one that shoots dime groups, I have handled the Mossberg and I still prefer the Stevens, I took the crappy synthetic ugly stock off it and put a Boyds walnut stock on it, you will need a stock made for the Savage 10, with blind magazine, but it will work. I own some really nice rifles and I always take at least 3 or 4 to the deer lease, but you can bet that cheap Stevens 200 7mm-08 is going with me. they have been discontinued (kinda like the Remington 788 years ago) both are cheap, tack driving rifles.....guess thats why they were discontinued.
 
It is my opinion that the Axis and the X7 are better than the 100ATR. The ATR has about a 7lb trigger, the Axis about a 5lb, and the marlin is adjustable 3-6lb.

The Stevens would also be a good choice for about the same price.
 
Stevens 200. It is preferable to the 3 you listed because it is on the very common Savage 110 pattern, which there are tons of after-market parts for in case you want to upgrade or change its configuration. Not so much for those other 3. The only rifle that is better for after-market support is the Remington 700, which doesn't exactly fit your criteria for a "new budget" rifle.
 
I almost always side with Savage but with their 1:11.5" twist on their little 7 I vote none of the above, they are now offering Browning A-bolt synthetic stalkers for $499 at Bass Pro, thinking about snatching one up myself in 7mm-08
 
Thanks for the replies so far, here's a little more info:

He's even cheaper than me, and won't go over $300ish. He's got a Bushnell xlt scope already he wants to use on it. He probably would put a couple boxes of ammo thru it a year.


My Weatherby is 9.5" twist, why would Savage go to 11.5? I was leaning towards the Savage myself before that. Kinda cuts it off at the knees, since anything over 150gr-ish would be tough to stabilize, no? He'd be fine hunting with 140gr ammo but why buy a rifle that can only use half the loads of that cartridge.

The Stevens seem hard to come by new. That was my first idea, since there are drop-in triggers for it. I doubt he would do any work to it, though, beyond that.

I wouldn't recommend a rifle with a 7lb trigger to anyone, so unless there is a replacement unit, that'll knock the Mossberg out of the running.

Out of those 3, seems the Marlin gets the nod so far.
 
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None of the above.
I would recommend the Howa/Wby Vanguard. You buy "cheap", you get less than hoped for. I'd look for a used Savage 10 before I'd spend money on any of your possibles.
When you start trying to improve the cheapo, soon you have the cost of a better rifle tied up.
 
I have the Camou Marlin 7 08 . It shoots very good with factory ammo at 100 yds it gives me 1.25 inch grp . If i can suggest another brand, look at the Ruger American Rifle . i havent handled one but it seems to be a good budget rifle.
 
The Ruger American seems to be a decent rifle, I handled one the other day at Wally world, the stock felt like cheap flexi junk, and it was in fact touching the barrel all the way down (supposed to be free floated) but I have no doubt it would shoot straight. Ruger may make stuff rough around the edges but by all accounts they will keep you on target when you do your part. The Browning is certainly the next level up but does cost $150 more, well worth it to me but others might not see it that way.
 
Here's another place that is selling the Mossberg for just a little less than Bud's:

http://palmettostatearmory.com/inde...rg-atr-308-22-black-synthetic-scoped-package/

I don't know if Palmetto is still running free shipping but it seems that your friend is really trying to have as little in it as possible. While I don't own the models you specified, I own at least one from each brand and they've all done very well. As such I haven't had to deal with their customer service to rate that. Good problem to have I guess. :D
 
The_Armed_Therapist said:
It is my opinion that the Axis and the X7 are better than the 100ATR. The ATR has about a 7lb trigger, the Axis about a 5lb, and the marlin is adjustable 3-6lb.

The Stevens would also be a good choice for about the same price.
Click to expand...

IMHO The Stevens is more gun for the money than the Axis. It just needs bedding and trigger work. But if you have a Gun Smith like I do, the trigger is a no brainer. My smith will do his magic for about $35. He's done almost all my rifles except the few I put Timney's and Rifle Basix on.

I've also been looking at the Ruger American Rifle. It sounds like the best of the cheaper rifles.
 
TexasPatriot.308 said:
if you can still find one, and I think you can, get you a Stevens 200. I got one that shoots dime groups, I have handled the Mossberg and I still prefer the Stevens, I took the crappy synthetic ugly stock off it and put a Boyds walnut stock on it, you will need a stock made for the Savage 10, with blind magazine, but it will work. I own some really nice rifles and I always take at least 3 or 4 to the deer lease, but you can bet that cheap Stevens 200 7mm-08 is going with me. they have been discontinued (kinda like the Remington 788 years ago) both are cheap, tack driving rifles.....guess thats why they were discontinued.
Click to expand...

I think I read here somebody said that Savage stopped making the Stevens 200. However, they still offer it on the Savage site. The price went up a few bucks but it's still very reasonable.
 
Marlin. Loved the one I had but wanted something else (a Winchester 94) a bit more. Put a nice inexpensive single power Weaver scope on it and you'll have an excellent low cost package.
 
For a hunting rifle the Axis would be hard to beat for the price. Personally I hunt with a Savage 110 but have shot several of the Axis. If I was in the market for budget hunting rifle I'd be all over the Axis.
 
The_Armed_Therapist said:
@meanmrmustard... I was also a little bummed that the Ruger American didn't come in 7mm-08.
Click to expand...
It's a good round. I like jack of all trades chamberings, and the American is a handy lil rifle. My first, however, is going to be in .308, only because I have no use for the other 3 (yes, only 3 so far) offerings its chambered in. I'd like to see it in .260 most of all, but I'm not holding my breath.
 
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