godale
Member
if i cant get a deal on the remington from dicks. i prefer the stevens 200. just my opnion. its a savage pre accutrigger and you can do so many things with it
Best Budget Bolt Action?
- Thread starter TheGoldenSaber
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Skylerbone
Member
My .02, there are scads of inexpensive rifles out there that can do what most people want done with reasonable accuracy. Specifying .308 in some ways implies a rifle capable of fair distance or larger game or perhaps both.
Knowing what your intentions are as well as expectations will help narrow down the more suitable candidates. Saying "better glass" to some means a Nikon ProStaff while others feel a Leupold is "bargain glass".
If you simply want a decent starter rifle with room for improvement, I'd suggest a Savage Model 11/ Nikon combo. At under $475 delivered, you may never want for more but if you do, barrels, stocks and glass can all be upgraded readily and easily. I own several Accutrigger Savages and while not as good as most basic aftermarket replacements, can be finessed with minimal work.
The aforementioned Tikka, Win. 70 and a host of others may suit your purposes as well or better, depending on your requirements, preferred finish, etc. I would not recommend the basement model Remington or Savage for much more than a back up or camp rifle.
Knowing what your intentions are as well as expectations will help narrow down the more suitable candidates. Saying "better glass" to some means a Nikon ProStaff while others feel a Leupold is "bargain glass".
If you simply want a decent starter rifle with room for improvement, I'd suggest a Savage Model 11/ Nikon combo. At under $475 delivered, you may never want for more but if you do, barrels, stocks and glass can all be upgraded readily and easily. I own several Accutrigger Savages and while not as good as most basic aftermarket replacements, can be finessed with minimal work.
The aforementioned Tikka, Win. 70 and a host of others may suit your purposes as well or better, depending on your requirements, preferred finish, etc. I would not recommend the basement model Remington or Savage for much more than a back up or camp rifle.
TheGoldenSaber
member
Ideally I want a rifle that shoots 1 MOA that can kill anything in North America. This will be primarily a range toy with occasional hunting and a long range shtf gun.
ArchAngelCD
Member.
A Mosin Nagant? Really?
First off they are no longer under $100 and if you do buy one you will need to completely replace the trigger for at least $100. Then you have to deal with the weight, it's a very heavy rifle. Then there is ammo, there isn't very much commercial 7.62X54R ammo out there for hunting. If you want a scope that presents another set of problems.
IMO the Mosin is a good range rifle and I own one but in this case I think it misses the mark by a wide margin.
As for Tikka rifles, they are very good rifles but I highly doubt you can buy one anywhere near the OP's self imposed budget.
First off they are no longer under $100 and if you do buy one you will need to completely replace the trigger for at least $100. Then you have to deal with the weight, it's a very heavy rifle. Then there is ammo, there isn't very much commercial 7.62X54R ammo out there for hunting. If you want a scope that presents another set of problems.
IMO the Mosin is a good range rifle and I own one but in this case I think it misses the mark by a wide margin.
As for Tikka rifles, they are very good rifles but I highly doubt you can buy one anywhere near the OP's self imposed budget.
TheGoldenSaber
member
If I got a Nagant it would be a backup long range gun. My criteria is for modern rifles.
Jlr2267
Member
T53 carbines are $99 and occasionally a Molot sale will pop up at $89-$99 for a 91/30. The trigger on the T53 is actually not bad...better than some modern rifles. The 91/30 trigger is generally not as good.
You are right about the weight. I would not carry one very far into the woods myself. There are a few choices on ammo: S&B, PRVI, Hornady, Brown Bear...all make a soft point for hunting.
There are definitely better choices out there for hunting, but they cost a LOT more money.
JHansenAK47
Member
The best budget guns that I have seen have all been on the used market. One that sticks in my mind was a Husqvarna limited edition something or other with the original tag that had the name of the guy that hand built it in Sweden at the factory. The best values can be had on the used market, but you better know what you are looking for and talking about. I've had people try to pull one over on me with their silver tongues.
A lot of people buy guns and don't shoot them. I bought a SAKO AV from the mid to late 80s that was 20+ years old and looked brand new.
A lot of people buy guns and don't shoot them. I bought a SAKO AV from the mid to late 80s that was 20+ years old and looked brand new.
Lloyd Smale
Member
walmart was selling rem 700 adls for 420 with a pos scope on them. thats as cheap as your going to buy a bare 700 action for.
meanmrmustard
Member
How about a Tikka Mosin 91/30?
In and around $300, collectors items, and from my experience one of the most accurate Finnish made besides the M39.
As for ammo, reload. Plenty of .308 around, and that particular model slugs a .308 bore.
Mohave-Tec
Member
This year I paid $279 for a Savage Axis in 223 and I paid $319 for a Remington 783 in 308.
Mossberg
While known more for their shotguns Mossberg makes a nice bolt action rifle in their ATR series.
When I looked around for an inexpensive bolt gun in .308 I compared all the prices and features and went with the Mossberg, Scoped ATR in .308. IIRC it was $270.00 delivered and transferred from my FFL.
I was so impressed with it that when my stepson wanted an inexpensive rifle I suggested it to him. His came as a newer version and had an adjustable trigger and fluted barrel.
I see that "Bud's" gun shop has them listed around $270.00 with free shipping, so they're still in the same price range.
While known more for their shotguns Mossberg makes a nice bolt action rifle in their ATR series.
When I looked around for an inexpensive bolt gun in .308 I compared all the prices and features and went with the Mossberg, Scoped ATR in .308. IIRC it was $270.00 delivered and transferred from my FFL.
I was so impressed with it that when my stepson wanted an inexpensive rifle I suggested it to him. His came as a newer version and had an adjustable trigger and fluted barrel.
I see that "Bud's" gun shop has them listed around $270.00 with free shipping, so they're still in the same price range.
FiveInADime
Member
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- Aug 24, 2012
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- 192
I think the Marlin is overlooked more often than not because it's not available at large retailers. I spent some time at Cabelas looking at the different budget rifles, just killing some time. Fit and finish wise I would rank the Marlin above the Axis, American, and even the TC Venture. I think there would be more Marlin recommendations if people actually held them in hand compared to other low-budget guns. Granted, I have held a few Marlins that have warped stocks and other issues, but comparing a good example of each rifle, I think the Marlin is the best $300 gun by a long shot.
I am not just saying this because I have one. I bought mine as a cheap stainless platform to put a good stock and barrel on and I think spending $1000 or more on a great rifle off the shelf is a better economy. I personally would never want a $300 rifle for much more than a toy, even though they are as accurate as more expensive guns, these days. If I ever buy another rifle, I want it to be something with no compromises.
d2wing
Member
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- Nov 10, 2008
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You won't be happy with a Mosin. They are 2 MOA at best and usually much worse. the safety is mostly useless, the trigger is bad, not designed for a scope, kick hard due to stock design. Ammo is cheap but poor quality and corrosive. They are ok for what they are, I won't part with my M44. But the OP wants a pactical modern rifle in .308.
The 700 at Walmart, a Savage, or Ruger would top my list but there are several more mentioned that are really good for the money and fit the bill.
The 700 at Walmart, a Savage, or Ruger would top my list but there are several more mentioned that are really good for the money and fit the bill.
Mike1234567
member
I paid $355 including FFL fee for a Savage Axis in stainless steel. A DIY trigger improvement is fast and easy.
EDIT: Price corrected.
EDIT: Price corrected.
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huntinfool87
Member
I like the weatherby vanguard s2 it has a guarantee to shoot sub moa. Out of the box!
Also I have a Remington 783. In a 270. And it out shoots my friends ruger American in the same caliber all day every day!
Also I have a Remington 783. In a 270. And it out shoots my friends ruger American in the same caliber all day every day!
Mr.Revolverguy
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- Feb 24, 2007
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- 1,882
Savage 10TR
2ndtimer
Member
I picked up a Marlin X7 in .270 Win. on sale locally for $249.95 a few months ago. I have been very impressed with it. Sub MOA accuracy with 130 gr Nosler Solid Base handloads, light weight, smooth bolt, nice trigger. Haven't even had to adjust it or mess with the bedding. It shot well right out of the box. Threw a Nitrex TR-1 scope on it ($99.95 at Natchez Shooters Supply), and am very happy with it. Also very happy with my Stevens 200 in .243 Win (after installing a Rifle Basix trigger, a Hogue recoil pad, and having my son sand down and paint the stock camo)
What about Howa?
I only know them by reputation but A Howa 308 looks like it would work for you needs.
As for the Mosin, soft points from S&B and Privi Partizan are available as is an interesting scout mount from Brass Stacker. I have heard that US Made metric-caliber ammunition tends to be a bit under powered compared to CIP loadings, YMMV. I have a Mosin and after getting used to the recoil, think its a very under-rated rifle. If you buy one, take a q-tip or cotton swab soaked in balistoil to the barrel extension's bolt lugs and make sure you get all the cosmoline there too.
I only know them by reputation but A Howa 308 looks like it would work for you needs.
As for the Mosin, soft points from S&B and Privi Partizan are available as is an interesting scout mount from Brass Stacker. I have heard that US Made metric-caliber ammunition tends to be a bit under powered compared to CIP loadings, YMMV. I have a Mosin and after getting used to the recoil, think its a very under-rated rifle. If you buy one, take a q-tip or cotton swab soaked in balistoil to the barrel extension's bolt lugs and make sure you get all the cosmoline there too.
ArchAngelCD
Member.
My 2 main bolt action hunting rifles are both Howa 1500 guns. One is in 30-06 and the other in .223 and both are very accurate. The OP originally mentioned the price point of $400 but removed that part of the post for some reason. The price of $400 is why I didn't originally mention the Howa rifles, they are now more than that, I think in the $550 range. Both my Howa rifles deliver sub 1/2MOA accuracy with my handloads.
Inebriated
Member
I've a couple Savage Axis rifles and a 111.
Both are great, the 111 is just a nicer-feeling rifle. Better bolt knob, the AccuTrigger is fantastic, tons of accessories for the 11 (the short action, which you'd have for the .308), and comes with a Nikon ProStaff which, in my opinion, is the best of the budget scopes around, and definitely the best package scope I've ever used. A year or so on a .30-06, and no issues out of it at all.
Both are great, the 111 is just a nicer-feeling rifle. Better bolt knob, the AccuTrigger is fantastic, tons of accessories for the 11 (the short action, which you'd have for the .308), and comes with a Nikon ProStaff which, in my opinion, is the best of the budget scopes around, and definitely the best package scope I've ever used. A year or so on a .30-06, and no issues out of it at all.
Ignition Override
Member
Whether it can easily have a scope was not listed as an initial requirement.
My two Spanish FR8s (the type with the large-ring Mauser action...) are lots of fun. Approx. $425 and most have very limited wear and beautiful bores.
My two Spanish FR8s (the type with the large-ring Mauser action...) are lots of fun. Approx. $425 and most have very limited wear and beautiful bores.
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