Sheepdog1968
Member
In the last 5 years all the major manufacturers have come out with inexpensive bolt actions. I seem to real in late 2012 or early 2013 Field and Stream did a nice write up comparing them all.
A new deer rifle?
- Thread starter sbwaters
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Elkins45
Member
Ruger American in 308, 270 or 30-06. I would just use the 32 special over a varmint cartridge like the 243. I know there are people who swear by it for deer, but I am not one of them. Small caliber rounds on big critters rely on proper bullet performance, and factory bullets in factory loads occasionally fail in either direction. With the 30 cal rounds the bigger, heavier bullet is more likely to do sufficient damage even if it fails.
Of course if you are hand loading with premium bullets then that risk is minimized. But even then there's no compelling reason not to choose the larger caliber IMO.
I'm a big fan of Savage rifles but I think the Ruger really owns the budget rifle category at the moment. I like everything about the American over its other <$400 competitors.
Of course if you are hand loading with premium bullets then that risk is minimized. But even then there's no compelling reason not to choose the larger caliber IMO.
I'm a big fan of Savage rifles but I think the Ruger really owns the budget rifle category at the moment. I like everything about the American over its other <$400 competitors.
I prefer the Savage with Accu-trigger over the American.
I shoot a 30-06 Savage regularly. I have an American 30-06.
I am beginning, in my advanced age, to like lighter recoiling guns. 243 is an excellent caliber. I have taken elk with it.
I think that any of the budget rifles (Savage, Marlin, American...) in any of the normal "deer" calibers, will be more than sufficient to take white tails. The problems usually start with the $59 scope that won't hold a zero so people think it must be the $300 rifle. I advocate buying a cheap rifle with QUALITY rings, bases and scope. The rifle model is more about aesthetics but there is a major difference in triggers. There are some Savage rifles, I own two, with HORRIBLE triggers. I took both to a gunsmith to do trigger jobs and they are now tolerable.
I shoot a 30-06 Savage regularly. I have an American 30-06.
I am beginning, in my advanced age, to like lighter recoiling guns. 243 is an excellent caliber. I have taken elk with it.
I think that any of the budget rifles (Savage, Marlin, American...) in any of the normal "deer" calibers, will be more than sufficient to take white tails. The problems usually start with the $59 scope that won't hold a zero so people think it must be the $300 rifle. I advocate buying a cheap rifle with QUALITY rings, bases and scope. The rifle model is more about aesthetics but there is a major difference in triggers. There are some Savage rifles, I own two, with HORRIBLE triggers. I took both to a gunsmith to do trigger jobs and they are now tolerable.
Elkins45
Member
I couldn't agree more about the cheap scopes. One of the major advantages of the cheap rifles is that they allow you to budget for a decent scope instead of the cheapie that will fall apart when you need it most.
CaliCoastie
Member
- Joined
- Jun 24, 2010
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Tried a budget rifle, marlin xs-7, decent scope, good mount, aftermarket stock, 3 months work with hand loads to get it close to an inch, factory was closer to two plus.
Bought a used Sako for less than I had into the budget gun.
I mostly buy used these days.
Good luck with your purchases.
Bought a used Sako for less than I had into the budget gun.
I mostly buy used these days.
Good luck with your purchases.
Mike C2
Member
Are there any other features you are looking for? A specific caliber or at least minimum bore? Stainless? Composite stock? Need for a magnum cartridge?
CDNN sports has some Ruger M77 Hawkeyes right now for great prices. You can get a stainless 7mm/08 all weather for $499. They have a Hogue stocked .270 discounted big as well.
CDNN sports has some Ruger M77 Hawkeyes right now for great prices. You can get a stainless 7mm/08 all weather for $499. They have a Hogue stocked .270 discounted big as well.
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