I'm in the market for a budget-priced 243 to use as a short range (maybe 200-ish yds) predator rifle and possibly a backup to the backup deer rifle. Right now it's a toss up for me between the synthetic stocked Marlin X7 and the Walnut stocked Mossberg ATR. I'm not really a fan of synthetic stocks due to the flexibility of the cheaper ones on the budget rifles. I also have a thing for walnut stocks. Yes, I know I can replace the stock on the Marlin but that would defeat the whole budget rifle idea. I've also heard all the "you get what you pay for" rhetoric but my goal is still budget with the understanding that I'm not getting a Cooper rifle.
So is there anyone that owns or has handled the walnut stocked Mossberg? The synthetic stocked version seems to be widely available but I can't get my grubbies on the walnut ones right now. Basically, what is your opinion of the quality of the walnut stock and what are your opinions of the rifle as a whole WITH the walnut stock?
I'm not looking for a "pick this over that" opinion, just input from owners or those that have handled this version of the Mossberg ATR in particular. Thanks.
So is there anyone that owns or has handled the walnut stocked Mossberg? The synthetic stocked version seems to be widely available but I can't get my grubbies on the walnut ones right now. Basically, what is your opinion of the quality of the walnut stock and what are your opinions of the rifle as a whole WITH the walnut stock?
I'm not looking for a "pick this over that" opinion, just input from owners or those that have handled this version of the Mossberg ATR in particular. Thanks.