Are rifle packages worth it (e.g. Weatherby, Savage)

[tackleberry45]

I am browsing the Weatherby site and see where you can get a complete 30-06 setup for an MSRP of $729. Some web hunting and I found this regularly around $550.00. Are these pre-made packages worth it?? It seems that for an entry level, just starting to hunt rifle, that this is a good fit. I saw where Savage does it also. If you search older threads it will show I got a Stevens 200 in 7mm-08 and then did a Burris and Redfield setup for about the same money.

 

[BrocLuno]

It's certainly a good way for a newbie to get started. Allows them to get used to a complete package and they can upgrade bits and pieces when time and money become available.

 

[Sooner1911]

I don't know what you mean by package deal, but if you mean rifle and scope combo $729 is ridiculous and $550 is still pricey IMHO assuming you are talking about a Vanguard combo. I am basing my opinion on the fact that the Vanguard rifles can be had for $400-$429 and that is the only Weatherby product that is in the price range you are talking about. Chances are the scopes offered on the combo are not worth $125 to $150. On Optics Planet you can get a Nikon Pro Staff 3x9x40 for $159.95 with Nikoplex reticle or $169.95 with a BDC reticle. It is a great scope with Nikon's lifetime warranty. You might also look at the new Redfields which is now owned by Leupold and includes a lifetime warranty. I think they are similar in price to the Nikons. Figure $50 conservatively for mounts and rings. So if you can get the rifle for $400 and the scope for $160, and mount and rings for $50, for $60 more you get something that should never require an upgrade unless you plan on shooting really long ranges. I think you would be much happier with the scope quality if separately purchased. You also get the satisfaction of mounting your own scope and boresighting your own rifle. It is relatively easy to do and you will know it is done right if you do it yourself. Good luck and let us know what you decide.

 

[Beacon]

I bought a Savage package once in .25-06. I only bought it because of the rifle..I wanted a .25-06, I shoot left-handed and don't see too many of them, and it was there. The scope is gone, the rings and bases are gone, even the wood stock is gone. It now wears a Nikon 3-9x40 with BDC and a synthetic stock. It worked nicely on a deer I killed last year, and I am pleased with it. Generally, a man is better off buying the rifle clean and then putting the scope, rings, and bases he wants on it. I'm kinda picky about scopes, rings, and bases and package deals generally have cheap scopes and such.

 

[Double Vision]

About a year ago I bought a used Savage 111 that was without the scope.
No problem, I added a Redfield to it.
PS, Savage customer service is outstanding.

 

[Idaho Dana]

I bought a Winchester package years ago and never liked it. I was just getting into
hunting and shooting in general and was nothing but frustrated with the scope. I have seen some of the packages most of which include rifles with a blind box internal magazine and a bottom drawer scope.
You would be better off buying a rifle that fits your needs and shopping for a scope on eBay.

 

[Z-Michigan]

As noted, the scopes are usually low quality. The rings and mounts vary and are sometimes decent stuff like Leupold. It all depends on the price. If the package deal is priced at basically the rifle + rings + mounts, it can be a fair deal. Don't pay much for the scope, because you'll want to swap it for something better pretty much right away.

 

[GuysModel94]

The Weatherby Syn. package is a great deal IMO. The scope is a $110.- Bushnell with Luepold rings that is already boresighted. The gun is a real shooter for the price. It also includes a Plano hardcase and a sling. I've shot this pck. in .308 and it easily shoot 1 1/2 groups at 110 yards (that was lazered in the desert). My friend had a grin on his face all day.

 

[wingman]

Package deals are for the once a year deer hunter who may fire 20 rounds and put gun away until next year, scopes are very poor quality not worth the effort.

 

[SpeedAKL]

Been there, done that. The instant gratification is not worth the swearing that comes later as you try to re-zero the crappy scope every time you go to the range

 

[CZguy]

Sounds like we are all agreed. I feel that package deals are just marketing ploys to get you to think you can have it all, for only half price. There's no free lunch.

 

[Z-Michigan]

I feel that package deals are just marketing ploys to get you to think you can have it all, for only half price. There's no free lunch.

Once in a while - three years ago I bought a Remington 700 "SPS tactical" (?) package for something like $440 after rebates. It had Leupold rings and bases, and a no-name 4-12 scope. If I had kept it and ditched the scope I still would have been ahead of buying a Remington 700 with no package. But instead I traded it for another gun I valued at around $650, which worked out well for me. YMMV

 

[SwampWolf]

I am basing my opinion on the fact that the Vanguard rifles can be had for $400-$429 and that is the only Weatherby product that is in the price range you are talking about.

About a month ago, my local gunshop was selling new Vanguards for $299.99. I much prefer to decide on my own as to which scope and mount/ring set I want on my rifle.