Bolt action hunting rifles, Bang per buck

[Maverick223]

I think more expensive models come in three categories...Looks (whether tactical or a better fit/finish), Name (no real upgrades), or Performance. The former is the most prevalent, followed by marketing (name). A performance upgrade in a rifle is getting rare IMO. Many of the budget rifles can shoot as well as the pricey competitors, and some can do a bit better.

 

[amlevin]

I have two bolt action rifles in my safe. One is a 1903-A3 (Remington mfr 1943) that was purchased from DOD in 1946 for $12.50 then Sporterized for about $100. The other is a month old Remington 700 SS 5-R Milspec that I paid $1050 for then added another $800 of accessories to (Scope, Case, Bipod, etc.). As hunting rifles they both make the deer dead. The Rem 700 SS is lots more fun to shoot. First groups were less than 1/2" @100 yards and the best group I have ever shot with the old '03 was 1" at same yardage. Fpr hunting I will stick with the old "War Surplus Sporter". If I break it I won't cry as much as if I were to drop the Remington into a canyon.

 

[chuwee81]

lol, but you had your 1903 since 1946 though, you must have some fond memories with it.

Back on topic:
due to the long barrel, the perceived loudness is not as bad. An AR with bird cage muzzle break and shorter barrel sounds louder. Some people report seeing HUGE fireball size muzzle flash though.

 

[oak1971]

Savage. Hands Down.

 

[BornAgainBullseye]

well they all for the most part go bang and they usually cost a few bucks. Hopefully it goes bang and down goes a buck, but for the bang for buck Id get in this order. Savage 10 110 series, Howa 1500-Weatherby Vanguard SUB-MOA for tack drivers. And The Remington stamped Euro 798 which is really just a Interarms Mauser 98. I believe the SPS version with a cheap synthetic stock is under $500 in some places. This is a fine time proven action that has been copied by just about everyone for over 100 years. It would make a fine hunting rifle that you know will not break some flimsy part because there is no flemsy in a Mauser 98.

 

[amlevin]

lol, but you had your 1903 since 1946 though, you must have some fond memories with it.

Definitely memories. It was my Dad's and it's all I have today that was his. He died over 40 years ago when I was 19. I plan on passing it on to one of my 5 grandkids. It just depends which one takes up hunting/shooting. Who knows it may even be my only grand-daughter. With a little luck it will still be a good shooter 100 years after it was made.

 

[Maverick223]

With a little luck it will still be a good shooter 100 years after it was made.

With a little care is will still be a exceptional shooter 1000 yrs from now.

 

[falldowngoboom]

I'm not sure you could do much better than a Marlin XL7 in the bang for the buck category. It's got features that aren't offered in some guns twice it's price. I'm guessing this comes at the cost of not having quite as exacting tolerances as pricier guns, but accuracy is accuracy, right?

The synthetic stock feels more solid and rubbery than plasticky (like some budget guns) and the adjustable trigger is a huge plus, IMO.

 

[amlevin]

With a little care is will still be a exceptional shooter 1000 yrs from now.

But what will we be using for ammo?

 

[Vern Humphrey]

Hopefully by then the ammo shortage will have eased a bit.

 

[P.B.Walsh]

Na, will be arguing what lazer power is sufficient for marshan deer.

 

[Maverick223]

Na, will be arguing what lazer power is sufficient for marshan deer.

I doubt that WE will.

 

[P.B.Walsh]

Well.......... not US, mabey are great x 30 grandchildren, while there exploring the "new worlds".

 

[yesis'loaded]

My gunsmith took an old Rem. 722 in .308, converted it to .300WSM Flutted the barrel & bolt, ported the barrel on top to compensate for barrel rise,tefloned the whole thing and dropped it in a Hogue rubberized stock(Full Pillar Bedding).Topped it off with a 4x14 Zeiss.
It's lightweight,accurate and will take down anything in N. America. This one will never leave me.