Buying a new rifle any suggestions?

[Okiebate]

I plan on buying a rifle later on this year. I am on a budget and I am wanting something that will last for a long time. Rifles I have been looking at are the TC ventures, Marlin xl7/xs7, I would like a savage but can not afford it so I have been looking at the stevens model. As for calibers, I would like a 308 but have not ruled out 270 or 30/06. I will mostly be deer hunting. I am really fond of the Marlin xs7 and I believe they are coming out with a stainless steel version I have not held the Marlin yet to see if it feels as good as it looks, but everyone seems to have good reviews on it.

 

[Tim the student]

Of the rifles that you mentioned, I would go for a Savage/Stevens, but that is my preference.

I think you can find Savages for cheaper than in your area if you order online. Check this out.

What is your budget for everything?

 

[mickeydim468]

Same site as Tim put up but to another rifle that I am very fond of. Best customer service I have ever seen no ,atter what industry you are dealing with. The Weatherby Vanguard. Click HERE and then sort by price. Scroll down and you will see the 270 then the 30-06 and a little further down for just a bit more money is the 308. You could look around and maybe find one locally. I bought mine local to me for 349.00. I added a ProStaff 3-9X40 Nikon for 169.00 and a set of rings for 20.00. It was worth twice the price. My .243 factory target showed a 3 shot group that measured .280 center to center. I have never been able to get it quit to that specs, but I was able to achieve .310 with my handloads.

Good luck and happy hunting!

Mike

 

[Tim the student]

I forgot in my earlier post, but welcome to THR!

 

[vtbluegrass]

The Marlin is going to be the most cost effective since. The Marlin is a good bit more trim than the Savage/Steven especially in the receiver and the wrist of the stock. Fit and finish on the Marlin is definitely better than the Stevens line and remember the Stevens line of rifle has the old trigger. You can't go wrong with a prostaff and in the same price range the new Redfield Scopes are getting great reviews

 

[Arkansas Paul]

Welcome Okiebate.
The rifles you mentioned are getting great reviews right now. Also, take a look at the Weatherby Vangaurds. I have one in .30-06 and love it. They make it in .308 also, and you couldn't do any better for a deer round.

 

[Okiebate]

Thank you glad to be here.
The most I would care to spend on a rifle would be 450 most likely because I want a decent scope. I do like what I have seen on the Redfields and they seem like a good deal. I think the only way I am going to be able to choose a rifle is to go to a store and hold them all. After that I'm sure I still won't be able to decide.

 

[Tim the student]

So, you are not including the scope in that price?

 

[Okiebate]

No, I had not included the scope in that price. I would like to spend somewhere around $100-$200 for a decent scope that will last awhile. So overall I supose I will spend $600 or so give or take some.

 

[Arkansas Paul]

I like the Nikon Pro Staff 3x9x40 in that range. I believe it's $159 or so at Wally World. My brother bought one and I bought a Leupold Rifleman. I paid $50 more and I like his just as well if not more.
They're worth a look.