Cheapest 500 yard Rifle

[classic.rocker978]

I'm looking at used rifles for a friend.... Only has about $750 to drop into a 500 yard gun. Will be a 300-400 yard hunter (White tail deer) and will also be shot at the range. Preferably in .308

Hes okay with an older used single shot design... The simpler the better. Maybe something like an Omark M44?

What are the best options here... Prolly gonna go with a fixed 10x scope.

 

[Lovesbeer99]

If money is a concern why does it have to be a single shot. FYI Savage makes a few actions in 308 that will take you to 500 yards. You can look at the tactical model on the 10 action or the single shot in the 12 action. You can also find used Rem700 on gunbroker or pawn shots.

If your friend wants to he can just load it one shot at a time.

 

[classic.rocker978]

Well it doesnt have to be single shot... just bolt action of some sort. I just figured a single shot may be cheaper as many find them less desirable.

 

[Boothdt]

I bought my Savage Edge (now called Axis) for right around $350 and it's advertised as a 700ish rifle. I've never tried to reach out that far with it though.

 

[Boothdt]

Sorry, forgot. Bought mine in .308.

 

[classic.rocker978]

I dont think I could allow my friend to get an edge... Heard too many bad things from reputable people in my area. Heard a lot of good about those stevens 200's tho.

 

[henschman]

If you want the cheapest option, it would probably be a Stevens. They are made by Savage and use the same parts.

 

[mdThanatos]

Marlin's X7 series might work for you, I haven't done any paper punching at 500 yards but I have hit steel targets out that far. Cost of the XS7 in .308 I bought came out to $370ish with tax. Then came another $200 for a scope and I forget the mount I used, but for right about $600 I am satisfied.

 

[snakeman]

stevens 200 in 308, rifle basix or timney trigger. Also, check into howa they make darn good guns for the money. My 22-250 shoots .5" groups with handloads. will try to post a pic in a few

 

[jmr40]

If you want 500 yard accuracy forget most single shots. While there are exceptions most good bolt actions are going to be more accurate. I'd look at the Stevens 200, Marlin XS-7, or Weatherby Vanguard. They sell for between $300-$400 new and still leave $300-$400 for good glass.

 

[redneck2]

Instead of looking for "a" rifle, I'd strongly suggest cruising the used rack at all the local stores. There are going to be a lot of rifles in that price range. My local shop has a bunch of of .30-06's way cheap. It's off season for hunting calibers and business is slow.

If you were in this area, I'd get you lined up with a whole package for maybe $500 with a good rifle, not a cheap one. And, some have decent scopes for little or no extra.

I was at Cabelas just a few days ago. They had several hundred guns on big bargain racks. All kinds of calibers and price ranges.

I think guys get WAY too locked into the concept of one particular brand and caliber. I used to work at a gun shop. Most rifles today get used very little if at all. Maybe 1/3rd of all guns traded in had never been fired.

 

[scythefwd]

The weatherby vanguard is a good deal below 750 and should be 1.5 moa or better. That'd leave you with a couple hundred for an all right scope. You could probably get a a bushy 4200 for the rest. Not a bad setup for 500y.

 

[snakeman]

OK here we go!

This was not my best day at the range. I pulled two shots from every five shot group i tried that day but its good nonetheless. Left target is 55 gr. Blitz over 35.5gr. h4895 right target is 50gr. Vmax moly Hornady factory load. Stock is a boyds. Barrelled action is a Howa m1500 ultralight 22-250.

 

[Fremmer]

Buy an inexpensive used rifle. Spend most of the money on the glass.

 

[mes228]

Rifle

A Thompson Center Venture is the most accurate rifle I've owned, fired, or even seen in a production rifle. They can be found for approx. $400 w/ a $50 rebate. Inexpensive but not CHEAP at all. Mine will shoot 1" with Win. & Rem. ammo from Walmart. And just about 1/2" with Federal. Sounds like hype, sounds silly, sounds like fiction. However, it's not. Buy one before they go out of business. No joke they are selling $1K rifles for $350. Ask anyone that owns one. Post around and you'll see. Also they will hold that group for several rounds as the barrel heats. Pretty remarkable. As soon as I have the extra money I'm buying one in every caliber I think I'll ever need. I shot these groups from a "Lead Sled" and they are pretty much repeatable every time. I've owned full custom rifles that would not remotely shoot with these things. I believe it's the greatest bargain in the firearm world during my life.

 

[classic.rocker978]

Your review really peaked my interest. I've looked at them before but thought they looked a bit cheap and didn't see many after market parts available but if its as good as you say I wont need after market lol

Definitely gonna check out a t/c venture in .308

 

[snakeman]

People say the same about Howa also they are around the same price as the venture but with everything you need to start out with. Not knocking the venture though if I weren't building a gun right now I would definitely buy one in 25-06, 280, 7mm rem mag, or at the top of the list the 6.5 creedmoor.

 

[classic.rocker978]

How is the stock on the TC venture?

 

[Hunterdad]

Marlin XS7 in .308

 

[Blue Brick]

91/30

 

[snakeman]

The stock on the venture is black synthetic with grey overmolded rubber grip panels. It has an ergonomic grip and a very, very slim forend. It is well executed and rigid. Recoil pad is nice and squishy.

 

[sarduy]

http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/products_id/14607




http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/328858-REG/Tasco_VAR251042M_2_5_10x42_Target_Varmint.html

 

[nipprdog]

Only has about $750 to drop into a 500 yard gun

Serious??

Does he even have the skill to hunt at that range???

 

[classic.rocker978]

My friend said he really wants either the XS7 or Stevens 200... Here is what I told him.

XS7
Nice adjustable trigger
fits savage barrels
slightly stiffer stock
pillar bedding
many are MOA
Can get a nice wood stock for $90 from boyds

Stevens 200
proven accuracy
savage action
flimsy stock
MOA accuracy
bad trigger
flimsy stock
lots of aftermarket parts


It seems both can shoot moa... The XS7 has an accutrigger style trigger which is nice and you can get a good wooden stock for $90. The XS7 has the better factory stock. Seems like the XS7 is the winner in .308.

Anyone beg to differ?

 

[caribou]

M-39 with a couple 800 rd cases of Czeck Light ball