Entry level bolt action question

Status
Not open for further replies.
Walkalong

Walkalong

Moderator
Staff member
Joined
Nov 20, 2006
Messages
78,289
Location
Alabama
My nephew has been borrowing a buddies rifle to deer hunt. He doesn't want to keep doing that, and despite the fact he knows I will let him borrow one, he wants to buy his own. Nothing fancy, just a no frills reasonably priced bolt gun. Caliber unknown so far.

So, the question is, what are the different makers entry level bolt guns these days, and what are their pluses and minuses?
 
Go look at the Savage/Stevens line with the accu-trigger. Pick one
out that you can afford. Get it in a caliber you like something like
a .308 or such. If you live in open country look at a .270 caliber or
similar. Some of them even come with scopes mounted on them for
really decent prices. Look at Guns America on line there are tons
for sale.

Zeke
 
zb338 said:
Go look at the Savage/Stevens line with the accu-trigger. Pick one
out that you can afford. Get it in a caliber you like something like
a .308 or such. If you live in open country look at a .270 caliber or
similar. Some of them even come with scopes mounted on them for
really decent prices. Look at Guns America on line there are tons
for sale.

Zeke
Click to expand...
Ditto.
 
I think the best deal going right now on a bargain gun is the TC Venture , with their $75 dollar rebate and it comes with rings .

It has a 1" MOA guarantee , nice weight for a hunting rifle and a good trigger . The only con I hear about it is the plastic magazine .
 
Ruger American rifle. My cousin has one shooting 1/2" groups at 100 yards. The entry level savage axis that costs more shoots 1 1\2" and is not as comfortable. Also besides the axis I have a Mossberg entry that shoots well with a nice trigger. Surprising from Mossberg.
 
Entry level bolt action*

Google
american rifleman Entry level bolt action
Click to expand...
There are 4 rifles, some with accurcy results. Lots of reading. I vote for Savage Axis ll xp, but replace the cheap $50 scopes.
 
All depends on your budget of course, but I would have to say the Ruger American or The Mossberg Patriot. The Mossberg has better stock options, the Ruger has a slightly better trigger.
 
I can only comment on the Savage Axis and the Ruger American. Really not much difference between the two to amount to anything. Wond up keeping the RAR only because I preferred the compact configuration and the short bolt lift. The fact that it is an absolute lazer with the right loads helps too.
 
red rick said:
I think the best deal going right now on a bargain gun is the TC Venture , with their $75 dollar rebate and it comes with rings .
Click to expand...

Only a good decision if they have had the recall work done. TC had some issues with sear engagement and recalled some of the rifles. I have seen some dealers push the older Ventures, with rebate, that did not have the work done.

Stay away from the budget hunting rifles from Remington like the 770 and 783. An older model 700 would be much better in terms of quality. Likewise I was not impressed with the Savage Axis but other Savage or Stevens rifles would be good though.
 
Ruger American, Remington 783, Savage Axis II, Marlin XL7... plenty of "decent" budget or entry level bolt action rifles. Depending on his size, 243, 7mm-08, 270, 308, 30-06 will all hit a deer without the deer knowing the difference. Visit a local gun shop and see what fits him best.

P.S. Uncle can buy him a decent scope for Christmas :)
 
I'm very impressed with the Ruger American. I have more expensive rifles, but wouldn't feel the least bit handicapped with either of mine. I have 2 of the Americans, a 223 Compact and a 308 Predator. The Predator 308 was $400, the Compact 223, $350.

I think the Predator is worth the extra cash. It comes with a slightly heavier barrel and is threaded for a suppressor or anything else you might want to put on the barrel. Weight is still reasonable and the 308 comes with a compact 18" barrel. The other calibers are 22". For a young hunter I'd look at 243 or 6.5 Creedmore. The 7-08 is also an option,but not available on the predator.

This is the same barrel and action they are building the Ruger Precision rifle on. Both are proving to be tackdrivers on a budget.

The precision Rifle

ruger%20precision_zps6hcky9be.jpg

My Predator and a 200 yard target

010_zpszs4a9y2s.jpg
rar%20002_zpsjbzoa6hq.gif
 
My Ruger American is shockingly accurate right out of the box with a $170 scope on it. sub moa.
 
Howa 1500 at $350 is a bargain. One piece bolt, accurate, and robust. Add a Bushnell elite or vx-1 and he should be good.

Of the entry rifles mentioned above the ruger American is the only one I could warm up to. I still don't like the plastic mag.

Possibly the best all around option would be the savage 11 xp package at $400-$500. The Nikon scope is OK.

Caliber depends on intended use and location but something like a 308 would be good for a do it all cartridge for a non- handloader. Keep in mind though these lighter rifles kick a bit. If he plans on shooting deer, varmint, and targets I would recommend a 243.
 
Savage makes probably the best, most accurate, rifle out of the box you can buy. But I agree, ditch the cheap-o scope as soon as you can.

I bought one of their hunting package guns for $329 in 1994 and I still swear by it. The only non-Winchester gun I ever loved.
 
It's a little more expensive than the true budget options, but I prefer the Weatherby Vanguard to any of the others. I've owned a few Savages and a Mossberg - the Weatherby is superior.
 
I vote howa & I have owned& shot them all . lots of grandkids in my line.
Then when they graduate I give them their choice of whatever scope & rifle they want considering good grades.
 
I know the budget rifles are all the rage these days. I just prefer wood and steel. I would recommend finding a used bolt action with scope for around $400. Honestly I would choose .243 or .270 win if possible. Depends on the size and experience of the hunter. You can also upgrade the scope later.
 
Depending on his size, 243, 7mm-08, 270, 308, 30-06
Click to expand...
A pretty big guy who likes shooting ,my .458 Win Mag.

P.S. Uncle can buy him a decent scope for Christmas
Click to expand...
lol. Might be a good idea, as he will likely want to cheap out on optics. He's young with a wife and two small kids. I know how that kills a gun budget, as I was there once. Maybe I'll slip him a little cash to help. :)
 
VoodooMountain said:
Howa 1500 at $350 is a bargain. One piece bolt, accurate, and robust. Add a Bushnell elite or vx-1 and he should be good.

Of the entry rifles mentioned above the ruger American is the only one I could warm up to. I still don't like the plastic mag.

Possibly the best all around option would be the savage 11 xp package at $400-$500. The Nikon scope is OK.

Caliber depends on intended use and location but something like a 308 would be good for a do it all cartridge for a non- handloader. Keep in mind though these lighter rifles kick a bit. If he plans on shooting deer, varmint, and targets I would recommend a 243.
Click to expand...
Where can you find a Howa for $350? I will take 2. I know my sales reps don't cut me any breaks, but Howas wholesale more than $350.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

Similar threads

T
  • Locked
Entry level 6.5 Creedmoor
2
Replies
44
Views
4K
dh1633pm
dh1633pm
G
  • Locked
SKS = Entry Level?
Replies
19
Views
935
Old Jimmy
O
BobTheTomato
  • Locked
Levels of bolt action rifles
2
Replies
32
Views
3K
Cee Zee
C
C
  • Locked
Entry Level Scope for .50BMG?
Replies
16
Views
3K
Marty B
M
igotta40
  • Locked
Entry level deer rifle/scope- suggestions?
2
Replies
25
Views
2K
KansasSasquatch
K
Back
Top