Help Choosing a Budget-Minded Hunting Rifle?

[Amalynn]

So I'm going to try and tap in to the wealth of knowledge here, because I am looking for a modern, budget-minded hunting rifle. Let me preface this with a little information - a) I have not hunted for anything other than small game in close to 5 or 6 years, b) I cannot afford to pay more than $500 for the entire firearm package (rifle, optic, rings/mount, etc), and c) I will not modify a mil-surp rifle to meet my needs for this.

What I am looking for here is guidance on what I'm looking for, *not* suggestions of actual firearms, per se.

So I want to include my state's hunting laws in this because I believe it may be somewhat relevant on the matter:
- Semi-auto firearms are legal
- Magazine-fed rifles are limited to a 6 round magazine
- No full-auto (I can't afford full-auto anyways lol)
- Cartridge must produce 1,000 ft/lbs of energy at the muzzle
- For hunting elk, the cartridge must produce 1,700 ft/lbs of energy at the muzzle and cannot have a smaller bore diameter of .243"

If you guys could offer help and guidance in selecting a rifle and other items I would greatly appreciate it. If you have any questions for information from me that you need to help me, let me know and I can answer it. Thank you.

 

[Nature Boy]

I think you're looking for something like a:

1. bolt action
2. .308
3. synthetic stock (I suggest Savage, Axis family)
4. 3-9x40mm (something from vortex, crossfire family)

That should get you reliable, accurate slayer right at your budget.

 

[LoonWulf]

Nature boys suggestions are solid...you might wanna check out the classifieds here, theres a nice .308 ruger american for sale right now, also a good alternative to the axis rifles.

Personally i prefer Nikon scopes to almost any other, thats personal preference tho.

Honestly a rifle from any of the majors in the 300 dollar range, plus scope from any of the majors in the 150-200 dollar range, and decent budget rings will do you just fine. Best advice i can give is handle and shoot as many of the possible options as you can, big chain stores usually have most of the budge rifles in stock.

Look thru as many of the scopes as you can, preferably in natural light. The previously mentioned 3-9x range is a probably the best option.

Hardest choice is honestly what cartridge to get your new rifle in. I normally recommend the 30-06, because there is a load for just about everything. The .308 would work just as well tho.
If your thinking about elk and you havent hunted much i would suggest something heavier than the .243 minimum your state requires.

 

[Amalynn]

I don't know a whole lot about optics, so this may seem like a newbie question, but why do people recommend a 3-9x40 (and what is the "x40" part?) any time question of optics comes up?

 

[LoonWulf]

3-9 is the scopes power range. the x40 is the diameter of the objective (front) lense in mms

3-9x40s/50s are probably the most common power and objective size scopes found on hunting rifles. Power range works well from very close, to as far as most of us should be shooting, and the objective size allows plenty of light without being overly heavy (least the 40s usually arnt that heavy).

also as a note, energy ratings arnt a great way to pick a round for hunting. My 6x47rem loaded to the gills would be "legal" in your state for elk, but it by no means an elk round.

 

[MadMurdock85]

Used savage 110 in 308 or 30.06. Both rounds are easy to get about anywhere. The gun can be had used with scope for under $400. I don't like the magazine on the axis as I have had too order far too many of them for customers who broke the plastic clip that retains them. The 110 and it's variants (10, 11, 111, 12, 112 etc) are long known for accuracy, easy to find upgrades and parts for and, while not pretty, function reliably.

 

[jmr40]

A 3-9X4- scope is a variable powered scope adjustable from 3X up to 9X with a 40mm front objective. For specific uses other scope sizes may be better, but a 3-9X40 is not only the most versatile, but will net the most scope for the money. There is a lot of competition among manufacturers in this size and they all offer great value for the money.

That said I'd not touch anything with a MSRP much under $200. You might catch something on sale for $150 ish, but once you get into the $100-$150 MSRP scopes you are getting poor quality.

To be honest a hard limit of $500 for both doesn't leave much room for quality. I wouldn't go under $200 on the scope and there are no new sub-$300 rifles I'd recommend. Possibly used, or if you can squeeze another $50-$100 into your budget there are lots of $350-$400 rifles. Around Christmas and right at the beginning of deer season I've seen some discounted.

You want a bolt action 308. I know you said nothing specific, but some good options are Ruger American and Savage Axis. For optics in the $200 range I like Burris FF-II, Leupold VX-1, and Redfield Revolution. But all of the $200ish scopes are about equal in quality. I just like the features and designs on those 3 better.

 

[Robert]

Are you in Colorado?

As others suggested a Savage would more than likely be your best bet. Keep your eyes open for sales at local gun shops and you might catch rifle/scope combos that fit your budget. While the scope may not be great, it'll get you through.

 

[horsey300]

New rifles in your price range limit you to savage, ruger American, and mossberg but I've not heard great things about them like I have the other two. Used rifles would be easier. I lean on bolt guns for reliability. For caliber choice, .243-300 win mag and about everything in between will work, regardless of people looking down upon the smaller cartridges, .243 has been used successfully more often than most will admit, you just can't lie to yourself about ethical distances and bullet construction. Some states require .25 for elk so if you are thinking of hunting elsewhere that's a thought to keep in mind. Look at traditional youth calibers like .243, 7-08, .308 they all pack less recoil than the fast 30's and will allow YOU to shoot better consistently. Having a .30-06 does no good if you're going to pull every other shot because you don't enjoy shooting it often enough to be proficient. Felt recoil is subjective and individual rifle weights vary. Few people around here like my .300wm but it doesn't bother me and when(not if) I hit my target, there's no doubt about the results but there's never doubts about the many animals laid to rest by my wife's .243 anywhere out to 300 yds. Too many people give the .243 too little credit but a miss is a slow death no matter what caliber you choose. Load it up with 95 gr partitions and black bear, hogs, elk and deer will fall with vital shots, then you can load down to lighter grains and use it handily on small game too. Personally I've shot plenty of .243, .30-30, .300 wm, and am now looking for 7-08 to fill in the gap. There's .260 and .270 and .280 and the list goes on, if you handload, costs will be cheaper and you will never be limited on ammunition within each caliber. All scopes mentioned should work but I love vortex right now.

 

[desidog]

In the 500 all in price range, I'd definitely be looking for a lightly used rifle. Something someone spent bigger bucks on and only shot a few times.

Something to consider with the scope, the bigger the objective lens, the higher the scope must be from the barrel. Too high a scope means poor cheek weld, which negatively effects your shooting accuracy.

 

[dmoserwy]

The Savage Axis comes with a decent scope. Not top line by any means, but it can be upgraded later as money permits. The website says a Nikon. Not sure witch model. I would go with .308 personally but caliber is a personal choice. A .270 or 30-06 would both be good choices also.

 

[BigBore44]

Couple questions....Do you reload or will you be relying on factory ammunition? How far are you "likely" going to be shooting? Elk is obviously on the menu. But if the budget applies to the rifle and scope, it probably applies to the ammunition as well. And elk aren't bullet proof. The 7mm and big 300 magnums aren't needed. Not there's anything wrong with them. The real advantage is they give you better terminal performance at longer distances and slightly flatter trajectories. But a .270, .308, or '06 are great for elk easily to 400 yards. The '06 will allow you to shoot heavier bullets because of the increased powder capacity. IF you feel you need heavier bullets (they aren't needed).

It will come down to what you like. Do you want a bolt gun? Maybe a lever gun? Both have killed THOUSANDS of elk.

 

[Sunray]

The Savage Axis II XP Package comes with a Nikon or Weaver scope.(The quality of the scopes on Savage package rifles are a lot higher than they used to be). MSRP is $506, but hunting rifles usually retail for less than MSRP. Cabela's wants under $479 for a wooden stocked rifle. $449 for one with the synthetic stock.
Comes in several Elk suitable cartridges most of which are readily available anywhere. Which one doesn't matter too much. The .243 is too light for elk. Think .270, 308 or .30-06.
'Used' isn't an ugly word when it comes to hunting rifles though. You really have to work to damage one. However, the best prices come after hunting season.
You do have to get a moved on if you want to hunt with it this year. You'll have to try a bunch of ammo to find the ammo the rifle shoots best, sight it in and practice first.

 

[bang_bang]

3x9x40 Nikons can be had for around $145 new. Ruger American or the Savage Axis are both within budget.

 

[Nature Boy]

Wasn't it's Cabela's that had a package deal on a Savage model 10 with scope for ~$400 last year?

 

[horsey300]

Just remembered that Thompson center venture should come with a scope for under 500 but I know nothing about the combo performance. They are available in several calibers.

 

[BigBore44]

Nature Boy,
Yes. And they also had the Savage 12 for $399. Pretty awesome price for a Savage heavy barrel varmint gun.

Horsey,
The TC on Buds shows a scope but doesn't come with one. But I can attest to the MOA accuracy. I have one in .223 that shoots the red 50rnd 55gr Hornady SP's to 3/4 MOA. And the 40gr V-Max to 1/2 MOA. And yes, that's 5 shot groups. They are absolute tack drivers. Buds lists the venture right now for $455. But that won't leave the OP much room for good glass.

 

[Doc7]

Savage, Ruger American ... and to be honest, I think I still have never found a bad review of a Mossberg rifle, although they are thought of as a shotgun brand.

Does anyone think the 7MM-08 might be a good caliber choice?

 

[horsey300]

Bigbore the ones I found were ableammo and cabelas, and there's the compass line too, (no scope) but I didn't realize they were no scope, might as well grab an m1500 then and eat the glass next spring. Glad to hear the quality on the tc though been hedging on them but that's excellent!

 

[VoodooMountain]

Savage 11 package or a Howa 1500 with a vx-1 would be my recommendations.

Howa is a forged 1 piece bolt and has a Sako extractor. Metal is still blued rather than some flat black spray finish. This model has a hinged floor plate as opposed to a dbm which are all made of plastic now and easily lost. The trigger is also quite good I see them for around $329.

The savage has its advantages such as being quite light and offering easy barrel swaps. The accu trigger is also quite good. These rifles are very easy to work on should the need arise. The 11 currently comes with a Nikon scope I believe.

Accuracy for both rifles should be quite good.