Help me find my next Rifle

[DDawg]

I know this is gonna be vague, but I need some ideas for my next rifle purchase. The problem is I don't Know exactly what I'm looking for, it's kinda one of those "I'll know it when I see it" deals.

So far here's what Im starting with:

1: I want it to be a bolt gun.
2: I want it to be a nice shooter, not necessarily a Sniper Rifle, but has good potential. (hunting is optional) mainly a range toy.
3: I would like to keep it in easier to reload caliber like 270, 308 etc. ( I currently have 270 dies and brass, so thats a plus.)
4: Old or New dosen't matter
5: Something that I can work with, fun; price range around $500

Sorry this is Vague, but maybe some of you can give me some ideas to research (which is half the fun to me)

Thanks
DD

 

[Redlg155]

Just about any rife in the Savage line with an accutrigger will fit the bill. I would look at the short action Model 10 fp in. 308 , if just a range toy, in .223. Your wallet will thank you.

 

[Nico Testosteros]

A Savage or a marlin XL7 or a Howa 1500 or its variants are good, reasonably priced rifles. .270 is a pretty common caliber so if you decided to get a used gun and save some money you could check out pawn shops, etc, which opens up your options. My Remington 700 in .270 is very accurate, for example.

 

[BrocLuno]

Wow, I'd be all over the local used racks just looking. I'd also be cruising GunBroker and AuctionArms. At the local used racks I'd be looking for fit more than anything else. I'd be looking at what comes to shoulder easily, seems most comfortable to hold, all the ergonomic stuff. That would get my list down to say three or four models. Then I'd be searching for one of those in a caliber you like

The possibilities are endless. But, I'd be thinking about this as both a shooter and an investment. So, if an older Safari Grade Browning were on the rack and it was no too beat up, I'd sure think about it. Over time I'd refinish the stock and maybe get a re-blue. The value would have bottomed out when you bought it. With careful work, you could be picking up value and have fun shooting it at the same time

Same goes for a professionally done Mil-Surp conversion. They are pretty cheap right now. But if it was done well, it will be appreciating as the classic themes from the 1950~70's come into their own. Of course if you come across a boomer like a nice bolt in 375 H&H, I'd be all over that too. Big game rifles will not get any cheaper than they are today. Nice ones will appreciate over time

And, of course, IF I found a nice Savage 99 in that price range it would go home with me. They are going up daily, so that's a buy right there

 

[Kachok]

Tikka and Savage rifles are fantastic in that price range. My favorite rifle of all time is my T3 Stainless. Both are HIGHLY accurate, well below MOA with factory fodder and my handloads have been superb. The Savages tend to be a little cheaper, and the Tikkas are a tad more money, but alot more refined, their synthetyc stock is fiberglass re-enforeced rather then cheap molded plastic, and their action is the smootest available at any price.
308 and 6.5x55 both have a reputation for being very easy to develop loads for. I perfer the 6.5x55 because of it's superior ballistics, lower recoil and much less noise, it just so happens to be the perfect deer hunting caliber too, for those that hunt elk rather then deer might perfer the .30 cal bullets. In my experence the 270 is a little more fussy about handloads, though I have had a couple loads that would touch holes @100.

 

[brnmuenchow]

Just about any rife in the Savage line with an accutrigger will fit the bill

That or a used Winchester model 70 (you may not find a "Super Grade" Model 70 for $500, but they have some synthetic stock models that may go in that price range used.) I would stay in the .270 Win. area since you are already setup for that and it can be used for target shooting and hunting.

 

[ifit]

this cost just a bit more but its a nice very light carbine that shoots 7.62x39 with single set trigger. cz 527 carbine
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WSu7EuQr6o4

 

[cpt-t]

Your next rifle

For your price range check out a SAVAGE we have several and and they all shoot and inch or better at a 100yrds. We have bought both new and used and have never had a problem with any one of them. The new rifles have a great trigger already and the old ones can have the trigger tuned up 25 to 30 $ . Don`t buy the buget model and put a good scope on it and you will have a shooter. As I said I look for used savages haven`t got a bad one yet. Good luck on your choice. ken

 

[R H Clark]

If it's a range toy,find a used Rem 700 in 308.Chances are you can find one tricked out at a great price.The 308 will have greater chance of accuracy due to better grade bullets available.

 

[Arkansas Paul]

If it's a range toy,find a used Rem 700 in 308.

I was going to say the same thing. However if you've already got dies and components for .270, there's nothing wrong with that either.
The .223 is one to consider as well. You can handload them cheap and it's easy enough on the shoulder for a long day at the range without any discomfort.

 

[jrdolall]

My preferred deer rifle is a Savage in .30-06. It was inexpensive and I have found it to be at least as accurate as my 1968 Remington 700 at 200 yards. I have no shots on my lease that are more than 200 yards so I don't know how it will perform beyond that distance. Both have Leupold 3-9s mounted and these results are using a lead sled rest.
I have noticed that it is less accurate than the Rem when using cheap(less than $20 per box Winchester, Remington or anything else I have tried) ammo. I do not use cheap ammo for hunting so I go with the one that I feel most comfortable with. The .270 will do just as nicely for virtually any shooting situation.

 

[jpwilly]

I shoot at the range quite a bit and my "Range Toy" isn't a lightweight hunting bolt action rifle that will pound on me all day. You may want to look into a .223 or a heavier rifle for range use.

 

[DDawg]

"The .223 is one to consider as well. You can handload them cheap and it's easy enough on the shoulder for a long day at the range without any discomfort."

Great idea, but I've got an AR and Ruger #1 with a target bbl and Target scope in 223, I love them both. I'm mainly looking for a Project Rifle..something I don't have.

Thanks for all the great ideas!
Mil surplus looks interesting, even tho it may be hard to reload.

Thanks
DD

 

[jpwilly]

If you like projects. I'd say find a Savage 10/110 donor rifle to use as a good start then add your favorite parts.