help with .243 selection

[stevetford]

Hello again guys, well I am tired of dealing with scope issues on my SKS so I am in the market for a .243 bolt rifle to help with the local coyote population. I am looking for used due to my low budget of $300-$400. I walked around Gander Mountain today and while they had a decent selection of some new and some used rifles in my price range, I know there are some models to stay away from. Can someone give me a few examples of the rifles not to buy in the above price range. I am asking because not too long ago Wally world had what I thought was a good deal on a Remington 710 with scope for $300. Luckly I searched here about the rifle and learned more bad than good about it so I passed on it. BTW, most if not all of the used .243's at Gander Mountain were 710 models. As always, any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

 

[R.W.Dale]

Just as long as you don't buy a 710 you're probably well equipped with any name brand rifle.

 

[R.W.Dale]

oops! double tap

 

[v8stang289]

A savage would fit into your budget and are nice and accurate rifles for the money. You could also probably find a used remington 700 or even a new remington 700 sps (or ADL, some places still have them) that would fit your budget.
-Matt

 

[browningguy]

Any of the Savages, Mossberg ATR seems very good for around $300, usually the Weatherby Vanguard (if you have a Walmart nearby), Howa 1500 (same as the Vanguard) can also be found around $400.

 

[CB900F]

Stevetford;

If you should happen to run across a 6mm Remington in your price range, jump on it!!

Same diameter bullet as the .243, different case, more powder. For what it's worth, I know for a fact that upon occasion a 6mm appears in the budget range you mentioned. Mine is my primary coyote gun, and what a 75 grain Hornady V-Max does to a coyote is an excellent lesson in terminal ballistics, with the emphasis on terminal.

900F

 

[rangerruck]

Savage, mossberg, stevens, and dont forget an Nef or H&R, single shot.
oh yeah , Howa would be nice as well.

 

[stevetford]

Thanks everyone for the suggestions. CB900F, I will keep my eye open for a Rem 6mm like you mentioned. I really like it when someone else who is doing the same as me (coyote) makes a suggestion. One of thoes been there, doing that and know it works from experience suggestion. Thanks again everyone.

 

[rangerruck]

if you want a serious 6mm, and they are usually more money anyway, check mine. if i don't sell it here, I will sell it this weekend , at houston gunshow, in Pasadena.
The only reason I am selling it, is it is totally a custom rig for a right handed person.
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=289042

 

[hamourkiller]

I would look for a used Remington 700 and find one in a range of calibers, 243, 6mm Rem or 25-06 Rem with a prejudice towards the 25-06. It shoots the better weight range of bullets up to 120 gr. Coyotes cant tell the difference.

 

[phantomak47]

check out the stevens 200, I did a search and didnt find anyone who didnt like this rifle.

 

[Big Daddy K]

Savage, mossberg, stevens, and dont forget an Nef or H&R, single shot.
oh yeah , Howa would be nice as well.

Agree

I would go 223 however.

I think ya can get and NEF for less than 2 bills and have some left over for a decent scope.
Rossi is a bit cheaper. Think I saw them for $139.00 at gander mountain.

I heard good things about the atr sept it doesnt come in 223. Not sure if it comes in 243.

 

[SShooterZ]

I don't think you can go wrong with a Stevens/Savage in .243.

I have one and its pretty damn accurate, nice trigger and easy to find accessories for should want to change things down the road.

They're also pretty inexpensive for what you're getting.

 

[Smitty in CT]

If your Walmart still carries guns... The Mossberg 100ATR in .243 is only $315.17!! plus it comes with a REALLY nice walnut stock!! They can order them if they don't have it in stock.

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=4665474

I have one of the Mossberg 100ATR's in .270 with the synthetic stock, I wish they made a Walnut stock for the long-action, but they don't....