Help with the choice of a budget rifle.

[bestseller92]

One of the only real "holes" in my gun collection is the lack of a long range (.270/.308/.30/06/7mm Magnum class) bolt action rifle.

I've decided to fill that hole soon, but I do want to be budget conscious as I do so.

I've narrowed my choices down to a Savage 111 rifle/scope combo ($397 at Wal Mart, with black synthetic stock), a Remington 700 rifle/scope combo ($497 at the same place, with synthetic camo stock), a Marlin XL 7 (about $300 online, no scope), or a Mossberg ATR ($270 at Wal Mart, no scope).

I'd really like a wood stocked rifle, like a Ruger MK II Hawkeye or a Savage 111G, but they're a little pricier than I'd like right now. The Savage is about $500 without a scope, which means I'd probably have to wait a couple months to mount a scope on it. It does have iron sights, though, which I prefer, even on a scoped rifle.

If I get a rifle/scope combo, I will most likely eventually swap out the provided scope for a higher quality Leupold.

The Remington 770 is available for a good price, but I don't like the looks of it.

If anyone has experience with the Marlin XL 7 or the Mossberg, I was wondering, do they come with scope mounts?

I'll use this rifle for whitetail hunting here in Oklahoma (a role currently filled nicely by my Marlin 336 and my Ruger Super Blackhawk), and eventually (hopefully) a Colorado elk hunt. Mainly, though, it's just something I want, not something I really need.

I'd appreciate any knowledgable input. Thanks.

 

[Arkansas Paul]

You are right to discount the Remington 770. I'm a Remington fan, but the 770 is pure crap. Don't discount the Weatherby Vangaurds. I bought one in .30-06 and it is an absolute tack driver. I paid $390 for it at Wal-Mart. It does have a synthetic stock though. Each rifle comes with a target with a 3-shot group fired at the factory.

That being said, it is all about what you prefer. All of the rifles you listed are just fine. I've heard some bad things about the Mossberg ATRs but my father and a buddy of ours have one and have no complaints. You are also right to swap out the low end scope that comes on them for one of higher quality. No rifle is better than the optics on top of it.

 

[swiftak]

For the money, you can't go wrong with the Savage. I have two.

 

[Schleprok62]

If anyone has experience with the Marlin XL 7 or the Mossberg, I was wondering, do they come with scope mounts?

I have an XL-7 in 30-06 and it's a great rifle. Mine came witha one piece scope mount, recessed crown... etc... The trigger is adjustable, and very user friendly to adjust...

Search for my thread "A Tale of Two Budget Rifles" and happy reading...


What part of Oklahoma??


Cheers...

 

[Bill2e]

Savage makes a very good rifle for your needs, especially if you find one with the Accu-Trigger. However the scope is junk in the combo set. However you can find decent glass on the boards used at a good price.

Do not discount used for our rifle. Check the gun shows and the boards you may find a deal. good Luck

 

[52grain]

I would stay away from combos- the scopes are usually poor and in the long run you are better off saving enough money to buy the gun and scope separately. Note that the Savage 111 package gun does not come with the Accutrigger, but the standard 111 comes with the Accutrigger and (if you buy the synthetic stock) the Accustock.

 

[bestseller92]

Schleprok62 -- Near Ada here. Boomer Sooner.

Wal Mart can order the XL7s with scopes for $438. Not sure what kind of scope comes with 'em; probably a cheap one. I may just get an unscoped one online for three bills and get my own Leupold in a month or two.

 

[Smith357]

A used savage can be had for less than 300 bones. I saw a few of the plastic stocked ones between 250 and 300 when I was looking for a budget aught six. I picked a used Winchester 1977 Model 70 .30-06 for $350.

 

[jpwilly]

Of those choices the Savage or Rem will have nice aftermarket upgrade options should you want to change anything. The Marlin XL7 is a great entry level rifle with all of it's features. I have the Mossberg it's also an decent budget rifle but in light of the Marlin XL7 being on the scene I'd give a thumbs up on it (if your have to pass up on the Savage or Rem for some reason). Others to consider are the Weatherby Vanguard and the new Thompson offering at around $400 both are rifles to consider.

 

[homers]

You might try this, Savage 270, 30-06 or 7mm with scope $279.99 or $199.99 plus FFL or pickup.

http://forums.slickdeals.net/showthread.php?sduid=0&t=1588289

 

[rangerruck]

I've narrowed my choices down to a Savage 111 rifle/scope combo ($397 at Wal Mart, with black synthetic stock), a Remington 700 rifle/scope combo ($497 at the same place, with synthetic camo stock), a Marlin XL 7 (about $300 online, no scope), or a Mossberg ATR ($270 at Wal Mart, no scope).


these are all excellent choices, the mossberg would be the last to get, but it does have some nice innovative qualities on the stock.

the marlins do not come with mounts, but they do make a wood version now;
http://www.marlinfirearms.com/Firearms/centerfireBoltAction/XL7w.asp

the mossys, whether a 4x4 , or atr , both come with mounts.
http://www.mossberg.com/products/default.asp?id=8&section=products

 

[litman252]

Friends Mossberg ATR .308 @100 yards off bags, he is not an expierenced shooter!!!! Lowest and highest were sighting in, first time shooting it.

Pretty good for the $$ to me, and it's wood.

Tony

 

[TexasPatriot.308]

Stevens 200 and take the money you saved and use it on good optics like a Elite 3200, low price setup that will do the job of a setup that will cost twice as much.

 

[bestseller92]

The Marlin XL7 is about the same price online as the Stevens 200, and it has an adjustable trigger.

The reason I want a scope included is because that'll give me a little time to get a better scope. If it doesn't have a scope included I won't be able to really shoot it at all for a month or two, till I can get that Leupold I want.

 

[chevyforlife21]

go savage or marlin

 

[gofast]

There is a Savage scope package available that has the Accutrigger. It is more of a rare find but it is out there.

 

[jon_in_wv]

Earlier this year I bought a used 7mm Savage at the local pawn shop for $225. The bluing is rough and its pretty ugly. Recoil sucked with the factory stock so I replaced it with a B&C Duramaxx stock for 99 bucks. The scope I bought cost as much as the rifle and stock but a less expensive scope would have been fine for hunting. With my reloads I shoot well under an inch at 100 yards with it. Savages aren't as pretty or maybe smooth as the others but they are great shooters.

+1 on the Weatherby Vangaards. I've hear great things about them. The Howas would be another choice as well. I believe the Vangaards are made by Howa.