Low Cost Options. Any personal experience?

[Watusi76]

I am looking to get a hunting rifle in .30-06 but can’t make up my mind on which one. I am looking mainly based on price (in the $400’s is ok but lower is better). I already have a scope so I don’t need a package deal and am looking for a bolt action. No preference as to wood or synthetic. Main criteria is price and accuracy out of the box. I’ve ruled out the S&W iBolt but am looking heavily at the Savage 11/111 and Howa 1500 Lightening. I’ve also heard that Vanguard is a good option. Any personal experience/recommendations? I'm able to get the Howa with synthetic camo stock for $339 right now but want to make sure I can't get more for my money with another option. Especially since I've never shot a Howa before and am willing to go a bit more if it buys more.

 

[jebuwh]

The howa is an incredible rifle that you dont hear too much about. they actually make the vanguard for weatherby. so you cant go wrong with either of those two. i love the howa with the hougue stock. super nice gun, accurate as hell.

 

[oldrevolverguy]

The venerable Remington 700 is hard to beat. Academy historically has a great price on the 700ADL in 30'06 among others. Great trigger, classic action, new crisp adjustable trigger combine for an awesome buy. I bought a 270 and a 308. I installed a Redfield 2X7 and a Leupold VXII 2X7 on them respectively and could not be more happy with the results.

 

[allaroundhunter]

I have a Savage in .270 WSM (my first rifle), and it was around $500 (scope included). It is a very accurate rifle and I highly recommend them (Savage rifles in general, not just the .270 WSM), you wouldn't be disappointed with one.

 

[wnycollector]

I'm the happy owner of a Howa 1500 Supreme Varmint .308. I picked it up from CDNN for ~$400 last year. It is a super accurate rifle. With FGMM 168gr SMK it will shoot .75" groups. I wouldn't hesitate grabbing a Howa 1500 Lightening if I wanted a lightweight accurate hunting rifle.

 

[coondogger]

Would you consider a used rifle? I think there are some decent prices on quality guns in that caliber. For example, I should think a Winchester Model 70, in very good condition would go for around $400. I don't think you'll find many people who would have an unkind word about that rifle.

 

[RonSC]

Look real hard at the Stevens mod. 200. It's basically a Savage 10 w/out the Accutrigger and available in all basic chamberings. On sale they can be had for under $300.00. The best bang for the buck in an accurate, dependable PROVEN action..! Use the change for a set of rings, bases and a good sling.!!!

 

[Hunterdad]

The Marlin XL7 is hard to beat. Best bang for the buck right now IMO.

 

[Eb1]

I own a .25-06 Marlin XL7, and it is a reliable gun. Shoots good with ammo it likes. I am working on hand loads now, but it shoots Winchester Supreme 115 grain MOA or under, and Remington 100 grain Core-Lokts @ 1.25 to 1.5" all at 100 yards. I have had some good days where 200 yards .5 to .75" are possible and repeatable.
I have a Bushnell 4200 3-9x40 on top with Talley 1 piece lightweight ring and base combos.

I am looking into buying a higher dollar .25-06 with a 24" barrel, or I might put a thicker barrel on this action. The XL7 is a good gun for the money, and will shoot good enough for deer out to 300 yards. I know from experience on that. I've done it, but prefer to shoot @ 50 yards or less.

Stevens 200, Mossberg, Marlin XL7, T/C Venture, etc are all basically the same type rifle. Entry level barrels and stocks made for the meat hunter who has a family to feed. Sometimes when money is tight it doesn't matter what the vehicle looks like as long as it gets you to work. Those rifles mentioned in this thread are all suitable for putting food on the table.
If you're looking to shoot competition with this rifle then cost will go up, but for $500 or less you can find you a good hunting rifle.

An XL7 is what $259.00? I think I paid like $249.00 for mine, and if you put on a Bushnell Banner scope into the mix you're looking right at $460 to $500. The XL7 comes with an adjustable trigger. I will say this. They come with the stocks torques for 5lbs of pressure at the forearm to barrel connection. I took my stock off and adjusted the trigger, and I lost some accuracy when I put the stock back on. So I filed down the pressure spots, and called it a day.

Let us know what you purchase. Good caliber of choice also. Good luck.

 

[mljdeckard]

I would go to a pawn shop and look for a Remington/Savage/Winchester/Tikka/Sako/...whatever.

 

[whetrock]

I'd get a Stevens 200 and use the extra cash to go towards a decent optic of some sort maybe something from the Nikon Buckmaster series or a newer Redfield of some kind.

 

[Manny]

Time is your friend if you don't need it right now. Look for clearance items especially at the bigger retailers. I got a new Ruger M77 Hawkeye all weather for under $400 at Cabela's a couple months ago this way. Also got a terrific deal on a Trijicon 3-9x at a local gun shop that had it sitting in the case for nearly 2 years. I now have a truly top notch rifle & scope combo for not much more than the MSRP for the rifle itself.

Also possible to find great deals for face to face sales, just need to have the patience to wait for them and the ready cash to take advantage.

 

[rule303]

The entry level rifles have really gotten very good the last few years. You can't go wrong with a Savage, the Axis is a great shooter, but IMO the 110 series with the accutrigger is worth it if it is within your budget. Weatherby just introduced the Vanguard series 2, and there are some great deals on the original Vanguard right now, you should be able to find one for around $375. Just stay away from the Remington 770...

 

[OhioChief]

I just posted that I bought a Savage 111 FXP3 yesterday, right before I read your post. I haven't even shot it yet, but it was the gun I decided on. Figured I couldn't go wrong with that choice, we'll see how it turns out.