Most accurate (non-varmint caliber) rifle for under $300?

[Mark-Smith]

Thinking about getting a Mosin-Nagant for a friend for his wedding, I pondered the accuracy of those old rifles and what else might be out there. Primary use would be paper-punching, but having something you could use for hunting medium size game was mentioned.

So what else is out there in the sub-$300 range that is not a varmint caliber and is fairly accurate?

He doesn't have any rifles , so this would be his first, so something he'd appreciate over time is what I'm going for.

 

[BCRider]

As much as I love my MN I'm not sure that it's an idea first rifle. And if he ever wanted to put a scope on the thing it's a bit of a PITA.

Instead I'm going to suggest you shop around for a really nice used Marlin 336 in .30-30. It's the quitesential smaller deer gun of the last century. And it easily takes a scope for later on.

Or look at the H&R Handi Rifle if you want a new but still budget rifle. With the money you save buying one in something like .308 or some other hunting worthy chambering you could buy a low/mid price scope to include with it.

 

[Panzercat]

You can't beat a Mosin-Nagant for value, but I think it takes a certain taste to truly appreciate one. As for me, I'll second the 30-30 notion. Handling one will stir the old west in most anybodies soul. Blued Marlins are cheap and you can go even cheaper at pawns. Nothing says sex like stainless, but that might blow the budget.

 

[madcratebuilder]

Swiss K31, no contest.

 

[JDGray]

Savage Axis .308

 

[caribou]

Finn M39 Mosin nagant. A very decent one can be had for less than 300$ if you look around a bit. Not impossible at all, and most likely the finest rifle ever issed an infantryman outside the USA

 

[Hunterdad]

Take a look at the Marlin X series of rifles.

 

[godale]

stevens 200

 

[hdjno83]

ive had great accuracy with all my nef handi rifles.

 

[BADUNAME37]

Are you planning on having open sights or some kind of optics?

If the latter, then you could easily have more than that into decent mounts, rings and scope!

 

[saturno_v]

Big box retailers run Stevens and Savage combo with scope, chambered in 30-06 or 7mm Remington Magnum, for $299-$399 all the time....cannot do better than that.

The Mosin is cheaper but accuracy wise is a hit and miss if you do not know how to look at them, besides any modern hunting rifle is more accurate than any old war workhorse, mounting optics can be a pain in the butt (and expensive to boot) less choice of hunting ammo....they are for collection purposes or having fun plinking with it...

Another good choice is the Mossberg 4X4 in the same price range with scope combo....stay away from the el cheapo plastic Remington 770 and Mossberg ATR.