Need a rifle for under $500 for a 4-12x scope.

[Olympus]

I have seen some super buys lately. The Savage 11, Ruger American and the Mossberg Patriot. I have owned and shot several of each brand and could be happy with any of them. One thing of note and is a selling point for me is the Mossberg. I can get a Patriot with a nice wood stock for under $500. I don't see many Mossbergs on the A list but that Is a mistake. One of the most accurate 308's that I have owned was a $300 Patriot that would shoot 1/2 MOA all day. Another gun that would shoot along with it was a Ruger American Predator in 6.5 CM. It would keep 3 shots inside 1/2" with 4 different handloads. Any of these three should work for you but you will have to pick your own caliber.

Those walnut stock Patriots had caught my eye when they came out. Classy looking, budget alternative to the black synthetic stock guns that dominate the budget category. But I’ve got a safe full of walnut stock rifles. I’m leaning more toward a synthetic stock option just because I have so few.

Only ones I have are the Ruger American Pred in 22LR and 22WMR. I think I need one centerfire synthetic stock option.

 

[CapnMac]

I think I need one centerfire synthetic stock option.

Savage Axis II XP--available in .22-250 or 6.5creed might fit the bill.

 

[stevekozak]

My next bolt gun will be in 223/5.56. That Ruger American Ranch that takes the AR Mags is interesting. I am not sure how I feel about the 16.1 inch barrel, though.

 

[cdb1]

My choices would be:
1. Weatherby Vanguard
2. Mossberg Patriot or Howa 1500

 

[horsey300]

ya aren't gonna find a decent savage 99 at or below 500.00 anymore short of someone not knowing what they have....

I beg to differ, there's a semi annual gun show here and it's flooded with 99s the take down models are higher in price, but especially the .250/3000 and .300 Sav chamberings can be found for under 500. There are even days these can be scored on gunbroker, not often, but several times last winter I watched the occasional 99 slip by around that 400 mark.

 

[tallpaul]

My next bolt gun will be in 223/5.56. That Ruger American Ranch that takes the AR Mags is interesting. I am not sure how I feel about the 16.1 inch barrel, though.

they make the same rifle with a longer barrel n a different name I believe

 

[sparkyv]

https://www.gunbroker.com/item/824983261 This. Rem 788 in 6mm Rem to compliment your .243, because this post is not about needs, but about getting something eclectic. I was looking for a Husqvarna commercial or Kimber sporter in 6.5x55, but didn't see any currently.

+1 on the 788, it is a highly underrated great shooter. But I also, like several others, recommend the Ruger American in 6.5 CM or 308. I know the 270 is your high end in caliber size, but the 308 is so ubiquitous anymore that no man should do without.

 

[BigBL87]

they make the same rifle with a longer barrel n a different name I believe

Ruger American Predator. Though, it isn't a 5.56 chamber so only can only shoot .223 through it.

 

[Skylerbone]

I really want to add my .02 but I’ve fallen into that trap before. I too have scopes without homes living under my bench that I may never use and if not, I’ll use them in trade.

Having seen your woodworking skills and not knowing what scope you have, I’d suggest finding a composite stock (because you mentioned this) for something you already own and perhaps picking up a Microfit stock to finish yourself for another you own. Could be you’ve got a good candidate already which might leave you another lesser scope to sell.

At your $500 limit https://mannersstocks.com/catalog/product/view/id/3993/s/mcs-t/category/86/ Makes more sense to me than a new but rough project rifle with so-so accuracy; I own plenty of those in cheap factory stocks with “not horrible” triggers and they all need something to make them truly useable.

 

[Ks5shooter]

This...
https://www.gunbroker.com/item/828096619
Or my deer rifle...
https://www.gunbroker.com/item/818602201
I have the same gun 7mm-08 here is my target 2.5 high at a hundred good to 300.

 

[Armored farmer]

Those walnut stock Patriots had caught my eye when they came out. Classy looking, budget alternative to the black synthetic stock guns that dominate the budget category. But I’ve got a safe full of walnut stock rifles. I’m leaning more toward a synthetic stock option just because I have so few.

Only ones I have are the Ruger American Pred in 22LR and 22WMR. I think I need one centerfire synthetic stock option.

Get yourself one of the ruger American ranch in 7.62x39.
Mini30 box mags
Carbine length and threaded
Short and light
Mine shoots 1" easy at 100yds and I'm no rifleman.
Plenty of gusto for deer and hogs imho.
All the ammo you want for <$8/box
I think it's a great walking/woods rifle

 

[Ks5shooter]

There is always this........
https://www.gunbroker.com/item/828551157

 

[Olympus]

Get yourself one of the ruger American ranch in 7.62x39.
Mini30 box mags
Carbine length and threaded
Short and light
Mine shoots 1" easy at 100yds and I'm no rifleman.
Plenty of gusto for deer and hogs imho.
All the ammo you want for <$8/box
I think it's a great walking/woods rifle

I would have one of those except the Ruger mags are way overpriced. $25-30 for a 20-round mag is ridiculous in this day and age.

 

[Armored farmer]

I would have one of those except the Ruger mags are way overpriced. $25-30 for a 20-round mag is ridiculous in this day and age.

Yeah, that's high.....it comes with a 5rd though. I bought a 10rd at my lgs. I'll probably get a 20rd sometime.

 

[Bfh_auto]

I beg to differ, there's a semi annual gun show here and it's flooded with 99s the take down models are higher in price, but especially the .250/3000 and .300 Sav chamberings can be found for under 500. There are even days these can be scored on gunbroker, not often, but several times last winter I watched the occasional 99 slip by around that 400 mark.

That doesn't happen in Missouri or Oklahoma. 650 seems to be the going rate.
Edit to add...

Send the surplus South. I want one, but not for 650 and up.

 

[Olympus]

Here is a question, does anyone know if the Mossberg Patriot uses the same length action for their long and short calibers? Like do the 308 class calibers use the same length action as the 06 class calibers?

 

[Skylerbone]

Here is a question, does anyone know if the Mossberg Patriot uses the same length action for their long and short calibers?

Looks to be all long action.

 

[Olympus]

That's a bummer...

 

[Frostbite]

Another vote for a RAR in 6.5 Creedmoor here. I like the Ranch in 7.62x39 too, but think it would waste the intended scope ; a 1x-4x is waiting here for such a little rifle at some point, or will it be mounted on a Russian double rifle in 45-70 when they are imported again in the future? So many rifles to be bought when life is so short. Enjoy the search, all the fun is in the hunt

 

[Olympus]

Nevermind. I had an idea but didn’t pan out.