New Remington 770 or Used 700 in .308

[kd7nqb]

So here's my issue currently my only center-fire rifle is a M44 mosin. I like it but its HEAVY

I have decided I want a new rifle for deer maybe the occasional "other animal" such as wild hogs. I also know that I want it in .308win

When I did some google work I found the 770 getting good reviews from people who own them an spotty reviews from the crowd that just handles it and doesn't shoot them.

I know the 700 is one of the classic rifles for this task, but the idea of the 770 does intrigue me. I know I want a synthetic stock regardless of what I get so older 700's with wood stocks are not being looked at.

Also I know pretty little about scopes so I would rather by a rifle with the scope already on it.

All in all I only picture this rifle getting a few rounds through it during hunting season and maybe the occasional range trip but dont plan to shoot caseloads of ammo through it.

I have looked at a few other rifles such as the Savage Edge and even the HR hand-rifle.

Am I missing a major bolt-action contender?

 

[natman]

When I did some google work I found the 770 getting good reviews from people who own them an spotty reviews from the crowd that just handles it and doesn't shoot them.

Oh, please. What you read is the 770 getting good reviews from people who were misguided enough to buy the things in the first place and horrible reviews from everyone else who knows anything at all about rifles.

The Marlin XS7 and the Stevens 200 are good, solid inexpensive rifles. It's amazing that you can buy a rifle this nice for so little money. I'd be happy to own either one.

The Mossberg ATR is a cheap but acceptable rifle, although the first two are better for the money. If someone gave me one, I'd try to see how much I could improve it.

The Remington 770 is a steaming pile of JUNK. It's an embarrassment to the Remington name. It's poorly machined, poorly finished and butt ugly. I wouldn't own one if you paid me to take it.

If you want to delude yourself into buying a 770, go ahead, but don't say you weren't warned.

 

[Lloyd Smale]

buy the used 700

 

[Abel]

This is funny. A real insight into the true demographic of the 770.

I know the 700 is one of the classic rifles for this task, but the idea of the 770 does intrigue me. I know I want a synthetic stock regardless of what I get so older 700's with wood stocks are not being looked at.

Wrong approach! Make older wood-stocked 700's your primary objective. The Remington 700's from the before-synthetic era were/still are great rifles.

Also I know pretty little about scopes so I would rather by a rifle with the scope already on it.

You're killin' me here. This is terrible reasoning! Go learn a little about scopes and get something that will be useful ten years down the road & has a good warranty.

Do some research on how to pick out a quality used 700.

 

[unwise11]

get a howa m1500. i got mine for 550 with a scope on it, and i shot a 7/8ths inch 3shot group a 100 yards with hornady sst superformance150. mines .308 aswell.
the rifle is sub moa accurate, i have many examples of hole in hole groups i can post if i get my dads camera over here.

 

[Omaha-BeenGlockin]

Neither

Marlin XL7
Stevens 200
Savage Edge
TC Venture

Not a big fan of anything Remington here.

 

[heeler]

Having owned several older Remington 700's with wood stocks you dont know what you obviously will be missing compared to that latest greatest 770.
You can easily find a 700 with a synthetic stock or just buy one for used for 40-50 bucks on GunBroker,e-bay etc.
And yes I have handled and sighted in a 770 for a newbie gun owner.
It's an O.K. rifle and much better than that model 710 that used to be around.
The suggestions on the Stevens,Marlin are also very good alternatives.
As far as a scope goes most scopes that start hitting a price around $150.00 are usually pretty good bets.

 

[Franco2shoot]

Check out the Remiongton Model Seven... Lighter accurate, doesn't have the latest greatest and smoothest of triggers, but I got mine in .308 for under 6 bills.
Very happy with it.

KKKKFL

 

[kd7nqb]

Alright so I looks like the 770 is no longer on my list to look at. Thanks for the help. Also seems like I need to learn some about scopes.

 

[TXHORNS]

Typically pre-scoped rifles comes with garbage scopes, not always but usually. A savage with the accu-trigger or a Remington 700 would be my choice. I like the wood guns but to each his own on that. I do like your round choice though, seems perfect for what you want.

I'd get a 700 with a new Redfield 2-7 or 3-9 scope and Leupold rings/bases. That's about as cheap as I would go on the glass. Bushnell 3200 and Nikon Prostaff's are good too for that price, there are others but those are the ones I would consider. In my experience you can get a good scope for $100-150.

 

[natman]

I'd recommend a Marlin XS7 in 308 with a Leupold 2-7x32 VXII scope. IIRC, the Marlin comes with Weaver style bases, so all you'd need is a set of medium Weaver rings and you would be ready. Some gunshops will install and sight in a scope if you buy all the parts from them. The whole package should be less than $600+tax+fees and would give you years of good service.

 

[Skylerbone]

Were it me I would look for a used 700 with wood stock, add a scope and if you feel a synthetic stock is warranted, buy a good one later.

Most OEM synthetics are little more than cheap, flexible nylon which does not lend itself to accuracy. There are exceptions but aftermarket allows you to buy what you want.

You'll find most people are brandcentric and many refuse to believe there are any trad-offs in buying an inexpensive rifle. Lightest trigger and claimed out-of-box accuracy aren't as important as safety, reliability and durability in my book.

Once you've learned about scopes do yourself a favor and have a pro mount it. It's far cheaper than ruining a new one and voiding the warranty.

There is a lot to learn, don't be in a hurry and don't discount anything based solely on Internet opinion. Best of luck in your search.

 

[djardine]

Look at the Walmart Savage 10 package deal - they are now carrying the .308 caliber. You would then have to throw out or sell the scope and rings and buy a Nikon Prostaff or something nicer. Ebay has the Prostaff 3-9x40 for $125 new- I bought two of them. I am actually selling one right now because I sold the rifle it was on.

I also own a Stevens 200 .25-06 and I had a Marlin XL7 in .25-06 I was forced to sell- these two guns are sweet and you can't go wrong with either.

 

[Arkansas Paul]

I'd hunt with the M44 before I bought a 770.
From the ones you listed, the 700 would get my vote. I found a in the box never fired ADL in .243 at a yard sale the other day for $360.
I have a Weatherby Vangaurd I love and it only cost $390 new at Wally World.
I've heard good things about the Marlins, Savages, and Stevens but never owned them.

 

[HOOfan_1]

I saw Gander Mountain had a 700 ADL scoped on sale for $400.
My 30 year old 700 BDL .30-06 is an awesome rifle...accurate too.

 

[Oceans]

Easy, 700 or Savage. Two proven articles, No question about it. If you do go Remington, which is what I have, your resale value will be good. Savage's resale values are not bad though.

 

[bpl]

Used 700. There would be no question in my mind, between the two.

Am I missing a major bolt-action contender?

Marlin XS7 is developing a good reputation.

Were it me, I'd save the extra dough and get a new Winchester Model 70.

 

[glockman19]

I vote for the used 700

 

[lesgeaux]

Go for the Marlin XS7 in.308 if that is the round you want to choose. Out of the box they have excellent reviews from those that own them. My local store still has a few at 270.00 out the door, in your area I don't know.
I have a 270 and was leery about the recoil but with the stock pad, it was not an issue. The bolt operates Very smooth. Find the forum that the owners write on and check them out. I used to enjoy going out in the BLM in your area when I lived there, you have some nice woods in Oregon to explore, good luck.