New Rifle Suggestions Under $650

[robMaine]

I am in the market for a new rifle. I have a budget of under $650, I am looking for medium to large bore rifle(300 win mag, 338 win mag, 375 h&h) although I am open to suggestions. I am not a big hunter so this is purely a "fun" purchase. I have looked at Savage 111, Savage 116, Remington 700, Marlin XL7. I am having a hard time picking a caliber and platform.

Thoughts and suggestions are much appreciated,

 

[1948CJ2A]

My recommendation would be a 300 Weatherby Mag in a Vanguard rifle. Spend an extra $100 and get a wood stock. The rifle will run you about $500 ish. I'd put a Redfield Revolution 3x9 on it for $150. I have this combination in a Vanguard and I love it. It's the best "bang for your buck" package in my opinion.

If you want to spend more and get something really unique, look into an 8mm Rem Mag. I've got one and it's a real thumper.

 

[robMaine]

I went in a completely different direction and just ordered a Ruger 77/44. Such a cool little gun, I think it will be fun, plus I can reload for it cheap.

 

[tacdad]

I would go with a 300 win mag. Lots of guys are using that caliber in the 1000 yard matches in my area. It's also a good caliber if you did decide to go hunting with it. I am a Savage fan myself. You can get a Savage 111FCNS series for around $600-$625. It has AccuStock with "aluminum spine and three-dimensional bedding cradle", Accutrigger, 3 round detachable box mag, Dual pillar bedded and free floated 24 inch barrel. Plus there is a billion things that you can do to a savage. It is a great starting point.

 

[xfyrfiter]

If you go the 300 route, you need to roll your own ammo , otherwise it can get expensive to become proficient. Also need good recoil management, as the 300 in heavier bullit selections is fairly punishing. YMMV

 

[Hizzie]

You can find used Interarms Mark X/Whitworth rifles and Remington 798's in .375H&H or .458WM on Gunbroker, GunsAmerica and GunsInternational. Not to mention on the various message boards. Elite Deal Seeker is a good tool to use but doesn't search everybody out there. Relatively affordable ammo in .375H&H can be found at Cheaper Than Dirt (BVAC loaded 285gr Grand Slam) and both .375H&H and .458WM can be found at Hunting Shack Munitions and Wisconsin Cartridge Corp. at less than premium prices. Both calibers can be downloaded a bit by handloading cast lead bullets with 5744 or Trail Boss.

 

[BrocLuno]

For fun gun, I'd be looking at a nice used 375 H&H. Classic cartridge and the fact that you got it used means that you have all the value there with little depreciation. There is a very good chance that it will grow in value

There's three pages of 375 H&H rifles on Gunbroker now. Should be able to find something that catches your fancy

 

[SwissArmyDad]

Guys, look at post #2. He bought a Ruger 77/44.

Too busy replying to read the posts..haha.

 

[robMaine]

Guys, look at post #2. He bought a Ruger 77/44.

To busy replying to read the posts..haha.

Haha, I noticed that, responses are still helpful for reference for future purchases. Thanks guys!

 

[SwissArmyDad]

Yup, huge base of knowledge on this board, and everyone always seems to have a unique suggestion...

Have fun with the Ruger, sir.

 

[Lloyd Smale]

sps remington would be my choise

 

[gamestalker]

I would buy one of the farless expensive 700's or Savage's out there chambered in 7mm RM and then use the left over cash for some quality glass. Figure around $400 for a Rem. 700 and slap a 3x9x40 Leupold Hunter model on it and still be aorund the $650 mark, maybe a little bit over.

I've seen 700's on Wally Worlds web site available by ordering only, they are in the $350 range. And the Leupold Hunter 3x9x40 runs no more than $250 and it's very clean glass that also has lots more eye relief than those bargan dollar otpics that come in a package deal and they're totally water proof, fog proof, and will hold zero indefinitely. Honestly, I've bought a few of those package deals, and I always pull the glass and put it on one of my 22LR or a pellet gun, they're junk and will likely put a nice scar right above your eye.