New Rifle under $400

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osteodoc08

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OK guys. I'll be searching for a new rifle for deer season (Georgia). I will be retiring my old Ruger M77 (tang safety) in .243 for a newer rifle.

I have about $350 to $400 for the gun. I am looking at the Weatherby Vanguard, Winchester Mdl 70 Supershadow, and Savage package models with the accutrigger. Caliber will be either 270 or 30-06. I will be spending another $300 or so for a "decent" scope, most likely a 3x9 or a fixed 4 power.

What is everyone's recommendation and why? I am leaning towards the Winchester in 270 and a Nikon or Bushnell scope.

I've read many responses on the different rifles, but not a rifle/scope combo for whitetail in particular.
 
If you like your old Ruger why not buy a later model used 77mkII and put it into service thus saving your old Ruger from the elements and keeping with a gun your framilar with
 
Savage or Remington sounds good for that price range. I would get the .270 as you certainly dont need a .30 for deer in GA (not that it wont work), unless they are substaintially larger than SC deer. As for the scope, your price range screams Leupold Rifleman 3-9x40mm. I think you can get one for about $200.
 
Mossberg 100ATR in .270, very accurate, you can pick one up for $250 -$300 and have a little more $$ for a scope and ammo.

Smitty
 
Mossberg 100ATR in .270, very accurate, you can pick one up for $250 -$300 and have a little more $$ for a scope and ammo.

Smitty
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I've heard mixed reviews about this particular gun so I tried to find other alternatives. Maybe some of the other members here at THR have some PERSONAL experience with it, not just some internet horror story they want to regurgitate....
 
I've heard mixed reviews about this particular gun so I tried to find other alternatives. Maybe some of the other members here at THR have some PERSONAL experience with it, not just some internet horror story they want to regurgitate....
Click to expand...

A couple of months ago I bought two in 30-06 for my sons. They are very good rifles for the money, I haven't shot either extensively but with the few rounds I have sent down range have all been right where they should be, and they have a pretty decent trigger also. I haven't shot either to really group, but offhand I put 3 shots into about 1 1/2 inches at 80 yards, and with the other I had the 1st 2 shots touching with the 3rd shot about 2 inches low and to the right (I really believe it was shooter error). My sons both love their rifles (they are not into target shooting, they would rather bust milk jugs), and as they are intended to be hunting rifles that is plenty good enough for me.
 
Stevens

I would go with the Savage/Stevens. Dicks had them for around $250. Same as savage, no accutrigger. I have one in 223. Good shooter, stock is a bit rough but a good hunting rifle.
 
osteodoc08 said:
I've heard mixed reviews about this particular gun so I tried to find other alternatives. Maybe some of the other members here at THR have some PERSONAL experience with it, not just some internet horror story they want to regurgitate....
Click to expand...

I have one in .270, It has been a great rifle, sub-MOA with the right ammo. The trigger is as good, if not better than, the trigger on my Remington 700 BDL, I have added a "cheapo" bi-pod, a little modification to the mounting bracket and it was all set. It is a great "beater" rifle, you don't care if the stock gets scratched climbing up rocks.

The only negative thing I can say about mine was, the scope, I bought the rifle and scope "package" and it took a long time before the scope "settled in", I spent a lot of money on ammo getting the scope to behave. It works perfectly now, but I think if I had bought a better scope I wouldn't have had the headaches sighting in the "factory" scope.
 
I have a Mossberg 1500, which is the same as the Howa 1500, with a Walnut stock and glass bedded in 7mm Rem Mag I'll sell for $300.00

Ash
 
If I had $400.00 to spend on just the rifle and I wanted something new, I'd buy a Savage. If used, whatever fits!
 
My brother got the Savage package deal a 5 or so years ago in 270. We were out at the range sighting it in when the windage adjustment puked out the side. We were about shot 3 or 4. We replaced it with and old K6 Weaver and he used it through the deer season that year. Other than the scope, the rifle it good and solid.

I think you guys are on the right track. I do want a "beater" rifle that I'm not to worried about being banged up. I've been trying to talk my brother out of his Savage, but he just won't let it go....even though he hasn't touched it in 3 years or so.

If I want purdy, I can borrow one of the umpteen rifles my father has custom built. He has this fascination with the old Mauser actions and wildcats. His favorite is probably the 7mm STW he had built long before it was being mass produced.

I think the Winchester is calling my name. If nothing else, for future sentimental reasons.
 
If the Winchesters are calling, I'd hold out 'til the new ones come out. When the model 70s come back in 08, the prices on the older ones "should" go back to normal.
 
I'm not sure I'd buy new. I have a tendency to pick up used rifles, in super condition for very reasonable prices. Very few shooters put even 500 rounds through centefires. Values abound. I'm fortunate to have a local dealer that doesn't care for Savage 110's and prices them acordingly......God Bless the man. It's been great for me....Essex
 
Thanks for all the help. I'm going to swing by A.W. Peterson's this weekend and see what they have for used rifles. I'd really like an older gun with good blueing and a wood stock. Call me a traditionalist if you want, but I just love the look of a "classic" rifle. When I can afford it, I will have a synthetic and stainless gun, but all the ones I want I can't afford. As my wife says, "You can want in one hand and..."
 
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