OK, which budget bolt rifle

[chaim]

I'd avoid Savage rifles. Just my opinion, but your money would be better spent on a Rem 700 or Win 70, much better guns. I'd also look at Howa. They have Weatherby actions and are great guns for the money and often overlooked. Just remember in new firearms, cheaper is usually not better.

I'm not sure if I gave off the impression that I'm a rifle newbie, I'm not. I just wanted some input on what to buy. What do I know of rifles- more than the average hunter but less than the average hard core rifle enthusiast.

Anyway, the Savage is a perfectly good rifle. They are accurate and very well made. They have a great internet rep, and I know them first hand having onwned one. Is the budget Remington 700 or Winchester 70 a better gun? Maybe, but not by much (and how do you define better as all are capable of fine shooting), and you aren't buying any Remington 700 for under $350. Are the top of the line Remington or Winchester rifles better guns? Yes, but they are substantially more money and the top of the line Savage isn't anything to "sneeze at" either.

As for the Howa having a Weatherby action, you have it exactly backwards. The "budget" version of the Weatherby (the Vanguard) not only has a Howa action, it is a Howa- Howa makes it, Weatherby badges it as a Weatherby.

 

[cracked butt]

Winchester,savage,stevens, weatherby vanguards- all walmart guns will work well and serve you well. Also take a look at the low end remington 700s (NOT THE 710!) They are in the same price range and would be the best choice if you ever want to upgrade in the future.

I don't like anything made by Mossberg-maybe I'm just a gun snob.

I won't touch any Charles Daly with a 10' pole.

 

[MrDig]

Mossberg firearms do exactly what they are intended to do Shoot. The slide may be sloppy and the look may not be pretty but my 500 that I got for a song has put meat in the freezer. Venison, Grouse, Pheasents and Geese. Well worth the bucktwenty that it cost. Got a Montefeltro same gauge, I'm still getting used to, so no birds this season with it. Good thing I don't need to hunt or I would diminish my Greek God Like physique.