Rem700, Savage or Ruger???

[Mr. Chitlin]

I am in the market for a new rifle in 30/06 or 7 Rem Mag. I recently sold a few guns that I didn't have any use for any more and want to turn this $$$ back into guns that I am wanting. Kinda looking at the Remington 700 ADL, Savage Stainless/Synthetic, or the Ruger 77 MKII Stainless/Synthetic. I had a 30/06 years ago, and am sort of leaning that way. I know nothing about the 700 ADL. Is it a good enough gun, or would it be better to go with the 700 BDL?? The local shop quoted me $350 + tax for any 700 ADL, or $425 for a trade in 700 BDL. The BDL has blued steel and glossy wood with the monte carlo stock, and it is in 30/06. It looks spotless, and already has the rings and a cheap scope, that I would probably sell on ebay. I was leaning toward stainless or the matte finish of the ADL, though. As for the other 2, I own one Savage .243, it was one of the package guns with the 3x9 Bushnell scope on it. The local Wal Mart has the Savages (no scope) on sale for $320. Ruger... My son and I have hunted with Ruger 77MKII stainless 25/06's for several years. The local shop quoted $450 OTD on the Rugers. Depending on what I get (700 ADL, $350 x 2), I might get the 30/06 and the 7 Mag.

Any suggestions??

 

[Fumbler]

Why limit yourself to those brands?
You should look at Tikka T3's and CZ, and others. The Tikka's design is a nice and simple design that I just love. Because they keep it simple they can refine their machining more so you get a gun with nicer fit for the same price as the others you mention.

What do you mean by the ADL being a "good enough" gun?
If you're talking about practical use, the ADL should be just as accurate as a BDL. The only difference is the hinged mag plate, a metal trigger guard, and the amount of time they spend finishing the gun. That all is nice, but it doesnt make it shoot any better.

You already own a Savage, I believe in diversification of collections so I personally wouldn't get another.
You can always rebarrel your Savage pretty cheap and shoot .308Winchester in it. Some 308 loads (federal high evergy, hornady light magnum) exceed standard 30-06 performace.

What would the purpose of the new rifle/s be?

 

[Mr. Chitlin]

The main reason for these brands is that they are available locally. I don't know that I have seen a Tikka brand rifle in this area.

As for the comment on the ADL, I didn't know if they were any "cheaper" built, or if it was just cosmetics and the blind mag.

Also, these would be general hunting rifles, mainly deer and just fun shooting.

 

[Fumbler]

That makes sense (about availability).

Some people claim that the BDL is better built, but others have said it's just the finish and magazine difference.
I asked around a lot (shops, friends, and the internet) and the general consensus is that a factory ADL will normally shoot about 1.5", a factory BDL will shoot about 1.5" (both at 100 yards), so I would assume there is no practical accuracy difference.

If I was in your situation I would get a Rem 700 ADL in 7mm, get a nice scope, and then buy a new barrel (.308) for the Savage you already own.
The barrel, wrench, and headspace guages will cost you about $200.
there's really not much difference between the 308 and 30-06.

That's all my personal view, don't let what I say have too much weight.

 

[txgolfer45]

Get the Remington 700 ADL. I have it in .270 and it is very accurate. I put a Leopold VX-I 3x9x40 scope on it and I get less than an inch group at 100 yds with Remington Express Core-Lokt cartridges.

Scott

 

[ID_shooting]

I like my ADL, 300 WM. I have lightly modified it, bedded the action, muzzle brake, and trigger job. W/ tuned ammo the rifle will shoot .40 inch groups for first 3 rounds @ 100. Savages are good as well, a HB version in 243 is on my short list.

 

[Sergeant Sabre]

If ya don't mind a little "rough around the edges", I vote for Savage. I admit that thier stocks are poor and thier actions aren't quite as smooth as a Remmy, but they sure do shoot well!! My Model 10 in .300WSM will put three of my handloads into into the same hole at 100yds, every time.

 

[jem375]

be careful of the Tikka's....some Kabooms reported with the Stainless Steel versions........get the Remington 700 of course.........

 

[WhiteKnight]

I have an ADL in .270 Winchester. Mine is exceptionally accurate, although I now wish that I had opted for the hinged floorplate.

 

[bobby68]

I'll be picking up my rem 700 in a couple of hours, unless the storm gets worse out here in california.

I was set to buy the savage 30 06 but i could not find one with open sights.

Then i realized that the Rem 700 synthetic Stock fit my hands (small) much better than the Savage. I found two Rem 700's on the internet in the youth model, again for the smaller size (only the stock, not the barrel).

Have you compared the feel of the two different Stocks. The savage is wide and flat in the forearm, where the rem is rounded. The Savage pistol grip (if thats what you call the handhold behind the trigger) has a plastic seam that rides up the middle that was sort of annoying, and the overall size is a little big for my hand. The remingtion was comparably smaller and much more comfortable for me

 

[bobby68]

i sure wish i could get those prices here in california.. if it weren't for the beach and the fact that i grew up here... costs me about an extra 100 for every new gun i buy. that adds up.

 

[ID_shooting]

"Then i realized that the Rem 700 synthetic Stock fit my hands (small) much better than the Savage."

Same affliction here, not too mention my 12 inch LOP. Yes, the rem stocks fit me much better then Sav stock do.

 

[Lonestar.45]

I think you'll be happy with any of the guns you mentioned. They're all good. One thing though, you'll need to decide on whether you want stainless/synthetic, or blue/wood.

Personally, I'd go for the ADL. I'm partial to Remingtons. I've got a BDL .270 that was given to me as a gift new in '87, and it still looks brand new. I've shot probably 25 deer with it, and various hogs/varmints. I couldn't be happier with it. The ADL is the same gun, just a little less fancy stock/finish. Oh, and the ADL does not have the hinged floor plate as the BDL does if I'm not mistaken. No big deal, I'd think. Something about stainless guns just turn me off as well. They serve their purpose I suppose, if you're constantly hunting in bad weather, or aren't as particular about keeping your gun clean. But they just leave me cold.

And a word about scopes. I've got a $79 Tasco 3x12x40 that I put on the gun when I got it back when I was a poor college student, and it has never lost zero, never fogged on me, never given me any problems whatsoever. Maybe I'm just lucky, I don't know. I keep thinking a gun like the BDL deserves a better scope, maybe a Leopold or something. But every time I think I'm ready to plunk down the $200+, I think, WHY? If it ain't broke, don't fix it. I'd rather spend the $ on ammo, range time, cleaning gear, other guns..........

 

[WhiteKnight]

The ADL is the same gun, just a little less fancy stock/finish. Oh, and the ADL does not have the hinged floor plate as the BDL does if I'm not mistaken. No big deal, I'd think.

However, from a safety standpoint, it is much safer to unload a full BDL than it is an ADL. Likewise, it is much more fumbly unloading an ADL.

If I were you, I would look into the new CDL. A cheaper BDL that doesn't sacrifice the much-appreciated hinged floorplate, and comes with the R3 recoil pad (a must, IMHO).

 

[Mr. Chitlin]

If I were you, I would look into the new CDL. A cheaper BDL that doesn't sacrifice the much-appreciated hinged floorplate, and comes with the R3 recoil pad (a must, IMHO).

Hmmmm..... I haven't paid much attention to this one. Might just have to look one over. Going to a big gun show this weekend, so maybe there will be some there.

Thanks for the replies one and all. I just wanted some opinions form the people that have used them. Decisions, decisions...