update on best hunting rifle for around $500

[Matthew T.]

I'm selling my .243 Savage 10 to have some $$ to put toward the new rifle, but nothing really seems to reach out and grab me.

I have issues buying a Ruger because of the crappy trigger.

All of the plastic on the Tikka raises questions about the rifle's sturdiness (the plastic trigger guard on my Savage broke and took the sear with it). Plus, I really want a controlled feed gun.

The CZs have wonderful triggers but are kind of heavy overall. Plus, I would like a 7-08 for moderate recoil and increased deer whacking ability.

The Vanguards are nice and a .257 WM is kind of appealing for the novelty factor, but a 26" barrel probably makes more sense in this caliber.

Remington 700s are quite nice (and out of my $500 price range), but the Savage Accu-Trigger has spoiled me for factory trigger pulls.

Winchester's controlled round push feed would probably work, but Model 70s are kind of scarce right now.

I may need to do the unthinkable and just wait it out for a while and see what comes along.

 

[Stiletto Null]

Hmm.

Milsurp rifle of some sort (I like my M48s): $150
Scout mount (www.scopemounts.com): $75
Scout scope (Leupold FX II, 2.5x28): $250

What kind of ranges are you talking about?

 

[Headless Thompson Gunner]

If none of the production rifle manufacturers make what you want, consider making your own.

An old mauser can be re-barreled, re-stocked, and re-finished for about the same price as a new off-the-shelf hunting rifle. With the mauser, you get exactly what you want - no need to compromise and buy what the big companies are marketing at everyone else.

 

[browningguy]

To be honest I can't think of any rifle in the $500 range that will be any "better" than your Savage. I've got a Ruger RSI in .308, but that's because I like Mannlicher stocks. A Vanguard Deluxe in '06, because it was on closeout for $299, it's prettier than a Savage but doesn't shoot any better.

I could go on and on but it's just that the Savage's seem to always shoot well, and in this case that's how I'm choosing to define better. I think my custom Mauser in .275 Rigby is better than a Savage, but that's because I had it built exactly how I wanted it (and not related to how well it shoots). But even doing it with a very inexpensive gunsmith you just can't get it done right for less than $7-800. Trueing the action, lapping lugs, surface grinding, not to mention installing a decent quality barrel (Douglas is about the cheapest I've seen with decent consistant results), and finishing the metal. Then you get into stocks, a decent B&C either properly bedded or with the aluminum bedding blocks is going to run near $200, and it's the cheapest that I would consider usable. Then you need sights, or D&T for a scope, and don't forget sling swivels need to be installed. So if the gunsmith is working for $15/hour you can get it around $700, anything cheaper and the guy's almost losing money.

I generally like things that are a ltittle different, so I'd look for a RSI Ruger in .270 or .308, maybe a Mannlicher stocked CZ in 6.5x55 or 7x57 if one could be found. Anyway, the chase is as good as the kill, so enjoy looking for the right rifle.

 

[ECVMatt]

Both the Ruger and the Remmy triggers are easy fixes..

The Remington is the cheapest and quickest. Check here for instructions:

http://www.quarterbore.com/library/articles/rem700trigger.html

Timney seems to make the best Ruger trigger. Once installed it make the best trigger I have ever used. This includes Rem, Browning, Savage, etc.. it is simply the best.

Hope this helps you out.

Matt

 

[ball3006]

My vote is for Savage too.

The only difference between a 243 and a 7mm-08 is .5mm. Same case with different neck.......chris3

 

[Matthew T.]

you know what I might do . . .

There's nothing wrong with a Marlin 336A (well, there is that trigger - but I think there's a drop-in replacement). The 30-30 has been taking deer for a long time now and will work fine for the ranges I'll be shooting at in NE Oklahoma and NW Arkansas. Plus, honestly, a big part of it's appeal is that the 336A/W is more in line with my budget right now (and my father-in-law loaned me his dies).

 

[Kingcreek]

I've got nuthin against a 30-30 but that is a step down from a Savage in .243- you are going the wrong direction.
Maybe I don't understand your posted question?

 

[Headless Thompson Gunner]

Why is that a step down for him? He wants a better trigger pull and few plastic parts. Doesn't the Marlin leveregun solve both of these problems?

Maybe I don't understand the question either...

 

[Matthew T.]

clarification

My original post on this thread was meant more as a statement than a question - sort of a post-script on the "Best Hunting Rifle for Around $500" thread I started a week or so ago. I do appreciate everyone's suggestions, nonetheless.

Despite cheap plastic parts and reoccurring feeding problems, the Savage has a sweet trigger and good accuracy. I'm willing to sacrifice a little on the next gun's trigger and accuracy if I can get something well made and reliable. The 336s have had very little negative said about them in the areas of reliability and durability.

 

[LAK]

The CZs have wonderful triggers but are kind of heavy overall. Plus, I would like a 7-08 for moderate recoil and increased deer whacking ability.

The Vanguards are nice and a .257 WM is kind of appealing for the novelty factor, but a 26" barrel probably makes more sense in this caliber

Funny, you hit on two of the very few newly manufactured offerings that might tempt me to open my wallet. Otherwise I am hooked on the better old guns.

But since you like the CZ's nice trigger, why not a CZ-550 in 6.5x55?

------------------------------------

http://ussliberty.org
http://ssunitedstates.org

 

[mtang45]

One make left out of the discussion so far is the Browning A-bolt. Very fine rifle, well built, great trigger and superb accuracy, especially when fitted with a boss. New prices are slightly higher than the $500, but used rifles can be found under the price limit.

 

[Old Time Hunter]

Marlin 1895 444 @ WallyWorld for $423.00. Best value all around for anything that you could possibly want to hunt bigger than a goat. Otherwise, 336W for $298.00 plus a 1.75-4 X 32 Banner Dusk and Dawn on Weaver mounts with Burris Zee rings. The hole package would set you back approximately $425.00 .