Maverick223
Member
Didn't realize that...interesting info.
value consious rifle choice
- Thread starter Polar Express
- Start date
- Status
There is an unfortunate trend for many posters to have two classifications of anything: their current favorite and junk.
Rest assured I do not follow that trend and I do not use the term "junk" lightly. The Remington 770 is junk. Poorly machined, poorly fitted, r-o-u-g-h fitting bolt lugs and a stock that is both flexible and ugly. It is a mystery why Remington still offers it when they own Marlin, who is producing the vastly superior XL/XS 7 for the same price.
The Marlin is inexpensive.
The Remington 770 is cheap.
Just looking at the ads, I notice that some companies tell what scope is included on the combos, some don't. My guess (!) is that those that do provide a slight better one than those that don't, but it still won't be good enough if you're fussy, even though it may be the cheapest way to get a scoped rifle.
On the other hand, you ought to be able to get the specs on the scope from the dealer or the company. If they give you a manufacturer and model number, you know what you are dealing with, but they may say it's their private brand, and it could be most anything.
Companies like Savage and Mossberg try hard to build their reputation for a good product and it would be silly for them to sell a really crappy scope in a combo, but they are trying to sell at the lowest possible price, so quality is not going to be much above the acceptable minimum.
On the other hand, you ought to be able to get the specs on the scope from the dealer or the company. If they give you a manufacturer and model number, you know what you are dealing with, but they may say it's their private brand, and it could be most anything.
Companies like Savage and Mossberg try hard to build their reputation for a good product and it would be silly for them to sell a really crappy scope in a combo, but they are trying to sell at the lowest possible price, so quality is not going to be much above the acceptable minimum.
Last edited:
Probably the best value for the money is the Weatherby Vanguard for $390.
Also consider the Ruger Hawkeye For around $600 in stainless, including rings it is a lot of gun for the money as well.
The Savage/Stevens rifles work and have a well established reputation, they just do not appeal to me. In that price range I much prefer the Marlin XL7.
The 300 win mag is too much gun for an all around cartridge. Look at 30-06, 308, 270 or similar rounds.
Also consider the Ruger Hawkeye For around $600 in stainless, including rings it is a lot of gun for the money as well.
The Savage/Stevens rifles work and have a well established reputation, they just do not appeal to me. In that price range I much prefer the Marlin XL7.
The 300 win mag is too much gun for an all around cartridge. Look at 30-06, 308, 270 or similar rounds.
Maverick223
Member
It is a nice handling/looking gun (haven't shot one though), have you looked at one? Also, they can be had for under $700.00 at Bass Pro no less, so I would say that any respectable dealer should offer them for about $650.
Z-Michigan
Member
Since it's been mentioned now, I looked at the Mossberg ATR and 4x4 rifles with optimism and was really disappointed. They may shoot fine but their looks are pretty rough. I'd probably pick one over a Rem 770, but definitely not over a Savage. The Savage bang for the buck is hard to beat. Go up a little in price and the Rem 700 and Ruger start being interesting, as do the FN family options, but it's unlikely that much of anything below $1k is going to shoot consistently better than a $400 (or so) Savage.
OP
OP
Polar Express
Member
Lots of new perspectives to consider. Thanks for the replies.
I'm intrigued with the idea of that Howa barreled action, since it appears I can get some different barrel shape/length options than by purchasing a complete rifle. I'm not huge, but I'm a large person, and I'd prefer a longer, heavier barrel, especially on the .300 WM.
So, I could buy a pair of barreled actions, and a pair of stocks, and take my time and enjoy 'making' these guns my own. I'm mechanically skilled, and can be plenty patient when it comes to intricate details. I like to learn new things, and to me, it seems logical that I'd become a better shooter and gun owner knowing that much more about my new guns. Kinda like having a teenager rebuild a whole car before turning them loose with the keys.
If I was going to just go buy a couple guns, based on the feedback, it certainly seems that Stevens/Savage line is the best value going, depending on price, perhaps the Howa give them a run. I'd have to feel that accutrigger to see if I want to go that route, but i'll bet i like it. Now I need to actually put my hands on one and see how they 'feel'.
thanks, keep it coming!
PE
I'm intrigued with the idea of that Howa barreled action, since it appears I can get some different barrel shape/length options than by purchasing a complete rifle. I'm not huge, but I'm a large person, and I'd prefer a longer, heavier barrel, especially on the .300 WM.
So, I could buy a pair of barreled actions, and a pair of stocks, and take my time and enjoy 'making' these guns my own. I'm mechanically skilled, and can be plenty patient when it comes to intricate details. I like to learn new things, and to me, it seems logical that I'd become a better shooter and gun owner knowing that much more about my new guns. Kinda like having a teenager rebuild a whole car before turning them loose with the keys.
If I was going to just go buy a couple guns, based on the feedback, it certainly seems that Stevens/Savage line is the best value going, depending on price, perhaps the Howa give them a run. I'd have to feel that accutrigger to see if I want to go that route, but i'll bet i like it. Now I need to actually put my hands on one and see how they 'feel'.
thanks, keep it coming!
PE
Maverick223
Member
Good point...you could get a short barreled .308, a long barreled .300WM, a composite stock (.308?), and a nice wood stock (.300WM?). That would give you plenty of options.
OP
OP
Polar Express
Member
Well, the more I look into this, while money is still a concern, the more I am thinking that I'm willing to save up longer, to get a rifle configured the way I want it. I should have known I'd end up here in the first place.
I like the idea of a 'heavy sporter barrel', a nice medium between the standard, and the varmint barrel. (My dad had a 30-06 with a 28" heavy sporter bbl, and he loved it.) The more I think about it, the more I like the idea of the removeable box magazine design as well. (easier to unload before re-entering camp w/o dropping all your cartridges in the snow) And, if I'm going to go that far, I might as well go the little extra and get the SS.
So I called Savage, and I spoke with their speical order person. They'll make me a .308 and a .300 WM with heavy sporter barrels for only an extra $100 (MSRP) over the price of the otherwise same configured rifle.
I like the idea of a 'heavy sporter barrel', a nice medium between the standard, and the varmint barrel. (My dad had a 30-06 with a 28" heavy sporter bbl, and he loved it.) The more I think about it, the more I like the idea of the removeable box magazine design as well. (easier to unload before re-entering camp w/o dropping all your cartridges in the snow) And, if I'm going to go that far, I might as well go the little extra and get the SS.
So I called Savage, and I spoke with their speical order person. They'll make me a .308 and a .300 WM with heavy sporter barrels for only an extra $100 (MSRP) over the price of the otherwise same configured rifle.
Uncle Mike
Member
Do the Savage...
- Status
Similar threads
- Locked
