which would be the best choice? (Poll)

[Kachok]

The 700 is a class act be it ADL or BDL. If you like class, go that way. If you don't care about anything other than how the rifle shoots and a good price, the Savage package gun is the deal. But Savage 111 will never ever in ten million years be the class equal of a 700 made in the 1960's.

I would agree with that, I like classy rifles too, but for pure hunting/shooting the ugly Savage shines. Owned 6 of them, never had a complaint about their performance, call them plain, call them ugly, call them whatever you like those SOBs can sure shoot.
Besides if you scratch the walnut on your 700 you would probably be upset, scratch the Savage 111 and you just added some character There is not much you can do to ugly up a plain jane Savage LOL. A friend of mine has an older beautiful BDL that he won't take out of the house without a gun sock on it, old as it is not a scratch on it so when he is done hunting he can but it back on display.

 

[col_temp]

So true Kachok,
Thanks for the advice so far. Interesting to see how this is going!

 

[DM~]

I would grab that old 700 and RUN!

DM

 

[Cee Zee]

Savages are not nearly as ugly as they once were. I have one that looks beautiful in fact. I also have one that looks like a camel's back. One shoots very good. One shoots fabulous. The beautiful one is the great shooter too. I've come close to replacing my old Savage with a newer model because I don't have the AccuTrigger on the old one and it could be more accurate. But compared to most rifles it is very accurate. I just know the newer models are super accurate because I have one.

I've been thinking of getting a Savage 111 HUNTER XP because it is a good rifle at a good price. The 30.06 version is an excellent choice.

 

[col_temp]

I've been thinking of getting a Savage 111 HUNTER XP because it is a good rifle at a good price.

Hey CZ The 111 Trophy is simply a step up from the 111 hunter. It provides their new Accustock which is supposed to handle the recoil much better. I know from looking at both in the store that the recoil pad of the 111 Trophy is very comfortable and better than the just plain hunter.

 

[WTBguns10kOK]

Probably the Savage or Ruger. Usually no sense in buying more expensive when you're new to something and don't understand what you're really looking for in a gun...which is why you're asking. .308

 

[Kachok]

The Ruger is quickly building a good reputation, I ALMOST bought one in 243 a couple days ago, I was about to tell the salesman to ring me up then I noticed that the rubber pad on the gun rack had worn the finish off the barrel, talk about weak Will spend a little more money on a rifle that has a quality finish, though I did love the way the Ruger feels in the hands, ultra slim. Will get one if they make them in stainless or with a better blueing.

 

[col_temp]

Thanks for all the input.
Some notes so far:
1. I have not been able to find a Marlin to hold so that one is probably out (and based on the results not to popular a choice anyway!
2. I have held the Ruger American, and while I read good things about them I found the handhold of the trigger hand too small around. While I can see this fitting others it certainly doesn't feel right to me. I did see an older user Ruger M77 in 270 today at a pawn shop. Good shape and fairly reasonably priced.
3. I took another look at both the Remington (#2 int he poll) and the Winchester (#3 in the poll) again today at the Pawn shop. The Winchester is in not as bad shape as I thought. Stock still needs to be refinished but is not critical. The Remington has a 3-9x50 Barka scope mounted. So I would have the rings and could get another scope for it.
4. Winchester #1 in the poll is sliding down. Based on looking around its a decent price but not really a low price. So this one is likely out.

All told when I put the poll up I was leaning towards either the #2 or #3 or the Savage.
I really like the fact that the Savage has the snap in mag, no feeding from the top.
To the person who asked the Remington is a BDL rifle.

Thanks to all who have voted and read through. Will let everyone know once I make us my mind!

 

[col_temp]

Oh yeah forgot to mention,
The Remington is likely from the mid-1970's not the 1960's date shown on the poll. Does this change anyone's opinion?

 

[DM~]

oh yeah forgot to mention,
the remington is likely from the mid-1970's not the 1960's date shown on the poll. Does this change anyone's opinion?

nope!

Dm

 

[Arkansas Paul]

I voted for the new Savage. Less than $500 and it comes with a Nikon scope. Can't beat that IMO. I've never owned a Savage rifle, but my brother has a 111 in 7 Rem Mag and it's a shooter. You never hear anyone who owns one complain about them.

 

[oldpapps]

So many good options.

A 270 or 308.... With the right load/s both will do very well with deer and bigger critters. For me, I would opt for a 308 but that's just me.

To the listed weapons.... Selection of a 'USED' rifle would require an in depth inspection. I will go with all having passed and are acceptable. Hmm, a pre '68 Winchester 70 is nice.
Of the 'NEW', I do like the Savage, a lot.

My personal preference would be with the Winchester 70 in 308.
But you must make your determination. Evaluate your views and the in put gathered and go for it.

 

[Kahr33556]

I love the winchester model 70.
the 3 position safety is great.
Look around for a newer one in 270 and you will be happy.
look at a browning also as they are nice also.
Ruger is just ok the model 70 will out shoot one any day.
I have a ruger after a triger job floating the stock my model 70 out of the box shoots better.

 

[ErieLurker]

Oh yeah forgot to mention,
The Remington is likely from the mid-1970's not the 1960's date shown on the poll. Does this change anyone's opinion?

Not at all. A 70's BDL in good shape should be just fine.

 

[Arkansas Paul]

Ruger is just ok the model 70 will out shoot one any day.

Kind of a blanket statement there. My wife has a Ruger 77 that will shoot MOA all day long. I would wager that there are some Winchester 70s out there that will not.
I love the Winchesters but just because you don't have a preference for a particular brand doesn't mean that your favorite one will outshoot them every time.

 

[col_temp]

thanks again for the votes!
Interesting how the poll is going!

 

[Cee Zee]

Hey CZ The 111 Trophy is simply a step up from the 111 hunter. It provides their new Accustock which is supposed to handle the recoil much better.

Yeah I know that. I've actually been considering getting the Hunter in a .243 so I figured recoil wouldn't be as much of a concern. Plus I've heard that the AccuStocks can be picky about how you torque the action screws as you put it back together. I don't know if that's true or not but I really wanted the wood stock .243 Hunter. Still I think the 30.06 111 would be an excellent choice for an all around rifle. If the recoil is too much they make the reduced recoil loads for that caliber now. Several companies make them.

IMO it's pretty much all good when going with a 110 based Savage. Whatever you start with, you can make it better down the road if you choose. That's why I would stay away from the Edge/Axis models. People don't see them as real Savages. It's like buying a Remington 770 or something. Well maybe not that bad but it isn't a real 110 based Savage with the upgrade path they all have. I'd probably buy a Mossberg if I wanted a rifle in the entry level category. But I've always bought Savages in one form or another. I have one that's about as cheap as they get and one that's about as expensive as they get. I wanted one in the middle for caliber and price and the Hunter was my choice. But I haven't bought one yet. But hey, Christmas is coming. Someone else can pay for it for me.

 

[FMF Doc]

I voted for the savage, and I would suggest .270 I have been elk hunting twice, once in Canada and once out west in Wyoming. Both times I was shooting at 450+ yards. While the .308 can certainly reach out there and kill and elk, I find the .270 shoots flatter at those longer distanced. Now, if you are going to be hunting elk where the distances are goingto be shorter, then the more economical .308 might work too. Either way, a new savage beat most used guns under $1000 these days. That would be my pick.

 

[col_temp]

Thanks All,
One additional question:

Seeing as how I will be hunting here in the Northwest with its regular wet weather. Would spending the extra $120 for SS barrel be a good idea for the Savage.

I think I would like to get bith one of the old Winchester/Remington's and Savage but I can probably only get one. Will be interested in thoughts.
Paris
PS Thanks to everyone who has voted!

 

[jim243]

The Savage in 270 is the way to go.

Jim