Looking to get a new hunting rifle under $800.Any Suggestions? [Archive]

07-27-2009, 09:18 PM

Sentimental or not, I try to keep all of my guns in good looking condition. I hate to get a scrape or nick on one or even get it wet. My sugestion is to look for something in a synthetic stock in the caliber you want. Brand is up to the buyer, you know it the Ford verses Chevy thing. Lots of good guns both new and slightly used are out there.

Alan R McDaniel Jr

07-27-2009, 10:04 PM

Under $800. You just described every rifle I own.

Alan

Altjaeger

07-27-2009, 10:19 PM

Under $800. You just described every rifle I own.

Alan

x2

That said shopping at Walmart, Sportsmans warehouse, Academy or any number of big box stores you will find Remington, Ruger, Savage, Howa 1500, Weatherby Vanguard, Marlin and others all make good servicable rifles in your parameters. The Savage has the best reputation for accuracy barr none despite what Remington 700 advocates may claim. But in the eyes of many they also make the ugliest. Marlins offering is fairly new but collecting raves at the features they offer at such a low price.

I would say go to the stores to look at AND handle every gun you can. In the end pick the one that feels best to you, not what someone else tells you is the best. That goes doubly if it a salesman telling you whats best. Picking a cartridge based on the .30-06 or .308 case is about always a safe choice if over 6.5 mm, but check ammo availability.

Bill Gunn

07-27-2009, 10:27 PM

Alan, we're gettin old...
When I bought my Mod. 700 in .270 they cost $134.00 at the high dollar gun store :p

Alan R McDaniel Jr

07-27-2009, 11:23 PM

I don't think I've ever bought a new rifle for myself. I've bought a few for my sons and I have never even approached $800. I'm sure it can be done and if I counted my own time some of the ones I have built might be getting close. I have some that are probably worth more than $800 but I didn't pay that for them (kinda like Bill's M 70).

Paul gave you some good advice and I will concur that you should certainly handle the rifles and perhaps even shoot them if you have an opportunity.

Alan

kenjs1

07-28-2009, 11:36 AM

happy camper - can you give any specs you might be looking for? Lightweight, wood\synthetic, detachable mag, particular caliber (maybe want to change from a 270?) - -that sort of thing. On the budget side I have heard absolutely rave reviews on the new Marlin bolt actions and I am sure you can pick up a new Savage for less than $800. Tikka is a good choice and might be a nice change for you. That still leaves Remington, CZ, Browning, Weatherby and others with many offerings to consider. Not a wrong answer. I would say look for a good trigger and a good fit and have at it. Lot of good rifles being made right now.

LampLighter

07-28-2009, 02:01 PM

maybe want to change from a 270?)

:eek::eek::eek::(:(:(

dave-t.

07-28-2009, 02:22 PM

Go handle a bunch of rifles, and don't neglect the used gun shelves. Only two of the guns I own and use often were bought new, but all of the ones I own are quality firearms, imo.

Find what fits and feels the best, and hope it is in something between and including .257Roberts to 30-06.

If you buy factory ammo, don't get an oddball caliber/cartridge.

I'd be looking at wood/blue Ruger, CZ or Tikka first, but your taste and needs may be different than mine.

Good luck!

Altjaeger

07-28-2009, 02:28 PM

:eek::eek::eek::(:(:(

The .270 is a good choice as are the other cartridges based on the the .30-06 case such as the .30-06 and .280 Remington. However, for hunting down south the .308 is every bit as good or better cartridge as can be found. Its spawn the 7mm/08 and .260 Remington are not to be sneezed at either.

For ease of finding ammo the .270, .308 and .30-06 will be hard to beat. Remember select the right ammo and put one round where it belongs they will all perform wonderfully. Fail those two points you are likely to cause a slow death and lost animal. But then I am sure that you like most know that.

happycamper

07-28-2009, 04:02 PM

Yea i sounded like i had money to burn.....I was talking about with a scope.Are there any brands you dont like?

Altjaeger

07-28-2009, 04:04 PM

I would aviod Simmons ans Tasco. Probably in good shape with Leupold and Nikon as far as what you will see in big box stores

Gil Martin

07-28-2009, 05:33 PM

There are lots of real bargains waiting for a new home. All the best...
Gil

pepaw

07-28-2009, 05:51 PM

Check out the new Marlin bolt if you want a beater and save your pretty rifle.
Read the reviews and spend the savings on a good scope.

I personally like the way my cheap Stevens shoots. Someday it may wear a prettier stock, but not for a while. Great bargin. Additional savings spent on ammo!

Also check out the Savage Classic.

stumpy

Sabre

07-28-2009, 05:57 PM

Yea i sounded like i had money to burn.....I was talking about with a scope.Are there any brands you dont like?

On a budget of 800 for rifle and scope it would be tough to beat a Weatherby Vanguard or Tikka T-3 in combination with a Weaver classic V- series scope. I have several scopes in the 130-200 price range {Nikon pro-staff, Bushnell Elite 3200 and Sightron S-1} and consider my Weaver classic V's {I have several} the best of the bunch.

Altjaeger

07-28-2009, 07:41 PM

On a budget of 800 for rifle and scope it would be tough to beat a Weatherby Vanguard or Tikka T-3 in combination with a Weaver classic V- series scope. I have several scopes in the 130-200 price range {Nikon pro-staff, Bushnell Elite 3200 and Sightron S-1} and consider my Weaver classic V's {I have several} the best of the bunch.

The Weaver you refer to, are they from the new company or the original? I have some old K models still going strong though the V4.5 got foggy after 20 plus years.

I have heard good things on the new company, but no experience. Thing is I do not see them on the shelves. They seems primarily a mail order propsition.

Sabre

07-28-2009, 08:15 PM

The Weaver you refer to, are they from the new company or the original? I have some old K models still going strong though the V4.5 got foggy after 20 plus years.

I have heard good things on the new company, but no experience. Thing is I do not see them on the shelves. They seems primarily a mail order propsition.

I have several of the new Japanese made Weavers in both the K and V series. I also have several of the old El-Paso Weavers in both the K and V series. They are both good scopes but the newer Jap Weavers are so much better than the El-paso Weaver's that there's really just no comparison. I've ordered all of my new Weaver's from Natchez because as you say, nobody in this area carries them.

dave-t.

07-29-2009, 10:20 AM

That would lead me more towards the used rifle section.

When buying and haggling over a used rifle, you act like the scope isn't there, like it holds no value.

I picked up a Ruger m77 with a Leupold 3x9 at a pawn shop for $450 a few years ago. I knew the rifle was worth at least that much money, and the quality scope was just icing on the cake. I haven't changed a thing on that rifle, and infact shot my smallest ever 100meter group with it and some hornady factory ammo.

http://www.cafeoutdoors.com/ubb/member_photos/data/500/93257r_group.jpg

That's part of the reason I don't mind looking at quality used guns. I would have spent more than $450 on a new Ruger m77 257 Roberts, then I'd have to buy a scope, and then never would have hoped for it to shoot cloverleaf groups.

PS-I really miss the 4 boxes of ammo I bought from that lot#. Only 5 or 6 shells left. :( Probably never will end up shooting them. Other boxes from different lot#'s shoot well, but not like that.

Altjaeger

07-29-2009, 12:05 PM

Dave, the last 6 rifles I have bought were used. However, I never send a new shooter/hunter on the internet to used. Unless they have a knowledgable mentor (in which case they don't need my 2 cents) to go along and guide them I think there is too good a chance of getting screwed.

In cases like this I would rather give them some general guidance and send them to something like Walmart where there are good reliable guns at reasonable cost and no super high priced gun to get taken badly.

dave-t.

07-29-2009, 02:49 PM

Good point. You need to be able to recognize a good deal when you find it, and then barter until you make it better. ;)

happycamper

07-29-2009, 09:21 PM

Ive been looking at the ruger/savages......But i just checked out the marlin bolt actions and they look pretty good.....i appeciate the advice cause hunting season is close....my bow is in good shape so no problems there,just wanted some opinions from the hunt america crowd.....Glad i finally started using my wifes computer.....

Altjaeger

08-01-2009, 01:36 PM

I was in Walmart a few minutes ago and stopped by the gun counter. I saw two Remington 700s with scopes at $449 and a Savage with scope for $399.

Either would make a good servicable rifle. I won't mention the cartridges chamberings because your store may very. However, you can generally expect a choice between .243 Winchester, .270 Winchester, .308 Winchester or .30-06 at that price. The scopes will not be the highest quality but will likely do you 2-3 years until you save the money and are ready to replace them. If later you get the bug and upgrade the entire package then that one will make a nice spare/lowner/kids starter if not to stout in recoil.

billt

08-02-2009, 12:46 PM

I've been on a major Savage kick lately. I just bought my 3rd. All are equipped with the Accutrigger, and the newest, (Savage 110FCP-K) has both the Accutrigger, and the Accustock with the molded in Aluminum spine running the length of the forend. At this point I would not hesitate to recommend anything that Savage manufacturers. They make some of the best out of the box factory rifles out there. It took me a while to get over the looks, but now I think they're really a nice looking gun. For $800.00 you can get dialed in with a really nice Savage in the caliber of your choice, with enough left over for some good glass and mounts. Just my .02 cents. Bill T.

billt

08-02-2009, 12:49 PM

Another thing as Alt pointed out. You can get a really good price on a Savage package rifle at Wal-Mart. The Savage package guns, (gun and scope mounted and ready to go), shoot well for the price, and can be had in blue or Stainless. And it's not a gun you would be embarrassed to uncase in front of the campfire. Bill T.

Rugerman

08-02-2009, 03:47 PM

My vote goes to a savage. Their accutrigger is great, they have a reputation for being the best out of the box accuracy of any factory rifle, you can get them with wood or synthetic stocks, right or left hand and even as a combo package with a scope (although its a cheap one). Both my sons have .270's with synthetic stocks (pre accutrigger) one is a right hander and the other is a lefty, and last year I bought a .243 for myself due to its light weight and lack of recoil (my ruger #1 .270 is getting a bit heavy for my arthritic hands- its been my primary for the last 30 years). Some people think that they are ugly, I think that they are a great tool and a lot prettier than a cresant wrench. And all three of them are tack drivers. And they are easily in your price range.

Altjaeger

08-02-2009, 06:46 PM

For about 25 years I thought Savage was about the ugliest gun on the market. Then in 1989 I bought one at a garage sale with which I killed one deer and put it away. My oldest killed his first deer and more plus a number of hogs with that .308 claiming it as his. I don't own one but if I were buying a new gun that would be where I looked first. I just like mine much older.

As much as I am an advocate of the Savage I know that the Weatherby Vanguard/Howa 1500 carry a strong reputation as well as others that all stay within about $100. For newby buying his first I think it is most important he pick a good basic rifle that looks good and appeals to him. He can develop the "fever" later.:D

LampLighter

08-02-2009, 09:36 PM

Nobody likes a Browning A Bolt stainless stalker ??? Top pick around here.

sharpshooter94

08-04-2009, 09:15 AM

I like the Tikkas as well but a nice Browning or Ruger could never go wrong. The first place I always go to is the used rack at my Gander Mountain. They approve each one of their guns prior to selling them. So you know you will get a functional firearm.

Sabre

08-04-2009, 03:04 PM

Ruger's three postion safety is too small {read hard to manipulate with gloves on} and waaaaaaay too loud for a close range whitetail rifle. On the plus side, Ruger's customer service has always been much better than Browning's, just in case you do have a problem. I've owned both in the past, as well as several Savage's, Remington's, Winchester's and a Howa 1500. My Tikka 595 easily shoots circles around any of them.

rimrock

08-04-2009, 04:24 PM

happycamper

just a few questions ID suspect need answers before offering some intelligent advice

what are you HUNTING?
under what conditions and ranges?
do you really mind having some recoil to deal with?
do you reload?
what type action do you prefer ?

I doubt you could go far wrong with a rem 7600 in caliber 270 win for most eastern us hunting, loaded with hornady 150 grain spire points over 54 grains of IMR 4831, and a 1.25 x 4x leupold scope

I can,t think of a single big game animal in the eastern us that combo wont work on

http://www.midsouthshooterssupply.com/item.asp?sku=0002454105

http://www.handloads.org/loaddata/default.asp?Caliber=270%20Winchester&Weight=All&type=Rifle&Order=Powder&Source=

http://www.remington.com/products/firearms/centerfire_rifles/model_7600_specs.asp

http://www.remington.com/images/products/firearms/centerfire/smsil_7600s.jpg

happycamper

08-04-2009, 09:14 PM

I will be hunting whitetail deer in Northeast Alabama/Northwest Ga......Some green fields but alot of wooded terrain......I want a bolt action/270/300/7mm.......Thing is alot of my friends but in particular my brother are shooting the Remingtons/leoupolds/swarskis...etc.....They are still young and have the advantage of no wifes/kids/homes......I want to keep the wife happy and still send the kids to college hahaha.....I am a fairly serious turkey/bird hunter and know my way around the woods.I really got the deer hunting bug last year.Ive been shooting in archery tournements for years and bow hunt.However the rifle thing is beyond me......Basically i'd like a decent rifle/scope combo that will be affective in the woods.thanks

jayd4wg

08-04-2009, 09:41 PM

i just picked up a new Marlin XS7 in 308 (XL7 avail in 30.06, 25.06, and 270 AND others as noted later, XS7 avail in 308, 243 and 7mm08).

I could not be happier. Got the gun for 300 bucks at Cabelas, it frequently goes on sale for 270 or so and if you spend about as much on optics you have a sub $600 gun that will do anything the others will, and in some cases more.

First, it has a very stiff synth stock. Adjustable trigger, comes pre set at about 3.5lbs. Mine was 3.0 initially and I have adjusted it down to 2.5 and back up to 3. I have only fed it 3 different kinds of ammo so far, all 150gr's and it will do .75 to 1" with cheap federal from wally world. I put a bushnell banner 6-18x50 on it with leupold high bases (could have used medium I think). I had the scope already, so all told i'm 320 out the door with tax.

With handloads, guys are shooting single ragged holes with these guns. The trigger is nothing short of fantastic. AAAAAND the best part? The barrels are interchangeable with Savage stuff. So if you can get a barrel for a savage, you can put it on the XL or XS rifles. .35 whelan might be nice...there's a few other tasty calibers out there too, but the base offerings are suitable for all I need. The only caliber I would consider getting a barrel for would be the .260 but for now I'll keep throwing 150gr hunting bullets. I plan on starting to reload this year, but if i'm getting 1" out of $13 boxes of federal, it's hard for the wife to justify a new hobby. I should tell her it only likes the 50 dollar black hills ammo :)

Do yourself a favor, and check them out. I take a lot of satisfaction in doing things alot cheaper than my buddies...and the guys that told me I would not get a good gun for less than 500 bucks are still picking up their jaw.

Smokey

08-05-2009, 12:40 PM

The last two years my son and I picked up two Savage accutrigger package guns at Walmart. One a 30-06 and the other in .270. Both the same otherwise. I paid $40 less then my son for same gun. If they have several in the same caliber they will at times give a little price reduction.

This was also at the time when they were closing some of the gun sales in certain stores that did not move a lot of guns and transfering the inventory to the more proficient stores.

billt

08-05-2009, 02:36 PM

I think these lower cost Savages, and others like the Weatherby Vanguard will be enjoying larger sales if, for no other reason than the lousy economy. People still want to hunt, but many simply cannot afford to be spending well into 4 figures for a gun and scope combination. Savage offers excellent performance for most any North American hunter without breaking the bank.

It's hard for many to justify a gun /scope setup over $1,500 when they are having trouble just hanging on to their house. I think you'll see more of these type of rifle / scope combinations in the future. At least until the economy recovers. And considering who's in charge, that could very well be at least another 4 years or more, depending on how smart the people are. Bill T.

Hi Ball

08-06-2009, 09:52 PM

The $800 dolllar budget is doable but you must be careful from the get go! I will tell you to seek out a CZ or SAVAGE rifle first, check for fit (I like a rifle with iron sights) and trigger pull. The Savage will outclass most of the others on the market today with it's excellent trigger.

Now I will tell you up front, I am a model 70 Winchester man when it comes to my hunting rifles plan and simple. I have as of yesterday 22 in the vault and the wife says, "It's time to start thinking about who's going to receive all these hunting rifles" I told her it was in my WILL ok.

Now rifle scopes has me stepping over the line from the LEUOPLOLD Co. of many years to the BUSHNELL ELITE 3200 series, as they are $100 dollars cheaper in comparison to Leupold scope. They are a quaility scope with good track record. I just purchased 4 of them around 3 months ago. I just ordered another Bushnell 3200 Elite with mil-dot and turrets for another long range coyote rifle in 25-06. The Bushnell 3200 series is a top notch rifle scope period!

The CZ rifles I own are in varmint calibers but they shot under 1/2 groups right out of the box with Hornady Factory ammo. One being a .222 Remington and the other being a .223 caliber. I also have a new SAVAGE .204 that is a tack driver with Federal ammo, to the tune of .285-MOA. I believe your best bet is with these two rifle companies for the lowest price. Good Luck with your Budget!;):)

Hi Ball

08-06-2009, 10:05 PM

Well now Bill T. I suppose your speaking of the younger generation at large! My home and land have been paid for for over 25 years now. If it weren't, I we could have never put kids into the university's they attended. Yep, 2 docs, an Attorney and teacher/coach to boot.

Times gets hard, just go bring home a deer from the wilderness country. Now that is what a whole lot of people did do back in the early 50's. NO JOBS!

happycamper

08-10-2009, 04:47 PM

Bought a savage model 10/22 inch barrell/7mm......A friend won it at a church raffel.I bought it brand new for $300.I think thats a good deal.Went to bass pro and picked up a Leupold....Gonna sight it in this weekend.I appreciate all the advice but that deal was so good(i hope).Stayed about $100 dollars under budget.But then blew it on some new broadheads.

Altjaeger

08-10-2009, 05:41 PM

pepaw

08-10-2009, 05:43 PM

The price was right and that gun should do it all. My 7 mag never failed me.

Good luck with it.

stumpy

happycamper

08-10-2009, 06:29 PM

Ive heard it was more of a "very big game" cartridge but hunting season is close!!!!Thanks everybody on the forum for the advice once again.....

Wismon

08-18-2009, 11:11 PM

I recommend CZ's and Rugers if you like Mauser-style actions and a Savage if you prefer push-feeds. I'd add Winchester to the Mauser-style list but they're probably over the $800 threashold.

Having said that there are still some good used rifles out there, if you know what you're looking for. Why, just this past weekend I picked up an original Ruger M77, chambered in 7x57, with a cheap scope included, all for $350. It will be a gift for a friend, if I can stand to part with it. If not it will be my only push-feed. It's scuffed up and the trigger guard and floor plate are pot metal, but the quality of workmanship, the wood-to-steel finish, and the smoothness of the action are remarkable.

sleepyone

10-28-2009, 06:02 PM

I just placed two new Winchester Model 70s on law-away at my local gun shop. A Featherweight in 270 for $736 and a Sporter in 300 Win Mag for $760. Of course, you still need base, rings and scope, but the new Winchesters are getting good reviews. Both models are beautiful rifles IMHO. I think their quality is back since they moved to the new plant. Nothing like the classic look and feel of a Model 70. The Remingtons are overpriced as far as I am concerned.