Cheap Rifle Shootout

[OhHeyThereBen]

This should be fun to follow. My brother-in-law is looking for his first rifle and has $500 to spend total on a rifle/scope/rings/sling/etc. I'm cruising used racks for a cream puff, but am wondering what you all would go with for a new rifle and scope for around that $500 mark?

Here are a few that I've seen with combos or enough room to mount a $200 scope on:

T/C Compass
Savage Axis
Savage Axis II
Savage Model 11
Savage Model 110
Remington 783
Remington 700 ADL
Ruger American
Winchester XPR

I realize that some of them are cutting it close to the mark, but if you all could share your opinions and good/bad experiences with the above I'd greatly appreciate it. Cabela's has a Remington 783 with a scope mounted for $299 (probably a bad scope... but that's to be determined) that's looking good right now.

This is NOT a caliber discussion thread. There are about a bazillion that would work just fine for him and I can handle that decision.

 

[Doublecluck]

Savage 110 hands down

 

[noharleyyet]

As per criteria;https://www.cabelas.com/product/Remington-ADL-Bolt-Action-Rifle-and-Scope-Combos/1368627.uts

 

[Mudranger1]

My wife's Remington 770 is hands down the best shooting rifle I have ever used. It was in that range and I imagine the 783 is a similar type gun. It is "based" off the 700 but the action is not smooth. The stock is cheap plastic and the scope sucks compared to anything around $200. But I've killed an antelope at 396 yards with it and I think her farthest shot is 325 ish on her elk. It will flat out shoot tho so 1 day I should probably put a real scope on it but why change something that is lights out

 

[406LIFE]

I have a 770 in .270 that came with a Bushnell scope on it for $200. It is my backup and has been good on deer and antelope out to 342 yds. I give it to kids and AOH to tey out. Perfect for rhat.

 

[TexAg09]

I love my Ruger American (.308), and every other owner I've spoken to loves theirs as well.

 

[WalkingBird]

Savage Axis II or 11/111. If not savage then I'd go with the TC Compass. I'm looking to get one myself for a backup/loaner rifle for folks coming to AZ. Supposed to be a tackdriver. Plus it's hard to beat the Model 70 style trigger and safety

 

[grizzly_]

Or see if you can find a used rifle somewhere.

When I was 16 my dad gave me an old off-the-shelf 7mm that he didn't shoot much. I threw a Vortex scope on it and it shoots like this...

300 Yards



1 Mile



Of course now he's trying to de-gift it

 

[shaffe48]

Look at the Mossberg patriot too. A family member has sighted in many and has 3 and they are very accurate and feed well. Very strait well designed stock. Good looking in the wood model. Good weight.

My cheap rifle is a used 110.

 

[shaffe48]

They sell an ugly version of the patriot too. An a prettier one but that one is over 500 dollars. Good trigger similar to acutrigger.

 

[Addicting]

Remington 700 Adl. He has unlimited possibilities with it when he is ready to upgrade later.

 

[MJE2083]

I'd go with the 700 ADL or Savage 110. I've heard a lot of good stuff about the axis and american too, but if it was me, I would go with the proven quality action of the 700 or 110.

 

[cahunter805]

I’d go with the 700 or the 110 also!

 

[elkduds]

Savages have a well-deserved reputation for accuracy, value and aesthetic, um, modesty. My Stevens (Savage) 200 is as plain as a duct-taped hammer. Yet it shoots equal to the best guns in the safe. If Savage is your choice, get accutrigger. Or upgrade the trigger, like the Timney on my 200.

 

[std7mag]

You didn't mention what the gun will be used for.
Hunting.
Hunting/target.
Target/hunting.
Target.
Or what type of hunting.
Antelope, white tail, muleys, elk.
Expected distance your planning on shooting?

I have a previously mentioned Stevens 200 aka Savage 10. It was in 7mm-08. I shot out the barrel( aprox 6,000 rounds).
Took big whitetail doe at 413 yards.
I would highly recommend it!
It is now wearing an E.R. Shaw 24" barrel in 250 Savage.

If you get an Axis, expect to want a better trigger.
The Axis II comes with the Accu Trigger. Which is a good thing.
If it comes as a package, i'd take the scope off and let the dog have it to chew on.
Then buy either a Leupold, Vortex, or Sightron.

 

[SFC B]

I got a Savage 110 used for $240 and then put a Vortex Viper (would push over your limit but I love it ). I love the accutrigger and it shoots great. The ONLY thing I don't like, and it is just me, is the internal versus box magazine. I do prefer the box magazines and have considered a new rig but I just can't part with such a sweet shooter

 

[Amstaff]

I ended up with a Compass when my wife won one in a raffle. I mounted a Vortex Diamondback on it for $149. The one I have shoots right around 1/2 MOA, and I have no complaints with it. Works well, no issues... I would recommend for an inexpensive rifle.

 

[Dougfirtree]

I got my kids a TC Venture and Nikon Pro Staff scope for about 450. I've done limited reloading for it, but have now shot groups in the 1/2-5/8" range with 3 different loads, including one factory load. It's a solid rifle.

 

[Gunner46]

Ruger American all the way ! Search the net for an 'American Wolf' if you want something a little unique, then buy a Leupold V1.

I got my Wolf for $289 from Grab a Gun, then rebored to a 338 Fed & a 2X7 V1 for under what I would spend for a box 338 from anywhere w/o a scope !

 

[VAspeedgoat]

If they still make them, a marlin xs7 is hard to beat, also the xl7 for long action. Of the ones listed I'd go with the ADL and upgrade later.