Light cheap accurate rifle

[rogerthat]

Ok. Here is the criteria. I want a light cheap factory rifle with a short threaded barrel for a suppressor for deer and elk to 400 yards. Caliber is any capable cartridge available. I’m thinking Howa Superlite in 7mm-08 but availability is a problem on those. Could get it in .308 or 6.5 I think. The cheaper the better is my thought as it only needs to be minute of deer at 400 yards. I would say criteria ranking go like this:
1)capable cartridge
2)short threaded barrel
3)cheap
4)light
5)accuracy

Anyone got some suggestions?

 

[HighDesertSage]

Ruger American

 

[Bambistew]

I didn't think the Howa super lights are cheap? I thought they were running over $1k?

What about a standard howa. Pretty sure they come with threaded barrels. I don't have much experience with them except for the one I have, but they seem like a decent rifle for the money. Much better made, IMO than the low end Rugers or Remingtons.

Not sure what your idea of light or cheap is though. The Kimber hunters are a pretty good barging, and checks all the boxes, and better than cheap offerings of others. IMO.

 

[DFS]

Accuracy is the last on your list?

 

[homers]

I second the Ruger American

 

[LopeHunter]

I think you can find two of the three. Not sure can find three of three. The old saying is your choice of two from the following: low prices, high quality items and big selection on hand.

I know my wife will be selling my stuff for what I told her I paid so if you are patient you could pick up a tack-driving custom rifle with great glass for around $400, someday.

 

[rogerthat]

Accuracy is the last on your list?

Surprised? I hunt Montana. If you’re shooting you ain’t hunting.

 

[Sheltowee]

Another vote for Ruger American (specifically the Ruger American Predator in .308 with the 18" barrel if you're going suppressed) but, because I'm also a snob, Tikka T3X Veil or Roughtech.

 

[Arcola]

Accuracy is the last on your list?

Well, at least cheap falls after capable.

 

[Jwill]

I had about the same criteria recently, got a Ruger American 7-08 go wild model. 22” threaded barrel, so not super short though…

 

[rogerthat]

I had about the same criteria recently, got a Ruger American 7-08 go wild model. 22” threaded barrel, so not super short though…

How does it shoot? And how much did it cost? I could probably get the barrel shortened to 18” by a smith and still be cheaper than jumping up to the next tier of factory guns unless I go 18” predator in 308 like @Sheltowee suggested

 

[Jwill]

I’m happy with it so far, but only have about 20 rounds through it. These were my last 3 shots at 300 when I sighted it in. Factory 139 GMX. Don’t have my suppressor in hand yet. Paid 615 for the rifle on gunbroker and got a vx3 from @schmalts for it.

 

[rogerthat]

I’m happy with it so far, but only have about 20 rounds through it. These were my last 3 shots at 300 when I sighted it in. Factory 139 GMX. Don’t have my suppressor in hand yet.

View attachment 263237

Well that’s damn good

 

[jt13]

A T/C Compass fits the bill if you can find one. Cabelas and Dicks Sporting Goods had them for $199 not too awful long ago.

 

[Ought Six]

I had about the same criteria recently, got a Ruger American 7-08 go wild model. 22” threaded barrel, so not super short though…

That Ruger American GoWild comes in a 16” barrel 6.5 Creedmoor, best and worst caliber all in one according to all the internet dwellers, 5.6lbs. I’d probably lean towards the .308 though

 

[jt13]

That Ruger American GoWild comes in a 16” barrel 6.5 Creedmoor

That looks like the winner.

 

[rjthehunter]

What's cheap to you? Ruger American would be the cheapest that shoots well. Or you can step up to a Tikka and get accurate, light, and affordable. Plus you can get them in stainless.

 

[rogerthat]

What's cheap to you? Ruger American would be the cheapest that shoots well. Or you can step up to a Tikka and get accurate, light, and affordable. Plus you can get them in stainless.

Less than $1k would be fine ideally less than $800

 

[rjthehunter]

Less than $1k would be fine ideally less than $800

I'd go Tikka then! Sub moa guarantee and you can get a stainless one for under $1k.

 

[F250]

Less than $1k would be fine ideally less than $800

I just bought a Bergara B14 Hunter 7mm-08 for $780.00