$400 to spend on a bolt action...

[Lightsped]

Looking to get my best friend a 308 bolt action rifle for Christmas. Budget is $400. I realize it isn't a lot, but it is what it is.

Anyways, looking at the Savage Axis Gen 2 308 with scope and rings. Also looking at the Ruger American Predator 308. Both are about the same price. The Ruger doesn't come with a scope.

Which of these two would be better? Also, take into account that this friend isn't made out of money, so I am uncertain about buying him a rifle with no scope (meaning he will have to go out and buy a scope with funds already being low for him).

Or are there other alternatives as far as bolt action 308s are concerned?

Thanks

 

[R.W.Dale]

Skip "package guns" the scope and mounts you get will be the cheapest most marginally serviceable optic money can buy.

Buy whichever savage axis or ruger American you can catch the best sale on. Then spend the rest on a non Chinese manufactured scope.

Or

Buy a used rifle. Deer season is over and people need Xmas $$$ so deals can be found.

 

[Cocked & Locked]

Buy a used rifle. Deer season is over and people need Xmas $$$ so deals can be found.

Good advice. Would have to wait here though...23 days still remaining in deer season!!

 

[greyling22]

I agree with rw dale completely. Another option would be the TC venture. they run about 475ish with a $75 rebate on them right now bringing you down to 400.


but look, you can get a ruger american for about 300, http://www.cdnnsports.com/308-american-22-syn-grey-d-cam.html#.VmjrvkorJaQ and add some $15 rings (or you might have a set he can have) then drop something like a bushnell banner http://www.midwayusa.com/product/824052/bushnell-banner-rifle-scope-3-9x-40mm-multi-x-reticle-matte or sightron s1 http://www.opticsplanet.com/sightron-si-hunter-3-9x40-riflescope.html or something on it, be pretty close to budget, and have a nice package.

 

[R.W.Dale]

I can vouch for the sightron S1 I have 3 of them and they're very good basic scopes.

 

[jmr40]

I highly recommend the Predator. Mine with a $180 Redfield scope and a 200 yard target.

 

[ZWCoffindaffer]

The ruger american, savage axis, and T/C Venture are all nice firearms in that price range. I'm personally biased to the T/C Venture. It has the feel of a well built rifle and looks a little better than the others IMO. It shot premium factory ammo at 3/4" @ 100 yd. I worked up a handload for it that it consistently shoots 3/8" @ 100 yds. Pretty impressive for a factory rifle if you ask me.

 

[solman]

Buds guns has a Savage axis XP308 with scope for $336.
It has good reviews and I'm sure your friend will love it. Leaves some cash for ammo or extras if needed.

 

[BSA1]

Take a look at the Savage Hog Hunter. It comes with factory iron sights plus can have a scope mounted on it. While it lists for over $400.00 you should be able to get it for less than $400.00 on sale.

 

[ZGunner]

Ruger has really been growing on me. I think they have an incredible value with the American, especially with the Predator. They have a good cartridge line up (newly converted 6.5 Creedmoor guy... Sorry).

 

[merrill]

The ruger american, savage axis, and T/C Venture are all nice firearms in that price range. I'm personally biased to the T/C Venture. It has the feel of a well built rifle and looks a little better than the others IMO. It shot premium factory ammo at 3/4" @ 100 yd. I worked up a handload for it that it consistently shoots 3/8" @ 100 yds. Pretty impressive for a factory rifle if you ask me.

After rebate, I paid 325$ for my venture and it will shoot 3/4-1/2 in. @ 100yds with no modifications.

 

[lesgeaux]

CDNN has Marlin XS7 in 308 for $249.99 shipping about 12.00.

These are good shooters and the bolts glide like on rails. That leaves some funds for a decent scope and rings. I have two Marlins, they are economical and good shooters. G L

 

[MtnCreek]

Does this friend already have a rifle with no scope or a cheap scope on it? If he does, a nice scope in the price range you're at might be a more practical gift. Just something to ponder.

 

[wankerjake]

Buy a used rifle. Deer season is over and people need Xmas $$$ so deals can be found.

My vote is here

 

[giggitygiggity]

If it were me, I'd get a Ruger American.

 

[Gtscotty]

The Howa 1500 deserves a look in that price range, Whittakers has had them on sale for $329 for a while.

 

[MAKster]

You can buy a Savage 11 Trophy Hunter for $400-450. They come with a Nikon scope and Accu-trigger.

 

[CptnAwesome]

I would also look at the mossberg patriot. Rifle only with composite stock is going for around $299. With (cheapo) scope combo around $340. I've been eying these rifles and have read a lot of reviews, they're well worth the money.

http://www.academy.com/shop/pdp/mos...action-rifle-with-scope?repChildCatid=1512023

 

[Captcurt]

I would also look at the mossberg patriot. Rifle only with composite stock is going for around $299. With (cheapo) scope combo around $340. I've been eying these rifles and have read a lot of reviews, they're well worth the money.

http://www.academy.com/shop/pdp/mos...action-rifle-with-scope?repChildCatid=1512023

This is sleeper. I have had a couple of the synthetic guns to test and one wood stock. They shot very well although the triggers have a little creep. The walnut gun is NICE!

Of all of the guns that I have tested the Patriot short action and the Ruger American would get my vote. I had problems of broken extractors with 2 of my 3 Marlin's and the Houge stock on the Howa kills it for me. A Howa for less than $400 would be a steal though.

 

[WestKentucky]

Mossberg has a wood stocked budget bolt gun now that seems to be worth looking at. I have no experience with them do I can't recommend them, but what I have read seems promising.

 

[montanaoffroader]

Another vote for the Mossberg Patriot. My BIL recently purchased one in .243, and it shot really well. Once I tightened up the scope mounting hardware, he was shooting 1-2 inch groups while zeroing in, and he usually can't hit the broad side of a barn (his words, not mine!).

My daughter shot it as well, and she really liked it. It has a much better trigger than my Savage Axis (non-Accutrigger) and seemed to be really soft shooting.

 

[xX45Xx]

Another one here voting for the Patriot. Have read nothing but positive remarks on this rifle. I would definitely look at this one if I were in the market for a rifle.

 

[Newtosavage]

You can buy a Savage 11 Trophy Hunter for $400-450. They come with a Nikon scope and Accu-trigger.

What I did. And I'm very happy with my decision. Sub 1" routinely at 100.

 

[CptnAwesome]

I also ordered a patriot for myself. Walnut stock in 270. Never looked at a mossberg before this one. This one is worth a buy.

 

[Tony k]

I've been shopping in the same price range. The Ruger American and the Mossberg Patriot seem like better deals than the Savage Axis. I like Savage, but I don't like the trigger, the trigger guard, or the bolt on the Axis. Haven't looked at the Howa.