Best bargian basement bolt gun on the market?

[mikle76]

With Marlin jumping on board (the XL7) it seems like everyone is making sub $350 rifles. Just for kicks and possible future reference, of the currently manufactured guns, who do you think makes the best all-around rifle in the low end price range?

 

[Bacchus]

I'm not sure what they are going for now, but the Rem 700 is a pretty nice bolt gun for the money. There are so many configurations possible, but the ADL without the removable magazine is one of the most inexpensive ones--although I think they run a little higher than your $350 cutoff.

 

[mnrivrat]

Savage/Stevens

 

[bensdad]

Stevens 200. EOS.

 

[Afy]

K-31 or K-98 doesnt get better.. Maybe an ariska

 

[mikle76]

I too like the Stevens 200 line but that adjustable trigger on the XL7 is mighty tempting. I have an accu-trigger now and like it bunches!

 

[grimjaw]

Centerfire or rimfire?

By "all-around rifle" I'm assuming you mean it could be pressed into service for hunting or target shooting?

jm

 

[R.W.Dale]

Stevens 200 hands down

You can start with a $275 rifle and if your heart desires improvement end up with something like what's pictured below without paying a gunsmith a dime. In essence a man who starts out with a stevens 200 will never have to upgrade to a more expensive rifle as his skills improve.

 

[Packman]

What caliber? the Sports Authority near me had some bolt guns in .22 for 140 and up. Magazine fed.

 

[Vaarok]

Chinese T-53 Mosin from Omega Weapons Systems in Arizona. Less than $50 shipped.

 

[MinnMooney]

Marlin XL7

From all of the magazine reports that I've read about this new Marlin, I'd have to say they have the low-priced leader right now. I know there are a few cheaper rifles on the market but those rifles all LOOK like they're cheap-o's whereas the Marlin looks as nice as any rifle costing 50% - 100% more (I see the Marlin at street prices of $270-$290 !!).

The accuracy is pretty good - all of the testers seem to shoot 1 1/4 - 1 3/4 MOA with the brand-new, un-broken in rifles. No one has really done an in-depth test of this rifle so I think that it has more potential than that.

 

[kenjs1]

I sat next to a guy that had just purchased a Mossberg and was sightin in. He shot just a few rounds of factory ammo and ended with one hole at 50 yards. I was very impressed and qiute honestly didn't want to be. I liked it better than the Stevens.

 

[rangerruck]

until I see the marlin, it is a tossup between the stevens and the mossy.
that mossy has some pretty innovative features for a low end rifle.

 

[308sc]

stevens 200 has an adjustable trigger also, you just have to take it out of the stock and twist a screw driver. so its not a true adjustable trigger like acc-trigger,XL7 trigger, but it is certainly adjustable by the average joe.

 

[R.W.Dale]

stevens 200 has an adjustable trigger also, you just have to take it out of the stock and twist a screw driver. so its not a true adjustable trigger like acc-trigger,XL7 trigger, but it is certainly adjustable by the average joe.
__________________

The Stevens 200 trigger is only adjustable for overtravel and a slight reduction in the weight of pull. But when properly adjusted<the stevens triggers leave the factory with the overtravel adjustments backed out all the way> the stevens can have a pretty decent trigger.

These groups were fired with the stock albeit adjusted Stevens 200 trigger

 

[skinewmexico]

Krochus, you didn't replace the spring in that did you, with one out of .041 wire?

 

[Der Verge]

The Stevens 200 is the best deal. They are accurate, reliable, and American Made. BTW, it comes with an adjustable trigger.

 

[R.W.Dale]

Krochus, you didn't replace the spring in that did you, with one out of .041 wire?

NOPE! All stock.

Now in all fairness I will say that since these groups were shot I've replaced the factory trigger with a rifle basix unit. But I've always been of the opinion that a good trigger is not a requirement for shooting great groups. It certianlly makes it easer to do but a person with good trigger discipline can overcome a less than optimal trigger pull.

But let's face it none of the rifles discussed in this thread are going to come with anything that I would describe as being much better than a merely OK trigger

 

[skinewmexico]

Oh well, I was hoping you had replaced the spring. A guy gave me a bunch of wire, and I'm wanting to see if it works.

 

[Schleprok62]

Having both the XL7 and the Stevens 200, albeit in two different calibers... I will say that neither one is so much better than the other to make any kind of real difference for the money.

Now, my personal preference between the two is the Stevens... mainly for aftermarket support and the better caliber selection & available in long and short actions...

My XL7, out of the box, @ 100 yards did right at 1" groups with factory ammo... My Stevens, sub 1" groups with my own loads...

My 0.02

 

[FEG]

If you don't reload, your best bet is a Stevens or a Savage.

If you reload and are willing to purchase used, you might be surprised what you can find in that price range. (Oddball chamberings sometimes sell for much less than you would expect, depending on your local market.)

 

[ftierson]

The Weatherby Vanguard Synthetic can be found pretty inexpensively most places around the country.

For the quality, it's the best buy.

Forrest

 

[Schleprok62]

Weatherby Vanguards are rebadged Howa 1500's. Which are also a great budget rifle... (both the Vanguard and Howa versions...)

Getting back to the Marlin XL7. I believe that with some good handloads, it will be every bit as accurate as a Stevens/Savage...

 

[martinc64]

Savage

 

[Dr. Tad Hussein Winslow]

who do you think makes the best all-around rifle in the low end price range?

That depends entirely upon how you define, EXACTLY, "low-end"????

You didn't limit it to turnbolts, so if low-end is under $250, Mossberg 100. Under $300, Stevens 200. Under $350, Mossberg 4x4. Under $400, basic Howa/Vanguard.

I can't compare the Marlin because I haven't handled one yet or read actual believeable reviews yet.

Without knowing more though, probably the Stevens 200.

I DID yesterday see one of the new Mossberg leverguns at the gun shop. I'll probably post separately about this subject.