First Rifle

[sprice]

When my brother gets his eagle scout our father is going to get him a rifle. So my question to you is can I find a 30-06 cheaper than $450? What is better between a Marlin XL7C (camo XL7) or a Savage Stevens model 200-both in 30-06? The Stevens vs. Marlin is the real question of this thread. Also; can anyone tell me about Mossberg rifles?

 

[MMCSRET]

Weatherby Vanguard is being advertised at $399.00, check your local full line dealer or hit the net.

 

[Dr. Tad Hussein Winslow]

Hard to say, since there's so little testing of the Marlin having yet been done; the Stevens is *definitely* an excellent rifle. The Marlin may be as good, or better, or not as good - crap shoot - since it's so new, it's hard to say. Initial reports on the Marlin are positive, so I'd just go with whichever one tickles your fancy.

 

[jpwilly]

I just saw a nice Weatherby Vanguard with Tan stock in 30-06 at wal mart for $390. Looked just like the Sub MOA version but without the Sub MOA price. Still guaranteed to shoot 1.5" or better!

 

[Duke of Doubt]

CMP Garand.

 

[CoRoMo]

You could easily get a 700 and a decent scope for less than $450.

DON'T get a youth model!!! because when he's big, he will still want to hunt with the gun his father gave him as a child. Let him grow into it.

 

[paintballdude902]

xl7 i shoot change at 100yrds with mine and i got a quarter at 150

after tax it should be less than 350 anywhere use the extra 100 for glass

 

[jbech123]

cabelas here has new old stock 700 adl's for 389....can't go wrong with that in my opinion.

 

[saturno_v]

For a new rifle, the Weatherby Vanguard is very hard to beat at $399. It woud be my candidate #1.

I see Savage combo (rifle + scope) for $399 at Joe's and Cabela's all the time

Stevens (only rifle) for $299

If you go the used route, beautiful sporterised Mauser 98 actions in very good conditions chambered in 30-06 and with real wood stocks can be had literally for a song (around $150-200 max, often with scopes)

 

[sta500rdr]

Tell him congrats on becoming an eagle scout. I am the 3rd generation eagle scout myself. It is a great honor and he will never regret it. A rifle is an excellent gift. I received a shotgun for my eagle scout gift. 30-06 is also an excellent choice.

+1 for the 700

 

[natescout]

have you looked at the Tikka T3s, good calibers and affordable ?

 

[hotlead]

For a first rifle, my vote is for a .22 mariln mod. 60, Ruger 10/22 or a bolt .22 of your flavor.

I have shot a Weatherby Vanguard 7 mag w/Zeiss scope. Nice shooting gun. I would look at one if I were you.

 

[a-sheepdog]

The Tikka T3 was no on your list. It is not under $450, but us usually around $500. That would be my choice.