Help picking bolt action rifle please

Status
Not open for further replies.
F

filby

Member
Joined
Sep 30, 2008
Messages
10
Hi all. I want to buy a bolt-action rifle but would love to get some input from you experienced folks. I feel my preferences are:

1. Synthetic stock (for ruggedness. I could care less about wood beauty)
2. 30-.06
3. Full length barrel (which is 24" I believe for 30-06??)
4. No plastic parts in the receiver !!
5. No sloppy, loose, or the opposite, a tight, sticky bolt.
6. Maybe Open sights (if avail in a sub $500 rifle, preferably < $400)
7. Preferably that it costs me under $500, hopefully even under $400.

The reason I like the idea of open sights is I've seen people posting that they can save your hunt if you knock your scope out of whack. The (young) salesman at Sportsman Warehouse said they didn't have any with open sights in my price range, and smirked and said they're "old school" so are phased out pretty much. An older salesman there said that (not with open sights, but in my price range) the only rifle they had was a Stevens 200 ($299). I read some posts online that suggest the barrel can be changed out on this for a different caliber? Was this in the past or is it still the case on current stock being sold? Sounds like a nice feature to me. An older salesman/hunter there who seemed experienced said he prefers an internal magazine, since a tree branch could catch the floor plate/bottom mag and all your ammo could be lost without knowing it. What do y'all think about that ? I also visited Sports Authority and found the following models:

Savage 111FXP3 w/scope $429 sale
Savage FCXP3 bottom magazine $399 reg price
Remington 770 bottom magazine $399 reg price
Weatherby Vanguard VGW300NR40 $399 reg price
Ruger 77R $439 clearance (but has wood stock only in this store)

Which out of these (plus the Stevens 200 mentioned beforfe them) do you all think is the best buy for the price? Or which one is the "sweet spot" so to say, for durability, features, accuracy, for the price? Or are there some other ones out there not listed here that are that sweet spot ? If this Weatherby Vanguard is the same one reviewed on this web site http://www.chuckhawks.com/rugged_vs_refined.htm ,then I do like the details the reviewer mentions. I also don't know if the "VGW300NR40" is "SUB-MOA" or not as I read some Vanguards are. Or do most or all of these rifles do more or less SUB MOA? From the store, I don't recall any of these having open sights, but if that's the trend, I'm willing to skip that. The only other 2 stores I plan on visiting to check on models available are Cabelas, and Dick's Sporting Goods. I don't know who will have the best prices, and if the choices available will get even more diverse (and confusing for me) The Tikka the young guy at Sportsman recommended, and I know lots of folks rave about it (even a customer at Sports Authority) but at $480 sale price, it's a bit higher than I want, and I think a Chuck Hawk review was not very good. http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=211246 The barrel length I'm basing on the idea of reduced muzzle blast and greater velocity as stated in http://www.chuckhawks.com/rugged_vs_refined.htm review. (Although it may not be an issue for me, as the terrain even for elk here is lots of tree cover, and I'm told by someone the average shot for an elk is 75 yards here.)
 
Laminated Stocks are Tough and Durable

Most Plastic Stocks look and feel like cheap PLASTIC. Walnut Stocks are generally beauties, but vulnerable to scratches. Laminated Stocks make one feel good about his or her purchase for years to come, especially with stainless steel actions and barrels. Some rifles look like they where spray-painted with flat black paint and bedded into dull black plastic stocks. I find no pride of ownership regarding cheap-looking blobs of "ugly." To each his own, but I enjoy others coming over to me at a rifle range to admire my rifle's looks. I'll probably never own a Weatherby/Howa, but maybe, someday, a Mark V. cliffy
 
the weatherby , with a moa guarantee is the best deal here. also, don't forget the howa, since you are asking about weatherby, with a Hogue overmolded stock, the howas are quite nice.
Also you may be able to do a Tikka for that price.
 
Wood stocks are much more rugged than most people think. Besides, if you do something to a wood stock that would render your rifle unuseable (i.e.- break the stock, I suspect the same damage would to a synthetic stock would also render the rifle unuseable. But, I respect your choice in stocks.

I would search the used gun racks for used Ruger 77's. I saw a Ruger 77 .270 in the used gun rack at Cabelas Ft. Worth the other day for $299. The walnut stock showed lots of nicks and dings, but I love gun with character like that. Tells me in all likelyhood someone used them for their intended purpose. Also, if you could find a used Ruger with a wood stock, you could easily put it in a synthetic stock.
I'd personally shy away from the Remingtons. I loathe their cheap extractors and their triggers that are prone to gum/freeze up in cold weather when cleaning fluid seeps into the mechanism. Been there, done that, got a t-shirt and WON'T do it again. If I pay over $500 for an elk tag as I do every year, I'm not going to risk a blown hunt over a cheap extractor of an over-designed trigger.
I'm with you 110% regarding open sights. They're extremely cheap insurance. My Dad picked up a Charles Daly bolt with a synthetic stock in 7mm Mag for WAY under $400 not long ago. Many of the CD's utilize Mauser actions which are about as bullet proof as you can get.

An older salesman/hunter there who seemed experienced said he prefers an internal magazine, since a tree branch could catch the floor plate/bottom mag and all your ammo could be lost without knowing it.
Click to expand...

If you drop a magazine full of cartridges in the woods, you'll know it!!!:D.

I've always loved the idea of being able to change barrels as in the Stevens. I don't own one because I'm a gun whore, and having a rifle with which I could swap barrels would mean less rifle in my safe.:D

Unless you just HAVE to have a new gun, how about this:
Ruger 77R 30-06

or this:
Another Ruger 77R 30-06

Either buy them and put them in synthetic stocks, or use them for a little then change the stock.

Good luck,
35W
 
I love plastic stocks. They work fine; besides, it's just a tool. I also like Savages, because my pride in ownership comes from downrange performance. You can rebarrel the Stevens, I converted a Stevens 223, which shot very well, to 223 AI, which also shoots very well, and is really heavy now. You can rebarrel a Savage or Stevens in about 30 minutes with the right tools.

I wouldn't read too much into the Chuck Hawks review. This is a man who bases every review on his theory that a "fine rifle is a poor man's yacht".
 
Go Swiss, (yes they are wooden stocks ) You will enjoy them (it). You will be pleasantly suprised. (for under $250.00).
2007_0829SR0023.jpg
 
filby said:
1. Synthetic stock (for ruggedness. I could care less about wood beauty)
2. 30-.06
3. Full length barrel (which is 24" I believe for 30-06??)
4. No plastic parts in the receiver !!
5. No sloppy, loose, or the opposite, a tight, sticky bolt.
6. Maybe Open sights (if avail in a sub $500 rifle, preferably < $400)
7. Preferably that it costs me under $500, hopefully even under $400.
Click to expand...

You want to buy my rifle! Click here: WTS Howa 1500 .30-06 (MD)
 
Marlin's XL7 in .30-06 for well under $300

Several magazines have done reports on this super-inexpensive little beauty and have nothing but good to say about it.

It's fairly accurate and has a decent trigger to boot. The bolt works nicely and I like the looks of it.

It's not a Cooper or Blaser but they cost $2000 -$6000 and are only marginally better.

Bud's Gun Shop has them for $279 - $301 (black or Camo) DELIVERED.
 
The Remington 770 I would not touch. The others are OK, just personal preference. Another vote for at least checking out the new Marlin. I think it is twice as good as the Stevens for about the same price.

Consider buying used, you can get into a used Remington,Winchester or Ruger for about the same price as a new budget gun. If you have to ever sell the budget gun you bought it will only bring around 60% of what you paid for it. If you shop carefully you will always be able to get most of your money back on a quality used gun.
 
Dicks regularly sellings the Savage 110 with scope for around $350. They also have a package deal on the Remington SPS varmint with scope for $460.
 
Sure, it's possible to bang a scope and mess up a hunt. But I've made a few trips down a hillside with less that optimal grace and elegance without banging up my rifle and boogering a scope. :) And scopes are a lot more rugged that many folks give them credit for.

A primary thing in selecting any rifle is the fit to your own specific body dimensions. Length of pull, and whether or not you can get a good cheek weld while looking through the sights or scope without moving your head around. You oughta be able to mount the rifle to your shoulder with your eyes closed, and when you open them, you're looking right through the sights or scope. Or, at least, straight along the centerline above the barrel if there are no sights in place.
 
The Stevens 200 or the Marlin XL7 - Both accurate, lightweight, affordable, and reliable. I have one of each... The advantage, at this point, to me, would go to Stevens for the variety of calibers, short and long action they have available. But if you're just looking for a 30-06, then I'd say it's a toss-up... which one feels better to you?

Clear as mud now???

Cheers... hope this helps...
 
Thanks for the input so far. Wow, so far after reading some of these responses, I've had some changes of opinion. :) Guess I don't care about the mag not being internal now, or care so much about the open sight, but if I end up buying a used QUALITY rifle that has open sights it'll be a bonus. All the sexy photos of the wood stocks are kind of growing on me--maybe you would have to be a major klutz to crack or break a wood stock. I understand wood laminate's stronger (same concept as plywood I assume) but heavier.

35Whelen, is it just the Remington 770 that's problematic, or even their flagship heirloom 700BDL? Does Cabela's offer any kind of warranty/guarantee on used rifles they sell? The Ruger you posted pictures of is beautiful, but I found their barrels/accuracy being bashed pretty badly by a barrelmaker and marksmen? on www.snipercountry.com/HotTips/RugerM77.htm , a web site that came up when I Googled that model, although they do end up saying it's fine for hunting. ;) Thanks for the gunbroker.com link, could come in useful -I'll bookmark it. What does "round top" mean in the model name?

jd46561, what model rifle are those Swedish ones in your photo? They look like some of those used/surplus old military mausers Big5 is always selling? If so, I think I'd prefer to get a non-military rifle.

Regarding the Stevens 200 - I still can't find any info if this is the model you can swap barrels out on via a barrel nut. Even their web site doesn't mention it http://www.savagearms.com/st_200long.htm , or if it has the AccuTrigger. (The 110 is supposed to have it) Is the model 200 all made out of "bar stock" or is any of it forged?

Makster, what's the difference between the Savage 110 versus Stevens 200?
The Marlin XL7 has good online reviews, and seems to have some really nice features. I just don't like how they're repeatedly saying "to save on costs" that this or that part is either bar stock, cast metal, metal injection molding, bolt isn't one-piece, etc. I admit it sounds better than the Stevens 200 for the design and features, even if they skimped on the metals too, but if I can ever find out if the Stevens 200 CAN swap it's barrel out, I might go for it instead.
JMR40, you make good points on resale of a quality used rifle purchase, so I'll be considering that.

Rangerruck, do you know if the specific model Vanguard I mentioned IS the sub-moa or not? Google reports Weatherby's web site is infested with malicious software/trojans so I dare not go there.:uhoh:

Art, thanks for the tips on cheek/body position and sighting, I didn't realize that but should have, so I'll pay attention to that.

I'm ignorant about HOWA, (how long have they been in the rifle business?)except I gather they're a Japanese company, that also makes the Vanguard for Weatherby? Well, if the Japanese build rifles like cars, I guess it should be well designed and long lasting and reliable...
 
howa is mostly a weatherby, without a wood stock, and usually more than a 1 piece bolt.
Weatherby, has a run of vanguards, that are called moa, they have been tested as moa, and will also say so on the bottom cap of the rifle. They either say, moa, or sub moa.
 
Savage 110, or Stevens 200

The same rifle, just with or without the adjustable trigger (acutrigger)

Rifle is amazingly accurate (most at or under 1 MOA), and as you noted can change arrels (IE calibers) in about ten minutes with a minimum of specialty tools.

Stevens 200 (without the adjustable trigger) can be had new for $275 and used for under $200
 
Filby...They are Swiss k31's. The best milsurp rifle out there ,IMO.
They are finely handcrafted with Swiss precision, high quality,very accurate.
They can be had with a scope setup for less than 350-400. You can buy softpoint ammo for hunting. This set up below cost me 300.00.


2007_0829SR0022-1.gif
 
I'm ignorant about HOWA, (how long have they been in the rifle business?)except I gather they're a Japanese company, that also makes the Vanguard for Weatherby?
Click to expand...
Correct.

Well, if the Japanese build rifles like cars, I guess it should be well designed and long lasting and reliable...
Click to expand...
Exactly right.
 
I vote for the Stevens 200. They are light-weight, dependable, and accurate. Spend $300 on the gun, then drop the rest on a nice scope.

I've also heard that the Marlin has a very nice trigger, but haven't really looked too deeply into it. My Stevens 200 is very easy to adjust the trigger. I think it ranges in pull from 2.5-4.5 lbs or so.
 
You can get the weatherby as a package with scope and case for just under $500 ($498 to be exact)

http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/manufacturers_id/166/products_id/69231

As far as the "SubMOA" thing goes - there was just a thread on here not long ago about non-SMOA Vanguards still shooting SMOA. Impression I got was if you're will to spend the extra money on it - sure why not - but it's not really needed to have an accurate gun.
 
Filby,

From the sounds of it, the used market is where you chances are best for finding the rifle that you are looking for. In fact, I just went through the same thing as you did. Wanted a decent bolt action in a common caliber for around 4 bills. Looked at and shouldered a lot of rifles over the course of about 4 months trying to find one that called to me. Finally stumbled upon a very nice Remington 700 ADL, walnut stock, chambered in 30.06 topped with a Nikon Buckmaster for $ 399.00. I swear this thing spoke to me and the deal was done. I removed the sights and installed the filler screws but other that that it is stock. Took me a little while, which is half the fun I think, and have an affordable, handsome, no plastic, rifle that will be with me for many years. There are good deals out there....some legwork is required though.

Good luck and keep us posted.

Brad
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

Similar threads

Q
  • Locked
Weatherby Rifle Standard
Replies
5
Views
3K
SoCalShooter
S
D
  • Locked
Which Rifle to buy?
Replies
17
Views
913
tc54
T
Poper
  • Locked
Ok, So Maybe I Have Too Much Time on My Hands....
Replies
5
Views
336
troy fairweather
troy fairweather
ccoyle
  • Locked
Cabela's now carries Zastava M70 bolt-action rifles
2
Replies
31
Views
11K
mshootnit
M
S
  • Locked
Best Bolt-action Deer Rifles Under $400
2
Replies
47
Views
9K
Dr_2_B
D
Back
Top