Need some guidance choosing my next rifle

[bhhacker]

Well the gunshow is coming into town this weekend, and ive got a hole burning in my pocket. What good is a new better paying job without a couple of toys now and then though right?

I am looking for a rifle that is able to have a scope or preferably one that has one already. Im looking for something that is relatively cheap (300$ or less), still can be used for hunting and is not heavy on the wallet with ammo costs. A few weeks ago I shot my friends lever action 30-30 with a 4x scope and that was a joy to shoot, but I heard that the ammo is really pricy. Any help with this question is appreciated. Thanks for your time.

 

[aloharover]

Less then 300 with a scope?


An H&R or Rossi single barrel .308 with a BSA scope.

 

[bhhacker]

weeeeeeeeell....300ish I dont mind buying used either, if that helps.

 

[Bazooka Joe71]

Get a used savage+scope package

I was browsing the gun forums and found a savage 110 .30-06/scope package for $200.00 and it's super accurate and a blast to shoot.

 

[chad1043]

Forget the scope and pick yourself up your own 30-30... Marlin or Winnie... Go with iron sites. Scope it later...

There is nothing like a lever action...

Chad

 

[bhhacker]

well, I plan on getting one with a scope because I already have a yugi sks with decent irons. I really want one with a scope So I have a better success rate at hitting something out past 100 yards

 

[mustanger98]

I really want one with a scope So I have a better success rate at hitting something out past 100 yards

Scopes may give you a better view of your target, but they'll also tell you how much you're wobbling... if you're stressing out over it, it'll be that much harder to hit your target. Scopes don't improve groups. Good shootin' improves groups. If you're steady enough, a good aperture rear sight will enable you to hit targets well beyond 100yds... actually beyond 200yds if you sight in right and push it that far. I know I can hit things with irons that get away if I'm stressing over the crosshairs moving around.

If you can find a Winchester or Marlin .30-30, get either of those and a Williams Foolproof with target knobs and you'll be good to go. If you can score a 1903A3, get it too... the .30-06 cartridge and those sights are made for ranges out to 800yds. If you can score an M1 Garand, those sights will elevate to 1200yds even though the max. effective range is 1000yds. My experience is they'll give you the accuracy and won't kick like a mule like too many sporters do.

 

[woof]

300 with a scope. It's ok to want - people in hell want icewater . I think you might be able to find a decent 336 with a decent scope for 300, but it might take patience. I would either put 300 into the rifle and get used to it and add the scope later. Or sell some blood or something and come up with another 100.

 

[Bartkowski]

I found a nice older 336 for $260, no scope though. Ammo isn't really that expensive compared to some. I don't know exactly what you want to do with it or hunt with it, but if it is mostly for shooting and just small game, look for .22's.

 

[bhhacker]

I am thinking about taking the .22 route, but id really like to get something i can hunt deer with. I can spend up to 700, but preferably id like to not get too far out of control. I have to have some money saved up for a rainy day too . Maybe ill just get a .22 rifle and handgun, and get in a bunch of rangetime

 

[esmith]

If you want a lever gun you can go the 336 route for cheap. A savage could also be in your market. Also the stevens 200 if you want.

 

[Bartkowski]

You could get a 336 for lets say $300 and a .22 for about $150, or some savage for about the same as a 336, so why not just get a .22 and a deer rifle. You could have a good setup for under $500.

 

[esmith]

You could get a 336 for lets say $300 and a .22 for about $150, or some savage for about the same as a 336, so why not just get a .22 and a deer rifle. You could have a good setup for under $500

Maybe if buying new in our area. People have reported 336s at walmart for a good amount under 300. Check for any gun shows in you area. You can easily find good deals. Bartkowski did. Nice gun he got too.

 

[Bartkowski]

I was up at dick's today the 336 with a factory scope went up to $399. I am thinking used, considering the deal I got. I was just being a little conservative with my numbers.

 

[esmith]

I was up at dick's today the 336 with a factory scope went up to $399

It shot up a $120? When i bought .22 it was $280. Hmm.

 

[Bartkowski]

Are you sure? It was $319.99 with a factory boresighted cheap scope. I don't remember it ever being $280, but ya it surprised me too. Now I feel really good about my gun and price, with a better stock to.

So back to the original post, keep your eye out at the gun show, and don't be afraid to bargain, and you don't have to pick up a rifle right then and there, even though you may want to.

 

[esmith]

I don't remember it ever being $280

It may have been a different gun alltogether this didn't have a scope, plus im pretty sure the stock wasn't walnut.

Also to the original post, with these new modern rifles you have more room to walk away from a sale, unlike milsurps that aren't in production anymore.

 

[Cueball]

I have two suggestions for you...

First, if you choose to go the .22 route, I would say go for a CZ 452 Special (aka Trainer). They can be had for $220-240 new. Then you could put a scope of your choice on it. I love mine and it's a real tack driver if I do my part.

If you want a larger caliber, consider a Savage Model 12FVXP in .223 or .308. The .308 would be big enough for deer and ammo is readily available.

I suggested the FVXP variant because that gives you the synthetic stock, a varmint barrel, and a 4-12 X 40 scope already mounted. I just took mine out earlier this week and was making shots over 400yds with it. Great accuracy out of the box. New price is around $450, but well worth it in my opinion.

 

[foghornl]

New Rifles:
Mossberg ATR-100 (5-shot bolt-action) Scoped Combo in .243/.270/.308/.30-06 MSRP of $414, can be gotten out the door for less. Has 3-9x40 scope, do not know what brand/model scope.

Savage sells the Stevens 200 series, essentially the same as the Savage lines without the adjustable "accu-trigger". MSRP of $336, drilled-n-tapped for scope mounts, but not included. Again, can probably get out the door for less than $336, but you gotta buy your own scope and mounts/rings. Has more calibre choices than the Mossberg, from .223 to .338

Rumaging around the the "Previously Owned" racks of you local gunshops open up a bunch more possibilites. You may find that 'gem' of a Marlin .30-30 or .35 real cheap. Could possibly have a lot of character marks, but will be a good shooter at a great price point. Nothing wrong with the Winchester lever guns; the Marlins are easier to scope if that is what you want.