Which Budget Rifle?

[Fredericianer]

All my guns have been second hand, so the idea of a brand new rifle appeals to me. I've been mulling over the pros and cons of a few different ones, so I thought I'd post here to see if anyone could give me some info that would tip the scales in favour of one or the other.

Here are the rifles I've been thinking about (all in .308). I'm in Denmark, so the prices are somewhat higher than those you'll find at your local gunshop:

The Mossberg 4X4. I can get an older skeleton stock model for $513 (at today's exchange rates), or a new 2013 model for $708

The Marlin XL7 or XL7VH at $885 (I've only seen the VH for sale, but there standard version must be out there..) I hear that it should be very accurate, but apart from that very little either for or against.

The Savage Axis at $655. I hear it's very accurate, but that the trigger sucks and is non-adjustable. They seem to have a lot of loyal fans though, and I believe that there is an unofficial mod that can help the trigger?

I like the fact that the Mossberg and the Savage have detachable magazines, as it gives a fast unload, and you also have the option of buying a spare mag if you want a quicker reload.

The older Mossberg should be pretty good, but I'm not sure that I'm sold on the skeleton stock. Is there such a thing as an aftermarket plug for it?

Does anyone have any idea on what the updates on the 2013 4X4 are?

Thanks in advance for any input.
Regards
Jeff

 

[adelbridge]

Of the three listed the Marlin X7 is the best one. Savage Axis feels cheap and the trigger is not the greatest. Mossberg would be last on my list. I mainly buy used and find my best deals on bolt guns in the off months when no one is think of hunting season. Around here you can get stainless Browning A-Bolts and X-bolts used for the price you have listed for the Axis. Remington 700s for much less.

 

[Jackal]

Too bad guns are so expensive there. My Marlin XS7 cost me $350 new in .223.

 

[Fredericianer]

Thanks for the input guys. Yes, the prices here are insane, but I suppose it must be because the market is a lot smaller than in the States.

 

[rule303]

Mossberg or Marlin for me. The Savage is a great shooter, but as you noted the trigger could be better (OK a lot better). If the Mossberg is the newer model with the LPA trigger they are decent, and have the stiffest stocks of any of the budget rifles. I don't suppose they sell the Ruger "American" in Denmark? Doesn't seem like that would be a big seller.

 

[Abel]

Wow. I would consider an European-made rifle. What is the price of a Tikka T3 over there???? It is a better rifle than any you seem to be interested in.

 

[Fredericianer]

The cheapest T3 around here is the Lite model, which costs $1396, and is slightly outside my price range at present. Even European rifles are cheaper in the US than here!

 

[Abel]

Geez. That is a little pricey. I have looked at the budget rifles here in the U.S. and I really like the looks of the new Ruger American. It has good reviews.

 

[TEC]

FredEricIaner (is that something like the Danish version of the southern USA names like "Billy Joe Bob"?)

Out of curiosity, what would a CZ-550 in 308 cost there, in $US, not kroner?

 

[Fredericianer]

The standard model is around $1061. What is it going for in your area?

As to my username, no it's from my home town of Fredericia.

 

[Fredericianer]

In the course of my searching I have just noticed that I can get the Marlin for $708 on special at another dealer....

 

[Hunterdad]

Marlin, definitely

 

[ntg]

I just recently got a Marlin in 7/08 and looked at them all. The mossberg leaves a lot to be desired. Didn't like the stock or trigger on the Axis.

If you get a decent price on Howa's there, go that route. I have one in 22.250 and love it. Also, they're finished better than all of the three mentioned and they are shooters.

 

[USAF_Vet]

As a former Axis owner, I do not recommend them. The detachable magazine should not be a deciding factor. In found it flimsy and clumsy to load and remove. I'm surprised the tab never broke on me. The stock on the Axis leaves a lot to be desired, and the trigger is junk. It would be accurate if it were not for the crap stock and trigger.

I like Savage rifles, but the Axis really missed the mark.

 

[MinnesotaFats]

can you get your hands on a savage-stevens model 200 .308? thier cheaper than the axis and in my opinion its a better rifle. very under rated gun.

 

[TEC]

Fred-
Checking a large online gun shop here in the USofA (Bud's Gun Shop), theCZ-550 308 cal American, walnut stock goes for $709, cash discount, free shipping (in the lower 48 states)

The CZ-550 Varmint, kevlar stock goes for $891, same terms. (I have one, love it)

Both say "In stock". I expect Buds won't ship to Denmark. Bummer. The CZ's even at current prices remain a bargain in my mind. I have the CZ-527 Varmint in laminate grey, .223 Rem - tack driver, the CZ-550 Varmint, kevlar in .308 Win - sub-MOA to 200 yards and still playing with bringing those group sizes down. Have a CZ 550 American, kevlar, in 6.5x55 Swede ordered from the factory -- probably 5 or 6 months out, but I hope worth the wait. Good luck in your search.

 

[gondorian]

Assuming the other dealer has the marlin in the caliber you want I would go for it.

 

[Hunterdad]

Gotta love it when somebody wants feedback on a budget rifle and some posts up $800 guns.

 

[Bobson]

I'd take the Savage out if the options given, hands down. When I was using it, I was comparing it to my Winchester M70 Extreme Weather, and was pleased with the results. And I loved that Winchester. Savage makes a superb rifle.

 

[Eb1]

I paid $252.00 for my Marlin XL7 in .25-06 brand new. Are they really $800.00?

I would choose the XL7. I don't remember if you named what caliber you wanted, but they are good shooters. I replaced my stock with a Boyd Laminated Pepper stock, and it added some weight to the gun. Which actually makes it shoot a lot better to me. Keeps the jump of the .25-06 under control. The .25-06 doesn't have a hard recoil. It just jumps up on me with the lighter stock. Hard to keep what you are shooting at in the scope.

I love the .25-06 in the XL7 platform. Great combo.

 

[Hunterdad]

No, marlins still go for around that I believe. I was referring to the post about the $800 CZ's that were posted.

 

[Fredericianer]

Yes, I'll post a couple of links and you can convert the prices yourself if you like.

http://webshop.huntinglife.net/search.aspx?searchstring=marlin&ItemAccountGroupDescription=Marlin

They're on special offer her! http://tommerupjagtogfiskeri.dk/viewpage.php?page_id=178

 

[TEC]

sorry error

 

[wyohome]

Denmark has the highest taxes in the world, and the COL is much higher than in the US. An $800 rifle would compare with one at half the price there..as well as almost anything except starch and alcohol.

 

[Fredericianer]

I guess I'm going to have to take a couple of days driving round the gun shops and looking at them all 'in the flesh' so to speak.

Another rifle I've been recommended is the Howa 1500. I can get the sport model for around $934 which is about the most I can possibly afford to spend.