Feedback on rifle choices needed
- Thread starter j-bird
- Start date
j-bird
Moderator
Somebody suggested a Howa as well.....I will give them a look.
j-bird
Moderator
To be honest.....I think what I am after is evolving. A true "tree beater" or "Bargain bin" gun seems to be evolving into something a little better, but still budget minded. The biggest issue I have is I HATE the factory synthetic stocks that I have tried thus far.....I realize these are made to be cheap alternatives, but it just seems wrong.....so wrong that I am just not sure I can bring myself to do it. As such I think the budget is growing some. I still think the 308 will give me enough flexibility to pretty much hunt whatever I want in the lower 48, both because it's big enough and packs enough punch as well as it's factory ammo selection out there. I still can't afford a $700 rifle, but I am trying to maximize what I get for my investment.
From what I have seen and read it sounds like the Savage or Ruger may be the better quality firearm....of those I listed...overall. Now I think I just need to get them in a configuration that appeals to me. I will still look at other options as well as I fear the "configuration" to make me happy will require a bit more budget so that opens the door to other options as well.
Catscratch
5 year old buck +
Can you buy an action and then get your stock from a separate supplier? Kind of like building an AR by buying your upper and lower separately and choosing exactly what you want? Could this ever be a cheaper option, or are aftermarket parts going to be more expensive?
j-bird
Moderator
I will have to look into it. My concern is if I need to involve a gunsmith to put all these components together for the best results. That would potentially offset any potential savings. My original intent was to buy the entire package, and at worst case have to install my own optics. I have never "built" a gun before. I have considered getting the gun with the synthetic stock and simply buy an aftermarket wood stock for it and switch it over.....but I'm not sure if it's that simple.
dsinwi
5 year old buck +
Restocking a bolt action rifle is a job you should be able to handle on your own. Installing your own optics is more difficult, done correctly. No, I am not a gunsmith but have taken all of mine apart for cleaning and I like to tinker. No idea if that is a cheaper option for you. Have you considered used? It would be tough to beat a Rem 700 BDL, or ADL, with the nice wooden stocks you and I like. You may be able to stay in your budget depending on optics. It's been some time since I've done any shopping so perhaps not. The last time I bought used I found a BDL Varmint Special in 22-250 for $450 bare rifle. I was a little concerned about the price and barrel being fried in this caliber but it shoots true.
j-bird
Moderator
I have not really consider used simply because in my opinion nobody in their right mind parts with a quality firearm! Last thing I want is to buy someone else's "reject". I will look and see however. I am going to a large gun show this weekend (weather permitting) and I will look and see what I find.
Catscratch
5 year old buck +
You're going to stress yourself out over this. Just go buy the H&R single shot... or an AR-10 and be done with it. Better yet, buy both then sell the one you don't like. Or tell your wife you sold the one you don't like and only bring them out one at a time. :)
j-bird
Moderator
If I took your advice my handle would need to be changed to "sleeping on the couch J-bird"! I'm an Engineer - analysis is what I do....I have a spreadsheet running to compare options and pricing....yep....I'm a nerd! I think the Mossberg is out. I have had a few other options surface, but I just need to get some of these in my hands and see what feels/fits right. This is a piece of cake.....you should see when I stress out!!!!!
Catscratch
5 year old buck +
Lol, I went through the exact same thing your are (even had a spreadsheet too!) My H&R that I've referenced was a 10th yr anivarsary gift from my wife. I knew at the time that it would be a gun that I would never get rid of and would always have to be my "go-to" rifle. It will never get replaced so it was important to get it right the first time. Tons of research into caliber and brand to pick that thing out! All said and done I'm glad I did the research!
j-bird
Moderator
Think then act...tends to work far better than the other way around..... When I act first it tends to not end well....sometimes in the short term, sometimes in the long term, but either way.....I kick myself later! I would rather analyze this until next hunting season and then buy vs make a poor decision now. Just the personality I am.
Don'tWorryIHuggedItFirst
5 year old buck +
From what I've seen a lot of these used guns come from guys who get into trouble financially and then have to sell their toys. I've seen some beauties at our local gun store. I also have a relative who works for a large company. It's well known if you need money he will buy your gun. Should see some of the deals he gets. Last year he had to buy a new 72 gun safe, because he keeps most of them. It'd stop off at a couple mom and pop gun shops and tell them your price range and what you're looking for. You might be surprised what you can find.
Jordan Selsor
5 year old buck +
If your price point went up check out Tikka t3 hunter an Bergara b14 wood stock! Both exceptional rifles!
j-bird
Moderator
Both are still a bit out of reach......I'm looking for the entire rig to cost me less than $600.....and less if possible. I can't touch either of those for just the gun for that sort of money that I have seen. I have had several folks suggest the Tikka however. Ball'n on a budget here!
j-bird
Moderator
OK - I need some feedback on a specific gun this time. I really, really liked a Howa 1500 Game King that I handled. It has a Hogue over-molded stock, 3.5-10X44 scope, and I just really liked the way it felt and functioned. It felt like a nicer gun. It was in 243 and just about the only reason it didn't come home with me (as I am looking for a 308). Anybody have or use one of these????
chickenlittle
5 year old buck +
I have a Howa 1500 with the Hogue stock. It is a 6.5x55 with my own scope on it. Good shooter. No complaints from me.
I have no idea if the scopes that come on the Howa are good or worth the price.
I have no idea if the scopes that come on the Howa are good or worth the price.
Telemark
5 year old buck +
Savage Axis.
I have hunted with my .308 Axis for about three years, and I like it so much I just bought another in .223. This season I shot two deer in about 5 seconds with my .308. I like the stock; it fits me very well. The action is smooth, and it is fast even though it is a long action. With Fusion and Core Lokt ammo it will shoot under 1.5 MOA.
I have hunted with my .308 Axis for about three years, and I like it so much I just bought another in .223. This season I shot two deer in about 5 seconds with my .308. I like the stock; it fits me very well. The action is smooth, and it is fast even though it is a long action. With Fusion and Core Lokt ammo it will shoot under 1.5 MOA.
Telemark
5 year old buck +
Where did you get it? I have been looking for one for ages.
chickenlittle
5 year old buck +
Telamark, i bought my Howa 5 or so years ago. I started on the Legacy Sports website - they are the importer. I looked at what was available in their catalog and found a local gunshop on their dealer list. I called the gunshop and they confirmed they could get it and gave me their price. They ordered one and i came in the next week to look at it and purchase. He did not think he would have trouble selling it if i changed my mind.