Which Budget Noob Bolt Gun?

[fitz19d]

So probably too late to mess with anything this year but would like time to practice and get used to something that is not a EBR. I would like to get into hunting Elk, possibly and due to ease probably deer.

First consideration I had is caliber. Had many suggest .270 for Deer, but I was wondering if I shouldn't be looking more at .308 and 30-06 for Elk and whatever else I could want? (Kinda like sticking with familiar .mil stuff but somewhat open to hearing why 7mm-08 or something is awesome. Keeping in mind seems like several of these only offer 308/30-06/270/223)

As far as rifles I've been looking at they break down something like this:

Seen and/or good reviews make these "top of list". Does not reflect actual quality as I'm clueless in this realm.
TC Venture
Marlin XL7
Weatherby Vanguard 2
Ruger American

Possibly getting pricier than I want or don't really know much about.
Tikka T3 Lite (Stainless free float and regular not?)
Savage 10 precision Carbine or Savage Axis// Savage in general
Mossberg 100 ATR

The Off the list no go pile
Remington ADL
Ruger Gunsite Scout



Many of these cheap 3-500$ ones I imagine really are all about equal. But anyone know of any of these that are standout or have something else to suggest? I understand these aren't half MOA bench rifles. Kinda looking for something to learn on in the next year and be able to carry into the mountains and not have to baby. (So no $2k McMillans)

[spqrzilla]

I like my Tikka T3, its the most accurate off-the-shelf bolt gun I've owned.

But if you are truly looking for a budget rifle, the chain sporting goods stores usually discount a basic bolt gun in August for hunting season. Any of the Remington, Savage, Ruger low-end models will work well.

I would suggest .30-06 for a first gun. Ammo is easy to find, has a lot of bullet choices and its easy to learn to reload for. I urge you to avoid the more esoteric calibers as their ammo is more expensive, and learning to reload on a belted magnum (.300 Win Mag as an example) isn't a good idea.

[Musashi]

Marlin XL7 in 30-06
Mine shoots like a champ as in way better than me.

[birddog]

Might be worth looking at a weatherby vanguard 2 if you want to spend just a little more. They guarantee sub MOA out of the box with weatherby ammo. Factory Ammo is expensive but if you reload it's nothing to worry about.

[hollohas]

I have a TC Venture 30-06 and love it. It shoots sub MOA with factory Hornady and reloads. I haven't tried other brands of ammo. Nice trigger and smooth bolt. I also like the detachable box mag. I looked at the Axis before I got the Venture and the Venture seemed to be far better quality.

PS - a buddy has a Savage 10 precision carbine 308 and it's his favorite rifle. I think it's pretty awesome too.

[oinco]

There are lots of proud owners of all the guns listed- but the $64000 question is: how many proud owners of which rifle shoot exactly the way you will, with the same expectations?

I would lay out what you are really truly going to use it for first. Is this going to only be a hunting rifle? What terrain? Is the trigger good enough? How does the stock fit? Is the rifle you like available in the desired caliber? Is it comfortable to shoot "all day"? what bullet performance needs do you have? etc. etc. ad nauseum.

[jmg8550]

As far as hunting rifles, I have a Savage 111 hunter in 30-06. Paid $400 for it shipped. Very nice rifle for the price.

[gnihcraes]

I've had good luck so far with my Savage Edge/Axis @ $270 (.308). Seems accurate enough to me and hasn't fallen apart yet. For a basic gun anyway.

[Delfuego]

Savage 10's are great guns...

[spittoon]

remington mod 700 are my pick but cdnn sports has some great price on all guns

[Goodburbon]

I have:
Weatherby Vanguard .308
Savage 10 .308
Ruger M77 mkII .30-06

My favorite of the 3 is the savage, but for half the price the Weatherby/Howa is just as accurate (both sub MOA) with almost as good a trigger. The only real downside to the Weatherby is the cheap plastic stock, but I like that too since I can carry and bash it around and not really care if it gets scratched. The downside of the newer savage 10 is the center feed magazine, which makes it a touch more difficult to reload quickly.

Oddly Both guns recoil lighter than my 12# AR-10, and are several pounds lighter.

I'd go .308. Less recoil than .30-06, more fun to shoot more, cheap ammo. Heavier bullets than the .270 to kill larger game.

[hammer03]

http://www.sportsmansoutdoorsuperstore.com/products2.cfm/ID/114276/c/bolt-action-rifles

For just a tiny bit more than the above listed stuff, you get much nicer glass, and better quality than the Axis/Edge. Accutrigger is oh so nice.

Can't compare directly to the other ones listed, I've handled several but never shot them.

[ray1970]

I vote for Savage. Every one I have ever owned or shot was a tack driver. Even the cheap ones.

[Rucker61]

I'd go .308. Less recoil than .30-06, more fun to shoot more, cheap ammo. Heavier bullets than the .270 to kill larger game.

I have a Tikka T3 Lite, the very cheapest one, and with the cost of reman ammo, I've been able to fire over 500 rounds this summer getting ready for hunting season. .30-06 or anything similar would have cost twice as much, and I don't think I'd want to shoot a hundred rounds of .30-06 or .270 at a time, which I was able to do with the .308. I'm still looking for the Federal 165 gr High Energy Trophy Bonded Tip locally for elk, but will probably stick with the 150 gr Barnes Tipped TSX handloads, since I'm shooting for a cow, not a bull.

[sniper7]

I just bought a savage 11 trophy hunter XP in 300 win mag from budsgunshop. should get here on thursday hopefully. I'll let you know how that one goes.

also have a remington 700 ADL in .243 that has been outstanding!

for the budget though, the savage was a great deal. $450 shipped with the accutrigger, nikon BDC scope, blued barrel and syntheitc stock which I will paint right away.

[RJLou]

I was in your same position about 4 years ago. From what I gathered at the time, for a "budget" rifle savage is the most accurate out of the box, remington 700 being the most customizable/upgradeable.
I went with the 30-06 savage 111 package (110 w/ synthetic stock). I did upgrade the cheap scope that came with it to a burris.
I agree the 30-06 is the perfect starter round. Basically the largest caliber you'd want for deer and the smallest for elk. I've been extremely happy with it.

+1 for the savage 110/111 in 30-06

[DavieD55]

Another vote for Savage.

[DSull]

My Weatherby Vanguard shoots a lot better than I Can.

[fitz19d]

I don't even like Bolt guns so much but I kinda want them all already almost.

One thing I kinda debated is start with the ultra cheap .30-06 and if I enjoy this route I can go get the Savage 10 precision in .308. (Or save .308 for whenever I get around to building/buying that AR-10 and just lug that around.)

[Delfuego]

30-06 ain't cheap to shoot, factor the cost of ammo in to the equation.

[buckshotbarlow]

get a savage, i have 6 of em with the accu trigger. Got rid of all my rugers and only have 1 remmy left...

as for caliber:
270, 308, 30-06
I prefer military calibers...more brass/ammo then those goofy hunting rounds.

6.5wsm, 300wsm or 338edge if you wildcat.

[hammer03]

30-06 ain't cheap to shoot, factor the cost of ammo in to the equation.

Some quick searching yielded a little over 50 cents a round for 308 Santa Barbara surplus. Wideners and others have 150g Korean surplus 30-06 for a little less than that.

Hunting ammo price difference doesn't seem like that much, so I wouldn't let the price of plinking ammo keep me away from a caliber, and the '06 might even be a little cheaper if you stock up. Reloading components aren't that different afaik.

300 win mag, other magnums, yeah the price of ammo goes way up.

[Goodburbon]

Some quick searching yielded a little over 50 cents a round for 308 Santa Barbara surplus. Wideners and others have 150g Korean surplus 30-06 for a little less than that.

Hunting ammo price difference doesn't seem like that much, so I wouldn't let the price of plinking ammo keep me away from a caliber, and the '06 might even be a little cheaper if you stock up. Reloading components aren't that different afaik.

300 win mag, other magnums, yeah the price of ammo goes way up.

battle packs of surplus .308 can typically be had for ~.40 a round.

[ford_muscle1]

I have Remington 700 in 308 and it's a great rifle I also have a Savage 111 in 338 that's great to but strictly for elk, so both would be a good choice.

[fitz19d]

Got to handle most of them.

Decided to cross out the 800+ Ones including savage 10 precision. Just too much of a bench gun/heavier. Love it, but not really on task with what I'm after.

I liked the savage axis I looked at, pretty decently, still certainly shows it's price point. The Ruger American just seemed so feather light and rickety.
I really loved the feel of the Thompson Center Venture. The weatherby vanguard 2 was a little bit less nice.

Dillema is the counter guy. (Mid 20's) He turned me onto the T/C and the Marlin XL7 initially. But he between the 2 models in stock (T/C and Weatherby) actually voted for the Ruger American as being the better rifle/better value. And the weatherby as better than the T/C. (Counter to my order of personal ranking.) Amongst his reasons was saying the Ruger was free floated and had adjustable trigger. (I had read it was so flimsy it's own weight would un free float it.)


Going to do more reading online, but any last moment comments on my new info or votes between those 3? (Solid feel and grippy stock worth the extra $150-200 over the Ruger?)

Brain says Ruger due to just being a game rifle in .30-06, heart says TC, balance of the 2 says Weatherby.

[Troublco]

My vote would go to Weatherby. It's a good, strong action (actually a Howa action); a great value for the money. I've heard good things about the T/C, but have not shot one myself. I do have a Vanguard in .300 Weatherby Mag, and it's a nice rifle for the price. I'll probably restock it, but I tend to do that with most of my hunting guns anyhow to get exactly what I want. I'll admit to not being a fan of the Ruger hunting rifles, not really sure why but I don't have any. Remingtons, Winchesters, Weatherbys, Custom Mausers, but no Rugers. And none I really want.

[20X11]

Take a look at the $400 savage hunting rifles...known for accuracy....accu-trigger setup...great value.

[King]

I like my Tikka T3, its the most accurate off-the-shelf bolt gun I've owned.

But if you are truly looking for a budget rifle, the chain sporting goods stores usually discount a basic bolt gun in August for hunting season. Any of the Remington, Savage, Ruger low-end models will work well.

I would suggest .30-06 for a first gun. Ammo is easy to find, has a lot of bullet choices and its easy to learn to reload for. I urge you to avoid the more esoteric calibers as their ammo is more expensive, and learning to reload on a belted magnum (.300 Win Mag as an example) isn't a good idea.

I like my Tikka T3 lite (7 rem mag) as well. Sub MOA all day long. The only negative I have to say about it is when I attached a bi-pod to the front sling swivel stud, the stud popped out. it destroyed the plastic thread it screwed into. I fixed this by using a machine screw type stud with a nut and locktite holdiong it in there. Its been rock solid ever since but I thought I would mention it.

[a98kdoc]

I would look at a Mosin Nagant at about 130 buck or less.
Ammo is in the same price range as 270 for soft point 2x that for Norma.
I ware glasses for long range vision so iron sights work for me.
The big nasty point is 3 to 4 inches of MOA will put an elk or deer on you table out to 300 yards. So if low price is you point this is lowest one and yes I have 4 of these guys. I am amused that the REM ADL at 420$ at Walmart is off you list so I'd like to ask why you dont want to consider it here.

Me

[DHC]

Got to handle most of them.

Decided to cross out the 800+ Ones including savage 10 precision. Just too much of a bench gun/heavier. Love it, but not really on task with what I'm after.

I liked the savage axis I looked at, pretty decently, still certainly shows it's price point. The Ruger American just seemed so feather light and rickety.
I really loved the feel of the Thompson Center Venture. The weatherby vanguard 2 was a little bit less nice.

Dillema is the counter guy. (Mid 20's) He turned me onto the T/C and the Marlin XL7 initially. But he between the 2 models in stock (T/C and Weatherby) actually voted for the Ruger American as being the better rifle/better value. And the weatherby as better than the T/C. (Counter to my order of personal ranking.) Amongst his reasons was saying the Ruger was free floated and had adjustable trigger. (I had read it was so flimsy it's own weight would un free float it.)


Going to do more reading online, but any last moment comments on my new info or votes between those 3? (Solid feel and grippy stock worth the extra $150-200 over the Ruger?)

Brain says Ruger due to just being a game rifle in .30-06, heart says TC, balance of the 2 says Weatherby.

TC Icon in 30-06 took its first buck this weekend. The Venture has most of the same features as the Icon. I have/had Savage, Remington 700, Marlin XS7, and the TC, all in bolt action rifles - and of the lot of them, I think the TC is the best hunting rifle. A few things I like about the Icon and are features shared with the Venture are:

* Adjustable trigger. While not as good as an upgraded Shilen in a Rem 700, it is still an excellent trigger - AND - it is factory standard.
* 2-position safety - provides assurance a snagged twig won't open your bolt in the field - AND - a bit of added safety when unloading an unfired round.
* Detachable magazine. I am pretty sure the Venture features a detachable mag, which turns out to be a feature I appreciate more than I expected.
* 60 degree bolt throw means you rarely, if ever, have interference with the scope.
* Accuracy - certified MOA. The shot on this buck was a good 200 yards. While that is pedestrian for many of the hunters here - this 200-yard shot was pretty damn impressive.

Edit to Add: Another buck was taken this weekend with a Rem 700 in 7mm-08. Both animals were BANG - flop - DRT. The 7mm-08 should probably be on your list as it is big enough for elk.

FWIW

[DHC]

One more thing. I just ran across this topic about the TC Venture on another forum -- http://68forums.com/forums/showthread.php?32696-T-C-Venture.

While not terribly detailed, it is on-point to your question.

[fitz19d]

I like Mosin's, just the one I have hasn't been something I'd trust at 200 yards. Tad heavy too. Bomb proof at least so no factory warranty I suppose is no matter.

The REM ADL I saw a mediocre review or two as well as a lot of hate in different places on Remington quality and such lately. Given this model is really only sold in places like Walmart I was kinda dubious. I may eyeball it if I can get myself over there.


I would look at a Mosin Nagant at about 130 buck or less.
Ammo is in the same price range as 270 for soft point 2x that for Norma.
I ware glasses for long range vision so iron sights work for me.
The big nasty point is 3 to 4 inches of MOA will put an elk or deer on you table out to 300 yards. So if low price is you point this is lowest one and yes I have 4 of these guys. I am amused that the REM ADL at 420$ at Walmart is off you list so I'd like to ask why you dont want to consider it here.

Me

[fitz19d]

Thanks for the extra inputs on the T/C's. One of most helpfull threads I've had. I can normally be pretty quick deliberate on my opinions of what I do/do not want for other types of guns but in this new area my old extreme cost/benefit frugalism paired with overanalyzing.


While the American I bet really is all I'd need, and especially since it's not like my AR and doesn't get shot a ton the added recoil if any wouldn't matter. But I think I may go with the T\C then just because it feels real nice, not something I'd be embarassed of having or someone else get behind on the range.

Think I should go for convenience of whatever mount/rings/scope come in the package or buy all my own mounting stuff and a $150 Vortex?

[DHC]

Thanks for the extra inputs on the T/C's. One of most helpfull threads I've had. I can normally be pretty quick deliberate on my opinions of what I do/do not want for other types of guns but in this new area my old extreme cost/benefit frugalism paired with overanalyzing.


While the American I bet really is all I'd need, and especially since it's not like my AR and doesn't get shot a ton the added recoil if any wouldn't matter. But I think I may go with the T\C then just because it feels real nice, not something I'd be embarassed of having or someone else get behind on the range.

Think I should go for convenience of whatever mount/rings/scope come in the package or buy all my own mounting stuff and a $150 Vortex?

Regarding optics, I think the Venture comes with Weaver bases. Add some Weaver 1" low mount rings and this 3-9x42 scope for $120 --> http://www.natchezss.com/product.cfm?contentID=productDetail&brand=WE&prodID=WE94563&prodTitle=Nitrex%20TR%20One%203-9x42mm%20Rifle%20Scope%20Matte%20Finish%20TrexPlex %20Reticle, and you should be good to go.

[CapLock]

Savage. Everything you want and built in the USA.

[donsignalli]

The new Ruger American in 7mm Rem Mag or 30-06 are both winners in my book.