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.

[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.

[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...