Author Topic: Best bolt in the $350-$500 range (Read 1544 times)

Jon in TN · « **on:** January 30, 2010, 12:52:36 PM »

I'm looking to buy or trade for a bolt gun for next year. I'll most likely buy one chambered in 25-06 or 7mm-08, since I like and already shoot those rounds. I like the Remington 700's, but what else should I consider?

Thanks,

Jon

Bigeasy · « **Reply #1 on:** January 30, 2010, 01:00:55 PM »

The controlled feed Rugers are nice guns, as are the Savage's. You may have to look at used if your top limit is $500, assuming you are going to want to put a scope on it. That's not a problem, though. There are a ton of used rifles in that price range in really good shape. Just look for a clean and shiny bore, and little sign of over all wear. Most center fire deer rifles are carried a lot more then they are ever fired.

Larry

Jon in TN · « **Reply #2 on:** January 30, 2010, 01:04:49 PM »

I'm looking at that range for the rifle only... I've got some good glass to put on it.

nodlenor · « **Reply #3 on:** January 31, 2010, 02:32:11 AM »

Take a look at a Howa. I have three of them and they are all shooters. You can get the complete gun or just the barreled action and put the stock of your choice on it. I bought the barreled action and put a Boyd stock on my 25-06. Very good gun for the money.

shot1 · « **Reply #4 on:** January 31, 2010, 03:58:00 AM »

I too am a Rem 700 man and the 25-06 is my favorite deer killer. The only problem is that Rem has limited the models of 700 that they make it in 25-06 now. They don't even make it in the Sendero which I think was their best one. I am leaning toward the Savage rifle for a new rifle on this one. I have always been able to get great accuracy out of a Savage and now with the accutrigger they are really great. You can also get ready made top drawer, match, screw them on yourself in a bout 10 minutes barrels for the Savage. I would be looking for a used Savage with an accutrigger and get me a good aftermarket 25-06 barrel. Now is a good time to be looking for used rifles. People will be strapped for cash after Christmas and they will need the cash to get fishing stuff for the spring and summer.

Ultra25-06 · « **Reply #5 on:** January 31, 2010, 04:06:17 AM »

+1 on the savage, very versatile if you want it to be.

Jon in TN · « **Reply #6 on:** January 31, 2010, 04:18:36 AM »

I had a "good" trade offer for a Marlin XL7c in 25-06. It's a good looking hunter, but how do they shoot compared to the 700's, ect... How's the triggers?

Versatility is good, but if there set up right to start it's not as important..

roper · « **Reply #7 on:** January 31, 2010, 05:02:56 AM »

Quote from: Jon in TN on January 31, 2010, 04:18:36 AM

I had a "good" trade offer for a Marlin XL7c in 25-06. It's a good looking hunter, but how do they shoot compared to the 700's, ect... How's the triggers?

Versatility is good, but if there set up right to start it's not as important..

Marlins are now make in Rem plant. http://www.marlinfirearms.com/News/press.asp#plan

45-70.gov · « **Reply #8 on:** January 31, 2010, 05:04:38 AM »

i like my howa

they are the sleeper as far as rifles go

Jon in TN · « **Reply #9 on:** January 31, 2010, 06:15:39 AM »

Quote from: nodlenor on January 31, 2010, 02:32:11 AM

Take a look at a Howa. I have three of them and they are all shooters. You can get the complete gun or just the barreled action and put the stock of your choice on it. I bought the barreled action and put a Boyd stock on my 25-06. Very good gun for the money.

I have been looking at those and the Vangaurd.... I'd rather have a thumbhole too!

Jon in TN · « **Reply #10 on:** January 31, 2010, 06:17:21 AM »

Quote from: roper on January 31, 2010, 05:02:56 AM

Quote from: Jon in TN on January 31, 2010, 04:18:36 AM
I had a "good" trade offer for a Marlin XL7c in 25-06. It's a good looking hunter, but how do they shoot compared to the 700's, ect... How's the triggers?

Versatility is good, but if there set up right to start it's not as important..

Marlins are now make in Rem plant. http://www.marlinfirearms.com/News/press.asp#plan

This ine looks new, but it's used. So I doubt it was turned out of the Remington plant... And it's definitely not the same as a 700...

Coyote Hunter · « **Reply #11 on:** January 31, 2010, 03:14:11 PM »

My favorite rifles are Rugers, for a number of reasons, but I like my Remingtons, too. Saw a Marlin bolt gun at the range today, seemed to be shooting well. Savage are always a good bet. Howa and Weatherby Vanguard (made by Howa) are both good. (You can pick a Weatherby up for $399 according to the ad.)

Jon in TN · « **Reply #12 on:** February 01, 2010, 05:19:09 AM »

Quote from: nodlenor on January 31, 2010, 02:32:11 AM

Take a look at a Howa. I have three of them and they are all shooters. You can get the complete gun or just the barreled action and put the stock of your choice on it. I bought the barreled action and put a Boyd stock on my 25-06. Very good gun for the money.

How much did you pay for your Howa action? The Howa dealers around here are not people I typically do buisness with and I'd like to have something to compare them to.....

yooper77 · « **Reply #13 on:** February 01, 2010, 07:01:57 AM »

I just bought a lightly used Weatherby Mark V Sporter in 7mm-08 Remington for under $600. It has a wooden stock and black matte finished action and barrel.

yooper77

Swampman · « **Reply #14 on:** February 01, 2010, 07:23:36 AM »

Remington 700 ADL at Walmart. $450.00 with scope.

Ahab · « **Reply #15 on:** February 01, 2010, 08:01:22 AM »

Quote from: 45-70.gov on January 31, 2010, 05:04:38 AM

i like my howa

they are the sleeper as far as rifles go

Very true.

nodlenor · « **Reply #16 on:** February 01, 2010, 11:00:19 AM »

Jon, I gave $306 for my barreled action. That was about 3 years ago. The stock was $99.
Howa's web site shows a list price of $389.

Swampman · « **Reply #17 on:** February 01, 2010, 12:13:08 PM »

I wouldn't buy a Howa or a Vanguard(same thing) If you can't afford a Remington, buy a Marlin.

yooper77 · « **Reply #18 on:** February 02, 2010, 06:10:24 AM »

Quote from: Swampman on February 01, 2010, 07:23:36 AM

Remington 700 ADL at Walmart. $450.00 with scope.

Too much money for a blind magazine. I have found new or lightly used Remington 700 BDL's much less on auction site with Leupold scope’s for a steal.

Quote from: Swampman on February 01, 2010, 12:13:08 PM

I wouldn't buy a Howa or a Vanguard(same thing) If you can't afford a Remington, buy a Marlin.

Howe/Vanguards have a very good accuracy reputation and will give any manufactures actions a run for the same or less money.

All rifle firearm manufactures have their top line and budget actions; just find one that fits your pocket book.

yooper77

highwayman · « **Reply #19 on:** February 02, 2010, 01:31:08 PM »

what about a remington sps?

Swampman · « **Reply #20 on:** February 02, 2010, 01:43:20 PM »

Great rifle....I wouldn't buy a Howa or a Vanguard.

charles p · « **Reply #21 on:** February 02, 2010, 03:28:22 PM »

I've had great results with slightly used Remingtons. The last two I bought, and a Mod 70 Win, were through online auctions. I now live 70 miles from the nearest intersection, so I shop online. A few extra bucks beats driving several hundred miles. I also have an older Vanguard from the 70's that is as smooth as silk with very nice wood, an old 700 that is now a 280 AI custom build, a older Mod 70 featherweight, and an old 742 that still works. I think that if you buy a rifle or scope for a lifetime of use, you ought to get what you want, vs. what is cheap today and maybe not so good tomorrow. I seem to hold on to my Remingtons the longest. Never sold but one of them and it had a broken stock.

My problem now is keeping my guns in the gun closet. They seem to go home with my son whenever he visits. My daughter is getting married this year, so I expect her husband will be peeping around in a year or two. Nice problem to have I suppose. Maybe they will take me hunting when I am old and bald. Heck, I'm bald already.

pastorp · « **Reply #22 on:** February 02, 2010, 06:58:09 PM »

For my money a older remington 700 or a used Tika.

Actually I would probably spend a little more and buy a older Sako but that would not be in your price range.

Of course I don't really like bolt guns but if I had to buy one thats what I would do.

Regards,

Cowboybart · « **Reply #23 on:** February 04, 2010, 01:56:56 PM »

I'd go with a Savage - you may also look for a sporterized military Mauser.

buffalo · « **Reply #24 on:** February 04, 2010, 02:07:37 PM »

Savage--For the money they cant be beat.Then Remington but you will have to work on the trigger,float the barrel,and who knows what else.