Dream rifle under $1000

[quasne.inc]

Not sure where to put this cause there isnt a general rifle forum, but I am familiar with yall on this forum and respect your opinions.  So if it needs to be moved thats fine.   

SO, I may be going to work in the oil fields soon and making a lot more money than I am now and my wife has said that if I do I should get a gun to replace the ones I have had to sell through the years of us struggling. 

So, if you had $1000 to get a rifle you always wanted, or if you have the rifle you always wanted, let me know what and why.  This isnt a if you could only have one thread.  I have others, but there are too many that I want to decide on, and Im probably forgetting  some.

It would be for any purpose.  I have a hunting rifle and a plinker, so it doesnt have to "do it all".  Thanks ahead of time.

[yooper77]

I always wanted a Weatherby Mark V rifle.
 
I also always wanted a 338 caliber rifle.
 
In 2009 I purchased a very lightly used Weatherby Mark V Ultra Lightweight in 338-06 A-Square for $725 off gunbroker.
 
I topped it with a New Leupold VX-III 3.5-10x40mm scope for $200 off gunbroker.
 
That's $925 for a complete and totally awesome rifle setup, its my favorite rifle.
 
yooper77
 
 
 
 

[Badge54]

I hate to be the one to say.... define the purpose.....

The new Ruger scout rifle is pretty cool from a tactical standpoint.  So would the Socom.

S&W M&P AR-15 with quad rails and a red dot...

I have a Remington 700 LTR thatI can ring the 1000 yard steel with.... 

But my dream rifle... just because I want one... would be a Marlin guide gun in 45/70.   

Way under budget with lots of money for ammo is the H&R handi 45/70.  Wait, I have one.... does that mean I can't buy any more guns?

Badge54

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[PHATINJUN]

Mine would be a Model 70 Winchester one of the early models in .225 Winchester topped with a fine Leupold. Not sure one could be had for under $1000 in great condition but I can hope. Kurt

[tacklebury]

Always wanted a double. 
http://www.galleryofguns.com/genie/Default.aspx?item=489980&mfg=USSG+Inc&mdlno=MP221

[rdlange]

Hard to say but I'd opt for the Marlin 45-70, but a 22" bbl w/Leupy VX III.  Thinking what I'd use the most. 

Double would be nice but none I want under $4K.

Have fun...

[quasne.inc]

Thats just it badge, I dont really "need" another gun for anything.  I just want one.  I have actually considered all the ones you mentioned.  You got good taste my friend. 
 
And then theres always the practical side of me that says, "Your wife is oking $1k, I could get one really nice gun or two decent guns (not just rifle)."  Or I could give in to my new handi addiction and get several of those. 
 
 

[Singlebarrel]

That is a tough one as I very seldom meet a gun I did not like.  I have two favorites.  One is my Marlin 1895 XLR in 45-70.  The other is my dream rifle I purchased last year.  It is a Browning X-Bolt Hunter in 7mm-08 with a Cabela's Alaskan Guide Scope.
If I could only have one, it would be the X-Bolt, but I would really cry to see the Marlin go. 

The X-Bolt with tax runs about $750.  Depending upon the scope, you can keep it to within a thousand.  The Marlin would be hard to find, as I would steer clear the new ones.

Just my favorites.  Opinions on this subject are as many as stars in the sky.


.

[Singlebarrel]

As to why, I have been shooting all my life and have done a lot of research on the side.  I have a lot of rifles from 17 caliber up to 450 Marlin and a lot of things in between.  The 7mm-08 won out as a very good all around caliber that could take down anything I will ever care to shoot at and do it with very little recoil.  The Browning X-Bolt was my choice because I have owned  Brownings before and never had one I did not really love.  I felt that my chances of getting a lemon with Browning were very slim.  I have been very happy with my choice.  This ones shoots clover leafs with my reload and, for me, is the perfect hunting rifle.

I might add, it took a very long time to find a rifle/caliber combination that I was finally satisfied with.  I have been through a lot of very good rifles  and calibers to get to this point.  Nothing wrong with any of them.  Just like this better.

[Empty Quiver]

A Sako 85 Bavarian Carbine with beautiful wood. I would have it chambered in .338 Fed, and have a 2X7 ish scope mounted with QR rings.

Under a thousand? Oh, well, uh, make mine a Marlin XLR in .308, stainless laminate to boot.

 I really would rather have the Sako though. Since it's your money why not have the very best I say.

[nomosendero]

Thats just it badge, I dont really "need" another gun for anything.  I just want one.  I have actually considered all the ones you mentioned.  You got good taste my friend. 
 
And then theres always the practical side of me that says, "Your wife is oking $1k, I could get one really nice gun or two decent guns (not just rifle)."  Or I could give in to my new handi addiction and get several of those.

I understand all of that but you still should have an idea what you would do with the rifle, mostly Varmit, mostly Big Game, Target, something.
 
I did not move the thread because it may wind up a medium bore anyway.

[243dave]

Ruger #1 international chambered in the 7x57(since they no longer make them in 308).  I have always liked the #1's and loved the mannlicher stocks rather on bolt or single action guns.  Mount a small 2x7 scope on the 20 inch barrel and you would have a classy,compact rifle in a great caliber that few people have.
Dave
 
Check it out!!
http://www.ruger.com/products/no1International/models.html

[quasne.inc]

If I have to narrow it down I would say I would like a nice hunting rifle that could double for home defense, and that takes ammo that wont break the bank. 

[Empty Quiver]

If I have to narrow it down I would say I would like a nice hunting rifle that could double for home defense, and that takes ammo that wont break the bank.

I believe you have described a solid lever action rifle. Now choose between models, I have an 1895 Marlin in 45-70. I think a 308XLR would be a nice companion for it. But how could one argue against a Winchester in 30-30? or a Marlin for that matter? If you are out in the oil patch a Browning BLR in 7mm-08 might make more sense.

[Lloyd Smale]

pre 64 300 h&h

[Dave in WV]

Remington 7600 .308 or 30-06. You can get extended magazines for them.

[LanceR]

Well, I guess I'm somewhat different from many folks on the forum.  I don't feel the need for a lot of overlapping or similar firearms.  Since my big game hunting is confined to white tailed deer and black bear I have one .308 for that, one long range match rifle, one varmint rifle, one competition service rifle and one rimfire.

My last purchase was a CZ 550 full stocked rifle in .308.  I had always wanted a full stock rifle and the barrel length, overall length and handling fit my style of hunting.  Like others I don't have any bias against used guns and know that I can buy a lot more gun for my money that way.  I paid $525 for the rifle which was essentially in new condition, with shipping, on Gunbroker.com.  I put an on-hand scope on it (Sightron 3-9x40 SI) while waiting for the right scope deal to come along.  I wanted a low power adjustable.  A few months later Burris discontinued their Euro Diamond line and rolled them up into the SIX-X line so I really started trolling for discounts.  SWFA had the 1.5-6x40 Euro Diamond with 30mm tube marked down from $569 retail (over $800 MSRP) to $289.  I was on that like a bad rash.  With a set of Warne Maxima steel QD rings I had less that $900 in the rifle, sling, scope, rings and an extra magazine.

Being patient can really pay off.  The normal retail of the set-up would have been something North of $1,600 with tax.

Personally, I'd shy away from a centerfire rifle for home defense.  I would be concerned with the over penetration issues with anything other than frangible bullets.  If you do decide on a rifle for that I would suggest something with a detachable magazine unless you are planning to leave it loaded 24/7.

Lance

EDIT: I should have noted that some rifles (Ruger, CZ etc) come with machined in scope bases and scope rings so keep that in mind when comparing prices.

[RevJim]

 Do you prefer walnut/blued steel or plastic/stainless steel? Bolt, lever or single shot? Are you more Nostalgic or futuristic? Example: any levergun from .22 magnum to .450 Marlin/338ME,etc will do for hunting/home defense.....Any A$ platform from .223 to .50 Beuwolf will also....see what I mean? ha. You are asking a bunch of 'far gone" looney rifle lovers about a dream rifle.
So, narrow down sopme more; may I suggest;
Nostalgic: from black powder to mid-1970
Modern: From 1970 to 2000
Current to future : 2000- ?
 
Myself, I am one of those "Only accurate rifles are interesting" and "Life is too short to hunt with an ugly gun" kinda guy, ha. I like "Improved" rounds, but ones I can fire factory ammo in. I like having a rifle for small game/plinking ( My Dad's old Marlin 783 in .22 mag works swell) A hot .22 centerfire for coyotes/varmints ( I have a fast twist blue Shilen barreled, synthetic stocked Model 7 in .22-250 Ackley Improved) an all arounder (currently reballering a Remington Model 700 Mountain rifle in 30.06) a medium bore for deer to bear ( Model 700 Classic in .35 Whelen Improved) and a nice new Ruger Mod 77 African in 9.3x62 Mauser.
 Long range = a gift from a friend is a customized Mod 721 Remington converted to 7mm RUM with a take off Mod 700 CDL ( very highly figured) wood stock. With it's muzzlebrake it feels like a 7mm08 in recoil, but deer/elk out as far as I can get my SIL to drag it back is doable! ha.
  Only one is "right off the shelf, the Ruger. The rest were bought used as they were discontinued models, i.e the Classic and the Mountain Rifle; the Mod 7 was a used .22-250 originally, but later rebarreled. If you look around, you can buy used pretty much what you like, as you know, many are selling their treasures, I do it all the time, but have finally, finally painted myself in a corner for those listed, they are here to stay. At 59, I want to focus on more hunting, less experimenting. After all, if I live to be 120,  am just now Middle Age! ha.
 

[MZ5]

I've always been partial to lever rifles, but never particularly cared for having to choose between low-powered, blunt-nosed cartridges vs. only having 1 or 2 rounds total in the gun.  So, that makes my choice the Browning BLR, or potentially a Savage 99, Winchester model 88, or even Sako Finnwolf.  The Sakos are ludicrously expensive for a decades-out-of-production rifle, and I hear the Winchesters kick like mules.  I just got a BLR for the first time, and it's about everything I was hoping it would be.  Only thing the 99 would give me that the BLR doesn't is a 25-cal option.  There are the older series BLRs in 257 Roberts occasionally, but they're a little above what I was looking to spend (plus they only come in straight-stock versions, and I like the pistol grip stock shape).

Good luck!

[charles p]

Wow, we've heard from about every faction of the rifle market.  When I read your post I assumed you wanted a very accurate bolt rifle.  That's what came to mind for me.  But double rifles, varmit rifles, lever rifles, military rifles, you name it, have great appeal to a lot of people.  As someone posted earlier, we need to know more about your intended use and the style of rifle you wish to purchase.
You can get a used Mod 700 Rem for slightly less than half your budget, take it to a gunsmith for blueprinting, and end up with what we call in the Southeast, a "beanfield" rifle with accuracy for taking whitetails at handsome ranges.  That's my idea, but we each have our preferences.
I had a dream rifle made on my 25th wedding anniversary.  Wife got a more expensive stone.  My dream rifle is a safe queen.  Too heavy.  It is a 280AI.  She wears hers every day.
 

[koger]

I would build, myself, a 6.5x.284 on a Savage long action, heavy sporter, SS Krieger CBI barrel, Boss style brake. I can buy used savages for around $250-275 here at this time of year, sell the stock and  barrel and have about $200 in action. I would chuck it in my lathe, on my action truing mandrel and indicate and true it, then add a SSS trigger set at #2, and a 1/4 inch thick surface ground recoil lug I would add a Bell and CArlson Duramx stock, skim bed. I wouild add a picatinny steel rail, Steel weaver type Rings, some fo the tactical with 6 screw per ring, and  a good NIkon or Burriss 4x12, all I would need for big game hunting.
Lets total up.
Action $200
Barrel  $275
stock  $112
Lug$   $25
Trigger$115
Mounts $65
Scope  $300
A tad over, but might get a deal on a scope. I am currently waiting on this barrel, just took off a .270, everything else is done, and putting the barrel on will take aout 15 minutes. I did not include the price of the brake, could live without it, always an option.

[quasne.inc]

Its funny when I was first introduced to guns about ten years ago I thought high cap 9s and ars were the coolest.  Now If the gun design or cartridge isnt coming up on its 100th Bday Im not as into it. 

I tend to be more nostalgic now.  I love leverguns and revolvers.  That could be partially because I have been watching more westerns than I did growing up.  There have been several that said .45-70 and that is sounding pretty awesome.  I have a .308 but it would be fun to have a big bruiser.  I like marlin levers but have heard that the newer ones arent quite as well made as older ones.  Isnt that the way everything is going now.  I have always liked the BLR. 

I could save money and get a Buffalo Classic in .45-70 and buy some reloading stuff and finally start learning how to do that.  Then I could pretend to be Matthew Quigley and play around with long range black powder shooting, which is something I have wanted to get into.

When I started this post I was thinking more like a ruger scout rifle, but after using yall as a sounding board Im thinking more about the .45-70.  Keep the ideas coming.  I always appreciate everyones opinion.

[mcwoodduck]

Dream rifle.
Not knowing what you have, what you hunt or what you are planning to hunt and where .....
Well as a great little gun I just bought a Cz 452 Varmint in 22LR for about 450 OTD and stuck a Bushnell scope I paid about 300 for a while back and stuck medium rings on it.  I bought a Cabelas padded green rifle case that looks like a Boydt case.  a couple extra steel mags  and a nice 1 1/4" leather military sling and swivels.
And a couple boxes of the AR 40 grain ammo.  and some CB Longs.
A really nice 22 rifle that you can shoot all the time and use for small game may be the gun.
To recap:
Rifle   450
Case 50
Mags 80
Scope 300
sling and swivels 50
Ammo  45
And the Harris Bipod I have - 75
Total 1,050
My frined and I went to sight in a few rifles and I had it piling rounds on top of rounds at 50 yards.
My buddy shot it and said another of your boring rifles.
I said boring, he said yep.  There is not doubt if you aim at something you will hit it.  Boring if you know you are going to hit it.
 
 

[quasne.inc]

That is pretty tempting as well mcwoodduck.  I used to have a CZ 527 in 7.62x39 and I couldnt believe how accurate that thing was. 

I hunt about everything I can.  I have a .22 mag for small game and a .308 for large game.  I could get something in between like a .243 or .25-06 or something.  Or I could go big bore. 

I realise I should have put more thought into this before I started the thread.  I dont really need anything, Ive got my minimum guns.  I just need to narrow down all my wants into something specific for now. 

I guess another way I could put it is I have a .22 mag sportster, a .308 survivor, a 12 ga pardner and a .45 acp bond arms.  So if that were all the guns you owned what need or want would you fill given the opportunity?

[LanceR]

I already replied once but the thought hits me that everyone should one at least one M1 Garand.  You could give this some thought...

http://www.odcmp.com/Sales/rifles.htm

Lance

[mcwoodduck]

Take a walk into the gun shop.
Some thing will jump out at you.
There have been a few times when I walked into a shop to buy one thing and something completely different went home with me.
I went in for a CZ 527 Varming in the Kevlar stock and walked out with a Win M70 and a BPS upland special.
Lately, I have been buying 22's I started shooting a Falling plate match, odd months are a rifle even are handgun.
I bought a S&W M17 and have been doing well with it, and a High Standard Military target.  While looking for some other stuff for the shoots.
Find and event you want to get involved in - Skeet, Trap, Sporting clays. target Pistol, action pistol..... and get the gear you want for the event.  Even if it is a used gun.  spend some on the fire arm, some on gear (holsters, mags, bags, reloading ....) and some on ammo, and the rest on entry fees.  There really is not reason to get something new unless you get to use it.

[quasne.inc]

You are right Mcwoodduck, I need to think of a purpose first.  I shouldnt get all excited and spend money just to spend money.  I tend to get excited about an idea real quick and then after a few days or weeks of thinking about it my practical side tends to kick in and I think about my needs more. 

 If Im really honest with myself what I need is a home defence shotgun and a more realistic CCW.  But those arent as fun as a .45-70 with a 32 in barrel or a bolt action rifle that takes high cap mags, or an AR.  But man o man does that Browning BLR takedown model call out to me.

[painted horse]

The rifle I'm looking for RIGHT now is a BLR in 358 winchester. I'd prefer one of the steel 81' models with straight stock. (thought I had one the other day but the fella decided he didn't want to sell it    ) I want it for a pack in Elk hunting/saddle gun. I've considered the 325WSM also but really don't see the advantage for my use.  Good luck on your quest, a lot of nice options out there....

[SHOOTALL]

If I have to narrow it down I would say I would like a nice hunting rifle that could double for home defense, and that takes ammo that wont break the bank.

Ruger International in 308 Winchester with a Leo VX3 2-7  scope . It is short , full length stock and a good cal. PRETTY GUN !

[yellowtail3]

For a grand? An 1895G in 45/70, and a very large box of ammo with the rest of the money...