Bolt Gun Expert's Advise Needed

[DArBad]

Okay gang,

I am a newbie here when it comes to bolt guns. I'd like to get a good quality rifle of around 20 inch or 24 inch barrel length. Budget will be around $600 to $900. Prefer .223 or .308 cartridge only for availability and acceptable recoil.

I want capacity, the more the better. Rifles purpose will be for an all around shooting, meaning..... range and informal target use at not more than perhaps 150 yds, mostly shorter than that.

Been going back and forth amongst the Remington, Savage, and Ruger. I like American brands, not interested in CZ, Tikka, Sako, etc. Don't want Winchesters and not interested in Mossbergs either.

Been looking at Savage 10 FCP SR, Ruger Gunsite Scout, Remington 700s (so many, my head is spinning which model to zero in).

I want a rifle that is easy to tinker and upgrade on my own for the simple stuffs. I want a handsome-looking gun...... seriously! ALSO, don't want a clunky gun, I hate loose, rattly guns.

Need your advise, recommendation, critique, etc. if there are any specific brand and model that I should look at in addition to the particular brands/model I mentioned.

Thanks.

PS: I am getting confused, browsing through this site and elsewhere, I've read negative feedbacks on the Savage, the Remingtons, and the Ruger. The criticsms supposedly are coming from people who are knowledgeable. At least that is my perception.

[1859sharps]

PS: I am getting confused, browsing through this site and elsewhere, I've read negative feedbacks on the Savage, the Remingtons, and the Ruger. The criticsms supposedly are coming from people who are knowledgeable. At least that is my perception.

you have to really read carefully when people post something negative about a particular rifle because often they are posting personal preference, or don't take the time to explain why they think something "sucks". you also have to sort out if the "it sucks" comment actually matters to what you intend to do with your rifle. For example Acme rifle X may SUCK the BIG one for shooting at 2000 yards...if you never intend to shoot at 2000 yards and people shooting at 500 or less love the Acme Rifle X, then you can probably safely ignore that it sucks for shooting out to 2000 yards.

Another example of comments you can ignore would be someone like me making generalized I just can't warm up to the look of Savage rifles...which I can't...so I do not tend discuss them with enthusiasm so a flippant comment by me about savage rifles could be ignored....I will try and not make any unhelpful flippant comments in this post Others may make simplistic they suck type statements. both can safely be ignored because they are basically personal preference statements that don't give you any real information.

On the other hand information like....

Savage, out of the box accuracy is very good. it isn't a break the bank rifle in terms of cost, and such are things to pay attention to.

On the flip side negatives on the savage that I found credible were... the savages do not hold up to actual heavy use the way a Remington can. no personal experience with this, but the report of this was presented in a credible way based on observations of what happens in a particular rifle school. wish I could remember more details for you so take it for what it's worth..my recollection of something I read a while ago.

Remington. the individual parts of the rifle are still top quality. assembly has been rough in recent years so some people haven't gotten the full potential of their rifle out of the box. I have bought 4 R700s, 2 about 6 to 8 years ago, no issues other than crappy stock on the basic sps model. Then 2 just a little over a year ago. based on my personal experience, I would by a R700 tomorrow in a heartbeat.

Going back to the above comments about savages not holding up to truly hard use, the poster said they didn't see r700 breaking in class like they did the savages and were aware of R700 that had round counts on the receiver in excess of 20000+

IF your round count isn't going approach that kind of numbers then this is a type of "concern" you can ignore just like Acme rifles suck at 2000 yards.

Since this is your first and you don't expect to be shooting over 200 yards, buy what you want...Savage, Remington, Ruger... any one of these will be more than sufficient for a first bolt gun. I would even toss out checking into the Weatherby Vanguard line. which is a Howa action to Weatherby specs and qa.

so how to make the choice....

Price, which rifle falls in your budget?
twist rate. which rifle gives you the twist rate that will be most appropriate for your shooting goals
barrel length + twist combo that meets your needs
what after market changes do you think you will make and are they available for the rifle you are leaning towards.
what is the warranty
what is the customer service reputation
what is the reputation of fixing a rifle that slipped by QA that shouldn't have. it happens even to the best of companies.

[RobG]

Okay gang,

I am a newbie here when it comes to bolt guns. I'd like to get a good quality rifle of around 20 inch or 24 inch barrel length. Budget will be around $600 to $900. Prefer .223 or .308 cartridge only for availability and acceptable recoil.

I want capacity, the more the better. Rifles purpose will be for an all around shooting, meaning..... range and informal target use at not more than perhaps 150 yds, mostly shorter than that.

Been going back and forth amongst the Remington, Savage, and Ruger. I like American brands, not interested in CZ, Tikka, Sako, etc. Don't want Winchesters and not interested in Mossbergs either.

Been looking at Savage 10 FCP SR, Ruger Gunsite Scout, Remington 700s (so many, my head is spinning which model to zero in).

I want a rifle that is easy to tinker and upgrade on my own for the simple stuffs. I want a handsome-looking gun...... seriously! ALSO, don't want a clunky gun, I hate loose, rattly guns.

Need your advise, recommendation, critique, etc. if there are any specific brand and model that I should look at in addition to the particular brands/model I mentioned.

Thanks.

PS: I am getting confused, browsing through this site and elsewhere, I've read negative feedbacks on the Savage, the Remingtons, and the Ruger. The criticsms supposedly are coming from people who are knowledgeable. At least that is my perception.

150 or less, 223 is plenty. As far as which one, pick whatever you like. Nearly anything can be fitted with a detachable mag bottom metal. Of course 10 round max.

You say you do not want clunky, rattly, loose, and that it needs to be "handsome?" But you list a Savage and Ruger? Clearly you need to put hands on some rifles to see for yourself.

You really do yourself a dis-service by automatically eliminating the CZ, Tikka, Sako. Compare any of those to a Savage or Ruger and you will see what "clunky and rattly" is.

Good luck

[epic4444]

I have no idea how you aren't looking at a Winchester 70, for your price range you can get a nice used one.

[Dave626]

i assume you want tactical cool looking. you should get a cheap 308 700 then upgrade the chassis. Most 700 aftermarket chassis mag can hold up to 10 rds.

[larkja]

The Mossberg MVP is a great rifle and if you look around, should be able to find one for around $500. The benefit is that you can use ar15 magazines - cheap and everywhere. Plus, at $500, it will leave enough for good optics. I had one in .223, but sold mine last year (I believe it has a 1:9 twist). It easily shot sub MOA. I have a target on my wall with 10 rounds that can be covered by a quarter. This was with cheap, factory ammo, not match grade stuff.

I realize savages are also great out of the box. I just had really good luck with the MVP.

[DArBad]

Alright, gentlemen, I will keep an open mind. Much oblige on all your suggestions.

So....... I will look at CZs, Tikka, Winchester 70s, Weatherby Vanguard, and the Mossberg MVP.

"1859 Sharps " that is a very lucid explanation and a good guide how to approach this potential purchase.

So, even though the factory stated 4 rnds or 4 +1 capacity, a gunsmith will be able to modify the rifle to take in a 10 rounds box magazine??? Any rifle brand??

[1859sharps]

So, even though the factory stated 4 rnds or 4 +1 capacity, a gunsmith will be able to modify the rifle to take in a 10 rounds box magazine??? Any rifle brand??

Yes. more details to work through though.

The change to detachable box magazine, that will guide your choice a bit too.

R700 for sure, I believe savage, vanguard, and Winchester 70 can all have this change. Not sure about tikka, sako etc. others will have to chime in.

I would personally only go with an adapter that allows you to us Accuracy International magazines. the reason, I have yet to read anything good about other options.

[RNE228]

I would also check the used racks. Have seen nice older rifles with decent scopes for reasonable prices at LGS's. Friend picked up a nice Remington 700 7mag with scope; bolt and action looked like it had barely been fired.

for your purpose, I would check out a Varmint weight in 223... A nice R700 or Ruger 77V in 223, and a reloading press...

Remember to look at barrel twist if you go for 223. Some are made to stabilize little 50grHP varmint bullets; those wont work so well with heavier, longer bullets...

[JMP]

Been looking at Savage 10 FCP SR, Ruger Gunsite Scout, Remington 700s (so many, my head is spinning which model to zero in).

I want a rifle that is easy to tinker and upgrade on my own for the simple stuffs. I want a handsome-looking gun...... seriously! ALSO, don't want a clunky gun, I hate loose, rattly guns.

R700 is the best of what you are looking for. Just get a cheap model and throw away the stock and buy a new one as they are ALL both ugly and poor in performance.

Savages are about the clunkiest rifles you will find. However, they are generally the cheapest and have the appeal for some of having easier to replace "no-gunsmith" barrels with the Savage barrel nut.

Personally, if I was in your shoes and only wanted to shoot 150 yards and did not reload ammo, I'd be shopping for a 22lr Anschutz, but since you only want American, that doesn't work so you'd need to settle for something crappy.

[jdben92883]

Howa 1500's are great rifles and can be had for $650 with a detachable 10-round magazine and railed receiver. Used costs even less.

[code_blue]

Marlin XS7 is another to consider, even the current Remlin models since you've already determined Remington as good to go for yourself.

FNH TSR and SPR are other great options, but in the higher price range.

[TMB 1]

The models you list from Savage, Remington and Ruger are all good. You need to try them out and see what you like best. A lot of people will run down a specific manufacturer based on their experience with one model they didn't like. Each of the three you listed make several models that the only similarity is they have bolt actions.

[DArBad]

R700 is the best of what you are looking for.......

Personally, if I was in your shoes and only wanted to shoot 150 yards and did not reload ammo, I'd be shopping for a 22lr Anschutz, but since you only want American, that doesn't work so you'd need to settle for something crappy.

Dang JMP, are American products really that bad??

Seems to me when it comes to rifles, American products will take a backseat to the Europeans. I honestly hate it when that is the situation.

[DArBad]

You have to be honest with yourself.
A bolt action gun can become a monster.
You will get comfortable with a close range and want to punch out to further distances. This means glass/rings/bipod/chassis/bedding etc.
My advice is to pick up a Remington 700 in .308. I like 20" or 24".
With practice, you can hit 100-150 with an AR-iron sights.
The bolt gun will allow you to reach out further. Might as well go 308, you'll end up there anyhow

I was browsing Buds, and I saw Remington 700 .. Tactical SPS AAC SD something, ghillies stock.... for around mid $600s. AND another one is a " tactical " that looks bare/naked without anything for mid $500.

That's what you are alluding to, right??