Basspro Package

[flyboy3394]

My dad is looking at this package from BP.

I think he could build a rifle for less, but he likes that it comes ready to go, with a case, box of ammo, and a shooting mat.

Any thoughts on this?

http://www.basspro.com/Browning-XBolt-Long-Range-Shooting-BoltAction-Rifle-Package/product/2324891/

thanks

[Lonestargrizzly]

I think you could basically always find your guns cheaper than at Bass Pro.
At least for pistols.

[SMarquez]

He's talking about a ready to go package. If he has the money, why not go with it?

[NorCalFocus]

Yes he can do better by putting stuff together.

But it also depends on his goals and needs for this rifle.

[flyboy3394]

Mostly just a nice hunting rifle. Wants a good scope, high quality rifle, etc. I still think he could build a nice 700 or Tikka (like me), for far less, with a very nice scope, and even a new stock if he wanted.

[God Bless America]

It's made in Japan if that makes a difference to him. Quality of Japanese guns is excellent, no question of that, but some folks are put off by a Japanese-made American brand.

[sd joe]

That is a long barrel. Perhaps something a little shorter for hunting unless he will be out in wide open flat areas.

[NorCalFocus]

The stock in that package is the weak link for sure. I think Leupold scopes are over priced too, but thats just me.

I'd look at a Howa 1500 Barreled Action from Brownells $450 http://www.brownells.com/rifle-parts...prod84743.aspx

B&C Stock $280 (Howa and Weatherby should share the same action fit) https://www.stockysstocks.com/stocks...m-bedding.html

Add a Vortex Scope $550 http://www.brownells.com/optics-moun...prod54506.aspx

Scope base and Rings $150

Total Price $1,430. Damn near $500 left for ammo, a case and, a shooting matt. Then he has a better stock, a really nice scope, and a excellent medium weight barrel.

[Horrendo Revolver]

I think the scope that comes with the rifle is better than the Vortex from Brownell's. YMMV.

[flyboy3394]

The stock in that package is the weak link for sure. I think Leupold scopes are over priced too, but thats just me.

I'd look at a Howa 1500 Barreled Action from Brownells $450 http://www.brownells.com/rifle-parts...prod84743.aspx

B&C Stock $280 (Howa and Weatherby should share the same action fit) https://www.stockysstocks.com/stocks...m-bedding.html

Add a Vortex Scope $550 http://www.brownells.com/optics-moun...prod54506.aspx

Scope base and Rings $150

Total Price $1,430. Damn near $500 left for ammo, a case and, a shooting matt. Then he has a better stock, a really nice scope, and a excellent medium weight barrel.

Im a fan of both Vortex and Leupold. But honestly, that would be up to him to decide. I do agree that a rifle can be built very nicely for much less. Would prob not go for a Howa. I like Sako's action much better, and Remington's next. But all else is totally valid.

[NorCalFocus]

Change it out however your want. I just put that together in 5 mins to show how one can put together a better package for less.

[JackEllis]

I'm far from an expert so keep that in mind.

My personal preference is for calibers that are common and inexpensive and I'm partial to .308 calibers (especially .30-06) for anything bigger than an antelope. If for some reason your dad forgets to bring along ammo or runs out, chances are the .308 calibers are going to be in stock out in the boonies or in Africa, while some of the others may not be.

If I was spending my money, I'd go for something far less expensive. Maybe a Tikka Hunter or a T3 Lite in .30-06 with either a Leupold VX-3 2.5-8 or a Vortex Diamondback 3-9 power scope. I have a Tikka in .243 with the Diamondback scope and on the range it shoots very nicely. The scope was a closeout at about $150 and the rifle cam in at about $600.

For hunting, it's my opinion that the skill of the shooter is a lot more important than buying an expensive rifle and scope. 2-10 power is enough to kill a critter at typical hunting ranges and a rifle in the $600-800 range from a reputable manufacturer is all you need. Buy the scope and the rifle at Basspro and I believe they will mount the scope for you.

[flyboy3394]

I'm far from an expert so keep that in mind.

My personal preference is for calibers that are common and inexpensive and I'm partial to .308 calibers (especially .30-06) for anything bigger than an antelope. If for some reason your dad forgets to bring along ammo or runs out, chances are the .308 calibers are going to be in stock out in the boonies or in Africa, while some of the others may not be.

If I was spending my money, I'd go for something far less expensive. Maybe a Tikka Hunter or a T3 Lite in .30-06 with either a Leupold VX-3 2.5-8 or a Vortex Diamondback 3-9 power scope. I have a Tikka in .243 with the Diamondback scope and on the range it shoots very nicely. The scope was a closeout at about $150 and the rifle cam in at about $600.

For hunting, it's my opinion that the skill of the shooter is a lot more important than buying an expensive rifle and scope. 2-10 power is enough to kill a critter at typical hunting ranges and a rifle in the $600-800 range from a reputable manufacturer is all you need. Buy the scope and the rifle at Basspro and I believe they will mount the scope for you.

I did almost exactly what you did. Tikka T3 lite in .30-06 with a LP VX-3i 3.5-10. Love it. Haven't killed anything with it, but its a tack driver. I agree, less is more sometimes, in this case especially

[JackEllis]

Glad to hear your .30-06 is working well. I have a Winchester 670 in .30-06 and while it's helped put meat on the table and trophies on the wall, it does not appear to shoot as well as my .243. Probably has to do more with the skill of the shooter than the quality of the rifle.