Bolt Action Rifle Advice

republic · December 04, 2012, 09:05:47 PM

I've never actually bought a new gun before. I've had them given, traded, or inherited them. I've decided I want to buy a decent bolt action rifle for long range target practice.

I'd like to spend less than $500. I've been looking at 308 Winchesters and I'm currently considering a Marlin X7VH http://www.marlinfirearms.com/Firearms/CenterfireBoltAction/x7vh.asp

What advice can you give me? Though it is mainly for target practice, I would like a large enough caliber to have some stopping power for game. I'd looked at the Remington 770's but I was concerned with the shorter barrel length.

With current prices at gun shows I've been to, it seems new isn't much more expensive than used. Though...maybe I'm going to the wrong gun shows.

What say ye?

GDS_Starfury · December 04, 2012, 09:54:10 PM

if youve never had one get a Mosin.
it will make everything you ever shoot after that seem incredible.
and theyre cheap as dirt.

eyebiter · December 04, 2012, 10:00:47 PM

Not familiar with the Remington 770, know it's predecessor design the model 710 was a lemon.

Would get a Remington 700 in 308 instead. Just plan on spending $50 extra for a trigger job, due to liability concerns Remington started shipping eight pound triggers around 10 years ago.

The Savage model 10 is another option. The accu-trigger is supposed to be easy to adjust without tools.

308 should be enough for most North American game smaller than elk. Very versatile caliber. Light 125gr load shoots like a .243, surplus 7.62x51mm with 150gr 2700fps have real bark to them. Or depending on the twist there are heavier match loads available that are very accurate.

em2nought · December 04, 2012, 10:02:18 PM

Or save a bit more and get a Ruger Gunsite Scout, they look quite nice and reviews seem to be good.

Jarhead0331 · December 04, 2012, 11:59:30 PM

I agree with eyebiter. Spend a little more and get a Rem 700. Its an outstanding rifle. You can get a stock model at first and slowly customize it as you go, adding a better stock, barrel, bolt handle, optic, etc. I have one with a 5R SS barrel that shoots remarkably.

That being said, if you really feel like being thrifty, again, I tend to agree with eyebiter...look at the savage arms rifles. They tend to be very good quality at an impressive value. Check out the SA 10FP. It is designed as a tactical/law enforcement rifle, but it does come in several more traditional hunting/target models. I had a 10FP that I sold years ago and I've regretted it ever since (I actually sold it to fund my Rem 700 project). Currently I have a savage arms chambered in .17HMR. The thing is a tack driver.

Let us know how you make out.

Silent Disapproval Robot · December 05, 2012, 01:27:14 AM

For a bolt action rifle around $500, I like the Tikka T3.

airboy · December 05, 2012, 01:55:26 PM

I agree with Jarhead & Eyebiter.

If you want a gun which can be used to hunt white tail deer - a .308 works well.
If you just want a plinking gun - I would get a .22 due to expense of the firearm and the ammo.

The Remington 700 is a very versitile gun with a proven track record.

Boggit · December 06, 2012, 05:29:37 PM

Quote from: GDS_Starfury on December 04, 2012, 09:54:10 PM
if youve never had one get a Mosin.
it will make everything you ever shoot after that seem incredible.
and theyre cheap as dirt.

I didn't know they were that good. I'd always looked at the Lee-Enfield as the bolt action of choice, being extremely accurate, hitting hard and weighing in fairly light at around 8lbs. The L42A1's were 7.62mm rebores that the British Army used as sniper rifles up to the mid 1980's, so those ones are worth a look. That said, if Starfury's fired the Mosin, and recommends it I guess it must be good too.

Anyway I found this for you on the mosin:
http://www.russian-mosin-nagant.com/collecting.html

and this on the LE:
http://www.gunstar.co.uk/Lee-Enfield-guns-for-sale-1247.aspx

GDS_Starfury · December 06, 2012, 05:56:27 PM

whoooo there hotrod.

read what I said.

Quoteit will make everything you ever shoot after that seem incredible.

those things kick like a mule and after 20 or 40 rounds you will have a bruised shoulder.
but if you can learn of that POS then any other rifle will be golded for ya.

Boggit · December 06, 2012, 06:06:16 PM

Quote from: GDS_Starfury on December 06, 2012, 05:56:27 PM
whoooo there hotrod.

read what I said.

Quoteit will make everything you ever shoot after that seem incredible.

those things kick like a mule and after 20 or 40 rounds you will have a bruised shoulder.
but if you can learn of that POS then any other rifle will be golded for ya.

Gotcha! I see what you mean. Doh! ::)

GDS_Starfury · December 06, 2012, 06:07:54 PM

I really hate my keyboard.

LongBlade · December 06, 2012, 09:34:13 PM

Quote from: GDS_Starfury on December 06, 2012, 06:07:54 PM
I really hate my keyboard.

My bet is the problem lies with the nut behind the keyboard.

GDS_Starfury · December 06, 2012, 10:08:44 PM

sometimes. however my Razor died and Im using a backup dell pos that I found in the garage.

republic · December 06, 2012, 10:10:38 PM

Thanks for all the advice fellas. I'm going to try and get hands on with a Remington 700 and the Savage Arms. What do you guys think of Mossberg?

I actually have a Mosin Nagant, thats what got me started on wanting a new bolt action. :) Wikipedia says the Nagant is 8.8 pounds but I'd swear mine feels 10+. It is difficult to get a good grouping, though it could be the surplus ammo I'm using also.

Staggerwing · December 06, 2012, 10:12:30 PM

What's a Mosin go for?