entry level rifles

[kamloopshunter]

If I was looking for a 243 or 25-06, which of the entry level rifles would you look at? I don't have a lot of cash but need something that still performs for the price range. My dad has a Marlin XL7. What about Vanguards, Savage 111's, Remington 770's, Mossberg 4x4. Up here in Canada a Vanguard is a bit more but seems a lot nicer.

 

[Chas1]

As far as entry level rifle I'd probably look at Savage. Haven't heard any negative feedback on them however IMHO I'd stay away from Remy as my personal experience hasn't been good and for the most part it is generally accepted by a number of folks here that getting an accurate one is a roll of the dice. If it were me and I know your funds are limited but I would consider the Savage model 12 VLP DBM.

Just curious, what will you be shooting and at what distances?

 

[J E Custom]

For the money the MOA vanguard is the best buy @ $400.00.if you can get them in
Canada.

All of the 700 Remington's are good except the 770 (It cant be re barreled if you ever
decide you want to customize it.

Savage also makes good entry level rifles.

If you want a short action rifle I would recomend the 260 rem or the 7/08 both are
very manageable (Light recoil) and big enough for all but the biggest game in Canada.

In the long action rifles there is an infinite selection of mid range cartriges 25/06. 270,
280 rem that will work well and not have to much recoil.

J E CUSTOM

 

[Bull45cal.]

kamloopshunter,

If you can find a Vanguard MOA for $400, then that would be a good buy. I haven't ever seen a new one for under $700. My experience, as well as many others here, has been that a Savage factory rifle in the 110 family (or Stevens Model 200 rifles) will give you accuracy very close to if not equal with the Vanguard MOA. Now the ability to switch barrels yourself, with the proper tools, makes it the logical choice for me. Savage is a DIY rifle. All that said, If I could get a Vanguard MOA for $400, I would.

Later

 

[Tikkamike]

I am sure you can guess what I am gonna say by looking at my name haha.
I am quite fond of Tikkas. You can pick up a T3 lite for 450 to 550 and they shoot great and ade nice and light. They only have a 21.5 inch barrel BUT I have a rapid Z 800 in mine and 800 yard shots are pretty easy, and its a super smooth action. I dont think you can beat it honestly.

 

[cumminsusa]

I agree with mike. The tikka T3 Lite was my first one and has been an awesome gun out of the box. I paid 575 for my and put the Zeiss Conquest 3-9x40 on it for another 500. If you buy that same scope now they're 100 less. So for around 1000 you could have a pretty nice setup.

 

[Bull45cal.]

Well, you could buy the Savage 110 Accutrigger from Wal-Mart for just under $400 and a Bushnell Elite 3-9x40 for $200. Add an EGW base with Buris Posi-align rings to round out to just over $700. You could use the savings to purchase a Shilen barrel and make it a tack driver.

 

[Tikkamike]

No offence to bull45 but a 200 dollar scope is a waste of money. your gun can never shoot any better than your optics allow. Do not skimp in that department.

 

[J E Custom]

kamloopshunter,

If you can find a Vanguard MOA for $400, then that would be a good buy. I haven't ever seen a new one for under $700. My experience, as well as many others here, has been that a Savage factory rifle in the 110 family (or Stevens Model 200 rifles) will give you accuracy very close to if not equal with the Vanguard MOA. Now the ability to switch barrels yourself, with the proper tools, makes it the logical choice for me. Savage is a DIY rifle. All that said, If I could get a Vanguard MOA for $400, I would.

Later

Sorry : That may be a local price hear in Texas.

Academy Stores have been selling the Vanguard for over a year @ $399.99.

J E CUSTOM

 

[D.ID]

Savage or Tikka would be a good place to start. Perfection is the enemy of good enough, Good glass is what you should be aiming for but it can be done on the cheap if needed and there are plenty of decent scopes that can do the job if you are selective and do your research before hand. You do not have to spend a fortune to shoot to the limits of a entry level rifle. No one who has seen what my $650 Tikka/Nikon combo can do is lining up to stand in front of it. Out to a shade over 700+ yards its a great no frills rig.

 

[D.ID]

Correction: Actually $750ish with bipod and sling.

 

[Bull45cal.]

That's right D.ID, a no frills "entry level" rig. There is always more frills, and more money to be spent on toys, but what does it take to do the job. $200 isn't much for a scope, but ask Jerry Teo about the Bushnell Elite 3200's. He will tell you, that you can't beat them for the money.

To the one who started this thread, take a look at this article. I think you'll get some good nuggets from it. I should have mentioned it before, sorry.
Long Range Hunting Rifle On A Budget

 

[Bull45cal.]

J E,

Our Walmart carried them at that price for a while, but they were the "standard" Vanguard. The Vanguard MOA are $300-$400 more from local gunshops (Not sold @ Wally World locally). I need to hang around you, cause I can't seem to locate the deals very well. This is just another reason I need to move to Texas.

Sorry : That may be a local price hear in Texas.

Academy Stores have been selling the Vanguard for over a year @ $399.99.

J E CUSTOM

 

[RockyMtnMT]

I have to ask, what does entry level mean? I think it means inexpensive. Not that a new shooter should start with an inferior product before he moves into good quality. If we are trying to spend as little money as possible to shoot long range, then I understand. The Tikka T3 in a walnut stock topped with a 10x Super Sniper will be tough to beat.

Steve