Considering a new bolt action

country_boy · #1 10-21-2009, 05:36 PM

Well im considering options, calibers, and of course my wallet. I have two old bolt actions from ww2 Mosin and an Italian carcano. But, I want something american and not junk. Looking at either a 243 270 or 308. I dont have either caliber, also thinking it would be fun to reload for hunting. My price limit is $500. Either Remington, Winchester, and or Ruger.

ConnRadd · #2 10-21-2009, 06:21 PM

In a few years, I would like to get a bolt action .270 and use Hornady's Light Mags. Keeping it on a smaller budget, I would look at a Remington 770 or Marlin XL7. If I save up abit more, might consider the Rem. 700.

mmay1 · #3 10-21-2009, 07:15 PM

In those brands, you are probably looking for something used. Savage is making a great rifle in the calibers you mentioned and the AccuTrigger has set a new standard for the industry. You should be able to find a Savage close to your price range. Last month I bought a new Savage 11G in 308 Win. with a Leupold VX-III 3.5x10x50 scope, for $800 including tax. The economy model Stevens rifle from Savage is right in your preferred price range and has gotten some good reviews but I have not handled one.

Bullseye Shooter · #4 10-21-2009, 08:08 PM

Have to agree with mmay1. I've owned all the major brands and for the money, Savage makes the best out-of-the box rifle. I have a 110L in .243 that I bought used in 1968 and it still shoots under a minute at 100 yards. One of our lady club members won the "hunter" class with a Savage in .243 this year. This wasn't just a single match but the accumulation of our our monthly matches for the entire year.

**Big country** · #5 10-22-2009, 08:38 AM

Marlin XL7 is supposed to be a sub moa rifle for at or under $300 for just the rifle. slap a $150 Nikon 3x9 and your in the deer killing bitness. BTW Winchester is made over seas now and no longer owned by an American company. The Browning Citori over under shotgun is made in china BY HAND and it is widely considered to be one of the top 10 shotguns around. So just look at quality and forget about where they are made even the American guns probably use Chinese parts LOL. But I'll see if I can dig up those reviews of the XL7 again I handed one at academy and it was tight clean and crisp. It seemed the action was tighter and smoother than some of the big name rifles I handled and Marlin is an American company to I think.

**Big country** · #6 10-22-2009, 08:44 AM

http://www.academy.com/index.php?pag...345-01686-5210
They had one at the Cedar Park store that was an XL7 s or something and it was a .308 I think they have them in 243 tho. I'll be back with more info if I can find the article.