Buddy wants a hunting rifle

[homeless_duck]

Alright, this is my first post so I'm hoping it's in the right place. I've created a monster. I started him out shooting skeet and then squirrel hunting with an 870 and a .22. Now a friend of mine wants to buy a rifle for deer season, perhaps towards the end of this one or beginning of next year. His price range is around $500 and he wants a bolt action with a scope. It doesn't have to be fancy, it's his first gun and he wants to keep it simple. What do yall think the best way for him to go would be? I've been looking up some things and I've reached 3 basic guns - Remington 783; Ruger American; and the Marlin XL7. For the scope I was thinking maybe the Barska Optics Huntmaster Pro 3 - 12 x 50 because it isn't too expensive and has decent reviews. I'm open to suggestions on all this as I don't want to steer him wrong. Just simple, basic, reliable, accurate, and dependable. Very open to feedback both positive and negative on gun and scope choice or different suggestions. His price range is +/- $500.

 

[Jcalder]

If you are looking at economy rifles you may consider a savage axis as well. Or look for a good used remington 700. I like savage rifles myself but you can find good deals on used guns too

 

[muddyboots]

Yes savage axis or a good used model. I wouldn't buy a cheap scope but that's just me.

 

[BigD_625]

Out of the three, the only one I've owned is the XL7. They are extremely accurate, but I personally don't like the absence of a floor plate or detachable magazine. Also, they are getting harder and harder to find.

I haven't taken a good look at the 783, but have owned a 710 and known several that owned 770s. They are very accurate, but the bolts are horrible to work. The 783 looks like a 770 with a prettier stock and accutrigger. The videos I've seen seem to show the same terrible bolt functionality.


If I were to pick from the three now, I would go with the Ruger American.

Personally, I will not own a Barska scope, because you can find great deals on name brand (Leupold, Burris, Redfield, Nikon, etc) scopes if you are patient. JMO

 

[infoman jr.]

The 770 and 783 are very different guns.

 

[BigD_625]

The 770 and 783 are very different guns.

I did leave out the barrel nut.

I haven't had one in my hands. I've just watched videos. All other considerations aside, how different are the actions and bolts?

 

[infoman jr.]

The 770 and 783 are very different guns.

I did leave out the barrel nut.

I haven't had one in my hands. I've just watched videos. All other considerations aside, how different are the actions and bolts?

Completely different bolts. The 783 is a two-lug bolt head and a lot smoother than the 770 (3 lug).

 

[Hunter 257W]

I've heard a lot of good things about the Ruger American. I would lean in that direction if restricted to the models you mentioned. I'd top it with a Leupold 3x9 VXI scope unless I could afford a higher end Leupold.

 

[wsm]

Marlin XL7 and a Nikon Prostaff scope ,good set up for around 600 bucks.

 

[Model70Man]

I'd look for a used Tikka T3 in 270 or 30-06. Tikka T3 You can put this one in Layaway for 4 months.

I would run away from a Barska scope. If you want to buy a cheap scope, look at a Hawke, Brunton, Bushnell, or a Nikon Prostaff.

 

[DaveB]

I own one, throw the Savage Axis out. The trigger is absolutely horrendous & the stock flexes that a Beale street hooker.

Haven't seen the Rem 783 yet.

The Ruger is getting rave reviews and one fellow I trust on another web site says the trigger is good and accurate as can be.

As for Barska, I own one. The scope would not hold zero for quite a few rounds on a 243. Just when I got fed up and decided to scrap it it locked into place and has done acceptable service. However, it is suppposed to be a 12x and is much more like maybe an 8x. Replacement of this scope is high on my list.

Go with the American. Here is one that closes in 56 minutes(price is 319 right now). And if you don't get this one, there are 446 others to whet your appetite.

I believe you can get a fairly good Vortex scope and stay under the 500 barrier. Time to shop!

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewIt ... =376140851

 

[Plateau Hunter]

Ruger American .308 or 7/08 plus Burris Fullfield plus Weaver mounts will keep him under $500 pretty much and and that would be a great setup.

 

[Greg M]

American is solid. Also, I am partial to older Savages, 110s for long action. You can pick them up used for around $400 in great condition. Bushnell Banner Dusk to Dawn scopes have great low light transmission, clear vision and can be had for around $150. He's there.

 

[W.Seay]

Don't skimp on a scope! Tell him to save his money up until he can buy quality glass!!