$300 Bolt Action - HELP

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to.what.end

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While researching a bolt action for around $300 I've run into a dead end. I'd like to get something in the .30-06 range and was looking at the Remington 770. I've heard mixed reviews on those. Some are positive, some are negative; made in Moscow, bolt issues, etc. Any first hand expereience with the 770 or advice on a different bolt action? Thanks!
 
I would run, not walk, away from the 770. For a budget rifle, you need look no further than Savage, Marlin or Stevens to find a better quality gun than the 770.
 
597?

Is it Remington that's junk or the 770 specifially. I got a 597 without doing much research on it a few months back to brush up on and hand down to my 7 year old within the next year. Haven't had the jamming issues I've read about, but I still don't want to give her a rifle that won't be any good in the long run. Should I just sell that and look for a rimfire through one of the other companies you previously mentioned?
 
The Remington 710 and 770 are not known for their quality. There are many people who have a Remington 700 and are very happy with the 700. The 700 is better quality than the 710 or 770. If buying a used 700, I would replace the trigger with a quality aftermarket trigger or have a reputable gunsmith check to see that the trigger was not previously modified or adjusted to an unsafe condition.
 
Seems like a lot of people want a budget rifle. Why not shop around for used? The way you see new guns downgraded on this forum, it would make me check into something used. From what I have experienced, most big game hunting rifles probably never saw 150 rounds through them in 40 years of use.
 
If I were looking for a cheap rifle, I would take a erious look at Savage, Stevens, Mossberg, or Marlin bolt action rifles.
 
Wrong time of year to look for a "cheap" deer rifle. About Feb or March of next year there will be several out there as guys realize they need some $$ to pay their income taxes.
Right now, Marlin is the cheapest with the best looks. Savage/Stevens 200 is a decent rifle if you don't mind a common trigger. Don't get the idea you can buy a Stevens and add a better trigger. That will cost more than buying a higher grade Savage with the AccuTrigger.
 
Does your $300 budget include optics?

You just need to look around. I saw two .30-06 1903 sporters at a pawn shop yesterday for $295. I'm sure you could get them to come off at least 10% on the price without having to work too hard. Both needed a little elbow grease but I'd bet money that both rifles would clean up into decent shooters.

Just a week ago the local Sportsmans Warehouse was selling brand new scoped M700 ADL rifles in 7mm-08 for $319. So deals are to be had out there, without having to settle for a M770. It is just going to take a little leg work to find a rifle that fits your $300 budget.

If you can go as high as $400 then you'll have a lot more options. Check out T/C Venture rifles they have a $50 rebate until the end of the year and after rebate should cost around $400. Savage 110 and M700 ADL packages with scopes usually run right around $400 at Wal-Mart
 
I like what I see with the Marlin X7VH as well as the Stevens 200. Within the budget for sure. As far as optics go I'm not looking for anything fancy to start out with. I would need to take someone that knows a bit more about what to look at in a used firearm, though I bet I could get a good deal from someone looking for tax money! Lots of great advice, thanks!
 
I recommended getting a Remington 700 ADL, they're good quality and reliable. Just look into an aftermarket scope. I picked my 700 up for $413 after tax.
 
Ditto the used gun. A used rifle is generally not like a used car. It takes many thousands of rounds to shoot out a rifle. If the finish looks nearly new, it's a good bet the rifle has only had a few boxes of shells through it. If you want a new gun. Outdoor's Warehouse has last years Vanguards for $349 and Academy Sports has a Remmy 700 with scope for $319. here in Chattanooga
 
there are some good suggestions, the best of which seems to avoid remington. Savage rifles are good, i'm not sure of the cost but the people that recomend them must know. i personally like the weatherby vanguards, i see them advertised often at $299. i have 2 of them they are very good rifles and very accurate.
 
There's the Savage Axis. MSRP is $349.00 for the base rifle, but street prices are running about $300.00. Gunbroker has a whole list of them for just under $300.00 and I understand that they're pretty good entry-level rifles.

If they'd make a left-hand Axis, I'd buy a couple as grandkid rifles. I seem to have several left-handed grandkids.
 
there are some good suggestions, the best of which seems to avoid remington.
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It isn't that we are saying avoid Remington, we are saying avoid the M770 rifle. IMO the Mossberg 4X4/ATR, Savage Axis/Edge, and M770 Remington are all about equal. They are cheap rifles and the bottom of the barrel in production regardless of how well they shoot. There are no options on any of them for real upgrades. A person is better off to find a used rifle or invest another $100+ and buy a better rifle like the Savage 10/110, Rem M700, or the Howa 1500/ Weatherby Vanguard.
 
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