Looking for a light, inexpensive 100 yard gun

C

ckpj99

New member
I shoot my Mosin out at a 100 yard range quite a bit, and I'd like to mix it up a bit.

I'd like something light and relatively inexpensive (under $300) in a caliber bigger than .22lr, but lighter recoiling than a Mosin or 30-06.

I'm imagining something common that I can buy used. Something like a Savage 219 (feel free to suggest that if you think it fits). I won't be mounting a scope, and I'd something I could put a peep sight on.

I just want something that's centerfire to smack tin cans around out to 100 yards.

My last, and probably my lowest, priority is that I'd like it to be a traditional wood and steel type gun.
 
+1 on the .223

You can find them used all day long at about any gun shop big or small. If you are not looking to mount a scope and looking for a lighter recoil I would think that would be your best option.
 
H&Rs handi-rifles are inexpensive,decent quality come in all kinds of calibers, and accurate enough for 100 yards.

options you might be interested in are :204, 22 hornet,223 rem,44 mag,357 mag, slightly higher kick but not bad are--243win ,243 rem, 22-250.

Check Bud's gun shop .just saw the 357 mag listed there for 268 shipped
 
I'd look closely at the Ruger American in 7mm-08. I'm very impressed with the one a buddy bought. Put a red-dot, or low powered scope on it and you'll be a happy hunter.
 
The Savage 219 is an exceptionally well built featherweight rifle. To mount a scope, the smith commonly solders a base into place.

Although this model went out of production over 40 years ago, they're still found at a number of websites such as GunBroker.

Good luck!
Jack
 
Thanks guys. Since I buy used, I don't normally try to find a specific gun unless it's very common. Now I have a list of things I can start looking out for.
 
The OP said he won't be mounting a scope so virtually every gun suggested is not what he asked for. The Handi Rifles are good shooters but about the only two I know of that come with open sights are the 22 hornet and the 30-30. Even the 357 has a slick barrel now.

For bigger than a 22lr have you considered a 22 mag from marlin? They have open sights and are a big step up in power over a 22 rifle. Or maybe a savage/stevens 325 or 340. An older gun but there are several on GB for $200 and up. The calibers start at 222, 223 and most common seems to be the good old 30-30.

I just bought a skinned up post 64 winchester 30-30 for $275. I put a williams peep I already had on it and its a sweet shooter. Plus I reload for 30-30 and have lots of componants and powder. And I have a bullet mold and plan on casting up a pile of lead. This will be some cheap shooting.
 
I have fun with lever actions, mine happens to be in 45 Colt, but 30-30, .357, .44 mag, lots of options. Besides, flipping that lever is so much fun! It's like I'm a kid watching cowboy movies!
 
Maybe an SKS-if you're willing to pay up to $350? Bulk ammo at .24/rd. before shipping.
How does that compare with 22-250, .270 etc ammo prices? If this were "Watter's World" on Fox, we might hear crickets chirping...

With the Tech Sight rear aperture (approx. $50), it's much more accurate than with the original rear leaf sight, and the TS 200 is fully-adjustable.
The Tech Sight requires No cutting, drilling, or other permanent alteration.

My only regret was shooting the SKS for two years before ordering the TS 200: simple installation.
 
Have you considered a .30-30 levergun? Used ones can be had cheap, and if you reload you can roll your own light plinking loads that are inexpensive to shoot and have .22lr class recoil. I like heavier cast bullets in this roll in my Marlin 336, using a light charge of pistol powder. Peep sight kits are available for them.

Steel & wood, traditional looks. Lots of fun.

BTW -- .357 Mag leverguns would also do the trick. Again, it helps if you reload.
 
Looks like someone beat me to it, but...

A used Marlin 336 in .30-30 would be right up your alley. ;)


As far as the Handi-Rifles go -
The "Youth" model in .223 Rem has iron sights. It could be a fun one.
 
Ruger American, in the caliber of your choice seems like a good deal, and they'll all be able to reach far beyond 100 yards if need be.
 
Couple guys beat me to it. I picked up a used Western Field 30-30 (aka Marlin 336) 3 or 4 years ago for 250. Nothing wrong with and still a very good cartridge.
 
It's easy to mount peep sights on most bolt actions, whether they have a front sight or not. A band front ramp can be added easily. Receivers on new rifles are drilled and tapped for scope, but can also accommodate a top-mounted receiver sight.

I'd strongly recommend a 40mm red-dot sight to anyone who hasn't used a scope and wants something very quick and easy. There's nothing quicker than a red-dot IMHO. There's no eye-relief problem and you don't even have to line up two things (front and rear sights); just put the dot on whatever you want to shoot.

My grandkids have them on shotguns and I was amazed how well they work on flying birds and for quick slug shots.

I've been a scope guy for years, so don't have one on any rifles, but use them on handguns and they're great.
 
The Western Field 30-30's were Mossbreg 472-479, very close to a Marlin except for the trigger moving with the lever. Marlin made Glenfields are good 30-30's for less than the norm.
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top