Need Advice on "Only One"

H

Hillbillenigma

Inactive
Hey Gang,

I just discovered TFL and I have several questions about Rifles in general as well as some other very particular questions. I spent 8 yrs in the Corps, Expert everytime with the A2, BUT I really don't know much about other Rifles.

I've picked a Tough First Post, but I've tried using the Search on this one and really can't decide, so... I thought I would ask for some advice and opinions.

I'm looking for a quality rifle to do some general Target Shooting and to take care of Varmints (like Coyotes) here on the Farm (NO other hunting).

Here are some criteria - (somewhat flexible)

- Total Cost of the Rifle & Scope between $400 - $500.
- Shoots exceptionally well right out of the box.
- Classic Looks (Lever Action or Bolt Action are both fine).
- Large enough Caliber for Varmint action but not larger Game.
- Something that I will continue to enjoy shooting as my Skill improves (hope that makes sense)
- Cost of the Ammo is not really a concern.

Some questions;

After reading alot of good things here about Marlins I have been looking at their Lever Action rifles, are there any other Makers that rival or exceed Marlin's quality that are in the $350-$500 price range?

I frequently Buy and Sell on Ebay but am not familiar with any of the Weapon Auction Sites on the Net. Are they a good place to purchase New Weapons or are you just as likely to find a good price at a Local Gun Show?

I have heard that Bolt Action rifles are more accurate than other types, is that true?

Also, if you think there are any other good Books, for a semi FNG, concerning Firearms that are worth purchasing please feel free to list them (and the Author).

Thanks in advance for any info or recommendations.
 
Bolt actions are more accurate than lever actions in most cases. The Marlins are good choices in a lever but for your purposes I would recommend a Tikka bolt action in .243 Winchester. Put it under a Leupold Vari-X II 3x-9x or a Bushnell Elite 3200 in the same magnification. It may be a bit over your price range but you won't find a better package for the price. They are accurate rifles, adjustable trigger and will meet your needs.
 
sounds like a 336 cs in 35 remington. if ammo were a concideration i would go with a Vepr II in 7.62x39, 69 bucks for 1000 rounds, accurate, and will dispatch a cyote pretty quick. also looks good for an EBR
 
I also vote for a bolt action. And I concur that the 243 is a perfect round for your needs, although others to be considered are any of the ".25" series - .25-06, .25 Ackley Improved, .25 Savage, etc., a 6mm, or a .22-250. A .223 would be fine out to 300 yards or more with the right ammo.

Now, as as the gun itself, I would sat that, given your criteria, I would recommend a good used rifle with a good used scope. There are several brands of each to choose from, e.g., Remington, Ruger, Browning, Marlin, and even Savage. For scopes, stick to Leupold, Nikon, Swarovski (sp?), etc. Do some more searching for different brands here on TFL.

A few good deals can be had on auction sites, but many of the auctions induce people into paying more for a gun than its worth. I always compare prices on the following auction
sites:

http://www.auctionarms.com/
http://www.gunbroker.com/

with those found on
http://www.gunsamerica.com/

The latter is a classifieds site (no bidding) and can be a good resource.
 
When you say "classic looks", are you indicating that you want to stay away from synthetic stocks? I have a couple of ideas for you, but would like some clarification on that point first.
 
I appreciate the Recommendations so far. It may help me more if you actually spell out some of the definitions though,.. such as the "336 cs 35 Remington"... I think I'll have to do some research to figure that one out. :-) I'm just a little slow on the all the Terminology.

My definition of "Classic" is something in a well Finished Wooden Stock, checkering or slight decoration would be nice but not absolutely necessary.

Thanks again and keep em coming!
 
"336 CS" is a model of Marlin Lever Action. "35 Remington" is a cartridge.

Don't sweat it, you'll learn this stuff quickly enough. It'll only take a few years. :)
 
One option for a NIB ("new in box") rifle (i.e. not used) is the Savage 110. Its a bolt-action with a good reputation for accuracy right from the box.

Most Wal-Marts have a special with a Savage 110 plus scope for $350-$400 or so. Right in your budget.

Regarding choice of caliber, I think .223 is the minimum. You'll be familiar with that cartridge because that's the same round you shot in the A2 in the Corp. It'll do fine for coyotes. .243 would be the next step up in power, and is also a fine varmit round (but versatile enough to add deer to the list if your interests change in the future).
 
I recommend either a .223, .243, or a .22-250. Try Remington or Ruger for a bolt action...highly recommended, look them up the Web.
 
For application stated, I'd suggest a .243 caliber bolt gun. I'd look for a used Remington 700 ADL to stay in your price range. Remington 700's all have the same basic action. The ADL is the "no frills" version. Good reputation for out-of-the-box accuracy, a good factory trigger that can be adjusted . . . basically a really solid basic platform. Mate one with a Leupold VX-II 3-9x variable power scope and you're good to go. Keep your eyes open and you may even be able to find a used BDL (nicer wood and magazine with hinged floorplate) in your price range.
 
Savage 10 or 110 in .243, 7mm-08, or .308, .223 may even be the most fun. Very accurate and less money then a Ruger or Remington. The only draw back is that they are not as "pretty" as some other guns. With a pretty decent scope you can come in under $600. 7mm-08 is a fantastic round, it is a .308 necked down to 7mm.
 
I think if you want to come in under $500 for the entire package, then you're looking at a Savage (if you want a bolt action that will reach out there) or a Marlin (if you're after a solid lever gun).

Savage offers a number of packages that include a scope with the rifle. These can usually be had for about $400. I'd recommend the .243 as it is great for varmints and heavier bullets are available that would be sufficient for up to medium-sized deer should you eventually decide to go that route.

The Marlin 336 can be had in .30-30 or .35 Remington (maybe more, but I'm not sure), and it's one of the best values out there. But if you're talking about popping little critter a few hundred yards away, it's not the gun for you. It's much more a bruch gun to be used for hunting larger four-legged beasties.

Based on your criteria, I'd be looking at the Savage combo, or buy the rifle and scope separately.
 
22-250 on a mauser bolt action with a synthetic stock and good optics would fit your bill. I've wacked coyotes at 400+ yards and prarie dogs at the same range. mild recoil and pleasent to shoot all day long.
 
Recommend looking for a used bolt action. Plenty are available in the $300 area leaving $200 for some really good optics. Used Remingtons can be found for $300 to $350.
New, I'm partial to Tikka, best value out there.
As for caliber, based upon your post I'd recommend .243, .257 Roberts, or 25-06. All are great cartridges and will serve you well.
Another option if you like the idea of a lever gun is a Savage 99 in .243 or .250 Savage.
Take Care
 
Savage bolt and .223. They are very accurate and the cheapest of all. With the .223 you will be able to get VERY inexpensive practice ammo in Wolf brand or military surplus from numerous countries all over the world. This cheap ammo will allow you to shoot MUCH more than you'd be able to in the other calibers. You can also get premium .223 varmit and target quality ammo for almost nothing comparatively. The Wolf is a good choice for accuracy and it's one of the cheapest too.

With practice you will be shooting well enough to blow up a regular chicken egg from the grocery store EVERY TIME from 100 yards!

My Savage .223 shot 1 1/2 inch groups at 100 yards with military ammo, some ammo printed better than that. My son shot my rifle with his premium ammo and his shots at 100 yards from a sandbag were all covered with a dime. He's younger! We had the 3-9 power scope that came with the gun as part of a special package and it was FINE.

I would still have it but traded it for another .223 that I'd been lusting for -- for decades! Cheap ammo = more practice and smaller groups!
http://www.savagearms.com
 
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