Rifle/Scope Combo

K

KC Rob

New member
I have a buddy who is looking for an inexpensive "starter" rifle for light hunting (whitetail) and target shooting (Max 100 yards). He has limited gun knowledge and this may be his first centerfire gun (pretty sure he has a Marlin .22). He wants to get a rifle/scope combo to start off with. He called me from a Walmart and was looking at some Remingtons, I think they were 710's or 770's that had scopes for $300 bucks. I talked him off the ledge because I think there are better options for him. I could swear that I saw a Savage or Stevens rifle with a scope at a LGS for $300 bucks new and I think that would be a better buy for him than the Remington. Does anybody know what model that would be and is it a decent rifle? I have heard good stuff about the Savage line, I just don't recall the model of the rifle I saw and just want to make sure it is not a poor choice. Any other options in the $300 price bracket for a rifle/scope combo?
 
Tell him to buy them seperately. Those package guns come with real cheap scopes and I mean cheap. He can buy the rifle and find a much better scope on the net and be happier in the long run.
 
The best deal going in my opinion is the Savage Model 10, or 110 if getting a long action that they sell at Walmart as a package for right under $400. It comes with the accu trigger as well as a cheap scope. This gun is light years ahead of the 770's for not much more. You can get the Savage Axis for around $300, but you give up quite a lot over the Model 10, and imo it's just not worth it to save $100. The accu trigger really is a great trigger.

The cheap scope on it should allow him to shoot it some, but I'd eventually want to replace it. They used to come with Simmons Blazers which actually seemed to be decent, but now they are coming with some cheap Bushnell that's even crappier. While it should allow him to shoot some, I wouldn't trust it for too long.
 
In that price range, the Savage you saw was probably the Edge or the Axis. I have been doing some shopping for a new budget rifle, as well. I have not yet made a purchase, but tell your buddy to take a look at used rifles. I have found a few mid level scoped rifles on the used racks in the same price range as the new entry levels.
 
Ditto on the Savage over the Rem 770, without a doubt.
The Edge or Axis is fine... but for a few more bucks, get a Savage 10.
That action can be easily upgraded with match grade barrels, stocks, etc.

I saw one at Wally World in .308 a few months back (one of the "package" deals) for $390 with the Accutrigger. When he's ready to move up, sell the cheap stock and scope on Ebay...
 
bought the walmart pkg. a few yrs ago for a cheap plinker on the farm. got a 110 with accutrigger in .30-06 and syn. stock. the crap bushnell scope rattled loose after 100 rnds.(It will work for the occ. hunter, but I would LocTite all the mounting screws.) It was replaced with a better scope, soon after. A Redfield revolution 4x12x40 with Talley one piece rings did the trick. Def. upgrade to the accuracy. & performance of this rifle. It's crazy accurate if you do your part!
 
The Remington 710s and 770s are absolute piles of crap. You would be better with a spear. For the range of around 350 bucks id get a Savage Axis and put a Nikon Prostaff scope on it. It will be around 450 for both and a box of shells but it will shoot so much better than the others
 
I'll throw out a hat for the Mossberg 100 ATR. It has an accutrigger of sorts and shoots well. At least mine does. I haven't seen anyone complain about their Mossberg 100 ATR on here either.

Its in the same price range your friend is looking. Some come with scopes, some don't. I put a Nikon Prostaff on mine and so far its been great.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top