What is the most accurate rifle under $200?

[Zigokubasi]

I'm looking for a nice, cheap tackdriver to hone my skills on, and I don't have a lot of $$ to spend on it. I've been looking at the Swedish Mauser/96, or the Finnish M39. I've also considered the Mosin-Nagant 91/30...but all these are old battle rifles, can I do better for the money?

Ziggy

 

[MilesTeg]

Take a look at some of the surplus Enfield's. I have the MK II No.4 in .303 British and it falls within the category of a very very accurate rifle. I picked mine up for $89.99 at Big 5 Sporting Goods. You should be able to get one in great condition for under $200.

 

[PreserveFreedom]

Ruger 10/22

 

[Ewok_Guy]

Marlin 60

 

[Politically Incorrect]

Look at the Gibbs Rifle Company. My father has a jungle carbine in .308 and is in great condition and shoots nice.

I think he paid around $180 for it.

 

[Powermwt]

You might want to look at NEF single shots in any of the varmint calibers. They usually go for under $200. I have one in .22 Hornet and can get under MOA with handloads. MWT

 

[Erich]

It sounds like you've researched this. I think you're right where you want to be with the Swede Mausers and the MN 39s. I've found the Swedes to be more accurate, in general, than the 39s . . . but they're both very nice. I'm not sure I'd call either a guaranteed "tackdriver", but for under $200, you'd do well with either of them. I can't think of anything that would be better, unless it would be a .22 (either a Rem. 597 or a Ruger 10/22) - which would allow you to hone your accuracy skills, but only at a short distance.

The 91/30s, BTW, are sometimes good, sometimes not good, and only very rarely great in the accuracy department - in my experience.

Good luck with it; you'll have fun with whichever you get.

 

[M1911]

Ruger 10/22. And to top it off, the ammo is dirt cheap too. I haven't shot it at 100 yards yet, but at 50 yards it'll do 1/2 groups off a rest (with a scope).

If you must have centerfire, I'd say Swede Mauser, though you'll have to put a peep sight on it to really take advantage of the accuracy. I have a Enfield No. 4 Mk1 which I really do like, but it isn't as accurate as my Swede. YMMV.

M1911

 

[Kernel]

Scour local pawnshops, gunshows, and gunshops and you can probably find an old bolt action "Remchester", Ruger, or Savage that's been rode hard and put away wet. It's pretty common to see well-seasoned rifles like this on the smaller tables at gunshows for around $200. Cosmetically on the outside they might look like 10 miles of bad gravel road with visible rust, deep scratches, gouged wood, and cracked stocks, but as long as the rifling is in good shape that's all that matters. .308 Winchester or .223 Remington are two very common calibers and the ammunition will be the most affordable (under $200 per 1,000). Rifles like this have zero historical cache, unlike old military rifles, but they're chambered for common sporting cartridges, are made from modern steels, and are generally much easier to scope. -- Kernel

 

[Bob Locke]

If you're shooting at <50 yards and power isn't a consideration, then the Ruger 10/22 would be my choice.

If you want to step out to a couple hundred yards and be able to deliver a solid punch at that range (and beyond), then a Swedish Mauser would be my choice.

 

[BobR]

Let me chime in here and say the M96 Swedish Mauser would be my first choice, they can be a serious threat to targets, and the 6.5x55 is an accurate round out for a long ways, many people like the 6.5 to shoot absurdly long (1000m) distances.
My second choice would be the Finnish Mosin-Nagant M39. A great rifle, very accurate, and lots of surplus ammo around for it. I am not sure if there are any current production US ammo makers doing ammo for it.
Given the 200 dollar limit, you can also get a swiss K31 for around that, or if you can find a 1911 rifle then you would be in tall cotton. The only drawback is the lack of easily available ammo. Every now and then someone will import a bunch of Portugese ammo for it and you can buy a bunch, or take up reloading.

If you do not need a centerfire, then I would chime in with the suggestion for a Marlin 60, or a Ruger 10/22. The 10/22 can be a lot of fun just getting aftermarket accessories for it. My daughters both have ones with pink stocks...you should see the looks at the range, until they start popping x's all day.