Planning to buy bolt gun - primarily for deer

[Stein79]

I am planning to buy a used bolt gun in either .270/.308/.30-06 for target and deer hunting in PA/VA (I have a shotgun for MD).

I am planning to buy used but might be persuaded to buy new. However, i've read that a lot of the new REM 700s and the like have suffered from QA with the manufacturers mass producing and cutting corners.

Are there any brands/models/years that I should jump on if I see a used one lying around at a gunshop? And what kind of pricing should I expect for what you suggest?

Anyone know of any local gunshops that carry a decent selection?

Thanks for the help, any additional info is appreciated.

 

[Melnic]

If you buy a used bolt gun, learn or have someone with you who knows how to inspect the bore and muzzle.
I have a friend who picked up a used Rem 700 (I think it was about 10 years old)and we checked the bore and muzzle and it was pristine. Barrel was not free floating but letting it cool between shots, it held really tight groups.

 

[Silverlax]

What is your price range? You can find new rifles with a scope package for less than $500. ie. Savage, Howa, Ruger to name a few.

 

[Stein79]

What is your price range? You can find new rifles with a scope package for less than $500. ie. Savage, Howa, Ruger to name a few.

I'd like to stay sub $500 but will splurge for extra quality, etc.


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[Pale Ryder]

If you don't mind plastic get a new Ruger All American, or Savage. If you like wood older Remington, Savage, Browning. You could also get the Ruger and an aftermarket Boyd's wood Stock.

 

[Uncle Duke]

If you buy a used bolt gun, learn or have someone with you who knows how to inspect the bore and muzzle.
I have a friend who picked up a used Rem 700 (I think it was about 10 years old)and we checked the bore and muzzle and it was pristine. Barrel was not free floating but letting it cool between shots, it held really tight groups.

This is very good advice.

The rifle OP is looking for ideally once belonged to a hunter, rather than a shooter. That is, between sight in and hunting season, it may have seen a box or two of ammo per year down the tube. There's plenty of such examples out there. Used but not abused, and never really shot all that much.

 

[Stein79]

This is very good advice.



The rifle OP is looking for ideally once belonged to a hunter, rather than a shooter. That is, between sight in and hunting season, it may have seen a box or two of ammo per year down the tube. There's plenty of such examples out there. Used but not abused, and never really shot all that much.

Bullseye! Now where do I find them lol


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[budman93]

If you have a C&R Simpson LTD has tons of vintage Husqvarna mausers. They are extremely well made and you can get a really nice one for around $300. plus shipping. Simpsons is also very good about their descriptions. You know exactly what you are going to get. Here's an example. http://www.simpsonltd.com/product_info.php?cPath=350_370_371&products_id=38147

 

[DJones2987]

My savage 111 7mm mag will drive nails If I do my part. But it isn't a blast to shoot, it thumps pretty good. That's why I'm finishing up my 6.8 AR, for deer hunting. I'd go .270 and I'm biased towards savage haha. It's synthetic stock but I don't mind for a hunting rifle, don't have to be pretty.

 

[iH8DemLibz]

Bullseye! Now where do I find them lol


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Clyde's off of exit 9.

I think it's 9.

 

[chooks9]

Under $500, you can occasionally find a Ruger Model 77 in good shape in those calibers. I also saw a nice FN Commercial Mauser at a show recently for $525. A ton of gun for the $$$.

 

[Uncle Duke]

Bullseye! Now where do I find them lol


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You oftentimes find the deals and the firearms you want when and where you don't expect them. Isn't there a law about that somewhere? But from your location, I'd be inclined to take a day trip up 83 North. And I'd be smiling just as soon as I crossed the Pennsylvania line. You're now out of Maryland, which in and of itself is a big grin, and you'll instead find yourself in hunting and rifle country. Maybe stop just across the line into The Gun Bunker in Shrewsbury, as he's a shop geared toward used firearms and typically has a wall full or more. Work your way north from there. Lots of shops worth a look around in South Central Pennsylvania.

If you decide you want a new Savage, and their rifles are still a hard value to beat out of the box IMO, keep an eye open over the next couple of months for High Rock Outfitters in Hanover Pa. Gary is an IP here, and he's good people. He typically runs a sale on Savage in the early months of each new year, will get you anything you want that Savage makes, and his pricing and service make him well worth a visit.

Good luck!

 

[GUNSnROTORS]

I'd like to stay sub $500 but will splurge for extra quality, etc.


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Noticed a Howa .308 sporter in the classifieds, listed for $350.

 

[Stein79]

You oftentimes find the deals and the firearms you want when and where you don't expect them. Isn't there a law about that somewhere? But from your location, I'd be inclined to take a day trip up 83 North. And I'd be smiling just as soon as I crossed the Pennsylvania line. You're now out of Maryland, which in and of itself is a big grin, and you'll instead find yourself in hunting and rifle country. Maybe stop just across the line into The Gun Bunker in Shrewsbury, as he's a shop geared toward used firearms and typically has a wall full or more. Work your way north from there. Lots of shops worth a look around in South Central Pennsylvania.



If you decide you want a new Savage, and their rifles are still a hard value to beat out of the box IMO, keep an eye open over the next couple of months for High Rock Outfitters in Hanover Pa. Gary is an IP here, and he's good people. He typically runs a sale on Savage in the early months of each new year, will get you anything you want that Savage makes, and his pricing and service make him well worth a visit.



Good luck!

Great info - thanks!


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[BUFF7MM]

You can't go wrong with a Savage, all mine were tack drivers straight from the box.

 

[GunnerGunz]

I got a Mossberg Patriot in 22-250 recently (August) that is a tack driver. I got the wood version for $400 but at xmas I am seeing them 325 for wood and 250 for synthetic. I was pleasantly surprised at the accuracy of this bolt gun. They have many calibers available for this gun.

 

[Stein79]

So what are the major differences in quality and performances over these brands and their specific individual models?


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[GunnerGunz]

The Mossberg Patriot has a rather loose fitted bolt but if you can get past that it does well for an inexpensive gun. The only guns I have so far that is not a tack drivers are my Mosin and SKS. The rest hold 1" or better at 100 yards. I have Marlin, Mossberg, Savage in various calibers. Hand loading ammo & decent optics helps with accuracy and cost. I'd pick the make\model you like out of hat and grab one.

 

[mopar92]

So what are the major differences in quality and performances over these brands and their specific individual models?


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Remington new production is trash.No consistency. Remington recently had to recall all of their Model 700 rifles for an unsafe trigger design so if looking used. Factor in cost for a new trigger or a few week-month wait time for replacement if you send it back.

Remington rifles outside the 700 line are generally trash. Exceptions are the old school pump and semis but they're hard to find parts and service now.

Savage bolt guns are good but the bolt handles are a weak point in how they're attached to the bolt body. Hot loads, loads and chambers outside of spec are likely to cause bolt breakage. They also have many variations that make it difficult to source aftermarket upgrades (Stocks, triggers, and occasionally rings are not interchangeable across the line)

Ruger uses proprietary bases and rings for their M77 models but there are adapters for standard stuff you can find in a Wal-Mart.

The American is a great bolt gun but does have cost saving measures taken in manufacturing.

 

[jimbobborg]

Hit the local pawn shops and find an older pencil barreled Remington 700. I like wood stocks on my bolt gun deer rifles, but I'm weird like that. They shouldn't be out of your price range, and look good.