Entry level .308 or .223

[I do not know]

Hi, I'm looking to get an entry level bolt action .223 or .308 and just wanted some suggestions. I'm in college so naturally I do not have a lot of money so please keep it on the cheap side. So far I've looked at selections from Savage (Axis, Stevens), but those stocks seem really cheap.

 

[BradMacc82]

Savage makes some good stuff for the money, accurate too. Don't put too much into the stock feeling cheap, you can always upgrade it later.

.223 is going to be cheaper ammo-wise, unless you get lucky and catch sales on .308.

 

[tech24]

Savage rifles are generally nice and accurate. Rem700 would also be a good choice..have seen a few that don't perform as well as expected out of the box but not many. If your target shooting get one with a heavy varmint contoured barrel.

 

[JoeRinMD]

The most important bit of information is something that you didn't provide in your post, namely what do you intend to use the rifle for? The answers will be very different if you say hunting vice target shooting...and for both the next question becomes "what kind"? In target shooting for example, you'll get very different answers if you'll be doing informal shooting at 100 yds or formal NRA high-power competitions.

Joe

 

[davsco]

remington 700 is always a good choice, a wide variety of models based on what you want to do with it.

i shot my 700 sendero in .22-250 (total factory stock) two weeks ago after it's been sitting in the safe for several years. 1/2 MOA or better out to 400 yards with factory ammo and 3 shot groups (well to be truthful it was about 3/4 MOA at 100 - for some reason i usually get tighter groups, MOA wise, at longer ranges, perhaps i am concentrating more...).

the .308 will give you more options than the .223, especially big game hunting (deer, bear, etc). of course a little more recoil but nothing excessive. and ammo will be a little more expensive.

as far as scopes go, leupold and nikon have nice glass, especially for the money.

vs getting a 'cheap' rifle and scope, recommend you park cars, paint a house or something to put an extra couple of hundred bucks in your pocket to get a good product from a good brand.

 

[reynolds25]

I love my remington 700 in 308. I have hear good things about the Savage though. I think either way you will do well.

 

[Boom Boom]

I would say Savage. The stock isn't a big deal. Having a good action and trigger is and Savage makes nice ones for the money, especially if you get AccuTrigger. If you get the standard trigger to save cash, it can be improved or upgraded later.

 

[Deep Creek Rock]

+1 for the Remington 700. Never had one that wasnt a shooter. Im not a big fan of Savage Arms, but if you have your heart set on one, save up a little more, and get a 110 series. Skip that POS Axis rifle.

 

[I do not know]

The most important bit of information is something that you didn't provide in your post, namely what do you intend to use the rifle for? The answers will be very different if you say hunting vice target shooting...and for both the next question becomes "what kind"? In target shooting for example, you'll get very different answers if you'll be doing informal shooting at 100 yds or formal NRA high-power competitions.

Joe

Casual shooting with the purpose of growing more accustomed to shooting medium-large rifles.

 

[Yoshi]

Savage for me. I have 3 and they all "shoot". Although, like mentioned above, the Axis won't be your best bet.

 

[Markp]

College student, not a lot of money, and wanting to fire some rounds...

Have you thought about bolt actions in other less expensive calibers? (Mosins & Mausers)

In the calibers you mention there are plenty of great choices. I really like the CZ-527 for a .223 rifle or carbine. (I have the carbine, love how it shoots.)

 

[I do not know]

I already have a Mosin Nagant. I specified those calibers because I want to get used to shooting them. If I didn't care about caliber I would be asking about .22lr rifles.

 

[Boom Boom]

If I didn't care about caliber I would be asking about .22lr rifles.

Well, on the crazy chance that 22LR is acceptable (say with CCI Velocitor ammo), check out what another member just purchased for $217.
http://www.mdshooters.com/showthread.php?t=75163
There's nothing to dislike about that stock.

 

[Markp]

I already have a Mosin Nagant. I specified those calibers because I want to get used to shooting them. If I didn't care about caliber I would be asking about .22lr rifles.

No problem. That's why I recommended a rifle in the caliber you were interested in! Good luck with your hunt for the right gun.

 

[razorV23]

I looked into the Axis model for a blackout build I have underway, to my knowledge, the stock is not yet replacable, no one I know of makes one to fit it yet, that's why I didn't buy one.

 

[30ought6]

Marlin XS7 in .308 and .223 (new for 2012)

 

[Kingjamez]

Marlin XS7 in .308 and .223 (new for 2012)

I agree, I love my XS7 in .308.

 

[pakman916]

I'm in a similar boat as you, but I'm not necessarily trying to keep it cheap...although it's an option. I've had my heart set on a Remington 700 SPS Tactical, but the more I research, the more I start to sway towards other options. The new Ruger American Rifle is very appealing. MSRP is $449, but it should sell for less (in the $300's?)

http://www.ruger.com/products/americanRifle/models.html

 

[I do not know]

No problem. That's why I recommended a rifle in the caliber you were interested in! Good luck with your hunt for the right gun.

I'm sorry, I hope didn't sound disrespectful.

I will probably end up getting a .22lr anyway; XD I was looking at one the other day (Marlin .22 with synthetic stocked and blued barrel), but it wasn't in the best condition for the price I would've paid.

I appreciate all of the suggestions everyone; I will say that I was not surprised when many people suggested the Rem 700, but I'm actually avoiding it for right now (what am I thinking right?) My brother had one and it was a fine rifle according to him (chambered for .300 win), but I don't know I guess I just want something different.

 

[BradMacc82]

The 700 is a fine rifle, but I've never really liked them (at least in standard flavor, 700 SPS fared better with me), the weight was one thing (not while bench-shooting, but imagine lugging one around for 2 days in the woods), and the factory trigger just didn't bowl me over, but they shot well enough even with those facets I didn't care for.

Marlin Model 60 - if it's an older model, grab it. I've got a 25+ y.o. Model 60 and it still shoots as good as the first time I shot it - it was a hand-me-down.

Newer Marlins I just don't trust yet, since Remington is running the show.