good entry level 308

Bmynbr

Bmynbr

Member
Rating - 100%
2   0   0
Location
Chilliwack
Decided i am going to try hunting deer, and am going to get a .308. If I decide that it is something I like, I will upgrade to a better gun, and have this one for my kids to use in a couple of years. my question is, what gun would you guys recommend in the $500 price range. I was thinking the remington 783 $400, The savage 11/111 trophy hunter xp around $500 with scope. Didn't really like the feel of the ruger american. Could also look at the Axis II. Any recommendations and reasons why would be muchly appreciated.
Dave
 
It'll really come down to personal preference, you can't go wrong with any of the more popular budget rifles.

I have a Weatherby Vanguard (.270) and Savage Axis (.243) and I'm pleased as punch with both. I almost bought the Trophy Hunter but went with the vanguard simply because I liked the feel of the Vanguard better. You'll find the lovers and the haters with whatever you choose and there'll always be a gun that's just $50 more than the one you're looking at! My .270 has taken a moose and several deer but the .243 is still waiting for its turn out in the field!

I heard good things about the 783 too. Head down to the gun store and see what feels good. They'll all shoot straight enough and hard enough to take down a deer and .308 is a fine caliber. I took my first deer with .308.

Have fun and enjoy!
 
Of the rifles you list my order of preference would be savage 11, ruger american, axis and 783. I haven't heard many good things about the 783. Marlin sx7 would be another one to consider in that price range. Would you consider used? you could step a notch in quality if you don't need new.
 
I'd go for a Ruger American or savage axis for your price range.
But... For that price you could pick up a Marlin 336 in 30-30 and still have a keeper deer gun.
 
I have the Axis and 783 and I prefer the 783. The differences are minor, especially if getting an Axis II, which has the Accutrigger.
Based on handling all of the top budget options mentioned already, you cannot go wrong. Go in, handle them all to confirm personal fit, and get the one you like best.
I went in for a Marlin XS7 and left with a Rem 783.
 
My preference would be to aim a little higher for the new tikka t3 ultralight: svelte bolt, and weighs as much as a feather; none of the quality issues that have plagued the US as of late. Then again, I am a whore for the Finnish/Czech goods.

My suggestion is to try and handle all of them, be mindful of what gear/ layers of clothes you may have on when shouldering the said arms and go by which operates the best for you. What works for 'us' does not necessarily suit you. Best of luck. Cheers!

PS, SFRC is having a moving sale...
 
I can share recent experiences with .308s in this class. If you decide to go with a Savage, stick with an Axis II. I purchased a Ruger American this year, and it has consistently under-promised and over-delivered in every respect. It would seem to fit the bill for you very nicely. Accuracy, dependability under adverse conditions, value for money, all top notch.

Sorry for the duplicate post. I never in my wildest dreams thought I'd buy another American-made rifle, let alone recommend one! Good luck, and let us know how you did.
 
I"ve got a 783 in 308 that I bought early this year....The more I shoot it, the more I like it. Its accurate, sub MOA with 180 hornady BTSP bullet. So far this year I've taken a nice wolf and a moose with this gun....I'd buy another one in a heart beat. Stainless would be nice thought!
I bought mine when one of the sponsors had it on sale for 299.00, makes me chuckle every time I take it out....for that price how can one go wrong?
 
my oldest son has an 11 or 111 whatever it is in 260 and he loves it. He just weighed it the other, it's even less than my Browning Micro Medallion. OP, you should consider 7mm-08 and 260. Excellent on Deer and great for Junior's.
 
Edzzed said:
Savage has a rebate going on. http://www.savagearms.com/promotions/ I bought my .270 just prior to the rebate. Argh... I could have waited to get the accutrigger but opted to buy the axis without and upgraded the trigger to a riflebasix
Click to expand...

Not only that but cabelas just had the ss axis with scope on for 349.00, so minus 50.00 for the rebate makes it 299.00....ordered one in 7-08, it should be here tomorrow! :)
 
Neither one of those the OP has entered would qualify as a good entry level rifle.
Junk is junk no matter what mod's are done with it and after the $$ spent on the mod's,
you're up to a better quality rifle anyways.
Save the $300 for rimfires and go find a good used rifle for the five brown ones and
feel miserably content with it.
It will after all be still worth whut ya payd fer it.
 
A pre-64 lever action Winchester 88 in .308. Detachable box magazine, easily scoped, reliable and tough. Shoots everthing from 110 gr varmit to 200 gr moose loads and everything in between. When I was shooting any Savage was a piece of crap ... have their design and QC improved or have the shooters become less descerning...? The Savage 99 in 250-3000 is a classic but only its mother could really love it after both shooting it and dragging it around in the bush for a few years ... First HP rifle I shot as a 12 year old kid - still flinch just thinking about how much that recoil hurt ...
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom