Down to 2..almost

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Clubsoda

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Been looking for a bolt action rifle the last little while. I currently have a savage mark II, browning a5 shotgun and a sks. Im looking for something in 308 or 30-06, just at the entry level. Its a rifle that I would like to mainly use for target shooting, bear defence when camping in remote places (on top of bear spray, etc, for the worst case scenario) and hunting deer/elk in the future.

Originally I was looking at the axis/ruger american but I didnt like the bolt and the feel of the axis, or the stock/feel of the american. I upped the budget a little bit to around the $500 mark and after heading to wholesale sports to look & physically handle the rifles, I basically narrowed it down to the Savage 11/111 intl trophy hunter xp or the Browning AB3.
I liked the Savage, the weaver scope was clear and would be a good package scope to practice with and could be upgraded down the road if/when required. The AB3 had a nice rubberized stock, smooth action and the 60 degree bolt throw was nice. Downside is its above my budget, and if I bought the AB3 I would have enough for a mediocre set of rings and a $150 scope. Currently cant justify spending much more than that on this rifle.

Any advice on which of these rifles would be the most accurate out of the box? Im not expecting sub moa without modifications or upgrading to a higher quality rifle, just curious if they will be in the same ball park or if savage has an advantage. I could consider other rifles, I wasnt a fan of the Remington 700

Id like to stay around the budget and I constantly catch myself going "for $50 more I can upgrade to this..but for only $100 more I can upgrade to that".

Thanks for the advice guys
 
IIRC, the A bolt, X bolt have a permanently attached trigger group and is difficult to do a barrel change or gunsmith. The trigger makes it difficult to properly bed. The super fine thread on the barrels/action makes it incredibly easy to cross thread and basically destroy.

Of the two you have listed i would go with the Savage. Would be interested in hearing from the OP, which rifles he handled and eliminated and why?
 
I would definitely recommend you take a look at Tradex. I haven't been on there lately but they regularly have Husqvarna sporters in 30-06 for around 400 bucks, sometimes less. These are truly fine rifles based on FN style 98 actions with good barrels and some very nice stocks from time to time. I picked up one here on EE that had originally come from Tradex and it is fine rifle. In very good overall condition. It is 3X the rifle any of the entry level rifles you're looking at will ever be and you can do upgrades down the road. You can buy Mod 70 swing safeties for them, you can buy Oberndorff bottom metal for them, speed lock kits, triggers, new stocks............anything your heart desires and at least you are starting with a very reliable much more desirable platform, for less than an entry level Savage, Ruger or what ever. Just a thought.............I'll see if I can put up a pic for ya, I was very impressed when I opened the box........Thanks Buster95, by the way..........











 
Thanks for the responses. Im considering a weatherby vanguard 2 aswell. Would the series 2 blow the savage out of the water? I definitely prefer a detachable magazine however
 
Did you check you the Remington 783 and the Marlin X7? Both are very nice and are under your price target. I prefer the 783, have one in .308.
Haven't handled the 11/111, heard it is nice too.
 
Also perhaps check out the EE here. Lots of nice used rifles to be had. Just make sure you know your prices. Once you find what your looking for its a great place to look. I would look at the savage other than the axis/edge, the weatherby vanguard or any of the winchesters 6rom 2008-now. I heard they are bringing out a budget rifle in 2015 also... Good suggestion about tradeex also, they have lots of good deals on quality rifles.

I have had good luck with all of the above rifles. And wouldn't be scared to buy another.
 
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