Budget Long Range Rifle

BadAsMo

BadAsMo

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Seems like guys are always starting threads looking for a Budget Long Range Rifle.

They always seem to want something for 700 bucks. Well its $850 complete... close enough.

http://www.cabelas.ca/product/76991/mossberg-patriot-night-train-iiiii-bolt-action-rifles-w-scope

Well, I wonder if this might be something for new shooters to consider.

Its the Mossberg Night Train Rifle.

Fluted bolt, muzzle break and a cheap scope... not the greatest, but it will get a guy started.

I've heard that accuracy is ok too.

Seems like this rifle walks a line between a hunting rifle and a tactical rifle at an affordable price.

http://www.mossberg.com/product/mossberg-patriot-night-train-rifles-27924/

99032-168772
 
They are nice looking rifles for sure,not a lot of great reviews though. For budget and accuracy I would lean more to Savage but I am a Savage fan lol
 
After the Night Train bolt fiasco, I would not allow a centrefire Mossberg into the house.

For those who don't know, Mossberg made a bolt with a "press-fit" handle that wasn't splined to match the bolt body's splines. Not splined, not pinned, just pushed into place.

So you could push the bolt forward, turn the handle down, thinking it was safe, and when you pulled the trigger, the whole damn bolt came back into your face.

Here we are: https://www.24hourcampfire.com/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php/topics/2641799/1
 
Previous to this model, was the ATR. Visually, same as what you see in the link, but no muzzle break, not even threaded barrel. I have one, was something like $600 all in. UTC scope, like the one here. I actually moved the UTC over to my better rifle for now.

On the Mossberg, I will admit I was absolutely impressed with how good of a firearm it was (accuracy, and accuracy at range). For the price, amazing. Shoots every bit as good as my $2500.00 bolt actions. Even the low dollar glass, seems to perform just fine (I use it regularly, still). Just my experience, YMMV.

I have to check it, after viewing the link above, if it has that bolt.
 
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I think a better entry point today would be the Rem 783. Been beating on mine for a while and it continues to impress. Very well designed and built. Except for the horrid factory bolt knob (replaced with a better tactical knob) and firing pin spring (easy to swap in better 700 SA spring), it offers a lot of performance for the money.

Not a fan of entry level optics.... shooters quickly tire of their performance and then have to replace with more expensive optics so their overall expenditure ends up being higher in the long run. But with the budget of the Mossberg, someone could start with a Rem 783, entry level scope and have a reasonable set up. Adding a muzzle brake will up the cost a bit but overall, not too far off these numbers.

Jerry
 
stevebc said:
After the Night Train bolt fiasco, I would not allow a centrefire Mossberg into the house.

For those who don't know, Mossberg made a bolt with a "press-fit" handle that wasn't splined to match the bolt body's splines. Not splined, not pinned, just pushed into place.

So you could push the bolt forward, turn the handle down, thinking it was safe, and when you pulled the trigger, the whole damn bolt came back into your face.

Here we are: https://www.24hourcampfire.com/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php/topics/2641799/1
Click to expand...

I heard about this but after I just saw the photos I would stay away from msbg rifles
 
inthevbull said:
I would go with Barnard308's suggestion and buy a Savage. Underrated rifles that shoot great out of the box. Or plan B, save up and buy something decent.
Click to expand...

As a big Savage fan, I have not been impressed with some of the current gen options because of the changes made to the firing system. If you can find an older donor, fantastic . I still compete with these older actions. Lots of good stuff to support these actions too.

Savage has made a number of changes but doesn't not indicate that on the product before you buy. Except for taking the actions apart, I really don't know how you could identify versions of the actions?

Jerry
 
I bought this exact package from Mossberg about 2 months ago.
did upgrade the scope to one of the new Nikon XBlack http://www.cabelas.ca/product/97820/nikon-black-x1000-second-focal-plane-riflescope (which does put it out of your budget.
After trying about seven different ammos I tried some Hornady ELD Match this past weekend.
Four groups in a row that averaged .75" at 100yds.
Couldn't be happier with my purchase.
It's definitely not a smooth as some more expensive rifles...but accuracy wise it's as good as anything 2 or 3x the price in my opinion.
 
Honestly, I'd stick with a Rem 700 SPS with the 20" (or better the 26") heavier barrel. Stock isn't the best but a HS takeoff can usually be found on EE. Trigger is OK to start with. Barrel is fine and some are actually pretty good. When the new shooter is ready they have the most upgrade able rifle there is.
 
For an entry level rifle a suggestion would be to pick out a CG63 or target rifle in 6.5x55 from Tradeex and find decent used optics. You could put together something for the same price and have better shooting, better quality gun.
 
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