Best under 2000.00 factory rifle there is

Any of the rifles made in the $1000-2000 range today are good rifles and it would be hard to go wrong with any choice, as long as it fits and balances well for you. Hopefully I am not being snobbish, but most of the box store package rifles offered today, just do not do it for me...I guess as I get older, I want better value for my money, and that comes with better fit and finish, and something that I can enjoy looking at, handling and shooting...and something that I know will still be of value and sentiment when I pass it down to my daughter or her children yet to come. While I have not played with most, I have been impressed by the accuracy delivered in the Ruger American rifles I have shot to date that others have bought.
From there it is just a matter of whether you prefer blued/wood rifles or stainless/synthetic models.

After having a dozen custom rifles made over the past 25 years, (and I realize that these are above the OP's given price range for this thread), it is hard to beat Sako and other European rifle makers, along with some of the higher end models of the American manufacturers (even if they are sometimes built in Portugal or Japan), such as the Model 70 Super Grade, by building a custom rifle. Today, Sako tops my list. Waiting to see where they are going today, after discontinuing the Model 85.

I have always been a fan of the Remington Model 700s and Browning A Bolt and X Bolt rifles. I also like the LH Rugers- Model 77's and Hawkeyes - robust, reliable rifles, even if the actions aren't as smooth, they still shoot very well. (more LH options available over the years in these makers rifles)
Being a lefty, makes it harder for me to find a new rifle in some of the less popular cartridges that I am looking for. (Hence a dozen customs)

Buy once and buy right. In the end you will be happier for it!
 
IMO the new Winchester Model 70s are the best use of money under $2000.

The safety on the Model 70 is a step up. Controlled round feed is great and the ejector lets you chuck empties or slowly drop them on the bench next to you.

The current Model 70 is the culmination of Mauser 98/Springfield 03 lineage, with FN production quality. What's not to like?
 
Get a used Tikka T3X Tac A1, I've had 2, both capable of shooting 1/3-1/4 MOA at 100 yards repeatedly with handloads.
Sometimes you can find one for around $2K, you won't regret it ever.
 
The new trigger is no improvement.

It’s a fine trigger in my opinion. It adjusts easily and can be set light enough for any hunting application I could ever want. I find it crisp enough for my needs. What is it that you don’t like? Have you played with them much? I’ve owned all manner of Winchester (and their triggers) over the years and I’ve got nothing bad to say about the current ones!
 
Used of course... but husqvarna rifles. Super impressed with the 1640 I bought. Old stuff always seems to be well built though.

500$ and that left enough for me load up with 6.5 x55 reloading components

Agreed! I prefer the older Husqvarna Commercial FN's from the late 40's and early '50, in 8x57 and 30-06, I'll take the $2000 and by 4 or 5 good ones.
 
Back
Top Bottom