Budget rifles and durability

[vagrantviking]

I think modern budget rifles will last as well or better than budget rifles of any era. The exception being things like plastic mag catches and trigger groups etc. Those will wear or break more easily than metal parts.

As a generalization, budget guns aren't going to get heavy use except by people who see them as a perishable item and a tool that they expect to wear out. They are often entry level items and serious hunters and target shooters will tend to upgrade or want to try different things.

 

[Milt Dale]

Some of the Budget rifles are very well made...Howa/Vanguard for example have 1 piece forged bolts (no solder/braised handle), forged integral lug receiver, hammer forged barrels, only piece of plastic on the rifle is the mag followers.

I usually have a Vanguard as a backup to my M70 on Moose hunts, for Deer hunts my backup is a Tikka [my Wife's]

 

[drift1122]

Does anyone use a shotgun as a backup?

 

[gwes2003]

I think most entry level rifles will last a lifetime if taken care of properly. That said even if one $500 axis or 783 lasts say 15yrs thats still very good.
I have a 1976 remington 700bdl paid 550$ shoots as good as my stainless 2019 tikka t3x ($1017) both in 30-06. Dont discount older proven rifles that cost the same as a new entry level rifle.

 

[cam1936]

I paid $250 for a FN98 Supreme. Budget doesn't have to mean cheap crap?

 

[Browning_300wsm]

People will laugh but I really like the little savage axis for what it is. Had a .223 that I let go in a trade deal, would love to get another one. I'd also like to try the Ruger American. Currently low on my rifle count, would like to add a 22-250 and a 25-06 or 6.5 CM to the safe.

 

[Grizzly Adams]

I always bring a back up rifle. Having said this, most"budget" rifles on the market today will likely outlast you.

Hunting rifles have a very easy life.

Grizz

 

[WhelanLad]

its a good question now days as some budget rifles have been around long enough that with cgn's broad base of users, there would be some info regarding some rifles!

i've toted a mossberg patriot in nz fairly ruggedly n it withstood the task, it was short term 6 months, longevity of it i dont think it on par with winnies an brownings, if going beyond average hunting conditions... inside of average use, the budget guns shold last a good while, my only worry would be plastic clips an such...they'l never last imo

 

[WhelanLad]

Makes sense. I suppose there isn't much that can go wrong with a rifle if it's taken care of. I wondered if it is better to have one more expensive rifle as opposed to two cheaper ones.

ive been chasing what has been quoted as "that one perfect rifle" , that doesnt really exist although you can get close.. so i tinkered around with the budget end of guns as i feel some of the higher priced ones are just over priced jazzed up guns.. ive found what i am sorta chasen but its still too heavy, but i have another which is close to spot on aswell, but its a single shot..

i like to have a couple cheaper ones for variety or different uses, than have one expensive 30-06 to do it all with..
each to their own, if you can afford expensive rifles an a few of them, by all means... go forth