Just Recieved a $500 bonus...which rifle to buy?

The scope mounts may not be usable. You'll likely need to spend another 50 on that.
The only issue with the xl-7 is no clip/floorplate.
I'd recommend saving another $100 and waiting for a tikka t-3 used on EE.
 
The Vangauard is an excellent gun for the money though mine has develped some surface rust while in the cabinet (and yes it was oiled). The Stevens is an excellent choice with a ton of mods out there for it. For not much more than $500 you could get a Boyds stock and a Rifle Basix trigger for it and now you've got a shooter. The Savage 111fcss is also a good choice. Little bit better bluing than the Stevens and accutrigger but I find the Rifle Basix a better trigger. I have no experience with the Marlins but those who like 'em like 'em a lot so thay can't be all bad. If you can still find a stainless Vanguard they can still be had for around $600 and that would be a good find. Just stay away from the Remingtion 710/770s and Mossbergs. They are abosolute crap. There are also a lot of sales after hunting season so you may be able to pick up slightly better guns for around the same price. Last year one of the local shops had Remington 700s on sale for $529... who knows what may be available. Any way good luck and enjoy what ever you pick up.
 
X? on the Marlin XL7. Similar features to the Savage; floating bolt head, barrel nut, adjustable trigger is similar to the accutrigger, freefloated barrel, good recoil pad, pillar bedded, fluted bolt, nice safety, base included, recessed crown, and great accuracy. What's not to like? Blind magazine maybe? Not enough calibers?
 
Call me crazy but I would not get a rifle. I would get a Ziess conquest 3-9 to replace what ever scope I had that was not as good. I saw one for $499 at wss today.
 
So far, I'm leaning toward the Marlin XL7/XS7 in 243. I'm not a fan of blind mags but otherwise the Marlins look like a solid rifle.
I'd buy a better scope, but I sold all my hunting rifles a while ago. Long story.
 
2fat2fly said:
So far, I'm leaning toward the Marlin XL7/XS7 in 243. I'm not a fan of blind mags but otherwise the Marlins look like a solid rifle.
I'd buy a better scope, but I sold all my hunting rifles a while ago. Long story.
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I'm bumping this just to point out that you can put together a darn nice rifle+scope package with the Marlin XL7/XS7 rifles for not much more than $500. I actually lucked out and just bought my first Marlin bolt action (I have many of their levers and like them a lot) -- a LNIB (8rds fired) Marlin XS7 blued/synthetic in 7mm-08 with Bushnell 3200 3-9x40 and Burris Z-rings for $470 shipped to my door. If it shoots well (and from all the reviews it should), it's going to become my foul weather rifle.
 
2fat2fly said:
I just recieved a $500 bonus from the boss, and would like to spend it on a rifle. If you had $500 (before tax) to spend on a 25-06 or 243, what would you buy? I have scopes and rings, so just the rifle.
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If your boss is licensed, ask him to buy and then transfer the rifle as a non-taxable non-monetary gift :cool: : it's deductible to him, and won't count as an income inclusion to you....:wave:...

If he's not licensed, just ask to receive a non-monetary gift like optics, rings, etc. under $500....:yingyang:

If it's already cash, fire your current tax accountant and hire me....:p
 
stickhunter said:
I'm bumping this just to point out that you can put together a darn nice rifle+scope package with the Marlin XL7/XS7 rifles for not much more than $500. I actually lucked out and just bought my first Marlin bolt action (I have many of their levers and like them a lot) -- a LNIB (8rds fired) Marlin XS7 blued/synthetic in 7mm-08 with Bushnell 3200 3-9x40 and Burris Z-rings for $470 shipped to my door. If it shoots well (and from all the reviews it should), it's going to become my foul weather rifle.
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It will shoot well. Every one of mine do, including this 243. Have posted this picture before, the first three shots out of it, first after boresighting, next two after adjusting 13 clicks left:

MarlinXS7--243-3.jpg


2fat2fly, by all means, get an XS7. You won't be sorry. :)

Ted
 
Whatever rifle you buy, just make sure you go with the 25.06!

Once you hunt deer with one of these, you'll never go back.

:)

But with a few extra bucks tossed in, the Vanguard is definitely a good choice.
 
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