Versatile entry-level rifle?

You may want to consider a Mossberg 4x4also. Has a lot of features for little money. I really like the Ruger American. I own one in a 7/08 and am impressed with the way it handles. I am in the early stages of load development but so far it is a sweetie,
 
I am a cheap-a$$. When I finally moved from milsurps into "factory made", the first rifle I bought was a Mossberg 100ATR. I received a great deal of ridicule about such a cheap, ugly POS.

However, having shot milsurps I wasn't concerned about pretty, just a shooter. And I got that! I mounted an Elite 3200 on it and I can shoot 9/16" groups with it. I have shot a dozen deer, an elk, two moose with it. Is it pretty? Nope. But I have learned it is a great entry level rifle. I now have a Ruger M77, a Savage 11 in .243 and a 111 in '06 (those are nice rifles, too) I have used the Axis and even I think it is a POS. I have used an American and I LOVE the way the Vanguard 2 shoulders and feels. If your entry price allows it, get the Vanguard 2. I would recommend the Mossberg, but when I broke an extractor I had a rough time getting one. It took a month to find one and ONLY through the Mossberg Service Centre. No one stocks stuff for Mossberg rifles. Lesson learned.
 
Have a look at the Remington 783....I bought one to pack around on the quad and the more I shoot it the more I like it. Has the same trigger as the marlin XS/L7, a stiffer polymer stock, metal detachable mag, slightly heavier barrel, nice accurate rifle. Price is in around the 400 mark.
 
woodlotowner said:
Just buy the Marlin XS7 or XL7 and be done with it. All the features of a rifle twice its price and extremely accurate. Yes, I own one. This is the best value in entry level rifles. Period.
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Perhaps but last time I checked they are not easy to find in Canada these days.
 
Going to offend but stay away from the axis. Stocks are terrible and trigger is beyond terrible. anything above the axis in savage would be a good bet. I think the Weatherby S2 is an awesome rifle but not really entry level anymore at 600-800 depending on stainless or blued. A used S2 or Howa 1500 would be a good bet. I personally think the most overlooked rifle for a newby or anyone really would be a Ruger Hawkeye. Used Hawkeyes run 500-650 in new condition and sometimes with scopes. Cant think of a better rifle for the money.
 
My choice would be:

  • Winchester M70 Featherweight .. or .. Ruger M77 Hawkeye (both built like tanks, but reasonably light in weight, and more than accurate enough for hunting)
  • stainless steel and walnut (pick up a 2nd hand synthetic stock later for very little money, and use for hunting in rough and wet country)
  • chambered in say, 7mm-08 .. or .. 7x57mm .. or.. .308
 
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