What Old Budget Rifle Should I Buy?

[rocklobster]

Sounds like you have owned a bunch or rifles and not all of them thrilled you enough to keep them, if so then you should really look into a more quality rifle like the new FN produced M70, Kimber, Sako, M77 Scout, CZ, Vintage BRNO...

Sounds like you are not too picky on caliber, so find the rifle you want in your caliber range, in a decent price range $700 to $1200 and check it out. If you buy a used quality rifle chances are it will not depreciate any more so if you want to pass it on then let it go...

I agree with Ardent then difference between $500 and $1k wont make a huge difference in the long run... And as Hoytcannon suggested if you need to free up some more cash then set the 338 free!

If you are set on a $500 budget this carbine version Husky model 5000 30-06 like this one I sold last summer might be one to look for:

 

[kennymo]

Within the stated criteria, I give another vote to the Savage 99. Should be able to locate one in .308 Win or .300 Savage within your price range. Finding components for both is easy enough, though 300 Savage isn't nearly as common as the Winchester. Nice handy little rifles. Watch for a crack in the stock near the tang.
A Husky or one of the European commercial Mausers would be an excellent choice as well. They can be found in 30.06 easily enough....though both 9.3's intrigue me more too....
Parker Hale and BSA made some good hunting rifles too, they pop up once in a while, sometimes at a reasonable price. My uncle owns a BSA in 7x57 with irons that would fit the bill.

 

[a j cave]

Lots of 7x57s out there! TEC has lots that fit your bill. My kids have a Brno FS and. Ruger 77, buth great to shoot.

 

[300Spartans]

I stand in the camp of the fellow who posted to get a Marlin, and either .30-30 or 35 Rem would be the way to go.

 

[Jammed]

Another cheap option that seemed to get over looked is an old Parker and hale (often seen up here wearing a CIL stamp). All of the three I have owned shot really well and you can pick them up for under 500$ with a scope if you shop around.

 

[conor_90]

You are in Ontario, correct?

Like the opposite. I would not own a .338 if I lived in Ontario, even I don't have magnumitis that bad. I split my time between south western Alberta and north western BC.

Good responses in this thread and thank you guys. Just to clarify I was thinking .308 cal because of the price of bulk target bullets, with .338 bullets going for around 80-1.20 a pop I definitley see some savings here. I have enough brass and probably powder to last until the cash is flowing.

But alas my final deal that was financing this project (of some bar fishing stuff, not CGN or e.e related) has gone sour. Disappointed to say the least.

I love the .338 too much to set it free, it is the only gun in the cabinet that is safe it seems (besides my henry .22). Also I do not think it would be a quick sale.

 

[nowarningshot]

Rem 788 308

 

[Kevan]

Rem 788 308

Another really good choice...

 

[conor_90]

Does anyone know if Husqvarna "trappers" have a shorter barrel than the 1600 series or factory sported 1896/8's?

I mean .308 caliber literally, I am not hung up on the .308 win chambering.

Last show there were a lot of Win 88's at a variety of prices so this will definitely be something I'm on the lookout for. Unfortunately I don't think I saw a single pump rifle last go around.

What sort of prices are Stevens 30/30's usually going for at gun shows? Anything to look out for? Considering the budget just got cut and I have 30/30 reloading components I think this is the way I will be going.

Kevan, No Warning Shot; I think that an older model 7, 600, or 660 series would be my preference for a remington, they might go for more cash than I have in my mad money though.

Something about the dogleg bolt and vent rib speaks to me, what can I say, I'm a weird guy.

 

[The Kurgan]

Conor;
Personally, I would look for a nice Husqvarna as the others have alluded to. Go on the Trade Ex website and have a look.
You can choose between the earlier Husqvarna's built on FN M98 actions, or the latter versions. Both are excellent, solid, reliable, and good value for the money.
John

 

[TheCoachZed]

Should be able to find a bolt .30-30 for 250 or less if you are willing to wait. I like mine.

 

[bud69]

Steven/savage 30-30 bolt action can shot bthp match for target and all .308 hunting bullet love SGK 165 for all around hunt
But my heart go whit win 94 or marlin 336 in 35 cal

 

[Superbrad]

There is a really nice model 7 in the EE right now...... It's 225 over your budget but it's a real beauty in 308 with wood stock...

 

[AlbertaSheepdog]

Savage Trophy Hunter in .308 from cabelas. under $600 shipped to your door. More accurate than most shooters right out of the box (bore sighted to 100 yards).

 

[grelmar]

Mosin M38.

You can still find them for under $400

They're rugged as heck - you'll pass from this mortal coil long before the M38.

Roughly in the .308 - 30-06 class for power.

Hunting cartridges commonly available now, with bullet weights from 150gr - 200gr (roughly)

Can be quite accurate out to 400+ yards if you're careful to grab one with a good bore. Doubly so if you're willing to spend some time working up a load it likes.

Carbine length.

Around 7lbs

Wood and blued steel.

You can grab surplus ammo for around .25 / rnd, pull the bullets and powder for cheap reloading components (it's the primers that have the corrosive salts, the powder itself is fine), or just plink and have fun with it.

 

[conor_90]

^ I just sold a guy a (painfully) lovingly sporterized mosin. I wanted something in a different caliber with the option to mount a peep sight, even if a weaver base is the way to do that.

I want to love the mosin in theory, but it is just a list of #### that needs to be fixed to make something that is not just a battle rifle ime in practice. All the bedding, cutting/crowning, boyds restocking, tons of range trips to see if the mount was holding the scope, finally getting the mount secure and it turns out the scope has been pooched by the recoil.

I think I learned my lesson about sporterizing mosins on that one.

tl/dr should have just bought an m44 a long time ago, will save the brass and ammo this time.

Tradex seems to be winning at this point, a guy can own a couple of mausers rights?

It will be a cold day in hell before I buy a modern savage rifle.

 

[Cleftwynd]

Tradex seems to be winning at this point, a guy can own a couple of mausers rights?

It will be a cold day in hell before I buy a modern savage rifle.

The more Mausers the better!!!

Although it creates a lot of flak, I agree with your last statement. Tried several versions/variants and found them all to be crap, accuracy was ok, but that's it.

 

[nowarningshot]

Conor;
Personally, I would look for a nice Husqvarna as the others have alluded to. Go on the Trade Ex website and have a look.
You can choose between the earlier Husqvarna's built on FN M98 actions, or the latter versions. Both are excellent, solid, reliable, and good value for the money.
John

^^^This, seems you are just getting into it. Most of the choices, shopped for carefully will see you being able to flip what you eventually move on from >>>>for most or all of your money. I know that Kevan's M600 would have interested you, the only negative is the cal....6.5 rem mag...not exactly in the lock case at Walmart.. Yes i know you said you are reloading....but not every gun you buy need be a reload only...why go into the trouble of getting supplies, dies....etc, if it is likely to leave in the short term.

If you are looking .308 bore....then 308 or 30-06 would seem the likely choices. Again 300 magnums are pricey to buy ammo and load.

A lot of good choices, and you have some opinions. So may i suggest that you limit yourself to FTF, so you can handle and inspect for what you really want.

 

[Superbrad]

Just a bit outside of the box here....... I have sold off every rem I owned and replaced with Ruger m77 rifles, but there is one "rem" I can't get rid of...... It's a rem 799 in .223 and it shoots cloverleafs... When I do my part....very light to carry, compact, and I think it's pretty..... It's essentially a Mauser Crf action in a Boyd's laminate stock..... I think in .308, you would be looking for a model 798....

Mine new was less than $700..... So used should be in your budget.....

 

[conor_90]

I've found the investment for reloading a new caliber can be a real downer. Even in time spent running around trying to find shellholders and crap. I have shellholders for my priming tool and powder for most all 30 cal as well as a good selection of range brass. I also see .30 cal stuff everywhere and not just in premium bullets. These are big factors for me I think.

I thank everyone in the thread for their suggestions. I can't say I will pass up a savage/stevens bolt 30-30 if I see one on the table at the prices mentioned.

Outside the box is good Brad, and it's a good looking rifle. IIRC those were produced by Zastava. If I was lucky enough to see a used Zastava in my price range it would not be on the table for long.