Which 243 for yotes and occasional deer

N

noway123

CGN Regular
Rating - 100%
3   0   0
Looking at picking up an entry level 243 for yotes and the occasional deer. Here's what I am considering. Advice as to which one to go with, and why....

Marlin XS7 (no scope inc.) $280
Stevens 200 (no scope ) $360
Savage 111FPXC Package
with Simmons 3x9 $330

Thoughts ?
 
Why entry level? you will most likely be buying twice over time. I would go with at least with a good quality level rifle with a good quality scope. you can get them good used for a decent price if you shop around.
just a little story here, I recently found an electric guitar at the garbage dump, looks mint, I took it to a few pond shops, they all said: "oh, an entry level guitar, I think I'll pass on that"! well wtf! I would have been happy to get enough for a lousy 6 pack of can beer! But, No-sir-e!
My advise is to leave all entry level s**te right where it is piled! ;)
By the way, the guitar is going back to the dump on my next trip!
 
Last edited:
They will all work. I've never shot the new marlin xs7 but I have a stevens 200 and a savage 111 package. The package comes with a cheap scope and weak rings and bases. If you get the package buy new rings and bases for it. The stevens 200 has a bendable stock. They shoot great tho. Mine in 2506 will almost consistently shoot 5 into a 1" at 100yards. I'm sure the gun can its just me messing 1 of the 5 up.
If u like a drop mag go savage if you're ok with top feed and racking the bolt for each shell go stevens. Some people will say they are junk but they fit me well and out shoot my buddies with their higher end rifles costing a lot more
 
Did you consider the Remington SPS in 243. I got one with the detachable mag before xmas for just under $500. I believe Cabelas had that model priced similar as well.
 
Stevens or Savage. Great guns @ sane prices and tons of options for modifying if you wish.
Accurate out of the box and barrel swaps/boltFACE swaps are simple.
 
I had a Stevens 200 in .25-06, that my brother inlaw now has and likes a lot. I also have the Savage package rifle in .243 and like it even better than the Stevens because of the clip. The scope worked ok, but I did upgrade to a Redfield and much prefer it. These are very good shooting rifles that will last for years if looked after.
 
I picked up a Weatherby Vanguard for $349( sale price was $369 and used a $20 discount card)from Wholesale Sports. I'm really impressed with this gun and am getting under MOA @100 yards with my initial load of IMR 4064 and a 75 gr. Sierra HP. I haven't even tried any other powder but this is a really good coyote load and the gun balances well and is a pussy cat to shoot.

Cheers!!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom