I guess that depends on what you consider budget. The Vanguard S2 is a budget rifle. The Tikka T3 is a budget rifle, etc....
Do you mean what is the best sub $1,000 rifle? Sub $600 rifle?
I delayed buying a rifle for years and used a shotgun combo until I could afford a 30/30.
If you want to hunt stuff for 450 bucks a used 2 barrel combo will go a lot further than a savage axis.
A "true" Gunnut likes all guns..
Some a bit more than others but in the end all guns are cool.....Right?
Sorry Cleftwynd, should have specified that. By budget I meant BUDGET.... the $350-450 ish range. I know at one point the Vanguard S2 could be had for $450 ish but typically it's in $600 + range and hands down best from that price down, and some above it too.
The cheap stuff.... Axis, 783 etc. And new stuff, not good used stuff in that price range. The best of the cheapest in you guys opinion.
To be honest, I don't know how to answer that. The new not used limitation and the price limit leaves what, two rifles? Maybe three?
Let's just say I still own a 770, and have owned both the 783 and the Axis, and still would pick the Axis last. I would probably buy a T/C before any of them.
BTW, the 770 will never get sold, I don't hate anyone that much.

Fair enough.
Ok, out of the Axis, 783 and Ruger American I'm guessing it would be the Ruger ? And then the dilemma I guess would be with the Ruger American you are into Vanguard S2 on sale territory. My head hurts now.![]()
Awe screw it ... I'm just gonna look for the Vanguard S2 sale price when it pops up. Was hoping to find a good but cheap truck gun and was leaning toward looking into the American but I know the S2 kills em all for a few extra dollars. I feel better already.![]()
A "true" Gunnut likes all guns..
Some a bit more than others but in the end all guns are cool.....Right?
What about the TC Venture?
Kurgan,
Had a TC Venture. An interesting design and ergonomic for sure. I loved it and found it to be very accurate. I became truly enamored of the rifle and its design and went looking to buy additional barrels (to literally eliminate the need for 4 of the rifles in the safe), but there were none available in Canada except in 300 WM. I scoured the country only to be told some may be coming in 'next year'. Sold it because of this. I don't know if barrel availability has improved since 2 years ago or not...




























