Winchester's newest addition to the budget family of firearms

Definitely shows the preference for detachable magazines by first-time gun buyers. Nice to see some more affordable options hitting the market place. People buying guns is good for all of us.....even the snobs ;) I've owned a few Pre 64 Winnies and still have one, it's the first rifle I ever owned. I'm not sure I'd call them the end all and be all. I've yet to see one that couldn't benefit significantly from some serious gunsmithing but they were solidly built. I doubt I'd build on another one but I'll keep this one for sentimental reasons. I think the new M70s do everything just as well. Be interesting to see what this new rifle can do.
 
hoytcanon said:
People are not getting "MORE" for less... they are getting "LESS" for less... and many seem fine with that... personally, I like guns and I like to shoot... there is nothing about these new budget rifles that I find attractive... whether from Savage, Ruger, Winchester or anyone else... JMO.
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Well if the difference is buying a new budget rifle or nothing then they are getting more than the nothing they could otherwise afford. There is a reason Honda sells Civics, and Ford sells the Focus.

Before anybody jumps in with the buy a used a quality rifle line, most people attracted to budget rifles don't know enough about rifles to distinguish between a deal and a lemon. Somebody's shot out, beat up old M70 or 700 is more likely to discourage a new shooter than a plastic stock with a bit of flex in it and a "cheap" feeling receiver.
 
I think it's good that another company is putting out a budget rifle. When I was young, I didn't have a whole lot of money to build up my gun collection, so I started with a LH 870 Express and a Remington 710 30-06. I have shot many deer and elk with that rifle and couldn't fathom the number of birds with the shotgun. I have since upgraded my rifles, but I still have the 710 and my son uses it now. The 870, I just can't seem to part with it or use anything else. I go looking every fall for something new, but it's got a hold on me. I guess what I am trying to say is we all have to start somewhere, and this gives people a place to start. Competition among manufacturers is good for all of us.
 
Can't believe the distain for lower end rifles by some. News flash the name of this site is an accurate depiction for most of us and we're not the majority. A lot of people do a little hunting once in a while or maybe miss a year and its no biggy type of deal. They take ol Bettsy or their new lower end rifle out and bust a few caps just to make sure it can hit OK at 100 and they're just as happy as you or me. There's a reason Ruger Americans are flying off the shelf and the cheap Savages too who gives AF if Winchester wants a piece of the pie? Don't buy one if it rubs you the wrong way but no point flaming the #### out of it before it even makes the market :confused: There's a need for them and they'll sell. Some people can't afford much more. And *gasp* maybe even the odd gun nut will buy one for ####s and giggles. Its all good :)
 
WeatherdoG said:
Well if the difference is buying a new budget rifle or nothing then they are getting more than the nothing they could otherwise afford. There is a reason Honda sells Civics, and Ford sells the Focus.

Before anybody jumps in with the buy a used a quality rifle line, most people attracted to budget rifles don't know enough about rifles to distinguish between a deal and a lemon. Somebody's shot out, beat up old M70 or 700 is more likely to discourage a new shooter than a plastic stock with a bit of flex in it and a "cheap" feeling receiver.
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You seem to have missed the point... I am not bashing anyone buying and using one of these entry level rifles... I am BURSTING the BUBBLE that has been suggested by some on this thread... that these rifles provide MORE (rifle) for LESS ($$$)... that is hogwash... these guns are less money, because they are less gun... period. I expressed MY opinion regarding my personal lack of interest in using any of them... I would sooner buy used or visit Trade Ex... or a local gun show with cash in hand, if I were on a limited budget... that is my opinion.
 
I'm on the budget rifle bandwagon now...earlier this year I bought a 783 in 308win. ($299) I think it is a fun and accurate rifle for the price and I have no doubt it will still be out hunting long after I'm gone.

Yesterday I just got a ss savage axis 7-08 ($299 c/w scope) in the mail and had a chance to try it out for a few rounds tonight, again a fun and accurate rifle. I cut the trigger spring down on it tonight and its a hair under 4 lbs now, fun fun fun, next it will get a laminate stock again fun fun fun!

My next budget rifle will be a Ruger American in 243 and then I'm going to try out the new winchester XPR in maybe 30-06 after that, and then after that, well you get the idea!

Again another bonus about buying budget rifles is they go on SALE!!! And if it turns out I'm not happy with one, well I don't think I will lose much when I sell it.

So the way I see it, what's not to like? :)
 
hoytcanon said:
I am BURSTING the BUBBLE that has been suggested by some on this thread... that these rifles provide MORE (rifle) for LESS ($$$)... that is hogwash... these guns are less money, because they are less gun... period.
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They do provide more rifle for less money to many people though, and if that get more people shooting then I'm all for it.
Its not more rifle in the sense that you are getting a higher quality rifle for less money than say a M70 or a Kimber. They are providing an entry level rifle platform with many desired features not found on more expensive rifles and, (in many cases) they outperform...accuracy wise... much higher "Quality" rifles.
 
stubblejumper said:
I could care less what cheap crap the companies sell, I don't have to buy them.
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Exactly. What ever gets another Gun Nut in the door is ok by me. Let's face it guys, most of us did not listen to the buy once cry once motto when we first started. Not too many people can say the first rifle they purchased was a Cooper, Weatherby, custom etc, most of us went low to mid range, and guess what.... They shot, maybe bagged us a few animals and got us going to next best thing. Realistically, if you look at the scale of things, these rifles shoot more accurately and cost less then many of the rifles we started with, leaving more interest for the consumer to buy more guns, ammo, optics and keep our community alive....
 
Honestly I find this to be kind of a sign. Why are gun companies making budget rifles all with similiar features? Probably because it works.

I enjoy a quality firearm as much as anybody. Most of my hunting buddies though dont really care though. They want reasonably priced firearm to bring hunting maybe four times a year.
 
I've introduced a lot of friends into shooting. They've shot my Stevens 200 and my savages. They've shot my Winchesters and mausers. The younger generation of shooters who especially in Ontario where the job market is in the ####ter want to get into shooting without borrowing some one else's guns need entry level guns.
I've seen a savage axis out shoot a gorgeous Cooper. Me I'd still take the Cooper but a new shooter with rent and a car payment making $15 hour who will maybe shoot 100-200 rounds a year may be fine with that $300 axis.
Entry Level guns are tools just the same as high end guns to some. For a hunter that gets out a week a year and possibly goes years without shooting a animal who cares what make and model he chooses.
The more guns on the racks shows the firearm industry is growing. If they can put more guns in more ppls hands we are all better off for it

We all need to start somewhere. Maybe owning a collection of every standard caliber in budget rifles is better for the masses than owning one high end custom.
Personally this new win rifle has designs I don't like.
Textured panels. I hate those
Mag that isn't flush. ##### to carry by the action
No mention of non standard calibers. I like to be different
Bolt release that pivots outward
2 position safety. I like 3
I do like adjustable triggers
I do like the narrow for end

It doesn't look like a rifle for me but I'd love to try one
 
Well I got to handle a pile of them working at Cabelas in Barrie this summer. :)

If that price point helps get more shooters into the game then that works for me. I felt great responding to a university student heading out for coyotes for the very first time,"yes we have some options at this price point !"

Many happy customers walked out with their new purchases even if they bought a price point gun. I even had some very nice girls purchase Savage and Ruger and Remmy firearms. That was extremely rewarding; helping girls get into the game. :D

Hmmm maybe I should leave the sniper and CQB clinics and just host Bachelorette Parties? Ha ha ha ha

It's all good.

And finally , can you say, Cooey? :)

That's my first .22 and I bought it with my paper route money for $67 back in 1974

Cheers and keep helping them noooobies ! :wave:

Barney
 
cam1936 said:
The T3 is a budget rifle with budget features in that price range and they sell well.
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I agree that the Tikkas sell well, they're good rifles for the money, but I've also seen someone say a stainless Savage Axis costs more than they want to spend, so they buy a 770 because it costs $60 less. The Tikka is also in the price range of Winchester M70's and Browning X-bolts (generally between $700 and $1000), so I wouldn't call the Tikka a budget rifle, more of an "introductory" grade rifle (above that is mid-grade, which comprises of rifles like the Mauser M12, Kimber, Cooper and most other rifles in the $1500-$2500 range, with high-end rifles being the next step up, like the Mauser M03, Blaser R08, etc.).
 
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nomad 68 said:
Holy crap....gun snobbery reigns supreme ! Lol
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I don't think people have a problem with the rifle itself. It's what these budget rifles represent, namely the "throw-away everything should be super cheap" mentality that has taken hold of society.

To be clear, my first deer was shot with a Stevens 200 (that I still have and take hunting), but it has been relegated to a back up or loaner rifle. It's not that budget rifles won't do what they're supposed to, it's that people don't understand the difference between a budget rifle and a good rifle, and often don't want to. It's not just about it going bang when you pull the trigger, it's about how the rifle handles, is balanced, the fit, finish, slop in the bolt, smoothness of the action, etc. It's about holding a rifle and feeling that it's an extension of your body. You don't get this with a $300 savage, or even an $800 X-bolt, but you do get it with a Cooper or Mauser.
 
It's about holding a rifle and feeling that it's an extension of your body. You don't get this with a $300 savage, or even an $800 X-bolt, but you do get it with a Cooper or Mauser.
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I get that feeling just fine with an $800 Ruger even a half that value model 336 Marlin with irons maybe I'm lucky
 
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