I need a good starter rifle

[Al Bundy]

I'm looking to start hunting this year and was wondering about some inexpensive but quality bolt action rifles to start out with. I don't want to drop a bunch of money on a top of the line model yet, but I don't want a junk one either.

Having looked around I have a few in mind. The Marlin XL7, Savage Stevens Model 200 or the Mossberg ATR. Most likely I'll get a .270 at first, possibly a .30-06 since you can hunt damn near anything with it.

Has anyone here used any of these? How's their accuracy? Can they take some abuse? Recoil? Should I be looking for something else?

[bobcat]

The one article I recall reading about the Marlin XL7 had only good things to say, but other than that I don't know anything about it. I would get the Stevens (Savage.) It has a very good reputation for a lower priced rifle. Another one to look at would be the Weatherby Vanguard. They are usually available at Wal Mart for a very good price. I have one in 30-06 and am happy with it.

[jackelope]

savage or stevens you won't go wrong...same thing pretty much except that the stevens won't have the accutrigger.
others to consider are weatherby vanguards or the howas for around $400 to start.

[Slenk]

I like the Stevens, under $300 at wal-mart.Same thing as the Savage without the accu-trigger.
.270 will do fine but you may find the 30-06 has more bullet selection if you reload.
Slenk

[dbllunger]

Savage/Stevens in either .308 or 06.  Much wider bullet choice in both factory and component bullets.  Ammo available at every mom and pop store on this continent.

[GEARHEAD]

Another  vote for the Stevens. not familiar with it, but only heard good things. that gun would run ya 300, add maybe 1 or 200 for a cheap scope such as a bushnell trophy or banner,or leupold rifleman,  add tax and you see how fast you can get to maybe $550 for even a cheap "New Gun" imagine what ya can get for a fine used gun at 500 (no tax). i would hold out. keep an eye out for a good deal, maybe a remington with a leupold scope for same price almost new, hardly used, there are a ton of super nice new guns on the market as it seems many hunters have a severe case of A.D.D.  and get bored fast wanting a new toy. That 30-06 would be a perfect caliber for you as it will take anything in this state with no problem. it can even shoot the hornady light mag rounds that will put you in 300 mag territory. i'd start with a 165 bullet.

[Head-shot]

Savage/Stevens in either .308 or 06.  Much wider bullet choice in both factory and component bullets.  Ammo available at every mom and pop store on this continent.

Your right on the money lunger! Both rounds are pretty close performance wise with the '06 having a little more recoil. Either of these rounds will take anything you will probably hunt for in this state. I hunt with a .308 and have no doubts.

[coop2424]

Take a look at this.  May be something that you would be interested in seems like a pretty good deal.

http://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php/topic,13347.15.html

[Intruder]

savage or stevens you won't go wrong...same thing pretty much except that the stevens won't have the accutrigger.
others to consider are weatherby vanguards or the howas for around $400 to start.

+1....  get a 30/06 and you'll be set to hunt in anything in N. America.

[Charlie]

I would second the 06 if you want one gun to use for a variety of hunting needs.

[addicted]

 



well AL the thread appears to be leaning towards the stevens and im not going to break the cycle.  i was looking for a good starter rifle for my wife for a birthday present last year and i looked all over the place and couldnt find a better deal than the stevens model 200.  we put a nikon 3-9x40 on it and it became a sweet little set up. i got hers in a cool caliber though. 7mm 08.  it would probably be best if you stuck with the normal rounds like 270. 30.06 or 308.  dunno how much you know so far but the 270 and the .06 are the same casing just different bullet diameter. 

order it from walmart. it will be there in a few days. when i get back to the states ill get one or two to build customized rifles out of.

[Jason]

Al Bundy I sent you a PM.

[snagglepants]

Go with a Weatherby Vanguard...I LOVE Mine

[addicted]

Go with a Weatherby Vanguard...I LOVE Mine

ooo thats another good one. 500 bucks i think they were when i was at home last.

[snagglepants]

last time I looked, they were going for 399