What is a good rifle with relativly low cost, for target/big game hunting?

[sportsbud]

I find myself in want/need of a high power rifle that can be used for hunting/plinking so I would love the .308 as you can get cheap plinking ammo for 5 dollars a box. Or you can get some high quality rounds for long range hunting (for crying out loud the military uses it for 1000 yard shots!), I cant decide between a bolt or a single shot rifles, I am looking for something that is nice and friendly at the range, easy to handle, and good quality, I hope to not spend over 300 if possible. I am not looking for a fancy weapon but I am looking for a rifle that shoots good, feels good, and isn't going to be a POS. Any suggestions?

[Caseyd]

Under 300 is going to be tough in my opinion unless used

[sportsbud]

Under 300 is going to be tough in my opinion unless used

That's what Ive been thinking. I just kinda want to know if there are any lemons to stay away from, new I could get a 770 or savage edge but used for the same price can bring more quality too.

[carpsniperg2]

I would look for a good used rifle. Somthing like a remington 700 sps or somthing like that.

[bobcat]

Savage or Stevens would be a good choice. If you get a Remington, get the 700, do not get the 770. You'd be better off with the Savage. Also look at Marlin. For what you're wanting, you can't beat the 308 Win.

[Harold]

keep saving... its hard to find anything in that price range that hasnt been beat to all hell or isint a  pos let alone having any kind of glass... you might be able to find a remington 710 or a savage in there but good luck. search pawn shops every once and a while you will find a good deal there. ied save a few hundred more for a weatherby vangaurd or a savage axis both around 450 i think new with a scope.

[sportsbud]

keep saving... its hard to find anything in that price range that hasnt been beat to all hell or isint a  pos let alone having any kind of glass... you might be able to find a remington 710 or a savage in there but good luck. search pawn shops every once and a while you will find a good deal there. ied save a few hundred more for a weatherby vangaurd or a savage axis both around 450 i think new with a scope.

Well I have no problem I can get some decent scopes for a good price (a BSA 6-24x mil dot tactical scope for 50 new) so glass isnt a big deal the bore is and even if its a little beat up its good as long as the bore and action is good.

[FC]

Look around some of the pawn shops, I know someone who got an older (93ish I think) wood stocked Savage 30 06 with Bushnell (I think it was a Banner) 4-12x 40 for $300 last year. It shoots good too, nice accurate rifle although it's recoil pad was tired and had to be replaced.

[sportsbud]

Look around some of the pawn shops, I know someone who got an older (93ish I think) wood stocked Savage 30 06 with Bushnell (I think it was a Banner) 4-12x 40 for $300 last year. It shoots good too, nice accurate rifle although it's recoil pad was tired and had to be replaced.

Yea I know I may even do a partial trade for my 10/22 (I really am not impressed with the 10/22 sometimes the new ones seem too cheap), oh and on a second thought too what would a 24 power scope be on bolt .22lr? would it be really big overkill? it has a 12 power on it right now and tat sometimes doesn't seem enough when target shooting.

[JimmyHoffa]

Sportsbud,  You can pick up a Mauser 98 in either 7mm or 8mm for a good price.  You can buy a sporterized stock for it.  The ammo is somewhat cheap, and overall good for plinking and hunting.  Mauser actions have been tried all over the world and are generally the preferred action outside of North America.

[sportsbud]

Sportsbud,  You can pick up a Mauser 98 in either 7mm or 8mm for a good price.  You can buy a sporterized stock for it.  The ammo is somewhat cheap, and overall good for plinking and hunting.  Mauser actions have been tried all over the world and are generally the preferred action outside of North America.

I am not quiet into that point to have the time/tools to do all the gunsmithing for my guns, I would love a scope on my sks but cant drill and tap so A gunsmith would want 40 or 50 to do that for me. I want a rifle that has the ability to be a cheap plinker for less long term investment required in my time/money, but be a great gun for hunting(I have tried a mosin but it is way way to heavy and long, in fact I am trading that for a cheapo 9mm)

[FC]

oh and on a second thought too what would a 24 power scope be on bolt .22lr? would it be really big overkill? it has a 12 power on it right now and tat sometimes doesn't seem enough when target shooting.

What distance are you shooting at?

[sportsbud]

oh and on a second thought too what would a 24 power scope be on bolt .22lr? would it be really big overkill? it has a 12 power on it right now and tat sometimes doesn't seem enough when target shooting.

What distance are you shooting at?

Hell with the 12 power scope I kill clays at 150 yards all day, so maybe 200 to 300 yards for the heck of it I know that wouldn't have a whole lot of power, but my .22 can do it. abd at 50 dollars I may get another when I get another rifle when I want  some serious long range the scope is only 40mm objective but, for that price its still worth it.
oh this is it...
http://www.amazon.com/BSA-24x40-Tactical-Scope-Matte/dp/B0010XCT78

[thinkingman]

oh and on a second thought too what would a 24 power scope be on bolt .22lr? would it be really big overkill? it has a 12 power on it right now and tat sometimes doesn't seem enough when target shooting.

What distance are you shooting at?

Hell with the 12 power scope I kill clays at 150 yards all day, so maybe 200 to 300 yards for the heck of it I know that wouldn't have a whole lot of power, but my .22 can do it. abd at 50 dollars I may get another when I get another rifle when I want  some serious long range the scope is only 40mm objective but, for that price its still worth it.
oh this is it...
http://www.amazon.com/BSA-24x40-Tactical-Scope-Matte/dp/B0010XCT78

I would not buy 24X power in that quality glass.
it would be awful.
A Savage .308 would be your best bet in the price range you mentioned.

[Hornseeker]

If you are looking for a hunting gun, you really need more like a 3-9 power scope.... that 6-24 BSA is junk.... ever here, "you get what you pay for"...

This is an example of a "cheap" 6-20 target scope....
http://www.amazon.com/Leupold-VX-3-6-5-20x40mm-EFR-Target/dp/B001T9X5XU/ref=sr_1_1?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1300206249&sr=1-1

They pretty much go up from there....

For $300 I'd be looking used. I bought my first 30-06 for $110... I killed maybe 10 bucks and a few bulls with it, few bears... mostly with a Tasco $80 3-9 on it...

Good Luck