Post by: syoungs on February 06, 2025, 10:14:00 AM
I know that some of the cheaper guns on the market flat shoot. Ruger american predators, Mossberg MVP's, savage axis etc.
Tell me about your cheap gun that works. I'm leaning heavily towards the new predator gen 2, though they might be hard to come by for a bit.
I've also thought maybe step my budget up and do something like a xbolt 2 speed, but id rather keep the price down a bit for a hunting only rifle ( I think)
Post by: Henrydog on February 06, 2025, 10:26:22 AM
My kid has a Mossberg Patriot in 300WM (not the most accurite round in general) but that think shoots and the factory adjustable trigger in a nice.
Post by: Karl Blanchard on February 06, 2025, 10:26:36 AM
Post by: jrebel on February 06, 2025, 10:31:10 AM
Here are some specs....
https://savagearms.com/firearms/sku/58030
Can be found for around 500-550 dollars.
Post by: pickardjw on February 06, 2025, 10:37:26 AM
Post by: syoungs on February 06, 2025, 10:37:55 AM
I have a Weatherby .308 that is actually a rebranded Howa. Once I figured out it wanted 180gr it shoots better than my ability. It has been 10 years but it was well under $500
My kid has a Mossberg Patriot in 300WM (not the most accurite round in general) but that think shoots and the factory adjustable trigger in a nice.
yeah my howa 6.5 flat shoots, after I got it out of the overmolded stock anyway.
Post by: bearhunter99 on February 06, 2025, 10:38:50 AM
Post by: Rat44 on February 06, 2025, 10:50:16 AM
They do have some QC issues though , mine had to go back to the factory once buts its a solid shooter.
Have seen some of the Rugers that seem to shoot above their pay grade too.
Post by: syoungs on February 06, 2025, 10:58:38 AM
North 40 has a sale right now on Savage Axis 2. I don't have the flyer, its at home, but they were 35% off if I remember correctly. I think they were having a big sale on X-bolt rifles as well?
Unfortunately, I don't live close to a north 40, which is probably actually fortunate for my wallet. I cant pass by one without stopping and dropping some coin!
I'm not in a big hurry to purchase either, gonna sell some unused gear to pay for this next one.
Post by: Mtnwalker on February 06, 2025, 11:09:06 AM
Post by: jrebel on February 06, 2025, 11:16:16 AM
The above said, I have never owned a Savage Axis...and never will....because why buy their budget rifle when for another 50-100 bucks, you can have their 110 action?
Are folks having problem with the Axis?
What's funny....I have had way more issues with high end rifles (Christensen, and customs builds) than I have ever head with a factory rifle of any brand.
Post by: Woodchuck on February 06, 2025, 11:31:24 AM
Post by: syoungs on February 06, 2025, 11:51:53 AM
https://ruger.com/products/americanRifleGenII/models.html
This is what I'm really heavily leaning towards, or the predator version. Just with the predator wasn't so dang ugly.
Post by: fishngamereaper on February 06, 2025, 12:14:36 PM
But if your considering increasing your funds you won't regret getting an xbolt..
Post by: Mtnwalker on February 06, 2025, 12:25:51 PM
Hard to find a Tikka T3X that ISN'T a shooter. On sale at EuroOptic right now too, $200 off. https://www.eurooptic.com/Tikka-T3x-Lite-Stainless-65-PRC-243-1-8-Bbl-Rifle-JRTXB319.aspx
:yeah: $680 for a stainless Tikka is pretty tough to beat when it comes to "most bang for your buck"
Post by: BD1 on February 06, 2025, 01:23:58 PM
Post by: syoungs on February 06, 2025, 01:56:02 PM
Post by: blackpowderhunter on February 06, 2025, 02:19:36 PM
i REALLY think people over hyper fixate on velocity.
i wouldn't hesitate to get another tikka as a budget rifle. thats the insane thing anymore, 650-700 is a 'deal' compared to so many rifles costing north of 1500 very easily for a non custom rig
Post by: Rob on February 06, 2025, 02:37:44 PM
https://ruger.com/products/americanRifleGenII/models.html
This is what I'm really heavily leaning towards, or the predator version. Just with the predator wasn't so dang ugly.
I have a predator on 6.5 creedmoor. The gun shoots sub MOA out of the box. Not pretty but it shoots. Only issue I have is that on occasion the little silver dollar sized "plug" at the end of the hand grip on the stock-the one with the ruger logo- will fly off after a couple shots! Makes me chuckle when that happens. After snapping it back in a few times I gorilla glued it in place. Hoping that holds!
Post by: Karl Blanchard on February 06, 2025, 02:41:58 PM
I don't disagree with the tikka comments, but by the time I had a threaded barrel im up a touch over 1000$, which could be ok. Tikkas are known for having slow barrels though, right? seems like ive seen a few posts on rokslide with people claiming creed velocities out of their PRC. :dunno:a simple chop and thread or just a threading is pretty inexpensive. Tikka is always my go to but some people don't want to mess around so a ready to roll off the shelf rifle like the ruger is a good option.
$680 stainless tikka, send it to kampfeld for threading, add a $20 vertical grip if you're feeling fancy and you're off and running.
As for barrel speeds, some barrels are fast and some are slow. That's not specific to any one manufacturer either. The differences we are talking here are inconsequential. Even a slow barrel is still gonna put your max range for reliable bullet expansion way out past where 99.5% of guys have no business shooting at flesh :twocents:
Post by: Mtnwalker on February 06, 2025, 02:52:53 PM
I don't disagree with the tikka comments, but by the time I had a threaded barrel im up a touch over 1000$, which could be ok. Tikkas are known for having slow barrels though, right? seems like ive seen a few posts on rokslide with people claiming creed velocities out of their PRC. :dunno:a simple chop and thread or just a threading is pretty inexpensive. Tikka is always my go to but some people don't want to mess around so a ready to roll off the shelf rifle like the ruger is a good option.
$680 stainless tikka, send it to kampfeld for threading, add a $20 vertical grip if you're feeling fancy and you're off and running.
As for barrel speeds, some barrels are fast and some are slow. That's not specific to any one manufacturer either. The differences we are talking here are inconsequential. Even a slow barrel is still gonna put your max range for reliable bullet expansion way out past where 99.5% of guys have no business shooting at flesh :twocents:
:yeah: Kampfeld is about 100 bucks to thread a muzzle. If you want it chopped, threaded 5/8" for a suppressor and a shoulder flare added its still only about 150 which is ridiculously cheap. Just had one done and it was back in my hands 6 weeks after I mailed it off.
Post by: MADMAX on February 06, 2025, 03:58:08 PM
Post by: pickardjw on February 06, 2025, 04:46:52 PM
I don't disagree with the tikka comments, but by the time I had a threaded barrel im up a touch over 1000$, which could be ok. Tikkas are known for having slow barrels though, right? seems like ive seen a few posts on rokslide with people claiming creed velocities out of their PRC. :dunno:
Yeah I wasn't 100% sure if you wanted a threaded barrel or not. I've always just factored in the price of a chop & thread into the base cost of the Tikka. Factory barrel lengths are too long for my preference shooting suppressed so factory threading isn't really a personal consideration. Straight out the box to the smith!
Agree with Karl's response, the vertical grip is mod is easy, cheap and feels much better except when shooting offhand.
Post by: lewy on February 06, 2025, 05:52:49 PM
Post by: Stein on February 06, 2025, 06:10:50 PM
Post by: MtnMuley on February 06, 2025, 06:33:48 PM
Gen 2 rugers take the cake for best bang for your buck :twocents:......I have to argue this one :chuckle: We have 2 Mossberg Patriots in 6.5 PRC that out of the box with factory 143 ELDX's both shoot .5 moa at 100. One is the fancier option that is cerakoted, fluted threaded barrel, and camo stock. Both were $369 when we bought them. We adjusted the triggers, mounted scopes, cleaned em, and went to the range with the factory ammo. Never weighted em, but they have to be under 9# and both feed excellent. Minimal kick with the pad they have as well. I'm not sure how they haven't gotten more recognition.
Post by: BigVinn on February 06, 2025, 07:30:38 PM
Post by: syoungs on February 06, 2025, 07:34:20 PM
my question would be what's the goal/end use of this rifle?
i REALLY think people over hyper fixate on velocity.
i wouldn't hesitate to get another tikka as a budget rifle. thats the insane thing anymore, 650-700 is a 'deal' compared to so many rifles costing north of 1500 very easily for a non custom rig
Goal of the rifle is for hunting, deer, bear, antelope and elk. Need something that isn't as heavy as my current guns, but don't need a ultralight setup. (I can't shoot super light guns worth a dang)
Post by: Westside88 on February 06, 2025, 07:53:33 PM
Post by: huntnnw on February 07, 2025, 09:13:17 AM
Post by: blackpowderhunter on February 07, 2025, 09:45:51 AM
i guess thats what i was getting towards...if its hunting those species at 'normal' ranges....a "slow" 6.5PRC will do just fine.my question would be what's the goal/end use of this rifle?
i REALLY think people over hyper fixate on velocity.
i wouldn't hesitate to get another tikka as a budget rifle. thats the insane thing anymore, 650-700 is a 'deal' compared to so many rifles costing north of 1500 very easily for a non custom rig
Goal of the rifle is for hunting, deer, bear, antelope and elk. Need something that isn't as heavy as my current guns, but don't need a ultralight setup. (I can't shoot super light guns worth a dang)
If you're trying to stretch its legs and have an 8-900 yard gun, different discussion and at that point you shouldnt be looking at the best bang for the buck setup
Post by: Mtnwalker on February 07, 2025, 10:52:36 AM
i guess thats what i was getting towards...if its hunting those species at 'normal' ranges....a "slow" 6.5PRC will do just fine.my question would be what's the goal/end use of this rifle?
i REALLY think people over hyper fixate on velocity.
i wouldn't hesitate to get another tikka as a budget rifle. thats the insane thing anymore, 650-700 is a 'deal' compared to so many rifles costing north of 1500 very easily for a non custom rig
Goal of the rifle is for hunting, deer, bear, antelope and elk. Need something that isn't as heavy as my current guns, but don't need a ultralight setup. (I can't shoot super light guns worth a dang)
If you're trying to stretch its legs and have an 8-900 yard gun, different discussion and at that point you shouldnt be looking at the best bang for the buck setup
A factory tikka will still run a 147 well into the 2900's which gives you 1k+ expansion velocity. Like you said, well beyond "budget gun" hunting distances. Plus aftermarket upgrades are almost endless
Post by: bearhunter99 on February 07, 2025, 01:50:37 PM
North 40 has a sale right now on Savage Axis 2. I don't have the flyer, its at home, but they were 35% off if I remember correctly. I think they were having a big sale on X-bolt rifles as well?
Unfortunately, I don't live close to a north 40, which is probably actually fortunate for my wallet. I cant pass by one without stopping and dropping some coin!
I'm not in a big hurry to purchase either, gonna sell some unused gear to pay for this next one.
:chuckle: My wife is very happy that we don't live closer to a North 40 as well...
For those interested here is a picture of their sales ad. Pretty good deals if you ask me although I don't know what the original price point is (but North 40 has had pretty good prices in my experience in the past).
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20250207/a90bdd0189277ac431bed826ce0db35b.jpg)
Post by: vandeman17 on February 07, 2025, 02:14:08 PM
Post by: Wingin it on February 07, 2025, 02:43:53 PM
Post by: syoungs on February 07, 2025, 03:21:59 PM
North 40 has a sale right now on Savage Axis 2. I don't have the flyer, its at home, but they were 35% off if I remember correctly. I think they were having a big sale on X-bolt rifles as well?
Unfortunately, I don't live close to a north 40, which is probably actually fortunate for my wallet. I cant pass by one without stopping and dropping some coin!
I'm not in a big hurry to purchase either, gonna sell some unused gear to pay for this next one.
:chuckle: My wife is very happy that we don't live closer to a North 40 as well...
For those interested here is a picture of their sales ad. Pretty good deals if you ask me although I don't know what the original price point is (but North 40 has had pretty good prices in my experience in the past).
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20250207/a90bdd0189277ac431bed826ce0db35b.jpg)
My side business has a wharehouse in lewiston. Im only there 4 or t times a year, but always swing to that north 40, spent a ton of money, but man it went really far compared to buying from my local places!
Post by: syoungs on February 08, 2025, 01:04:01 AM
I'm really liking the looks of a tikka roughneck, already threaded, the fluting looks sharp, reviews everywhere are stellar.
Probably grab one of those and toss my Viper pst 4-16 on it, add some sort of cheek riser, and go shoot.
Post by: b23 on February 08, 2025, 09:28:25 AM
Post by: bb76 on February 09, 2025, 01:29:30 PM
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Post by: Cougartail on February 09, 2025, 04:51:28 PM
Well I sold my marlin 336 today,
As Greta would say, " How dare you!".
Post by: Buck Rub Jr on February 09, 2025, 09:11:52 PM
Well I sold my marlin 336 today, I've got about 1500$ from that sale to play with.300WM Roughtech with a 4-16 viper. I love it so far. A bear and two bucks with it last year, first season with it. My wife also killed her buck with it so it tallied up kills last year!
I'm really liking the looks of a tikka roughneck, already threaded, the fluting looks sharp, reviews everywhere are stellar.
Probably grab one of those and toss my Viper pst 4-16 on it, add some sort of cheek riser, and go shoot.
Post by: dc on February 10, 2025, 01:52:43 AM
Post by: jeffro on February 10, 2025, 04:05:53 AM
It shoots better Than I can aim
Post by: jeffro on February 10, 2025, 04:56:01 AM
The Para shoots good ….
Go to rifle I have arguement
Somewhere between the the S&W .300 and the .223
Post by: sticky on March 07, 2025, 01:47:53 AM
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Post by: Pathfinder101 on March 07, 2025, 07:15:53 AM
Post by: Rob on March 07, 2025, 07:32:34 AM
On Cheap rifles...
I go to an event every year in Orofino ID called Boomershoot (Boomershoot!). Long story short, but they put 4-8 inch explosive targets out at ranges from 350 to 700 yards and people shoot at them. Loads of fun. Recommend more folks from the forum attend- PM me if you want details.
Anyway, Lots of very expensive, very cool rifles and gear there - thousands of dollars can be spent on rifles and optics as we all know.
Several years ago my buddy had an idea for a competition within our crew. He called it the $500 dollar challenge. One had to procure a rifle for Boomershoot that was 500 dollars or less all in - including optics, any gunsmithing work, add-ons etc.
Never one to turn down a chance to buy a firearm, I went with a used savage SuperSporter in 30.06. Purchased for 150. Gunsmith work of 120 for tapping bases. 100 scope from Midway. Total = 370 dollars. The guy I bought it from said it did time at a hunting lodge somewhere in the north-central US (I want to say Michigan?). Anyway it was the lodge's punishment loaner gun given to people when they forgot or had an issue with their rifle. It was made in 1928, has a steel butt plate and kicks like a mule. It looked like someone used a live beaver to tap the holes for the fixed 2X scope it came with. The metal was pitted and had some rust as well. But it shot sub MOA with 180 grain bullets!
And this was the description in the ad
Quote
She is a low number Savage Model 40 Super Sporter in .30-06. Outside looks like a train wreck, inside is a smooth, strong bore, and a 3 1/2 LB trigger that is smooth as butter. Has a 3 round magazine that is worth more than the whole rifle...She is a sweet shooter. Likes 180 grain bullets. She is topped off by an even more unimpressive Weaver 2X scope, but is period to the piece. Needs a refinish and some stock work, but if You are handy, You can have a wonderful classic hunting rifle. Only 18,000 were made between 1928 and 1940
I did not win the competition - my buddy with his Savage 110 beat me, but it did a fine job and shot better than I did. The lesson we learned was, Expensive rifles and optics are fantastic - and good optics are much more reliable in low light, inclement weather situations. But one does not need to drop 4K on a rifle to hit targets MOA-1/2MOA out to 700 yards reliably.
Post by: Rob on March 07, 2025, 07:40:02 AM
Post by: Rob on March 07, 2025, 07:40:43 AM
Little Pathfinder has a Ruger American in 6.5 CM that we bought for around $300 new at BiMart. Absolute tack driver. BUT... it has a $1200 Sig Whiskey 5 scope on it...
Love that gun and impressed with the little guy's marksmanship!
Post by: Pathfinder101 on March 07, 2025, 07:55:27 AM
Thanks Rob. "The Little Guy" is taller than me now and about to graduate high school. Between him and his brother, that Ruger has killed a ridiculous number of animals in it's short life (7 years I think...). At least a half dozen deer, 2 or 3 bear and an antelope...Little Pathfinder has a Ruger American in 6.5 CM that we bought for around $300 new at BiMart. Absolute tack driver. BUT... it has a $1200 Sig Whiskey 5 scope on it...
Love that gun and impressed with the little guy's marksmanship!
Post by: Okanagan on March 07, 2025, 10:35:55 AM
Re lower cost rifles that shoot:
1. Tikka T3 stainless lite is more mid price than low but man are they ever nice, and shoot tight groups right out of the box. Butter smooth bolt, detachable magazine (which I waaaay prefer for practical field hunting) and light weight. My extended family own 6 of them.
2. Ruger American Gen II. It shoots. I bought one last year in 6ARC. After open heart surgery any recoil hurt, even months later, and I wanted a low recoil piece for painless deer hunting. At sight-in I shot a consistent inch with my thyroid shake and two brands of factory loads, resting on a daypack over the hood of my vehicle. One of my grandkids who tuned a load is getting 1/2 MOA with his Gen II. With the stock extension removed, the Gen II is enjoyably short and handy in brushy calling stands.
In the field event, I fired one round last deer season at a called buck within 70 yards. These little rifles shoot!
PS Duramag says that they are coming out with a flush fit magazine for the Gen II, to get rid of the ten round factory mag that extends down at just the right place to make it ugly and unhandy to carry.
Post by: Rob on March 07, 2025, 10:49:22 AM
Thanks Rob. "The Little Guy" is taller than me now and about to graduate high school. Between him and his brother, that Ruger has killed a ridiculous number of animals in it's short life (7 years I think...). At least a half dozen deer, 2 or 3 bear and an antelope...Little Pathfinder has a Ruger American in 6.5 CM that we bought for around $300 new at BiMart. Absolute tack driver. BUT... it has a $1200 Sig Whiskey 5 scope on it...
Love that gun and impressed with the little guy's marksmanship!
I have the exact same gun. have used it once and it dropped a mulie at 325 with one shot. However I did not decorate it with a 1200 dollar scope though! That thing looks amazing. I have always thought that for the most part, good optics are more important than the rifle and can compensate for many flaws in both shooter and gun (within reason of course)
Post by: syoungs on March 07, 2025, 01:29:14 PM
It had everything I was looking for and I like the esthetics of it for sure. Could have been cheaper waiting for one of the new threaded lights to come available, but I like the fluting and colors it has, and wanted it now, not in 6 months.
Also purchased a jolene s suppressor to go along with it.
Gonna top it with a vortex viper pst 4-16 i have on hand for now, later this summer I'll pick up a maven 2.5-15 to replacethe viper.
Post by: Karl Blanchard on March 07, 2025, 01:49:30 PM
I ended up with a new tikka, ranch and home in kennewick happend to have a roughtech ember in 6.5prc in stock when I went to use their silencershop kiosk for my new suppressorniiiiice 8)
It had everything I was looking for and I like the esthetics of it for sure. Could have been cheaper waiting for one of the new threaded lights to come available, but I like the fluting and colors it has, and wanted it now, not in 6 months.
Also purchased a jolene s suppressor to go along with it.
Gonna top it with a vortex viper pst 4-16 i have on hand for now, later this summer I'll pick up a maven 2.5-15 to replacethe viper.
Post by: zwickeyman on March 07, 2025, 02:46:31 PM
I ended up with a new tikka, ranch and home in kennewick happend to have a roughtech ember in 6.5prc in stock when I went to use their silencershop kiosk for my new suppressorniiiiice 8)
It had everything I was looking for and I like the esthetics of it for sure. Could have been cheaper waiting for one of the new threaded lights to come available, but I like the fluting and colors it has, and wanted it now, not in 6 months.
Also purchased a jolene s suppressor to go along with it.
Gonna top it with a vortex viper pst 4-16 i have on hand for now, later this summer I'll pick up a maven 2.5-15 to replacethe viper.
I just bought a Jolene S last week to put on my new AR 6 ARC build. Ive read decent reviews. Seams pretty good for 600.00
Enjoy the Tikka
Post by: syoungs on March 16, 2025, 08:01:53 PM
Hoping to have the supressor in the next week or so, still need to order a few things to put it all together. (https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20250317/e64d85a3d3424a9e108cd9d3711d120b.jpg)
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