One Track

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For the money, I don't think you can beat a Remington 700 bdl in 30-06. Solid and Reliable for me for 15 years. If you happen to decide on a Savage 110 in .308, with package Simmons scope, let me know.
 

vandal968

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BDB,
Guntests reviewed the Howa 1500 a few months ago and they were getting ~.85 groups out of the box. It beat out the Sako and some other more expensive rifle (don't remember which). Hard to beat at the bargain-basement <$400 price with scope included.

One Track,
The Remington 700 is a beautiful rifle, but it's in a different league price-wise. With a scope it will cost double what the Savage or Howa costs.

best,
c
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One Track

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Good point Vandal. My 7mag is a Weatherby Vanguard. I love it. It drives tacks, and it's perty too.
 

m57jager

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Raidernation,

Don't get me wrong, it shot incredibly accurate. It shoots decent now. Their service was horrible to me. It has never shot the same since it came back from the shop either. I wonder if they rushed the bedding job. I'll post some before and after pics in the rifle forum. Oh, and it was after Beretta took over.
 

huntducks

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Buy the savage in 308 you won't be sorry, it's an American gun co.to start with and there trigger is light years ahead, I bought one and some cheap PMC ammo after 8 rounds it was 3/4" or less at a 100 yards, dollar for dollar the Savage is the best buy on the market.
 

Buck-eye

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This thread is extremely helpful, as I am in a similar position. I need to buy a hunting rifle, and I have done extensive research via the WWW. At first thought, I wanted a Remington. But then I was told that they are coming out with some crappy stuff anymore. I had narrowed down to a Beretta until Orso posted on this thread. It seems that one constant is everyones view on the Savage. It may not be the Mercedes of the gun world, but if it is fast, accurate and dependable, then why not?? What model Savage would ya'll consider? If I wanted to stay in the $700 and under range, which way would you go??

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Rick

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Check out Savage's website and see what you like - wood stock, synthetic, short barrel, long barrel, etc. The .308 is usually in the 11 or 12 series short action rifles while the .30-06 is in the 110, 111, 116 etc. long action series. (2 digits = short action and 3 digits = long action).

http://www.savagearms.com/centerfire_home.htm
 

ozstriker22

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Thanks for the multitude of replies!

Does this change any of your opinions... I've already got a Burris Fullfield II with 95% light transmission and a "Forever" warranty. I'm not including that in the cost of my rifle.

So, without scope and rings, what rifle would you buy for around $600 or less?

Jesse
 

Speckmisser

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Oz,

Since I spoke with you on the phone, I knew what you had already, so that didn't flavor my opinion.

MSRP on most of the popular bolt actions (Ruger, Remington, Winchester, Browning) starts at close to the $700 range. Pretty much prices you out of those models based on your minimum. Of course, very few dealers sell for MSRP, and many are well below that, so if you shop it around you may do well.

I stand by my recommendation for the Savage, even if you can afford to spend a little more. If you really HAVE to part with a couple hundred extra, then you can get set up with a nicer model than the basic old 110. Something like the Sierra 10FM in .308 or one of the short mags looks like a really nice setup. Or if you want long action, the 114U, Ultra is also a sweet rifle with the AccuTrigger and much nicer wood stock.

I have also seen BDB's Howa in action, and that's a pretty nice rifle for the price. I also liked the Tikka T3 a whole lot, but I'd want to hear a little more about their customer service after reading M57's experience.

SO many choices... I just wish it were me.
 

huntducks

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Buck-eye & Oz

I got the 16 FX package it was $36 more for the scope & Rings then the 16 non package, and well below $500 total cost, the scope is not a Leupold or B&L, and I would change it out for a out of state hunt if you did not have a back up gun, my gun has about 100 rds through it and all is fine, my nephew is borrowing it for a pig hunt in 2 weeks.

I have a fair number of guns and bought this one out of greed and not need the price was right and I had money burning a hole in my pocket, but I wish I would have got the 7mmx08 but the price was not as good as the 308.
 

vandal968

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I'll show you guys my Howa .308 at the Ham Slam and then you'll all see that I'm right about it being the best deal out there (no disrespect to the Savage).

Of course, I may decide to bring my Springfield instead, then I can run around the woods and pretend I'm fighting the North Koreans.

Heh heh heh...

best,
c
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ozstriker22

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It's crunch time, fellows. It's down to a battle between 2 guns, and every opinion counts!!!

In this corner, weighing in at 7lbs 6oz, we have a used, excellent condition Browning BAR chambered in 30-06 equiped with a Leupold 3-9x32 Rifleman. Retail price of $889... at the local gunshop for $695 (I'd offer them $650 cash). (Picture and Specs)

And in the other corner, the challenger, weighing in at 7lbs no oz, we have a brand new, Savage Arms Ultra 114U with the New accutriger design and choice of 30-06 or .270! I already have a great scope I can move over to this rifle. Retail price of $569... at the local gunshop for $509. (Picture and Specs)

Okay, Ladies and gentlemen... place your bets, and LETS GET READY TO RRRRUUUUUUUUMMMMMMMMMMMMBBBBBBBBBLLLLLLLLLLLEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!

Which rifle will it be? Your advice makes all the difference!

Jesse
 

DILPRXO

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It's crunch time, fellows. It's down to a battle between 2 guns, and every opinion counts!!!

Are you sure its down to 2 guns Oz??? Thought you wanted a Styer...I just found a used one at Oaktree..scoped out and everything..awesome shape...Thery're asking $799.00 and they deal on used guns. But it's a .270..
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If you need me to I can post their phone number
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ozstriker22

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OH NO!!! A new contender has challenged the throne... Sure, why don't you hook a brother up... Thx!
 

Fitzsurf

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A few resources I enjoy on the never ending quest for more caliber info when lusting for a new gun

Boddingtons - American Hunting rifles- he may be in every mag you read but I still like this book and also his book on african safari rifles
also

www.chuckhawks.com (bit biased but still good for what it is)
www.reloadbench.com
www.gunsandammomag.com

FYI -I feel both the 06 and 270 are real classic choices-I get tired of velocity junkie, super sub MOA , ultra super short mag approaches to hunting.
much research lead me to the 7mm-08 and I could not be happier with it as a deer rifle.
 
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Why a 308 or 30-06 for hog hunting...not good choices for short shots...slower heavier bullet stops hogs a lot better...35 Rem slower bigger heavier 200 grain or 220 grain...plus a lever gun is lighter quicker to bring up and fire...never have shot at a hog over 75 yards...average 30 to 50 yard shots...slower bullet more weigh bigger hole equals to more internal shock and quicker kill...seen them stop 300 lb plus hogs...and Buffalo Bore Heavy 35 Rems 220 grain work on 400 to 600 lb Russian Boars real fine...
 

Freedivr2

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I chose a 30-06 as my first big game rifle 25 years ago because it was such a versatile shooter. You can take any game in the adjacent 48 states with it. I didn't want to buy one gun for deer, another gun for pigs, another one for elk, so the '06 filled the bill for me. BTW, I purchased a Winchester Model 70. After a trip to a gunsmith to bed the action and float the barrel (best $75 I ever spent), and then handloading my own rounds, I've turned it into a pretty good tack driver, least I think so (see photo below of a 100 yard 8 shot group....). Getting groups under 3/4" consistantly has helped my confidence to know that I can never blame the gun for a poor shot or a miss (puts the pressure on me, takes away the excuses and consequently, makes me focus and shoot bunches better).

And sometimes there's some side benefits to things that you don't think about when purchasing something. For example, my '06 is the ONLY rifle I've ever used for deer and hogs. Because I only use one rifle (vs. having a .270 for this, a .243 for that, a 30-06 for the other), I've made myself a much better rifleman. When I throw it up to my shoulder, there's no "getting adjusted" for eye relief to the scope or fit to the shoulder....it's automatic/ingrained because I've used one shooter exclusively. I believe there's a lot to be said for that. Course, there's also somethin to be said for having a lot of shooters in your safe, too I guess (for instance, I can't have enough shotguns for some reason!). Best of luck with your choice......if I had to do it again, I'd look for a pre-64 Model 70 Winchester on AuctionArms.com

P.S. I'd have to disagree with anyone who believes a 30-06 isn't a good shooter for hogs at close range. In the past two years I've taken 14 hogs, 10 of them being closer than 50 yards, most dropping in their tracks, a few running no more than 50 yards (depending on the shot placement). I think there's a lot to be said about using a premium quality bullet such as a Nosler partition. One cool thing that the '06 did for me in 2002 (that I would doubt that a slower, heavier bullet would do) was put a bullet through the brain of one hog and then into the lungs of the hog behind it. Two fer one.

171DSC00243a.jpg
 

ozstriker22

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Here's a big change up... a friend of mine called me out of the blue two nights ago... he purchased a weatherby 300 short mag Sunday and wanted to know if I wanted his weatherby 300 win mag for $500

The gun has been well cared for, retails for $1099, has had an aftermarket scope and muzzle brake put on it at about $200 each, has a new leather sling at $40, and has only had about 30 rounds through it in the last 8 years.

I know it's an awfully fast round for pigs... but at 1/2 price, I'm too cheap to pass it up. Do you think, with good quality, soft or hollow point factory ammo the .300 win mag would work good for Hogs?

Which would be better, the 300 or the 30-06?

Thanks as always!!!

Jesse
 
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