+1Rex B wrote:I'm no expert, but what I wound up with was a Stevens 200 in .270.
Polymer stock, bolt-action
$200 at Academy on sale
Added a Leopold Rifleman 3x9 scope and base/rings.
Should be good for anything you can hunt in Texas.
$400 total cost
I have one in .308 (Nikon Prostaff 3x9). Adjusted the stock trigger (http://savageshooters.com/SavageForum/i ... 414.0.html) and can hit the vitals of a deer all day long at the 200 zero. It's a Pre-Accu-trigger Savage. Not a thing wrong with them if you can get past the ugly stock. My son has one in .270. Both have killed deer and I don't think the deer noticed the difference.
A "Budget Hunter" (I'm one also) can't do much better for a new gun. I put on a Rattle Kan Custom camo job. If it gets scratched or dinged, what do I care. If it bothers me I'll just whip out the Krylon and touch it up.While my pockets aren't deep I am looking to spend somewhere about $500 and $500 for a decent hunting rifle. SInce it is my first one I want to treat it much like buying a bike.... Something I wont get mad at when it gets a little scratched up...
I'm all for nice and pretty guns but I can't/won't afford them. A gun is a tool to me. I can appreciate the nice ones but I don't need a "fancy" to do the job. Now, if someone wants to give me one I'll be more than happy to accept.
