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So I think I've decided to sell my slug shotgun and my mosin and buy a bolt action rifle in .308. It will be for target shooting and hog/ deer hunting. I'm looking at the Ruger American Rifle, the Stevens 200, and the Savage edge.

Any opinions on these? Are there other rifles I should be considering in this price range?

I haven't shot one buy the Ruger American rifle is supposed to be the cat's pajama's when it comes to a budget bolt gun. I have never been let down with the quality, dependability or accuracy of any of my Rugers.

Check out a Howa .308, Vanguards, Howas, and some Savage were made in the same place. Here is one with a 20 in bull barrel and Hogue stock.
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewIt ... =286427758" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Of the three you listed, I'd go Stevens.

use the savings to put toward good glass

This is why I'm trying to keep the price close to $300. Considering the money I've spent on other gun-related purchases lately, I don't think the wifey will go for me spending much more than I can get for the shotgun and mosin.

I built mine out of a Savage Hog Hunter $439 at cabellas. Buds had one in stock last week. It came with a 20in bull barrel factory threaded, short action and iron sites. Same reciever and bolt that comes with a model 10/11/12 only difference is the length in barrel. I threw away the Tupperware stock and took off the iron sites. And added the following.

Bell and Carlson stock
PRI 20 moa steel base
Aac 51t muzzle break
Aac 762sdn
Burris xtc rings
For now I have a cheap 30mm vortex illuminated mill dot scope till I save up for a better optics.

So far its been a great rifle, and I was able to buy parts and add to it easily as funds became available. You can also convert it to a detachable mag easier than a rem 700. If i remember right the stevens didn't have as many parts available for it and for a few dollars more the hog hunter is a good gun out of the box.

http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/prod ... NTR+308+TB" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Sputz

Of what you mentioned I say get the Stevens 200. It will have the best aftermarket support. And with the factory stock that comes with that rifle you will need a new stock. Also the barrels can be changed in a few minutes at home with just a few hand tools. Also why 308? 308 works but there are so many other SA calibers out that are ballistically superior to the 308 and offer readily available ammunition. Such as the 6.5 Creedmoor (my favorite), 260 Remington, and 243 Winchester come to mind here.

Tikka T-3 Lite in .308. I'm shooting sub-MOAs. I think it was around $500 or so. You could probably catch a sale. Very Smooth bolt...

viewtopic.php?f=28&t=52901&p=645469#p645469

Why did I choose 308?
I wanted something with more juice than my 5.56. 308 will do what I want and seems to be more available and versatile than the other rounds mentioned. Also, I think at some point I'd like to get an AR10, so this way, I can deal with fewer types of ammo.

Thanks for the opinions, guys. Some of the guns mentioned are nice, but I'm trying to keep the price closer to 300 so I can spend some money on a good scope, too.

brainman wrote:Why did I choose 308?
I wanted something with more juice than my 5.56. 308 will do what I want and seems to be more available and versatile than the other rounds mentioned. Also, I think at some point I'd like to get an AR10, so this way, I can deal with fewer types of ammo.

Thanks for the opinions, guys. Some of the guns mentioned are nice, but I'm trying to keep the price closer to 300 so I can spend some money on a good scope, too.

Alright you like 308 and nothing wrong with that but I think you are a bit confused. When speaking of availability 243 is just a common as 308 and it would be a stretch to say it is a challenge to find 6.5 Creed or 260 Remington. On versatility if anything all of those mentioned at least as versatile as 308 with plenty of match, hunting, and varmint factory loads available. And lots of bullet selection available to the handloader. Also when speaking of large frame AR style rifles. They will accommodate any SA round with a 308 bolt face. And in fact the 6.5 Creedmoor was designed from the ground up to operate that style of rifle and is MUCH more efficient in the a large frame AR the the 308. In fact I switched my large frame from a 308 to the 6.5 Creedmoor and now I wouldn't have it any other way.

As for the optics I don't know you game plan but might I suggest a Vortex Viper PST scope to you. The are a tremendous value and offer an awful lot of bang for the buck. But whatever you do, do yourself a favor, and don't go cheap on the optics.

Dangit, Longshot! Now you've got me reconsidering caliber. Cause there aren't enough other things to decide when looking for a new gun.

There are numerous "budget" rifle options. Many of the manufacturers are making rifles capable of 1 moa accuracy range in an inexpensive rifle. I would consider ammo prices when choosing your caliber (depending upon what and where you plan to use it). It will be much easier to shoot with when you are not spending $40 a box on ammo (although you could re-load and make it cheaper to shoot). If you are unsure about reliability, buy from Gallery of Guns and have it shipped to a local FFL. GOG gives you a lifetime warranty so there will be no need to worry about problems down the line. I would look at the Redfield scopes, Leupold owns them and you get a lifetime warranty. I have been selling the 6-18x40 scopes for $250 out the door, that is a lot of scope for the price and the lower powered scopes are even less expensive.

I've been trying to find a Savage flcp-K left handed .223 law enforcement series rifle.

I can find the .308.

The accu trigger accu stock get a lot of good reviews.

Savage has several models at or lower than this one that i think would be great for range work.