Anybody on a budget should probably stick with 270, 30-06, or 308, for the ammo. If they want to shoot it quite a bit. Having had all three, I'd likely choose the 270....or whichever I found a good deal on in a rifle I liked.
Remington 700 ADL, Tikka T3x or Savage Model 10/110 for a lightweight. Ruger 77/Hawkeye, 700 BDL, Howa or Vangaurd if an extra pound is alright. These would be my first choices. Although I don't love the safety on the Mark II, it is a very classic looking riflle with CRF if that's a draw.
Never been a Salvage fan, but recently picked up a used model 10 243 with centerfeed blind mag and polished blueing. It's not too shabby. Three position tang safety. Accutrigger. Action is super slick and the plastic stock is better than the econo models.
It's still ugly, but function and ergonomics are excellent. Well balanced, lightweight, shoulders very naturally for me, and the price was right. I put a VX-1 3-9x40 in low Burris Zee rings and a Mountain sling on it.
Last edited by DollarShort; 04/01/20.
