Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunting Rifles Best of the current budget rifles

I've got a couple friends here who have recently expressed an interest in hunting,and aquiring a proper firearm. Neither is rich, one is expecting his first child and the other just had his 4th, so neither has a bunch of extra money laying around. They have asked me for advice, but I'm a little out of the loop on current budget rifles. I know the Axis is generally accurate but have heard the triggers are awful,mag is [bleep], and ergonomically not very good. Then there's the 783, Winchesters XTR, Mossberg MVP and Ruger American. Keep in mind we are in the people's republic of Canada, so the prices are somewhat higher here. I would like to steer them to a cheaper Tikka or a Vanguard, but both of those are usually about $200 higher than the other mentioned offerings. What would you guide them towards?

Perhaps begging the issue if your cogitation parameters are "new". But I'd check out Simpson & the great Husqvarna rifles I understanding flowing from a more intensively gun regulated Sweden disposing! The play between Real wood & steel versus plastic & alloy.
Just my take.
Happy New Year & Stay Safe up there!
John

I was beginning to wonder if they sell used rifles there in canada aye...

Ruger American is a pretty good bet if buying new is of importance.

These guys do pretty good reviews: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2oX45J2RU4Q
Under $350 probably won't apply in Canada, as it doesn't really anymore in the US either d/t the current buying frenzy.
Their top choices in the under $750 category are Weatherby Vanguard, Bergara b14, and Tikka in that order.

I'm assuming supply of ammunition is as bad there as it is here. It might boil down first to what they can find for ammunition, then what they can get to shoot it in. The current and foreseeable situation has unfortunately turned choosers into beggars.

I'ver personally had good experiences with RAR's, and EXCELLENT experiences with the discontinued Marlin X7 guns.

One RAR grouped shots to "B+/A-" accuracy, but the magazine was temperamental. Another came at $250 delivered, NIB, and shot sub-3/4" with Federal Blue Box ammo.

2 Marlin X7L's and 2 Marlin X7S's have shot exceptionally well with multiple loads, and functioned flawlessly in the field. If you're able to find them in your area, I'd try these first.

FC

For features, fit, and finish, the Win XPR is way underrated. Same barrel and trigger as a M70. Bolt is coated. Stock is decent (no stock on a $440 rifle is gonna blow you away).

I've been told there is no ammo shortage in Canada. They're not gearing up for civil war right now because they are reasonable human beings

Not to derail, but "reasonably" human beings watched the riots last year, watched how they were (and were not) handled, and are planning for the worst, hoping for the best.

TC Venture in WeatherShield! 30-06, 308 or 270. If you want to get fancy, CDNN had NIB 6.5 Creedmoor WeatherShields for $399. I had one so I bought a 223, came with free shipping, rings, sling and swivels, $404, maybe shipping was $5.00.

SBS96

Mauser M18?

I've been around multiple RARs and they have all shot well. There are quite a few aftermarket accessories available if that is of interest to them.

I purchased 2 Mossberg Patriot Predator rifles for my daughters to use in place of my nicer rifles. They shoot around 1.25" with factory ammo and have given me no issues.

Howa 1500 rifles are a great value, though some folks dislike the Hogue stocks they use. Also, consider the Weatherby Vanguard which is essentially the same rifle with a better factory stock.

If you can order from Europtic the Mauser should be a consideration.

A used Tikka should be a consideration if you can find one.

^^^^ This. ^^^^

Very accurate, too.

cant go wrong savage axis

Many of them also went through previous ammo shortages, too, and decided not to put up with them again - hence stockpiling is fairly common. I'm guilty.

Yes. Mine was sub-MOA with factory Hornady.

The Weatherby Vanguard S2 at 500 bucks is the most for your money. The axis and ruger american stocks are horrendous, the action on the axis leaves a little to be desired. The Vanguards action is smooth, the stock feels like a rifle, the trigger is awesome and they are accurate.

Unless its a custom walnut stocked Mauser I wouldn't buy another hunting rifle, then Tikka T3...
They are 2-3 times more expensive in Europe and in Finland where they are made, compared to the US.


Its basically a sporterized Sako TRG sniper rifle.
Stupid simple and great trigger.. that actually works in [bleep] conditions!
Integral rail for mounts.
Slick and great feeding.
Simple recoil lug, that actually works..
Uses Sako barrels.
Upgrade the stock and bottom metal if you are a rifle looney..

I bought a T/C Compass in 6.5 Creedmoor to try out the round and found it to be extremely accurate. I liked the feel of it better than the Ruger American personally. It was cheaper than the rest also