Just like a lot of other things, pretty costs extra. If you just want action, those $200 beauts are out there. Some of the best deals, incidentally, are in the consignment rack at my trap etc. club. I have recently passed on the following "shooters", all in need of cosmetic rehab and all looking like they didn't need much else:
Marlin 336, .35 Rem., $200
Winchester 94, .30-30, $200
Enfield (Ishapore), .303, $160. Bayonet (for hog hunting, I guess) $40
Mauser '96, 7x57, Bishop stock, cheap scope, $195
Arisaka 7.7, reblued, sporter stock, Williams receiver sight, $140; RCBS die set, new, $40
NEF Ultra, .270, laminate stock, like new $200
All of these were asking prices, not firm. Now, if you're feeling flush and can go to $350, you can have some rifles with decent finish, such as:
Savage 170, .30-30, $350
Savage 99F, .308, $325
Springfield .30-06, sporter stock, receiver sight, $350
NEF Ultra, .223, big scope, $350
Remington 870, 12 guage, rifled bbl. plus smoothbore bbl, receiver scope mount, $350
Yes, there are better rifles. Much better. But a man doesn't HAVE to spend a lot of money to get a truck gun, hunting rifle, or whatever.
If my wife asks, I didn't say any of this!!!
