Best Budget Hunting Rifles?

[Poppa Mike]

I wouldn’t consider a shot that far on an elk with out using a magnum cal and then it’s still a very long shot

I don’t think I would consider a shot at that distance at all. I know my limitations and doubt I’m capable!

 

[BIKER13]

Savage axis shoots better than most folks can.

 

[jpm2953]

Ruger Americans are good to go.

also, I wouldn’t even consider shooting at any animal at 6-800 yards unless you have a TON of experience shooting that far. That is no joke and much further than people think.

 

[Deleted member 79987]

I have a ruger american ranch in 7.62x39 and love it. I took a big bodied spike horn with it this morning but if you're looking to include animals up to moose 30-06 is your best bet and Ruger makes them in the American line. I think you can find them for $300-$400

I'm down for anything in the "commie caliber."

 

[keith089]

Weatherby

 

[summer44]

Savage in 308 Win. Good for all critters mentioned and easy to find with a scope under his budget. Also, Savage has a $75 rebate on a few of their models through the end of the month.

308 is to light for the great bears, and elk, moose at distance. You need a 300 win mag at minimum. I don't want to get into a caliber debate here. Look up brown bear and elk caliber recommendations by professional guides out west. You won't find 308 on the list.

 

[rbstern]

Mossberg Patriot, Savage Axis, or Thompson Center Compass.

270 if long action
308 if short action

Agree with the 300 Win Mag suggestion if he's really going to shoot those longer distances, but he better not be recoil shy. These guns are relatively light in the less expensive synethic stock models, and will beat you up with 300WM. He may also need better optics than his initial budget will allow, for those out west hunts.

308 is the best budget choice, in my opnion. Least expensive to shoot, and practice is probably the best use of his funds.

 

[Allsmiles]

Another vote for Ruger American predator in 308. We were ringing steel at 550 with a cheap Bushnell scope. As a bonus, they have an adjustable trigger.

 

[summer44]

https://www.americanhunter.org/articles/2010/8/30/enough-gun-elk-cartridges/

Good read

 

[summer44]

Mossberg Patriot, Savage Axis, or Thompson Center Compass.

270 if long action
308 if short action

Agree with the 300 Win Mag suggestion if he's really going to shoot those longer distances, but he better not be recoil shy. These guns are relatively light in the less expensive synethic stock models, and will beat you up with 300WM. He may also need better optics than his initial budget will allow, for those out west hunts.

308 is the best budget choice, in my opnion. Least expensive to shoot, and practice is probably the best use of his funds.

You can reload the 300 light for range time and white tail