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Started By
Message
entry level deer bolt guns - review and thoughts
Posted on 9/27/23 at 9:20 pm
Posted on 9/27/23 at 9:20 pm
So I've been using a 16" savage axis II and a 16" ruger american ranch for game the past few years.
Here are my thoughts.
Savage is an accurate gun with crisp trigger. I don't like the way the feed ramp/magazine does not like sub sonics. The finish has held up fine. Ergonomics are OK. Overall I give it 3 of 5 stars due to feeding glitches.
The ruger is also accurate with a nice trigger. The stock is more ergonomic over the savage. The AR style magazine is nice. I use Lancer mags designed for subs. The action feels gritty out of the box. It just needs polishing and cycle it about 100 times to feel better.
I give this a 4 of 5 star rating.
They both have nice rails and 5/8 thrd muzzle.
To anyone looking to gear up for sub $500 before rifle season, I thought this info may help.
Also have tikka, wby, and one of the "good 700s" for reference.
Here are my thoughts.
Savage is an accurate gun with crisp trigger. I don't like the way the feed ramp/magazine does not like sub sonics. The finish has held up fine. Ergonomics are OK. Overall I give it 3 of 5 stars due to feeding glitches.
The ruger is also accurate with a nice trigger. The stock is more ergonomic over the savage. The AR style magazine is nice. I use Lancer mags designed for subs. The action feels gritty out of the box. It just needs polishing and cycle it about 100 times to feel better.
I give this a 4 of 5 star rating.
They both have nice rails and 5/8 thrd muzzle.
To anyone looking to gear up for sub $500 before rifle season, I thought this info may help.
Also have tikka, wby, and one of the "good 700s" for reference.
Posted on 9/27/23 at 10:06 pm to down time
My Ruger American 30-06 is a fine rifle. I was impressed with the trigger and the accuracy on it. Picked it up from a guy who won it at a banquet for cheap too, and it was worth every penny.
I typically prefer blue and wood guns, but it’s the American is nice for crappy weather or loaning out.
I typically prefer blue and wood guns, but it’s the American is nice for crappy weather or loaning out.
Posted on 9/27/23 at 10:14 pm to Theduckhunter
Same here.
But the American is hard to beat for $475 and that leaves money for glass.
I think the predator model is the thrd barrel .308
not a fan of the green stock.
But the American is hard to beat for $475 and that leaves money for glass.
I think the predator model is the thrd barrel .308
not a fan of the green stock.
Posted on 9/27/23 at 10:21 pm to down time
quote:
Savage is an accurate gun with crisp trigger. I don't like the way the feed ramp/magazine does not like sub sonics.
You asked about a deer rifle. Why are you worried about subsonic rounds? Both guns you mentioned are fine guns for deer hunting.
Posted on 9/27/23 at 10:43 pm to down time
Tis the golden age for cheap bolt action rifles
Posted on 9/27/23 at 11:11 pm to down time
That Savage Axis combo w scope at Academy is a hard setup to beat at that price.
Posted on 9/28/23 at 5:47 am to down time
You wont find a better stock trigger and action than the tikkas. They are not sub $500 new, but you could find an older one.
There are some great models out there these days, hard to go wrong with any of the big names.
There are some great models out there these days, hard to go wrong with any of the big names.
Posted on 9/28/23 at 8:17 am to down time
I have no idea if this is a stupid question but is shooting sub sonic's at deer common? I've never heard of it.
Posted on 9/28/23 at 8:24 am to REB BEER
quote:
You asked about a deer rifle. Why are you worried about subsonic rounds?
Sorry I should have mentioned that any caliber or barrel length will work. My need is different from normal deer guns. I would have the same review for both models in a 22" .270
I use the subs because of some super nosey "Karen" property owners and all short shots. Shooting pigs and varmints at night attracts the wrong type of attention.
This post was edited on 9/28/23 at 8:34 am
Posted on 9/28/23 at 8:31 am to Stexas
quote:
have no idea if this is a stupid question but is shooting sub sonic's at deer common? I've never heard of it.
Uncommon, but deadly within 75 yards. The 200 grain copper expanding will anchor pigs and small deer just like a big rifle.
Posted on 9/28/23 at 8:33 am to Shexter
quote:
That Savage Axis combo w scope at Academy is a hard setup to beat at that price.
I think I paid $300 and then mailed in a $50 rebate for an axis in 7mm-08 about 5 or 6 years ago for my daughter. It's a fine shooting rifle. I use it all the time.
Posted on 9/28/23 at 8:36 am to Junky
quote:
You wont find a better stock trigger and action than the tikkas. They are not sub $500 new, but you could find an older one.
There are some great models out there these days, hard to go wrong with any of the big names.
Tikka is the same company as Sako?
I grew up hunting with my uncles Sako's and they were fantastic rifles.
Posted on 9/28/23 at 8:48 am to whodatigahbait
Yes, both are owned by Beretta.
Posted on 9/28/23 at 9:32 am to down time
Are you hunting with subsonic ammo?
Posted on 9/28/23 at 9:44 am to DownshiftAndFloorIt
quote:
Tis the golden age for cheap bolt action rifles
Because tis the golden age for cheap and accurate CNC machines. They may increase in price, but the "lower end" rifles will get nothing but better.
Posted on 9/28/23 at 10:00 am to Elblancodiablo
Yes, the Maker 200 gr Rex and LeHigh 194 gr maximum expansion
.30 cal
.30 cal
Posted on 9/28/23 at 10:12 am to Elblancodiablo
quote:
Are you hunting with subsonic ammo?
I've killed hundreds of animals with subsonic ammo. Deer included. No issues at all if you know the limitations of your equipment and ammo.
Posted on 9/28/23 at 10:19 am to reds on reds on reds
Delete
This post was edited on 9/28/23 at 10:20 am
Posted on 9/28/23 at 10:27 am to reds on reds on reds
quote:
I've killed hundreds of animals with subsonic ammo. Deer included. No issues at all if you know the limitations of your equipment and ammo
What is the point? Ammo is probably still supersonic out of a full length rifle barrel. What are you gaining?
Posted on 9/28/23 at 10:31 am to down time
I bought my daughter the ruger american compact .308 when she was 10. My son has the regular ruger american .308. They have been awesome guns especially for the price. I have no complaints and when i hunt my climbing stand that compact
.308 is a great gun to carry.
.308 is a great gun to carry.
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