Picking a new cheap rifle

[winger7mm]

Well I have in narrowed to a few brands of cheap rifle. Stevens, Marlin, Savage. I cant remember the models off the top of my head but they are all under 400 dollar rifles. Opinions??

[Attilathecanuk]

Caliber? Purpose? For a 22 go with marlin, center fire, I like savage

[Redneck Renagade]

Out of the rifles you mentioned I would go with the savage with accutrigger I own 3 with the accutrigger and I would not get anything else. Reasonable price and very accurate out of the box

[Big Daddy Badger]

I prefer the marlin XL over the savage axis...they're just better built.
But for a few dollars more you can buy a Vanguard...

[BackPackHunter]

Originally Posted by pesky672

I prefer the marlin XL over the savage axis...they're just better built.
But for a few dollars more you can buy a Vanguard...

x2 , weatherby .5 moa out of the box

[Big Daddy Badger]

Originally Posted by BackPackHunter

x2 , weatherby .5 moa out of the box

I have all 3 and I think the Marlin is the best value for dollar but the vanguards are nicer and will probably retain value better.

Otherwise all 3 are sub- MOA at the distances most guys shoot at.

[Ice Fishing Maniac]

IMO, Savage. They have a real sloppy action as its built to handle every caliber. They are awesome shooters out of the box.

[Okotokian]

I'd stick to the Vanguard or a non-Axis Savage. They have their fans and haters, but both seem to be generally well-regarded when it comes to accuracy. Marlins, Stevens, Axis... nah. MAYBE the new Ruger American, but know almost nothing of it. It's new so you are taking a gamble.

[32-40win]

Go buy the reloading kit instead.

[303carbine]

Originally Posted by winger7mm

Well I have in narrowed to a few brands of cheap rifle. Stevens, Marlin, Savage. I cant remember the models off the top of my head but they are all under 400 dollar rifles. Opinions??

Well, you get what you pay for. You want cheap, you can't get any cheaper than a model 710. They're cheap as well as being junk, twice the value for your hard earned money.

[timsesink]

Marlin. Handle one and compare to the others.

[fortyseven]

I have a Marlin 925 .22 LR
The rifle cost me $139

[gitrdun]

the Axis is junk, I don't care how well they shoot, JUNK. Tire iron at best.

[FallAirFever]

I bought a Savage Axis in in 308. I like the rifle especially for the price. I replace the scope with a Leupold that I have. The trigger was very bad, heavy and lots of creep. I tried to fix it by cutting down the Pull weight spring. But it was not much better so I replaced it with a Rifle Basix trigger which I love. I have put a couple boxes of shells through it and it cycles fine and shoots well.

This spring I also bought a Weatherby Vanguard in 223 it is a heavy barrel. So far I have only put a box of shells down the pipe. It shoots fantastic. The action is very nice. And the trigger is nice. No need to replace it. Next time I am I. The market for a rifle and have to go on the cheap side I will be starting my search with a Vanguard.

Good luck in your search!

[FallAirFever]

Originally Posted by gitrdun

the Axis is junk, I don't care how well they shoot, JUNK.

Wow strong words coming from a guy who likes Savages in general

[Hogie135]

I would definately go with Savage. If you're like me and dont need a fancy $1000 rifle but are satisfied with an accurate one it's the way to go. Even if the Axis is cheaply made they are still a good rifle. If you are willing to spend a hundred dollars more you can get a Savage 11/111 trophy hunter with accutrigger and an upgraded weaver scope. They are about $560. I know that is what I have on my next to buy list. As my usual disclaimer states though, I am no expert. Just my opinion.

[gitrdun]

Originally Posted by FallAirFever

Wow strong words coming from a guy who likes Savages in general

Don't be offended my good friend There's is something to be said for economy rifles that shoot well.....and there is junk. But all in the end of the day, it's all in the beholder's eye. Savage makes rifles that will shoot to standards that are winners in the match circuit, and they make rifles that are economically affordable to the general public. And then, they made the "axis" which to me look like they were turned out of re-bar. I could never understand why they had to stoop that low?

[YoteStopper]

I had a Axis for a while....its perfectly functional, but it would not be my first pick for a under $500 gun.

My pick would be a sporterized Swedish Mauser in 6.5x55, drilled and tapped and a Nikon on top for optics.

[MartyT]

I was in the same dilemma about a year ago at this same time....I had the bug for a new rifle and I didn't want to spend much $$$. After lots of researching online and looking in person , I settled on the Marlin XS7 in 7mm08. I gotta say what a great decision. I cannot sing the praises of this "low dollar" rifle enough. Its a well made, smooth, light, and ACCURATE lil gun. I was lucky to land on a load for it that shot well almost immediately. best group so far is .328 inchs at 100 yds with 139gr Hornady GMX and Varget. Better stock, better put together than Axis. Best deal out there for $320. It shoots better than my Remington 700 SPS Tactical (disappointingly). Good luck with your search and let us know what you picked....

[Attilathecanuk]

Originally Posted by Hogie135

I would definately go with Savage. If you're like me and dont need a fancy $1000 rifle but are satisfied with an accurate one it's the way to go. Even if the Axis is cheaply made they are still a good rifle. If you are willing to spend a hundred dollars more you can get a Savage 11/111 trophy hunter with accutrigger and an upgraded weaver scope. They are about $560. I know that is what I have on my next to buy list. As my usual disclaimer states though, I am no expert. Just my opinion.

I very recently bought this rifle in 7 mm mag and absolutely love it. Accutrigger is a joy and the rifle feels great.

[Big Daddy Badger]

Originally Posted by MartyT

I was in the same dilemma about a year ago at this same time....I had the bug for a new rifle and I didn't want to spend much $$$. After lots of researching online and looking in person , I settled on the Marlin XS7 in 7mm08. I gotta say what a great decision. I cannot sing the praises of this "low dollar" rifle enough. Its a well made, smooth, light, and ACCURATE lil gun. I was lucky to land on a load for it that shot well almost immediately. best group so far is .328 inchs at 100 yds with 139gr Hornady GMX and Varget. Better stock, better put together than Axis. Best deal out there for $320. It shoots better than my Remington 700 SPS Tactical (disappointingly). Good luck with your search and let us know what you picked....

Much better than the Axis...my wife has one in 7ymm-08 and its a nail driver. Good value for a starter rifle.