Anyone have experience and advice on a mid-priced bolt gun?

MSgt Cayle Harris — Mon, 31 Dec 2018 00:27:33 -0500

I'm looking for a bolt gun probably in .308... maybe 6.5 CM.
- hunting everything up to elk from 300-400 yds
- -ringing steel 500-800 yds
-SHTF (concerned about 6.5 availability)
- $500-$750 budget
Considering Mossberg Patriot, Ruger American, Savage, etc

Response by TSgt David L. made Dec 31 at 2018 12:42 AM

TSgt David L. — Mon, 31 Dec 2018 00:42:19 -0500

SHTF its hard to beat the availability of .308. Everything else, 6.5CM rules. Out passed 1,000m it still rocks. I have a Savage LRP and an AR in 6.5 and you can buy ammo almost anywhere. Never been anywhere I couldn't find it.

Response by Maj John Bell made Dec 31 at 2018 12:53 AM

Maj John Bell — Mon, 31 Dec 2018 00:53:39 -0500

Sure it is a little bit heavy, and most of the meat is pre-cooked burger or chunked for stew, but you never have to argue with anyone else about whose shot was the kill shot.

Response by Maj Robert Thornton made Dec 31 at 2018 4:25 AM

Maj Robert Thornton — Mon, 31 Dec 2018 04:25:36 -0500

The Mossberg MVP Flex series is a good choice in either 6.5 creedmore or .308. I have one in 556. I need a rifle with a pistol grip, so it works well for me.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 31 at 2018 4:43 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 31 Dec 2018 04:43:53 -0500

I have a Ruger Precision Rifle in 6.5CM that shoots sub-MOA, might break your budget a bit but it's a decent gun out to 1200.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 31 at 2018 5:24 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 31 Dec 2018 05:24:01 -0500

Personally I look to Ruger 1st. I saw a new release a couple of days ago that looked nice. I think.. it was a Springfield, but my memory sux.

Response by PO1 John Johnson made Dec 31 at 2018 5:34 AM

PO1 John Johnson — Mon, 31 Dec 2018 05:34:55 -0500

Check out Weatherby's "Van Guard" line, built by Weatherby to utilize non-Weatherby ammunition. Good rifle at a moderate price iaw your budget limit. They used to be sold at Walmart, but not sure about that anymore. They make them in .308 and 6.5

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made Dec 31 at 2018 6:22 AM

SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth — Mon, 31 Dec 2018 06:22:09 -0500

Ruger has a nice lineup of rifles.

Response by A1C Michael Beal made Dec 31 at 2018 12:34 PM

A1C Michael Beal — Mon, 31 Dec 2018 12:34:53 -0500

Get a Savage chambered in 270 Winchester. The 270 has the flat trajectory and down range energy you want for most big game while being readily available. If you choose to reload for it, brass can be made from 30-06.

Response by TSgt Larry Johnson made Jan 1 at 2019 1:40 PM

TSgt Larry Johnson — Tue, 01 Jan 2019 13:40:33 -0500

Well, I just bought a Savage Axis II in 308, came with a Bushnell 4X12X40mm scope, and total cost was $400! It also has the user-adjustable AccuTrigger™. I took it to the range, and the trigger is fantastic, which normally means the rifle will now shoot better than you do! You can find these rifles on the cheap on the internet, and have them shipped to your favorite FFL dealer. At least you can in Texas. This gun blew me away for how good it functions, and how inexpensive it is.

Response by GySgt Lawrence D. Pool made Jan 1 at 2019 5:14 PM

GySgt Lawrence D. Pool — Tue, 01 Jan 2019 17:14:14 -0500

I like my Winchester Model 70.

Response by SSG Tom Pike made Jan 6 at 2019 10:43 PM

SSG Tom Pike — Sun, 06 Jan 2019 22:43:17 -0500

Cabelas usually has the Savage 12FV on sale in either .308 or 6.5 Creedmore. They are an excellent value, and there are many upgrades available such as stocks and you can even swap out barrels with simple tools and head space gauges. Just checked. $329. But only in 204 ruger. Other calibers are $419.99 But they go on sale often. Back around thanksgiving they were $329 and you could get another $50 off purchase over $300 rebate so end cost was $279. https://www.cabelas.com/product/shooting/firearms/centerfire-rifles/bolt-action-centerfire-rifles/pc/104792580/c/553829580/sc/105522480/i/105523380/savage-fv-varmint-rifle/1994604.uts?slotId=5

Savage Arms 12 FV Bolt-Action Varmint Rifles : Cabela's

Even when shooting long range in harsh prairie winds Savage Arms' 12 FV Bolt-Action Varmint Rifles ensure pesky prairie dogs and woodchucks don't stand a chance. Also includes an internal box magazine, oversized bolt handle, cut checkering, swivel studs and recoil pad.