Hello

vegasgtkid · September 10, 2010, 09:02 AM

Hello everyone. My name is Dale and I am new here and to the rifle world. I own Pistols and 1 shotgun. I have never owned a rifle before and I am thinking of buying a package deal hunting rifle. I just have a quick question. Im looking at 3 packages right now and I would like to know if anyone has any experience with them and if you do I would like to know which has the hardest/lightest kick. Which one malfunctions less and which one would be the best for hunting/bi-weekly range shooting without breaking my bank for ammo. Which would be decently easy upgrade in the future as well?

They are:

Remington 770 SPT BOLT 308 W/SCOPE
Remington 770 SPT BOLT 7MMMG W/SCOPE
Savage EDGE XP 7MM-08 W/SCOPE

Out of these particular packages which one is the best in your guys' opinions. I would think the first 2 are relatively the same but I don't know much about these. Thank you very much for taking the time to read my post.

-- Dale

thesheepdog · September 10, 2010, 09:09 AM

Search the forums; there are hundreds of threads on this.

taylorce1 · September 10, 2010, 09:22 AM

First off Dale, Welcome to the forum!

Now for what I think of your package huning rifles. I wouldn't buy any of them. The Remington 770 is junk IMO and I wouldn't touch them. The Savage Edge is to new to tell yet. However there are things I don't like about it, first off the recoil lug is molded into the stock and not attached to the receiver. Second I don't like the way the trigger is put togehter either nor do I like the stock.

They both might be functional hunting rifles but for less than $100 more you can usually pick up a much better one. Realize as well that the optics on these rifles are marginal at best and look at replacing them when your money can afford it. Plus hunt a used gun rack at the local gun shops, you never know what jewel you will find there.

What big box sporting goods stores are near where you live? I've seen Stevens 200, Savage 110, Weatherby Vanguard, and Remington ADL package deals at Dick's and Wal-Mart here locally. The Vanguard and M700 ADL usually run a little over $400 and the Stevens and Savage usually a little under.

As far as your cartridge choices since you are new to centerfire rifles, I'd loose the 7mm Rem Mag. The 7mm-08 isn't popular in all areas so look at the available ammo on the shelf before buying. .308 is a good choice as ammo is usually plentiful, and look at .243 Win and .30-06 as well.

TX Hunter · September 10, 2010, 09:32 AM

Welcome to the Board,
The best advice I can give you is to avoid the pacage deals.
Usually you end up with a generic scope that will eventually fail.
I would look for a regular Remington 700, Winchester Model 70 or Savage 110.
Then put a good quality scope on any of them, and you will have a good rifle.
All three of these rifles have acessories available for them, and have been tried and proven reliable.
Good luck.

sundog · September 10, 2010, 09:36 AM

I'm with Traylorce1, a little more money and get a decent gun to start with. The package deal come-ons are marketing gizmos. Spend your money once and something of decent quality -- Savage 110, Rem 700, etc. Buy the scope separate if need be, and get one of decent quality. Easy for me to say, it's not my money. Caliber choice would be 30-06 or 308 for a first (and for awhile maybe only) gun to hunt with. If you a planning regular range sessions, start thinking about reloading. Save you brass.

GeauxTide · September 10, 2010, 12:34 PM

Package, smackage. I'm with Taylor and Sundog. With Remington's declination, I'd stick with Ruger, Winchester, and Browning. Find a rifle that fits and feels good in the caliber you want. 308 and 708 are fine as wine.

4runnerman · September 10, 2010, 01:00 PM

Hello Dale. I just baught a new savage edge and i have to tell you when it comes to looks the others are right Savage is no beauty,Butwhen it comes to accuracy Savage puts the rest to shame in a heart beat. Im sure people will argue this forever,but savage has always made a very good barrel. I had the Savage Edge in a 223. 1/4 MOA at 100 yards was a easy thing to do.1/2 MOa at 300 yards was not tough. Go with the Savage and have fun

1000 yard Accuracy record was held by i think Remington for a long time,The new Savage Edge series just broke that record this year.

Google internet,, type in most accurate gun made. I did,,, 8 out 10 hits will be Savage, These reviews are put in there by people like me and you and all others in this forum.. It's as easy as Googeling it to find out.

Scorch · September 10, 2010, 01:30 PM

The Savage Edge is a brand new entry to the market, not a lot of user experience yet. That may change. In the meantime, check out the Savage 110, Stevens 200, Marlin XL7, Remington 700 SPS, or the Howa 1500 (my recommendation).

Many packages are good deals, many are just a way for the retailer to move slow-moving equipment, generally the cheap scopes. I would recommend buying the rifle, then choosing a scope that fits your needs. Many retailers will offer you a discount comparable to the combo's discounted price.

srkavanagh6621 · September 10, 2010, 02:33 PM

If your going to get a Remington go with the 700 series they are much better quality. I havent heard anything bad about the savage but they are pretty new but im sure they are a good product. Also check out the marlin bolt actions if your on a budget they are pretty cheap rifles that shoot pretty darn good. Best of luck in purchasing a rifle!

Hoskins · September 10, 2010, 03:00 PM

Welcome to the board! Of the 3 choices you listed it would have to be the Savage Edge. There has been way too many folks that have had way too many problems with the Rem 770's. If you want to go w/ Rem...go w/a 700...not a 770.

RimfireChris · September 10, 2010, 03:13 PM

Welcome

I don'thunt much, but in general I stay away from the package deals, usually the rifle is fine, but the optics offered tend to be sub-par.

Legionnaire · September 10, 2010, 03:37 PM

First, welcome. Second, as others have said, steer clear of the package deals. In fact, steer clear of "cheap" rifles altogether if you are serious about wanting to develop this aspect of your interest.

In my opinion, the best bang for the buck can be had buying a good second hand rifle. But if you want to go new, the Savage 110 has a great reputation. My personal preference would be an older Remington 700, but that's just me. There are lots of other options.

4runnerman · September 10, 2010, 04:03 PM

I have only one thing to add. (2nd hand guns) I don't think i could ever buy one. You never know how many rounds have gone down it. Could be a good deal or could be a gun that is ready to die. To scary for me to put money into.. The whole optics thing is a whole different story. I will keep my opinions to myself on that one. I will say though that the scope thing is what ever you want it to be. I shoot extreame long distance 500 to 1000 yards with a NCStar scope 10 x 40 x50 $112.00 i have no issues and it returns to zero at 300 yards with very much accuracy,but thats just my 2 cents woth.

davlandrum · September 10, 2010, 06:22 PM

In my neck of the woods, there were a couple of chains with a Savage package that I would get before the Rem 770.

Are the scopes on a package deal great? maybe yes, maybe no, but should be serviceable for a year or 2.

I got my Rem 700 with a Leupold VX-II as a package, so don't assume the scope is going to be junk.

4runnerman · September 10, 2010, 07:31 PM

the scope on mine was a 4 x 9 x 40 bushnell. Not bad but not great for the distance i shoot.At 100 or 200 yards it was do-able

ndking1126 · September 10, 2010, 11:39 PM

THe 7mm Magnum is going to kick the hardest of the 3 by far. The .308 and 7mm-08 are both great deer rounds.

Bigfatts · September 12, 2010, 02:48 PM

Quote:

Are the scopes on a package deal great? maybe yes, maybe no, but should be serviceable for a year or 2.

I have bought two package rifles in my life, a Savage and a Winchester. Same scope on both. The Win I took to the range. On the second shot, the crosshairs disappeared. The one on the Savage acually survived until the 2nd range trip. after a few shots everything went blurry. The objective lens had come out and disappeared. More often than not, the scopes on the package deals are crap.

vegasgtkid · September 12, 2010, 11:25 PM

Thank you for the info guys! I will continue to look around and let you guys know what i purchase. By the way, when i was just getting into all the rifle stuff I re-learned that my dad had bought me an old revelation 30-30. I am going to meet up with him this week and get it. It was my uncles first rifle. My dad said he has some really awesome scope on it that i could take off and put onto a new rifle when its bought. I would like to get it out of the storage and when I do I would like it if you guys could tell me how good the scope is. I know you can't directly look at it so I will tell you the brand and stuff and throw up some pics of it.

September 10, 2010, 09:02 AM	#1
vegasgtkid Junior Member Join Date: September 10, 2010 Posts: 11	Hello Hello everyone. My name is Dale and I am new here and to the rifle world. I own Pistols and 1 shotgun. I have never owned a rifle before and I am thinking of buying a package deal hunting rifle. I just have a quick question. Im looking at 3 packages right now and I would like to know if anyone has any experience with them and if you do I would like to know which has the hardest/lightest kick. Which one malfunctions less and which one would be the best for hunting/bi-weekly range shooting without breaking my bank for ammo. Which would be decently easy upgrade in the future as well? They are: Remington 770 SPT BOLT 308 W/SCOPE Remington 770 SPT BOLT 7MMMG W/SCOPE Savage EDGE XP 7MM-08 W/SCOPE Out of these particular packages which one is the best in your guys' opinions. I would think the first 2 are relatively the same but I don't know much about these. Thank you very much for taking the time to read my post. -- Dale Last edited by vegasgtkid; September 10, 2010 at 09:04 AM. Reason: Forgot a line.

September 10, 2010, 09:32 AM	#4
TX Hunter Senior Member Join Date: February 11, 2010 Location: East Texas USA Posts: 1,805	Hello Welcome to the Board, The best advice I can give you is to avoid the pacage deals. Usually you end up with a generic scope that will eventually fail. I would look for a regular Remington 700, Winchester Model 70 or Savage 110. Then put a good quality scope on any of them, and you will have a good rifle. All three of these rifles have acessories available for them, and have been tried and proven reliable. Good luck.

September 10, 2010, 09:36 AM	#5
sundog Senior Member Join Date: November 22, 1999 Location: Green Country, OK Posts: 783	I'm with Traylorce1, a little more money and get a decent gun to start with. The package deal come-ons are marketing gizmos. Spend your money once and something of decent quality -- Savage 110, Rem 700, etc. Buy the scope separate if need be, and get one of decent quality. Easy for me to say, it's not my money. Caliber choice would be 30-06 or 308 for a first (and for awhile maybe only) gun to hunt with. If you a planning regular range sessions, start thinking about reloading. Save you brass. __________________ safety first

September 10, 2010, 01:00 PM	#7
4runnerman Senior Member Join Date: January 16, 2010 Location: Minnesota Posts: 3,577	Hello Dale. I just baught a new savage edge and i have to tell you when it comes to looks the others are right Savage is no beauty,Butwhen it comes to accuracy Savage puts the rest to shame in a heart beat. Im sure people will argue this forever,but savage has always made a very good barrel. I had the Savage Edge in a 223. 1/4 MOA at 100 yards was a easy thing to do.1/2 MOa at 300 yards was not tough. Go with the Savage and have fun 1000 yard Accuracy record was held by i think Remington for a long time,The new Savage Edge series just broke that record this year. Google internet,, type in most accurate gun made. I did,,, 8 out 10 hits will be Savage, These reviews are put in there by people like me and you and all others in this forum.. It's as easy as Googeling it to find out. Last edited by 4runnerman; September 10, 2010 at 01:07 PM.

September 10, 2010, 01:30 PM	#8
Scorch Senior Member Join Date: February 13, 2006 Location: Washington state Posts: 15,249	The Savage Edge is a brand new entry to the market, not a lot of user experience yet. That may change. In the meantime, check out the Savage 110, Stevens 200, Marlin XL7, Remington 700 SPS, or the Howa 1500 (my recommendation). Many packages are good deals, many are just a way for the retailer to move slow-moving equipment, generally the cheap scopes. I would recommend buying the rifle, then choosing a scope that fits your needs. Many retailers will offer you a discount comparable to the combo's discounted price. __________________ Never try to educate someone who resists knowledge at all costs. But what do I know? Summit Arms Services

September 10, 2010, 09:09 AM	#2
thesheepdog Senior Member Join Date: May 12, 2010 Location: DFW Texas Posts: 1,996	Search the forums; there are hundreds of threads on this.

September 10, 2010, 09:22 AM	#3
taylorce1 Senior Member Join Date: November 18, 2005 Location: On the Santa Fe Trail Posts: 8,498	First off Dale, Welcome to the forum! Now for what I think of your package huning rifles. I wouldn't buy any of them. The Remington 770 is junk IMO and I wouldn't touch them. The Savage Edge is to new to tell yet. However there are things I don't like about it, first off the recoil lug is molded into the stock and not attached to the receiver. Second I don't like the way the trigger is put togehter either nor do I like the stock. They both might be functional hunting rifles but for less than $100 more you can usually pick up a much better one. Realize as well that the optics on these rifles are marginal at best and look at replacing them when your money can afford it. Plus hunt a used gun rack at the local gun shops, you never know what jewel you will find there. What big box sporting goods stores are near where you live? I've seen Stevens 200, Savage 110, Weatherby Vanguard, and Remington ADL package deals at Dick's and Wal-Mart here locally. The Vanguard and M700 ADL usually run a little over $400 and the Stevens and Savage usually a little under. As far as your cartridge choices since you are new to centerfire rifles, I'd loose the 7mm Rem Mag. The 7mm-08 isn't popular in all areas so look at the available ammo on the shelf before buying. .308 is a good choice as ammo is usually plentiful, and look at .243 Win and .30-06 as well.

September 10, 2010, 12:34 PM	#6
GeauxTide Senior Member Join Date: April 20, 2009 Location: Helena, AL Posts: 4,514	Package, smackage. I'm with Taylor and Sundog. With Remington's declination, I'd stick with Ruger, Winchester, and Browning. Find a rifle that fits and feels good in the caliber you want. 308 and 708 are fine as wine.

September 10, 2010, 02:33 PM	#9
srkavanagh6621 Senior Member Join Date: May 1, 2010 Location: South Dakota Posts: 190	If your going to get a Remington go with the 700 series they are much better quality. I havent heard anything bad about the savage but they are pretty new but im sure they are a good product. Also check out the marlin bolt actions if your on a budget they are pretty cheap rifles that shoot pretty darn good. Best of luck in purchasing a rifle!

September 10, 2010, 03:00 PM	#10
Hoskins Senior Member Join Date: July 21, 2010 Posts: 240	Welcome to the board! Of the 3 choices you listed it would have to be the Savage Edge. There has been way too many folks that have had way too many problems with the Rem 770's. If you want to go w/ Rem...go w/a 700...not a 770.

September 10, 2010, 03:13 PM	#11
RimfireChris Senior Member Join Date: April 27, 2010 Location: Pacific Northwest Posts: 421	Welcome I don'thunt much, but in general I stay away from the package deals, usually the rifle is fine, but the optics offered tend to be sub-par.

September 10, 2010, 03:37 PM	#12
Legionnaire Senior Member Join Date: July 26, 2000 Location: Central TX Posts: 1,503	First, welcome. Second, as others have said, steer clear of the package deals. In fact, steer clear of "cheap" rifles altogether if you are serious about wanting to develop this aspect of your interest. In my opinion, the best bang for the buck can be had buying a good second hand rifle. But if you want to go new, the Savage 110 has a great reputation. My personal preference would be an older Remington 700, but that's just me. There are lots of other options. __________________ Cogito, ergo armatus sum.

September 10, 2010, 04:03 PM	#13
4runnerman Senior Member Join Date: January 16, 2010 Location: Minnesota Posts: 3,577	I have only one thing to add. (2nd hand guns) I don't think i could ever buy one. You never know how many rounds have gone down it. Could be a good deal or could be a gun that is ready to die. To scary for me to put money into.. The whole optics thing is a whole different story. I will keep my opinions to myself on that one. I will say though that the scope thing is what ever you want it to be. I shoot extreame long distance 500 to 1000 yards with a NCStar scope 10 x 40 x50 $112.00 i have no issues and it returns to zero at 300 yards with very much accuracy,but thats just my 2 cents woth.

September 10, 2010, 06:22 PM	#14
davlandrum Senior Member Join Date: February 27, 2006 Location: Lane County Oregon Posts: 2,547	In my neck of the woods, there were a couple of chains with a Savage package that I would get before the Rem 770. Are the scopes on a package deal great? maybe yes, maybe no, but should be serviceable for a year or 2. I got my Rem 700 with a Leupold VX-II as a package, so don't assume the scope is going to be junk.

September 10, 2010, 07:31 PM	#15
4runnerman Senior Member Join Date: January 16, 2010 Location: Minnesota Posts: 3,577	the scope on mine was a 4 x 9 x 40 bushnell. Not bad but not great for the distance i shoot.At 100 or 200 yards it was do-able

September 10, 2010, 11:39 PM	#16
ndking1126 Senior Member Join Date: January 27, 2008 Location: Madison, AL Posts: 1,932	THe 7mm Magnum is going to kick the hardest of the 3 by far. The .308 and 7mm-08 are both great deer rounds.

September 12, 2010, 11:25 PM	#18
vegasgtkid Junior Member Join Date: September 10, 2010 Posts: 11	Thank you for the info guys! I will continue to look around and let you guys know what i purchase. By the way, when i was just getting into all the rifle stuff I re-learned that my dad had bought me an old revelation 30-30. I am going to meet up with him this week and get it. It was my uncles first rifle. My dad said he has some really awesome scope on it that i could take off and put onto a new rifle when its bought. I would like to get it out of the storage and when I do I would like it if you guys could tell me how good the scope is. I know you can't directly look at it so I will tell you the brand and stuff and throw up some pics of it.