What is the best bolt action hunting type rifle for around $1000

ginshun · May 1, 2009, 03:18 PM

Best is a subjective term I realize, and that is how the question is intended. Some people like stainless and composite, some people like fancy walnut and shiny bluing. I just want a variety of opinions.

Caliber and exact use it open. Maybe to you a .460 Weatherby Mag is "better" to you than a .22-250, so be it.

Might be a rifle that you plan to scope, might not.

I would also say that it is valid to purchase a $500 rifle and then have $500 worth of smithing done to it. If that's the case, lets hear it.

Going on gunbroker.com and buying a used, more expensive rifle for about $1000 is valid too. Assuming it is readily available, and normally is around that price.

Somebody gives you $1000 and tells you that you have to use it to buy a bolt action hunting rifle and only that rifle, and whatever was left over, you have to give back. What would you buy?

Manufacturer and caliber.

Savage99 · May 1, 2009, 03:23 PM

I have been buying Kimbers of late. I wanted lighter rifles and they make some good ones.

I appreciate the good M70 type safeties that the Kimbers have along with CRF and excellent triggers. Being made right here in the USA is a big plus for me as well.

jmr40 · May 1, 2009, 04:09 PM

If I could put another $100 with it, I would also buy a Kimber. $1000 is slightly under budget, especially with sales tax.

If I could find one of the Stainless synthetic Winchesters I would consider that as well. I think they are selling for around $900

A Ruger Hawkeye in a McMillan stock would run right at $1000 and be a strong contender also.

Slamfire · May 1, 2009, 04:16 PM

For a new rifle, I really like the new M70's. I purchased a 308 "PBR", one of the last M70's made at New Haven. The machining is really good, the action is slick, mine came with the old M70 trigger (which may be a good thing). The only thing I don't like is the four round box magazine. Cuts my fingers loading and only holds four rounds. At least they make a version with a floorplate and it holds five rounds.

Still for $500 you can pick up a nice used rifle, like this M700 in 30-06. I got this for less than $500, and then I put on a finished Boyd Stock. It is a nice rifle.

I don't know what used Finnbear SAKO's go for. Surely less than $1000. My 30-06 Finnbear SAKO is the finest factory rifle I ever owned. Everything was right, trigger pull, stock bedding, function and finish.

If you could find a lightly used SAKO, its a great rifle.

For a caliber, 30-06. It is the most flexible round around.

Pigcooker · May 1, 2009, 04:17 PM

I have purchased a nice 303 Savage---and I only got 3 shells with
the gun,,,,looking for ammo... would be interested in 100 rounds at
a fair price..There is some fair pig hunting locally which I would like
to use this gun for.

ginshun · May 1, 2009, 04:31 PM

Quote:

I have purchased a nice 303 Savage---and I only got 3 shells with
the gun,,,,looking for ammo... would be interested in 100 rounds at
a fair price..There is some fair pig hunting locally which I would like
to use this gun for.

dunno if this is in the right thread or not, but either way.

For .303 Savage ammo, your best bet is to get into reloading. A couple of different companies make dies for it, and Norma recently started making new brass. Other than that, I think there are a few specialty ammo makers that you can get ammo from.

I have a Savage 99 in this caliber too, but I have never shot it yet, because I haven't gotten around to getting the dies / brass for it. Maybe later this summer or fall.

bojack2575 · May 1, 2009, 05:29 PM

IMO the best out of the box hunting rifle is the Sako A7 for less than $1000.00.
http://www.sakoa7.net/

jgcoastie · May 1, 2009, 07:21 PM

Weatherby Vanguard Sub-MOA Matte, probably 25/06 caliber...

Browning A-Bolt Stainless Stalker, 7mm-08...

Can't really go wrong with either one...

a7mmnut · May 1, 2009, 07:46 PM

Careful, now.......we've almost had 'net fistfights over threads like this!

That said, I'd dump the whole thing on one of the new Sub-MOA Weatherby Vanguards-probably a .257 Weatherby Mag.

-7-

5RWill · May 1, 2009, 08:06 PM

Kimber

popeyespappy · May 1, 2009, 08:13 PM

Weatherby Mark V Synthetic in .375 H&H Magnum. $967 delivered from Bud's

wyobohunter · May 1, 2009, 09:10 PM

Tikka T3 Lite (30-06)... $525
Leupold VXII 3-9 x 40 mm $330
Leupold low rings... $35
Leupold base... $24

=$914 for a durn goo shooter that can arguably take anything in north america, all ready to go with money left over for dies or ammo.

Swampghost · May 2, 2009, 12:15 AM

From the king of second hand weapons. I have a few that cross the $1K line but not many. The ones that do cross the line are due to appreciation or upgrades.

IMHO, 'best' is what you can shoot well at an affordable price. The two go hand-in-hand. I have a 45-70 that starts to really hurt after a box (20 rds.), it's also expensive. Based on that it doesn't see too much range time, not much use for it hunting down here.

Compare that to my .243 or .44 Mag. that's relatively affordable, low recoil, shoot it all of the time for fun rifles and it's a party at the range or in the woods.

I'm stuck with scopes due to age, I like Nikon scopes. I'm under $700 each. The gold is there, you just have to do a little digging.

azsixshooter · May 2, 2009, 12:54 AM

I'm extremely happy with my CZ550 American in 6.5x55 Swedish. I paid about $650 for her new.

Distortion · May 2, 2009, 11:17 AM

It depends on what you're hunting, but this should handle just about anything. However, I'd consider shelling out a few extra bucks for one in kevlar.

Dallas Jack · May 2, 2009, 12:06 PM

Weatherby Vanguard Sub-MOA in 25/06 caliber or Weatherby Vanguard Predator in .223.
Dallas Jack

Alamocdc · May 2, 2009, 12:28 PM

I won't get into calibers since there are just too many variables concerning location, target species, etc. But you said best bolt action so here is my 2 cents.

1) My absolute favorite action is an FN Mauser K98 - great steel, very strong action, comes in long and short and can be chambered for virtually any caliber, very reliable. And many of todays standards were patterend after it. I own 4 of these in various calibers and would never sell them.

2) Pre-64 Remington Mdl 700 - same basic design and strength as the K98. Calibers abound and these can still be had for under $1K if you look.

3) Weatherby Mk V - ranked third only because they still seem to be more expensive than the two above.

4) Remington Mdl 721 - all 721s are pre-64 IIRC. You won't find many of these, but if you do, they're worth having.

I have several rifles in all of the above actions and they are pretty much the only actions I'll ever own. Are some of those mentioned by others better than my choices? Maybe, by why quit a winner? I know I can depend on these, without fail, without question, every time they are needed.

Savage99 · May 2, 2009, 01:20 PM

Alamocdc,

I take issue that the Rem. 721-2's or 700's are a good design for a hunting rifle at all!

Those Rems lack a three position safety that allows the chamber to be unloaded on safe. And even when on 'safe' they only block the trigger and don't control the firing pin like a Win 70, Kimber or Ruger does. They are not a good design.

The Rems also lack a decent strong extractor and of course don't have CRF either! They also have weak bolt handles that are just tack brazed on and can and do break off! Even the bolt lug section of a Rem is brazed to the bolt body.

Horseman · May 2, 2009, 01:38 PM

Quote:

I won't get into calibers since there are just too many variables concerning location, target species, etc. But you said best bolt action so here is my 2 cents.

1) My absolute favorite action is an FN Mauser K98 - great steel, very strong action, comes in long and short and can be chambered for virtually any caliber, very reliable. And many of todays standards were patterend after it. I own 4 of these in various calibers and would never sell them.

2) Pre-64 Remington Mdl 700 - same basic design and strength as the K98. Calibers abound and these can still be had for under $1K if you look.

3) Weatherby Mk V - ranked third only because they still seem to be more expensive than the two above.

4) Remington Mdl 721 - all 721s are pre-64 IIRC. You won't find many of these, but if you do, they're worth having.

I have several rifles in all of the above actions and they are pretty much the only actions I'll ever own. Are some of those mentioned by others better than my choices? Maybe, by why quit a winner? I know I can depend on these, without fail, without question, every time they are needed.

Today 12:06 PM

Alamocdc

I'm sure #2 was meant to be Pre 64 WINCHESTER Model 70.

elkman06 · May 2, 2009, 05:17 PM

+14 on the Tikka T3. great choice, leaves lotsa room for a great scope on a 1k deal.

Quote:

I take issue that the Rem. 721-2's or 700's are a good design for a hunting rifle at all

+14 on this as well. My 721 is my least accurate rifle. Has lots of nostalgia for me as it was my grandfathers' but now that I've used it on both deer and elk, it has been refinished and will remain a safe queen from now on.
reason:
1: Safety
2: Accuracy
elkman06

Alamocdc · May 2, 2009, 05:51 PM

Quote:

I take issue that the Rem. 721-2's or 700's are a good design for a hunting rifle at all!

Those Rems lack a three position safety that allows the chamber to be unloaded on safe. And even when on 'safe' they only block the trigger and don't control the firing pin like a Win 70, Kimber or Ruger does. They are not a good design.

The Rems also lack a decent strong extractor and of course don't have CRF either! They also have weak bolt handles that are just tack brazed on and can and do break off! Even the bolt lug section of a Rem is brazed to the bolt body.

As I said, it was "my" two cents. Everyone has their favorites for different reasons. Mine have never failed me. YMPGMV

bojack2575 · May 2, 2009, 06:25 PM

Quote:

I take issue that the Rem. 721-2's or 700's are a good design for a hunting rifle at all!

I put the Sako A7 at the top of my list for the best out of the box hunting rifle under $1000.00 only because its a little lighter and possibly a little more accurate than the Remington 700, but I have to defend the 700 here. I don't think the 700 has been around for 40+ years because its an inferior design for hunting, in fact I would say that the 700 has probably killed more big game than any other hunting rifle out there. The 700 did not become the most popular hunting rifle in America because there's something wrong with it, I know I have killed more deer with mine than any other. Also if you can't unload your gun safely without the gun being on safe then your an idiot.....and probably shouldn't have a gun anyway.

Slamfire · May 2, 2009, 06:56 PM

Quote:

Also if you can't unload your gun safely without the gun being on safe then your an idiot.....and probably shouldn't have a gun anyway

That is terribly unfair thing to say, as accidental discharges that have happened with the M700's were not necessarily the owner's fault.

It's the trigger mechanism. The trigger mechanism that came with the Remington M721 through late model M700's was faulty. When you put the safety on, it blocked the sear and locked the bolt handle down. However a number of these rifle had accidental discharges when the safety was taken off.

A grey beard that I shoot with, he recounted a story of two hardware store new M721's that discharged, "through the floor boards", when the owners took the safety off to unload the rifles.

I never cared for a sear blocking safety, but that is what is on my M700. I have adjusted it, slapped it, dropped it on its butt with the safety on, worked the bolt extra fast, to ensure that it it does not over ride. On my M700, Remington changed the trigger so the bolt is not locked down when the safety is on. That was to reduce the chance of an accidental discharge as you don't have to take the safety off to open the bolt. On later model M700's Remington totally changed the trigger mechanism.

Outside of the trigger mechanism, which has had problems, and recent poor worksmanship, the M700 has proven to be a strong and reliable design.

bojack2575 · May 2, 2009, 07:11 PM

Yes I understand Remington had a problem with some of the older 700s and it was like around 1% of the millions that were sold. Said problem has since been fixed.

Quote:

A grey beard that I shoot with, he recounted a story of two hardware store new M721's that discharged, "through the floor boards", when the owners took the safety off to unload the rifles.

Hmm..........I usually unload my rifle before I get in the truck and always keep it pointed in a safe direction when I do. Had these guys followed basic safety rules they wouldn't have had holes in there floor boards...... wow you would think after the first one went off the other guy would have taken his out the vehicle to unload it.

Westcoaster · May 2, 2009, 07:43 PM

Cartridge is straightforward - 30 06 - boringly effective and efficient.

The rifle, well I kind of like the CRF 98 Mausers and in new rifles I like the Winchester Model 70's and the CZ's.

In a second hand rifle I would look for a FN Browning, or a late model "Classic" M 70. I like the Ruger 77 mkII's but not the triggers.

May 1, 2009, 03:18 PM	#1
ginshun Senior Member Join Date: March 14, 2008 Posts: 162	What is the best bolt action hunting type rifle for around $1000 Best is a subjective term I realize, and that is how the question is intended. Some people like stainless and composite, some people like fancy walnut and shiny bluing. I just want a variety of opinions. Caliber and exact use it open. Maybe to you a .460 Weatherby Mag is "better" to you than a .22-250, so be it. Might be a rifle that you plan to scope, might not. I would also say that it is valid to purchase a $500 rifle and then have $500 worth of smithing done to it. If that's the case, lets hear it. Going on gunbroker.com and buying a used, more expensive rifle for about $1000 is valid too. Assuming it is readily available, and normally is around that price. Somebody gives you $1000 and tells you that you have to use it to buy a bolt action hunting rifle and only that rifle, and whatever was left over, you have to give back. What would you buy? Manufacturer and caliber.

May 1, 2009, 04:17 PM	#5
Pigcooker Junior Member Join Date: May 1, 2009 Location: Mid-state Calif Posts: 2	303 savage ammo I have purchased a nice 303 Savage---and I only got 3 shells with the gun,,,,looking for ammo... would be interested in 100 rounds at a fair price..There is some fair pig hunting locally which I would like to use this gun for.

May 1, 2009, 07:21 PM	#8
jgcoastie Senior Member Join Date: February 15, 2009 Location: Kodiak, Alaska Posts: 2,118	Weatherby Vanguard Sub-MOA Matte, probably 25/06 caliber... Browning A-Bolt Stainless Stalker, 7mm-08... Can't really go wrong with either one... __________________ "To preserve liberty, it is essential that the whole body of the people always possess arms, and be taught alike, especially when young, how to use them." -Richard Henry Lee, Virginia delegate to the Continental Congress, initiator of the Declaration of Independence, and member of the first Senate, which passed the Bill of Rights.

May 2, 2009, 12:15 AM	#13
Swampghost Senior Member Join Date: April 18, 2008 Location: Florida, east coast Posts: 2,106	From the king of second hand weapons. I have a few that cross the $1K line but not many. The ones that do cross the line are due to appreciation or upgrades. IMHO, 'best' is what you can shoot well at an affordable price. The two go hand-in-hand. I have a 45-70 that starts to really hurt after a box (20 rds.), it's also expensive. Based on that it doesn't see too much range time, not much use for it hunting down here. Compare that to my .243 or .44 Mag. that's relatively affordable, low recoil, shoot it all of the time for fun rifles and it's a party at the range or in the woods. I'm stuck with scopes due to age, I like Nikon scopes. I'm under $700 each. The gold is there, you just have to do a little digging. __________________ NRA Patron Member

May 2, 2009, 12:54 AM	#14
azsixshooter Senior Member Join Date: April 22, 2007 Location: Pinckney, MI Posts: 657	I'm extremely happy with my CZ550 American in 6.5x55 Swedish. I paid about $650 for her new. __________________ "Which side are we on? We're on the side of the demons, Chief. We're evil men in the gardens of paradise, sent by the forces of death to spread devastation and destruction wherever we go. I'm surprised you didn't know that." --Saul Tigh http://sargesrollcall.blogspot.com/2...s-no-more.html

May 1, 2009, 03:23 PM	#2
Savage99 Senior Member Join Date: May 17, 2004 Posts: 567	I have been buying Kimbers of late. I wanted lighter rifles and they make some good ones. I appreciate the good M70 type safeties that the Kimbers have along with CRF and excellent triggers. Being made right here in the USA is a big plus for me as well.

May 1, 2009, 04:09 PM	#3
jmr40 Senior Member Join Date: June 15, 2008 Location: Georgia Posts: 10,803	If I could put another $100 with it, I would also buy a Kimber. $1000 is slightly under budget, especially with sales tax. If I could find one of the Stainless synthetic Winchesters I would consider that as well. I think they are selling for around $900 A Ruger Hawkeye in a McMillan stock would run right at $1000 and be a strong contender also.

May 1, 2009, 04:16 PM	#4
Slamfire Senior Member Join Date: May 27, 2007 Posts: 5,261	For a new rifle, I really like the new M70's. I purchased a 308 "PBR", one of the last M70's made at New Haven. The machining is really good, the action is slick, mine came with the old M70 trigger (which may be a good thing). The only thing I don't like is the four round box magazine. Cuts my fingers loading and only holds four rounds. At least they make a version with a floorplate and it holds five rounds. Still for $500 you can pick up a nice used rifle, like this M700 in 30-06. I got this for less than $500, and then I put on a finished Boyd Stock. It is a nice rifle. I don't know what used Finnbear SAKO's go for. Surely less than $1000. My 30-06 Finnbear SAKO is the finest factory rifle I ever owned. Everything was right, trigger pull, stock bedding, function and finish. If you could find a lightly used SAKO, its a great rifle. For a caliber, 30-06. It is the most flexible round around.

May 1, 2009, 05:29 PM	#7
bojack2575 Junior member Join Date: July 9, 2008 Location: South Carolina Posts: 457	IMO the best out of the box hunting rifle is the Sako A7 for less than $1000.00. http://www.sakoa7.net/

May 1, 2009, 07:46 PM	#9
a7mmnut Junior member Join Date: February 27, 2009 Location: NC Foothills Posts: 1,150	Careful, now.......we've almost had 'net fistfights over threads like this! That said, I'd dump the whole thing on one of the new Sub-MOA Weatherby Vanguards-probably a .257 Weatherby Mag. -7-

May 1, 2009, 08:06 PM	#10
5RWill Senior Member Join Date: July 20, 2008 Location: Mississippi Posts: 2,654	Kimber

May 1, 2009, 08:13 PM	#11
popeyespappy Senior Member Join Date: January 23, 2008 Posts: 337	Weatherby Mark V Synthetic in .375 H&H Magnum. $967 delivered from Bud's

May 1, 2009, 09:10 PM	#12
wyobohunter Senior Member Join Date: August 21, 2008 Location: Back in Wyoming Posts: 1,125	Tikka T3 Lite (30-06)... $525 Leupold VXII 3-9 x 40 mm $330 Leupold low rings... $35 Leupold base... $24 =$914 for a durn goo shooter that can arguably take anything in north america, all ready to go with money left over for dies or ammo.

May 2, 2009, 11:17 AM	#15
Distortion Senior Member Join Date: June 25, 2008 Location: New Orleans, LA Posts: 419	It depends on what you're hunting, but this should handle just about anything. However, I'd consider shelling out a few extra bucks for one in kevlar. __________________ There is no gravity. The Earth sucks.

May 2, 2009, 12:06 PM	#16
Dallas Jack Senior Member Join Date: February 25, 2005 Location: Dallas Posts: 386	Weatherby Vanguard Sub-MOA in 25/06 caliber or Weatherby Vanguard Predator in .223. Dallas Jack

May 2, 2009, 12:28 PM	#17
Alamocdc Member Join Date: March 10, 2009 Location: The Great State of Texas Posts: 66	I won't get into calibers since there are just too many variables concerning location, target species, etc. But you said best bolt action so here is my 2 cents. 1) My absolute favorite action is an FN Mauser K98 - great steel, very strong action, comes in long and short and can be chambered for virtually any caliber, very reliable. And many of todays standards were patterend after it. I own 4 of these in various calibers and would never sell them. 2) Pre-64 Remington Mdl 700 - same basic design and strength as the K98. Calibers abound and these can still be had for under $1K if you look. 3) Weatherby Mk V - ranked third only because they still seem to be more expensive than the two above. 4) Remington Mdl 721 - all 721s are pre-64 IIRC. You won't find many of these, but if you do, they're worth having. I have several rifles in all of the above actions and they are pretty much the only actions I'll ever own. Are some of those mentioned by others better than my choices? Maybe, by why quit a winner? I know I can depend on these, without fail, without question, every time they are needed. __________________ NRA Life Member, TSRA Life Member

May 2, 2009, 01:20 PM	#18
Savage99 Senior Member Join Date: May 17, 2004 Posts: 567	Alamocdc, I take issue that the Rem. 721-2's or 700's are a good design for a hunting rifle at all! Those Rems lack a three position safety that allows the chamber to be unloaded on safe. And even when on 'safe' they only block the trigger and don't control the firing pin like a Win 70, Kimber or Ruger does. They are not a good design. The Rems also lack a decent strong extractor and of course don't have CRF either! They also have weak bolt handles that are just tack brazed on and can and do break off! Even the bolt lug section of a Rem is brazed to the bolt body.

May 2, 2009, 07:43 PM	#25
Westcoaster Member Join Date: April 14, 2009 Location: Central BC Posts: 73	Cartridge is straightforward - 30 06 - boringly effective and efficient. The rifle, well I kind of like the CRF 98 Mausers and in new rifles I like the Winchester Model 70's and the CZ's. In a second hand rifle I would look for a FN Browning, or a late model "Classic" M 70. I like the Ruger 77 mkII's but not the triggers.

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