Can anyone point me in the right direction of where to buy a used or low priced rifle for deer hunting. I’m looking at something in the 350-400$ range as I’m on a limited budget being in college. I’m also looking at buying the scope seperately and leaning towards either a ruger American or savage axis, but open to others. Thanks
It is very difficult to beat either the American or the Axis. I would say the American is a little more refined as far as fit/finish, but they Axis is a tack driver that leaves more $ for extras like the scope. Take your pick.
I own 2 Axis and have helped another forum member with setup and load development for his 270 Ruger American.
IMO the used gun market is just crazy with people paying $$$$ basically for a beat up gun that will never shoot as well as an Axis just because it has a hallowed name from the past. You won’t find much, if anything, worth buying in your budget and what you will find won’t hold a group anywhere near the Axis or American.
As to where to buy, the big box stores have great sales on both the American and the Axis. Also check Bud’s Gun Shop online.
Grouse
I usually buy guns on Gun Broker. They usually come out of Bud’s but have also bought a few from Reed’s online.
DT
Rifles have very low profit margins, so you don’t see a huge cost difference between dealers. On occasion, you’ll find an exception and there is your deal.
As mentioned, if your looking to spend as little as possible, I would go with the savage axis. Not a rifle I would send thousands of rounds through, but a solid hunting rifle. I reload for a bunch of them and they have been quite consistent.
Best value on scopes would be the Athlon optics. Very well built, great glass, and no questions lifetime warranty
As mentioned, if your looking to spend as little as possible, I would go with the savage axis. Not a rifle I would send thousands of rounds through, but a solid hunting rifle.
My .22-250 Axis has officially crossed the 1000 round mark with this year’s varmint trip, and my .223 Axis is nearing 2000 rounds. Most are highly unlikely to reach these round counts with a big game rifle, but I am confident the rifle would do it. I’m equally confident the Ruger would do in excess of 2000.
Grouse
Grouse, we’ve burnt out an axis in 270win at about 3700 rounds. That was used as a daily plinker and the atv/tractor varmint gun. For the price point, great gun and life. In comparison, I’ve got near 10,000 rounds through 1 of my Howa 22-250s and pushing near 7000 through a custom 270wsm. Bog cost difference though. And most people won’t shoot 40 to 100 rounds per week like me
I bought a Savage trophy hunter xp 2 falls ago for my oldest son and it is a great gun. came with a Nikon scope even. I bought it at Reeds and there were a couple rebates going on which made it even cheaper. I believe the gun had a $50 rebate, then if you bought Federal Ammo you got another $25 or so. Reeds has a huge sale coming up, August/Sept timeframe I think. They have additional sales on everything, including guns. He shot is first deer with it that first Fall with it. For the amount of shooting we do, I have no doubts this gun will outlast us.
I plan on buying another one for my middle son this year.
I had my gun break on me about 6 years ago, I was kind of in your shoes with 2 weeks before opener. I bought a Weatherby vanguard in 270win and I really enjoy that rifle. For me it has bee extremely accurate. It also came with a Leupold VX-1. All for around 550.00 on sale.
New guns have a 17-25% markup on them, that’s it. You can sometimes find good deals on them, but not all the time. For a used rifle, I would check out Frontiersman sports in SLP. They usually have a good selection of used bolt actions at fairly good prices. Ruger, Savage and Howa are all good guns at good prices. I know the popularity of the Rem 700, but I feel there are much better options at MUCH better prices.
There was some quality issues with the Ruger American’s earlier this year. I am sure they have resolved them. IMO savage for the price has always been at the top. The put their money into their barrels as opposed to their looks and i have never had any complaints with any of their rifles.
For a used rifle, I would check out Frontiersman sports in SLP. They usually have a good selection of used bolt actions at fairly good prices.
X2, Frontiersman is a great, little old school shop for used rifles.
Frontiersman or ahlmans has there shooters round up on audio 26-27 they have some deals sometimes and ya can shoot belt fed stuff also.
Go with the ruger american! personally either one is a good choice but i have the american chambered in 7mm-08 and love it! first rifle i ever handloaded for and can get some crazy sub moa groups with it when i do my part! mine also does like the hornady whitetail loads that are the 140gr as well for hunting 
Go check Gander Mountain’s going out of business sale.
Go check Gander Mountain’s going out of business sale.
A friend was there recently and he said guns were 40% off. Not sure if it was all though.
DT
Blackpowder rifles are probably 60% off.
Might want to check Prince Gun shop in Milaca. I don’t know squat about guns other then I never want to look down the barrel of one again.
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