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How many of these threads do we see? It doesn't matter what the purpose or type of weapon, there is always the "need a gun for xyz, only got $400". My first reaction is that people can be somewhat unrealistic about what they can get for that kind of money. The second is to suggest one of the new bargain rifles that have flooded the market (Savage Axis, Ruger American, Remington 783, etc.).
I was thinking about this the other day. It seems like the middle class of hunting rifles is dying. You can buy a rifle at $800+ or a rifle around $350 that may or may not be very well made. Don't get me wrong, I think its great that there is a price point that gets more people into shooting and hunting. It just seems there are plenty of complaints about reliability and durability.
SO, I plan on buying a decent rifle and have it field ready with scope and sling for....under $400. My theory is that I can put this rig together in the spirit of a parent or first-time hunter who needs to pinch dollars, bit wants something that will last and can be upgraded in the future to something semi-custom in nature.
Goals:
• Accurate, durable rifle with aftermarket support.
• Chambered in a readily available and versatile cartridge capable of taking any non-dangerous game up to moose...that costs less than $20 a box of ammo.
• Scope that is waterproof, fog proof, and durable for shots out to 400 yards on a vital zone measuring 8 inches in diameter.
• Strong mounts to maintain zero.
• Servicable sling that can be used not only to carry the rifle, but provide shooting support.
Once this is achieved and demonstrated, I will then make upgrades to the rifle to make it something on par with some of the bare $1000 rifles out there....but I will have it scoped and ready to go for under $800...with good components.
Stay tuned! I plan to have phase one complete in the next 7 days due to shipping times.
I was thinking about this the other day. It seems like the middle class of hunting rifles is dying. You can buy a rifle at $800+ or a rifle around $350 that may or may not be very well made. Don't get me wrong, I think its great that there is a price point that gets more people into shooting and hunting. It just seems there are plenty of complaints about reliability and durability.
SO, I plan on buying a decent rifle and have it field ready with scope and sling for....under $400. My theory is that I can put this rig together in the spirit of a parent or first-time hunter who needs to pinch dollars, bit wants something that will last and can be upgraded in the future to something semi-custom in nature.
Goals:
• Accurate, durable rifle with aftermarket support.
• Chambered in a readily available and versatile cartridge capable of taking any non-dangerous game up to moose...that costs less than $20 a box of ammo.
• Scope that is waterproof, fog proof, and durable for shots out to 400 yards on a vital zone measuring 8 inches in diameter.
• Strong mounts to maintain zero.
• Servicable sling that can be used not only to carry the rifle, but provide shooting support.
Once this is achieved and demonstrated, I will then make upgrades to the rifle to make it something on par with some of the bare $1000 rifles out there....but I will have it scoped and ready to go for under $800...with good components.
Stay tuned! I plan to have phase one complete in the next 7 days due to shipping times.
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