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inexpensive elk rifle

C

colorado_joe

Private
Minuteman
Jul 30, 2012
7
0
33
my old man has found himself on hard times i want to do something nice for him an buy him a new elk rifle my budget is in the $700 range and id like that to include a scope i know thats a stretch but if anyone has any thoughts i would truly appreciate it

i did look at the ruger american its in the $500 range for a .308 any thoughts?
 
Re: inexpensive elk rifle

Savage 11 Hunter with a Leupold VX-1 will run under 700.
 
Re: inexpensive elk rifle

Savage Axis XP .30-'06, appx $420 with a 3-9 scope already factory mounted and bore sighted. Shop around, some dealers will offer discounts.

The Axis is Savage's entry into the low-cost hunting rifle market. The goal is to provide a functionally effective hunting package at minimal cost to the customer.

The Axis does this quite well.

Elk ar BIG. Forget about the .308, use the .30-'06. It will do well against any North American game animal. The .270 Win is also popular and roughly the same degree of effective.

Greg
 
Re: inexpensive elk rifle

I'd think you would definitely need at least the 30-06 for elk hunting.
Remington, Savage & Howa all offer rifle scope combos that would meet your budget. I think a single shot break over would work as well.
Good luck, I hope you can get your dad fixed up.
 
Re: inexpensive elk rifle

Remington sps in 7rem mag with burris fullfield II scope. Gona be a tad over but the glass is good and the 7 mag is the bomb.
 
Re: inexpensive elk rifle

Tikka or Rem 700 SPS.

For glass, look for a used VX-II or Conquest.
 
Re: inexpensive elk rifle

Ever consider a used rifle. Just an example I saw a Model 70 in '06 at a gun shop last week for $369. It had some sort of scope on it, I didn't pay attention to the scope as I was thinking of the rifle for the action as I have enought '06s.

It looked to be in pretty good shape, being a Winchester fan, it was a good price even if the scope was junk (I don't know that it was).

That was just on rifle and one gun shop. I'm sure its not the only good rifle with a good price out there.
 
Re: inexpensive elk rifle

Find the local pawn shop and buy a used Remington or Savage 30-06. There are some good buys on Winchester 670's around as well.
Optic: Look for one of the Vortex Viper closeout's. There were several models available at very good prices. A couple of the sight sponsors had them and may still have some left.

Good Luck
 
Re: inexpensive elk rifle

If your old man is having hard times, a Savage will not cheer him up.
smile.gif
.
 
Re: inexpensive elk rifle

How about a Walmart Remington 700 in 7mm Rem Mag. They run about 450-460. Load it up with 160gr Accubonds, top it with a Simmons Whitetail Classic for just over 100 dollars from Midway and you have a fairly nice elk rig. Cheap but it works.
 
Re: inexpensive elk rifle

Years ago I was in Colorado in a similar situation after moving from the east I needed a do all rifle with ammunition that was easy to find.
30.06 is the way I went, you can find the ammo in any shop in the US they actually make reduced recoil loads for it now, so it does not beat up your dad. and it shoots a huge variety of bullets. I used the 180gr for ELK.
I found an old Remington 700 30.06 with a broken wood stock in a gun shop and I got it pretty cheap, I found an inexpensive composite stock and took the gun and the stock to him where he glass bedded it for me and then I mounted up an inexpensive 3x9 Luepold with a German number 4 reticle and it has been my go to ever since.
 
Re: inexpensive elk rifle

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: rth1800</div><div class="ubbcode-body">If your old man is having hard times, a Savage will not cheer him up.
smile.gif
.</div></div>

I lol'd.
 
Re: inexpensive elk rifle

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: John2247</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I'd think you would definitely need at least the 30-06 for elk hunting.
Remington, Savage & Howa all offer rifle scope combos that would meet your budget. I think a single shot break over would work as well.
Good luck, I hope you can get your dad fixed up.</div></div>

This is ridiculous. Ive taken an elk with a .243.

You want first and foremost the cartridge that you can shoot under pressure, with wind, with your nut sack half froze off, water and gravel in your boots, leaning against a tree.

If you simply dont have that much time behind anything, then go with a nice, flat-shooting cartridge. You want enough confidence with the cartridge to not throw your shot in that space of time when you finally see a dark hairy thing through the trees that doesn't appear to also be wearing orange.

You cant miss hard enough with enough fps and ft-lbs to take the elk down. Worry about shot placement first and foremost.

Having a 30-06 making a peripheral hit might make up for your piss poor skills in the way that a 243 may only injure, but the idea that you have to have something like a 30-06 as the only reasonable way to take an elk is patently ridiculous on its face.

If the 30-06 is what you have your field trigger time on, and what you are comfortable with, by all means take it! Same with a 7mm or a 300wm.

All that being said, a lot of people out here tend towards the 7mm cartridge as relatively cheap, easily available, flat shooting, with reasonably good terminal ballistics.
 
Re: inexpensive elk rifle

I see this come up all the time, sure a 243, 7x57, 260, 6.5, 308 "can" take an elk. The 30-06 "will" take and elk.

Not every hunter needs to be a competition marksman. Safe shooting, good stance and sight picture and a trusted and proven caliber.

Personally I shoot and hunt with a variety of chambering, but if I were to give a Elk rifle to a family member as a gift it would be an 30-06.

Last year I was up near Walden, the place was crawlin with orange. zero dark early, didnt see shit, about 0900 heard one shot the whole morning. about 1300 was back to my Jeep to roll out to another spot and this old timer and the packer come down with a pack horse and his meat. Old guy was using an old Weatherby in -06, same one he had been using for the last 30 or so years. The -06 has proven itself over and over again, why mess with a good thing.

To OP, not sure where you live, but if you live in CO google Colorado Gun Market. There should be something to your liking pop up and you can do a face to face. Should be lots of rifles this time of year. If you are not in CO try Armslist by state.
 
Re: inexpensive elk rifle

I would try to find a 30-06. Ammo costs will make a person on a budget cringe when looking at the magnum caliber. 180 grain decent loaded ammo can still be found for decent prices.
 
Re: inexpensive elk rifle

'06 Remington 710 scope combo...they're usually about $350-4...
 
Re: inexpensive elk rifle

I agree, .30-06. He can sell it afterwords and move it if necessary. Not as easy with the other calibers. You can shoot the heavy pills in the 0'6 and they put a lot of energy on/in target.

Not sure if you've got an Academy Sports, Dicks or Bass Pro near your location (colorado) But I'm seeing Remy 700 ADLs for $379, Remy 770 Stainless Steel for $339 and Mossberg ATRs for $299. The 770 and Mossberg are scoped already (Academy Sports). Dicks is showing plenty of Savage Axis rifles, scoped, and not (I've owned a .223 and .308...great field guns). You could even dive into a lever action .45-70 for under $500. Depends on what he's been behind and is comfortable with.
 
Re: inexpensive elk rifle

I would look at the Tikka t3 lite, I believe they run for about 550$. As for the scope, I have heard good things about Redfields hunting scopes and they are in the 150 dollar range.

Good Luck

Ryan
 
Re: inexpensive elk rifle

Look for something in the "big four" (270, 30-06, 7mmRM. 300WM).

New or used, it shouldn't be that hard to find a decent rifle for around $500 or less.

Lots of good 3-9x40 scopes out there for under $200.
 
Re: inexpensive elk rifle

At the risk of derailing the thread, I too must take issue with the 30-06 minimum for elk mindset. While I have nothing against the 06, I believe the .308 to be a very capable elk cartridge. I have shot four elk in the last ten years, one with a 25-06, and two with a 308. You'd be hard pressed to explain to me how an 06 would have done any better than either of those two cartridges did.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: roggom</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> sure a 243, 7x57, 260, 6.5, 308 can take an elk. The 30-06 <span style="color: red">also can </span> take an elk. </div></div>
Fixed it for ya. Just because something is bigger and carries more energy, doesn't mean it <span style="font-weight: bold">will</span> do anything better, just that it can.

To the OP, lots of good suggestions here, all the entry level guns mentioned here are great Ideas, especially if you can find a good deal. I've used the Axis, and was surprised at how well it can perform with such a slender price tag. Special props to the Weatherby Vanguard in 7mm, My cousin just bought one, and I was VERY surprised at the quality craftsmanship and quality parts I found therein. I couldn't be happier with an entry level weapon.
 
Re: inexpensive elk rifle

Last I checked, elk don't wear body armor.

They have been successfully taken with the 6.8 SPC. A .308 is more than capable of doing the job.

That being said, much depends on WHERE you hunt.

A good '06 or .270 is almost impossible to beat.
http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/products_id/70965/Savage+AXIS+3006+CAMO

This will leave money for a base, rings and a good quality scope like the weaver grand slam tactical 3-10 or mueller tac 2 3-10.

Both of these scopes are rugged, have very good glass and are an excellent power range for hunting.
 
Re: inexpensive elk rifle

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: coldboremiracle</div><div class="ubbcode-body">

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: roggom</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> sure a 243, 7x57, 260, 6.5, 308 can take an elk. The 30-06 <span style="color: red">also can </span> take an elk. </div></div>
Fixed it for ya. Just because something is bigger and carries more energy, doesn't mean it <span style="font-weight: bold">will</span> do anything better, just that it can.

</div></div>

Of course, -06 is not guarantee. Also I am not in the -06 minimum camp, but as a gift, an -06 is the right tool for the job, ammo is plentyful and inexpensive. I will be using a Tikka in 7mm Mag this year, and my son(22) will be using a 700 in -06 shooting 180 partitions (his gift.)

If you guys want to take a varmint gun on an Elk hunt, have at it.
 
Re: inexpensive elk rifle

30-06 would be excellent. 7WSM would probably be even better. It would be a flat shooter that he might greatly appreciate. I do not know if there would be a difference in recoil, either way. I would say buy a new M700 SPS, and a used scope. He can upgrade the scope later.

The Tikka T3 would be an excellent shooter, however having the magazine stick down slightly lower than the stock felt awkward to me. The Rem SPS is $535 at BudsGunShop, fee shipping and no sales tax. The 7 WSM is only $5 extra.

http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/produ...+700+SPS+30-06/



-s
 
Re: inexpensive elk rifle

I'll make a suggestion for an off-the-shelf Savage in 30-06. With the Savage barrel nut (on older models) you have the option of a DIY barrel change if you buy the special wrench and a set of headspace gauges. I did it myself.

I started my project with the Savage package I found at the local WalMart. I stripped everything off and was left with only the action. I sold all of the other parts off and used those funds, plus some of my own, to purchase an Adams and Bennett barrel in 338-06. After that I added a Boyd JRS laminate stock and did the final fit and finish myself. Topped it all off with a Zeiss Conquest scope in Warne Maxima rings.

I think my total investment in the project was about $500 before the scope, base, and rings. That added about $450 more. I do have to reload for the gun, but I'm really happy with it. It'll easily do 1" at 100 yards and judging from ballistic tables its a highly capable "larger game" rifle out to about 250 to 300 yards. That's pretty much my limit as well.

Again, I'd start with a Savage 30-06. If you ever get the bug to customize it you're set.

10786338-06_e.JPG


10786338_06_b.JPG
 
Re: inexpensive elk rifle

If price is one of the main factors, it's hard to beat the T/C Venture for a deer rifle and if you don't plan on modifying it.
 
Re: inexpensive elk rifle

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: rth1800</div><div class="ubbcode-body">If your old man is having hard times, a Savage will not cheer him up.
smile.gif
. </div></div>

laugh.gif
 
Re: inexpensive elk rifle

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Oddball-Six</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: John2247</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I'd think you would definitely need at least the 30-06 for elk hunting.
Remington, Savage & Howa all offer rifle scope combos that would meet your budget. I think a single shot break over would work as well.
Good luck, I hope you can get your dad fixed up.</div></div>

This is ridiculous. Ive taken an elk with a .243.

You want first and foremost the cartridge that you can shoot under pressure, with wind, with your nut sack half froze off, water and gravel in your boots, leaning against a tree.

If you simply dont have that much time behind anything, then go with a nice, flat-shooting cartridge. You want enough confidence with the cartridge to not throw your shot in that space of time when you finally see a dark hairy thing through the trees that doesn't appear to also be wearing orange.

You cant miss hard enough with enough fps and ft-lbs to take the elk down. Worry about shot placement first and foremost.

Having a 30-06 making a peripheral hit might make up for your piss poor skills in the way that a 243 may only injure, but the idea that you have to have something like a 30-06 as the only reasonable way to take an elk is patently ridiculous on its face.

If the 30-06 is what you have your field trigger time on, and what you are comfortable with, by all means take it! Same with a 7mm or a 300wm.

All that being said, a lot of people out here tend towards the 7mm cartridge as relatively cheap, easily available, flat shooting, with reasonably good terminal ballistics. </div></div>


i agree with the shot placement (i hunt with my 308 ar10) my dad just isnt as experienced in hunting/ rifle shooting in general as i am which is why i was in the market for a 30-06/300winmag/7mm
 
Re: inexpensive elk rifle

I would only add that yes, not all of us are competitive marksmen. I am, and I can assure you that when hunting deer, my competitive status isn't any sort of advantage.

Competitive targets don't usually move, or get spooked by scents, etc.; at least mine don't. So shots at paper can be composed at one's liesure.

A lot of my field shootuing is conducted under considerably more stress. So I consider the discipline to be only peripherally similar to competition.

Greg
 
Re: inexpensive elk rifle

I would not disagree that a 308 will put down an elk with authority. I would only suggest that the 30-06 with heavier bullets will carry a little more energy at the same distances and may extend the "effective killing range, (which is very subjective)". An 06' can load up to 220grain bullets with authority, which does make it more versitile IMHO. The heavier the round, I beleive the bigger the advantage of the 30-06 over the 308. I would consider shooting at one with a sporter weight rifle of either caliber at similar distance as for myself. Marksmanship ability being the most important factor, if he is not able to take much recoil at his age, the 308 could even be a better choice. The cost difference between commercial run of the mill 308 and 30-06 is negligable. Those are the reasons I suggest 30-06. It is a jack of many trades, yet master of none. It is still good enough for 90% of hunters out there.
 
Re: inexpensive elk rifle

I have a R700 ADL 30-06. $380 at academy and $100 swift scope. Not a target rifle by no means but cold bore it dead on. Exactly what I was looking for. A cheap woods gun that will handle business while getting scratched and banged without me freaking out about scuffing up an expensive rifle. It just depends on what you want. There are numerous option that would be fine for a low end hunting rifle. When I am climbing a tree after whitetail deer, I reach for my ADL.
 
Re: inexpensive elk rifle

While I agree the -'06 has the authority, I also believe most folks overburden it with excessively heavy bullets.

For deer, I use 150 Core-Lokts, and for anything short of bear, I think the 165's Core-Lokts are quite adequate.

The energy comes from the case capacity, the bullet determines how that energy translates into trajectory and terminal performance.

A flatter trajectory makes range estimation somewhat less critical, and a 165gr hitting a sturdy carcass is not going to waste its energy.

The .30-'06 180 Core-Lokt is the death knell for big game, Hammer of Thor style. Gonna make you remember that shot the next day too, bigtime.

My .30-'06 hunting ammo is Remington 30-'06 Core-Lokt Express. Quick and easy to find, reasonably priced, has never failed me. For the .280, I use Hornady Superformance 139gr SST.

Works.

More than that just adds excessive drop and recoil to the equation.

Get the Old Man up to speed with the new rifle using Remington .30-'06 125gr Managed Recoil Core-Lokts, several boxes worth. They will shoot very close to the same POI as the heavier stuff, but provide extended practice without pain. They'll even work on deer as long as you don't try long shots. Come season, rezero with the 165's for Elk, 150's for deer, then try them at several distances to get the drop pegged right.

Greg
 
Re: inexpensive elk rifle

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Greg Langelius *</div><div class="ubbcode-body">While I agree the -'06 has the authority, I also believe most folks overburden it with excessively heavy bullets.

For deer, I use 150 Core-Lokts, and for anything short of bear, I think the 165's Core-Lokts are quite adequate.

The energy comes from the case capacity, the bullet determines how that energy translates into trajectory and terminal performance.

A flatter trajectory makes range estimation somewhat less critical, and a 165gr hitting a sturdy carcass is not going to waste its energy.

The .30-'06 180 Core-Lokt is the death knell for big game, Hammer of Thor style. Gonna make you remember that shot the next day too, bigtime.

My .30-'06 hunting ammo is Remington 30-'06 Core-Lokt Express. Quick and easy to find, reasonably priced, has never failed me. For the .280, I use Hornady Superformance 139gr SST.

Works.

More than that just adds excessive drop and recoil to the equation.

Get the Old Man up to speed with the new rifle using Remington .30-'06 125gr Managed Recoil Core-Lokts, several boxes worth. They will shoot very close to the same POI as the heavier stuff, but provide extended practice without pain. They'll even work on deer as long as you don't try long shots. Come season, rezero with the 165's for Elk, 150's for deer, then try them at several distances to get the drop pegged right.

Greg</div></div>


thanks alot that last piece is something i will have to take into consideration
 
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