Best *BANG* for the buck (pun intended)
 

Hey all,

I've had experience shooting some competition quality rimfire rifles and done a lot of trapshooting w/a 12 gauge. I'm thinking of investing a lot of money (for a college student anyway) into a centerfire rifle that has heavy emphasis on target shooting. I doubt I'll ever use this for self-defense, and I'll probably use other guns for hunting... so accuracy and reliability are the main factors involved.

that being said...

What is the best value for $500 dollars or less out there? I realize that won't buy me a 700 or anything close to a serious competition firearm, but I'd still like to get the most for the money. The 500 bucks needs to encompass the complete package (scope, mounts, any special stock configurations, etc.).

any recommendations?

ooooooo,

$500 is tough.

Heck, a good Leopold scope can cost $500...

yeah... if you want to help me out, don't start with a google search for "SNIPER RIFLE" or "Match grade". :p

my budget limits me to the more pedestrian models... but that makes it more difficult because there are so many to choose from in the budget category.

$500 really is tough. The two best scopes I can think of that may squeak into the budget are the Bushnells and BSA's (I won a national title at Camp Perry shooting a $100 BSA scope).

$500 is tough, My scope cast more..

Savage makes an excellent rifle for the money. Here's one of their package guns for $505 list, which means you will more than likely find it cheaper at a dealer.

http://www.savagearms.com/111fxp3.htm

Look around, you'll like what you see. I have a 112FVSS in .300 Win Mag. It shoots much better than I can :)

If you're not above used, maybe a post-ban AR-15. You can always build on the lower later.

I'm not sure of its price, but Kel-Tec's SU-16 may be a decent option.

savage is probaly your best bet. lots of nice rifles for the money.

if you just want to punch paper, why go big bore then? Why not something like a 10/22. Cheaper to shoot, and you can shoot all day without your arm going numb. I love shooting .308 but after 50 or so, its just not fun anymore. now .22 i shoot all day and never get tired of it. Plus 10/22 is cheap and customizeable.

if not id definatly go used....go to a local gunshow with cash in hand and find your best deal. or possibly go mil-surp. something like an enfield with a scope or a mauser action based gun.