I've been watching and noticed most ads and tv shows are for hunters with money, however the US fish and wildlife service tells us 70% of hunters hunt exclusively public land, 20% hunt both while only 10% hunt only private. What's this tell us? Most hunters are lower middle class. The IRS tells us the average American home makes 58k annually but that includes Soros, Gates and Buffet. The 'real' average is closer to 42k with the average hunter falling into this category. The census bureau tells us over 70% of Americans live in urban areas... Hunters follow similar but slighty more rural patterns. After seeing these numbers I realized that most hunters aren't using a heavily expendable income loaded budget. Thus there's a need for these hunters to have extra help, to find resources as they can't afford to experiment with things the way many of us do. nAHC hunters tend towards the more active and traveling hunters according to club stats. I've considered a blog named the budget hunter but am starting with this post.

First things first, firearms. You can get out the door, completely equipped to start hunting all north American game for $370. This will buy you a new savage edge/axis rifle with a scope and a box of federal blue box ammo. The scope is not great, but will work. I had an old package gun simmons I gave a friend who has had it on a 300 fo 6+ years and hunts, successfully, elk in Wyoming with it.

As for rifles, I put a 450 limit with scopes, marlin, mossberg and Remington (770) all fall into this category, on the rifle. These rifles vary a lot, mossberg and marlin both use accutrigger like triggers and so have the best triggers. The savage and rem both have removable magazines vs the blind mags in the previous 2. You'll have to decide what's important to you. For me, living in PA, where we must have the rifle empty before it touches a vehicle, the removable magazine is a big deal... I bought the savage.

Next is caliber, at this level there are no magnums, only short action and long action standard calibers. If you are just after deer, antelope or caribou, anything will work, however a number of states require a 270 minimum for elk and moose. In this level rifle this leaves the 270, 7mm-08, 308 and 30-06. All of these can carry a prerequisite 1500 ft/lbs of energy to 300 yds, the maximum 90% of hunters and most budget hunters, can take advantage of. One thing to note, if you ever want to hunt bison, some states have a 200 grain, 3000 ft/lbs minimum for... The 30-06 is the only member here who can hit that with factory ammo (Norma oryx, hsm). Thus. A 30-06 is the legal minimum for all na game, however apart from that any of those 4 calibers will get the job done at reasonable ranges.

Also on rifles, a NEF or Rossi can get you out the door under 300 if you look around. If you prefer wood, to hit the price point you'll need to buy used, which is not a bad idea.... On Rossi though, I'll show a marked preference for American products, so it would be my last choice.

Concerning gun choice.

When my boys began hunting and I needed a second deer rifle as well as a shot gun.  I chose the Mosberg 500A 12ga packaged with 2 barrels.  Standard shotgun and rifled with scope mount.  Adding the scope I spent about $400.00.  I do not hunt in the shotgun zone for deer. since most shots are less than 50 yards this packaged has worked well for 10 years.  The only real draw backs is the bruising recoil when checking the scope and the price for five 3" sabot loads.

-Mark

that's a great point mark. if you live east of the mississippi where most shots will be shortish (150 and less) and would also like to hunt waterfowl, turkey or upland game, a shotgun with multiple barrels can be a great investment. probably a better starting point than a rifle if you don't plan to hunt the west, and if recoils an issue, a 20 guage will take deer at 150 yds as well with modern ammo.

Think you have a good idea here, Gehee. A lot more realistic, keep it up...

For 'high end' inexpensive scopes, check out this comparison.

Www.Opticstalk.com/inexpensive-scope-comparison_topic21176.HTML

He does a real nice job on his comparison, my results are comparable to what he's seen except I never bothered with a barska.

I have a nikon, higher level, some older leupolds, a vortex and a bushnell. I really like the bushnell, it's optical quality is slightly lower, but it has rain guard which is nearly without compare in the field.

Btw, I call this " high end" because $200 would be the high end of what I'll review myself. Anything above that is not budget hunting

On scopes, you can often find higher end scopes used at gunshots for comparable prices to a 'good' budget scope. I purchased a nikon monarch for 150 used and can find some leupold products used for that too.

On the nikon, in my experience they have, for price range, remarkable optics, however they tend to be very finicky (my photography friends tell me this is true in photography as well) thus I consider them better range optics than hunting optics.

As for leupolds, in a myriad of tests they hold zero better than other brands, but to me have three major drawbacks.
1. Unless you buy used, their red field line is the only one in our price parameters.
2. Thet are not 'true magnification' scopes. Thus, a 3-9 leupold actually only is a 3.3-8.5 (from their own website) actual magnification. Other brands are a true 3-9.
3. As a result of 2, their field of view on low power (close shots) is smaller than competing brands.

I will be hunting a bushnell 3200 and vortex diamondback (on a savage edge) this season. I've hunted the bushnell for yearsand love it, but that rifle (savage model 10) got cut to fit the kids who will start to join me this year. Which brings up another important budget point... A gun you have is ALWAYS cheaper than one you must buy, even if it's not sexy,beautiful or new. Remember, on a budget, every cent counts. About the diamondback, another budgeter tip. A small local shop will often barter with you whereas a large chain will not, thus that diamondback, which was marked 190(just under the limit) actually cost me 110 mounted and boresighted. At the same shop, if you don't reload, she'll buy back my once fired brass.

Btw, how do you highlight links? The old site had hyperlink.

Im not sure if Im on the right track here, but your firearm would be the most important pc of hunting equipment, after all it seals the deal at the moment of truth...with that said, you would probably spend most of your budget on that to begin with, everything else is just luxury. fancy clothes optics and other gadjets. with the exception of license and tags..
A gun like an optima or triumph with extra barrels really covers all the bases without the expense of having to buy specific shotguns, rifles and blackpowders. one gun that does it all...even though the initial investment is a bit higher than $400 -$500. it ends up being budget minded to me. An whos to say you couldnt find one used for cheap that someone already took the hit on.

that's another really good idea. the combo guns like the CVA optima, the HR combo or Rossi combo allow you to get 2 or 3 firearms at once... and again buying used allows someone else to take the hit... as you mention, clothes can be worked with, red plaid was the 'camo of choice' for years, still works too, especially in areas that require orange, clothing doesn't matter as much. a quality scent killer spray will do what scentlok will for $8-14 instead of $200-600.

the warm shoepacks you use for shovelling snow can double as cold weather boots...

I don't hunt birds of any sort anymore, thus shotguns are only on the periphery of my consciousness. However, most hunters are not that way, a great budget option is an NEF pardner. I saw a clean used one in the store today for $89, full choke 12 gauge so it'd work for waterfowl and turkey. You can buy a Stevens pump, base model benelli nova, Remington 870 or mossberg 500 for cheap as well. But if you AaAre really on a tight budget a gun like that would work... Heck, if you wanted to hunt deer too, finding one of the nef or the Rossi with a modified choke (I don't believe you are supposed to shoot slugs from a full choke, someone correct me if I'm wrong) would also allow you a 75 yd slug gun for that $89.

I noticed that the swift 4x wide angle scope is only $75 and has a 36 ft field of view vs 29 for most 4x scopes and 33-35 as best for most 3-9 scopes. Figuring that a fixed power scope has similar glass quality to a double cost variable, this is probably similar optical quality to a $150 swift 3-9. wheelsIV, whom I haven't seen on here in a long time, used to compare swift optical quality to a vxII. I don't know but would like to try. If you need a low cost scope with decent glass and a good field of view for quick shots, this scope bears looking at. Remember, a fixed power scope can take a lot more abuse than a variable so if you must spend low, they're a much safer bet.

Posted By gehee on 10 Nov 2010 06:48 PM
Btw, how do you highlight links? The old site had hyperlink.

Gehee, the only way I have found is to copy/paste from the referenced site itself.

Keep up the good work here; really enjoying this thread.

Had the savage edge at the range with the vortex scope today. Managed 1.5" group inspire of the atrocious trigger (this thing desperately needs trigger work) notes on the scope... It doesn't have nearly as solid of a 'click' on the adjustments as my bushnell, but better than the older friction leupolds. Side by side it has an amazingly wide field of view vs the other scopes I own, even same power. It's very clear, especially for the price. It's crosshairs are thicker than my leupold or bushnell. This makes precise shooting more difficult but improves low light visibility....probably good for a hunting scope not a range scope.
The stock on the edge absorbed recoil remarkably well. With hornady superformance ammo and a factory recoil pad and being nearly 1.5 lbs lighter, it still had significantly lower recoil than the Winchester -06 with an aftermarket recoil pad on it(7-08)

But gees that trigger stunk. I'd pay an extra $50 for the rifle to have the accutrigger. No, it wouldn't be quite so 'budget', but that's close to what it'll cost me to get the trigger fixed and it still won't be as good as the accutrigger. Right now I'd be real tempted to go with the marlin xl7 inspire of the blind magazine, the savage trigger is just that bad thanks for the encouragement jj

on optics as im sure has been noted here a straight power scope from a name brand will be less expensive than a variable and have a better quality glass so you can in some instances get more scope for the money than you would with some brands

on the hunting firearm one gun that can really do it all: the mossberg 500
available barrels:
bird barrel
turkey specific barrels
rifled scope mount barrels
rifled rifle sight barrels
smoothe bore rifle sight barrels
security barrels
and even muzzleloader barrels

only thing is the muzzleloader barrel may not be legal depending on your states regulations

you could get the field/deer combo with the bird barrel and your choice of deer barrel (rifled/smoothebore scope mount/sights) and the muzzleloader barrel and be able to hunt anything on this continent providing you can get within range

another thing on optics is the mounts while they do not provide as consistant of zero hold as a true cantilever scope barrel the b-square and weaver mount has worked really well for me on my 870 i may not be exactly on zero but im always on paper when i go to sight-in also my $70 simmons 4x32 and $50 weaver side-saddle mount is a lot cheaper than that almost $300 cantilever fully rifled barrel at less than half that price

If you are looking for a cheap outfit, I noticed in kinsey's flyer they have savage edge packages for 299.99 right now, 3 short action and 2 long action variants, 4 of which fit our all a rounder criteria.

Www.kinseysoutdoors.com

They also have the mossberg 510 youth for 279.99 if you want to get a youngster out for birds... Stock is adjustable down to 10.5" v. 13.5 standard for full size rifles.

If one is talking "budget," why the discussion of new rifles? Until recently, virtually none of my rifles were new in the box, and all my hunting guns in the [many] impoverished student days were under $200, chiefly an old reliable Mauser Gewehr 98 of 1905 vintage in 8x57 that was semi-sporterized ugly but effective for $100 including a Weaver K4. It still throws 175Gr bullets at 2670fps into 2" groups and has killed deer out to 200 yds. Even now, my kids all have used rifles, chiefly Savage's and Remington's that were under $250 with usable scopes after they outgrew their SMLE's and Kar 98's.
To me, "budget" and "handloading" go together, just like "maximum mileage" and "stick shift" - fundamental skills that make caliber and the cost of ammo semi-irrelevant.
I've never been impressed by someone advertising how MUCH they paid for something, but have often sensed the satisfaction in how little one spent to achieve the same end. Though it is no longer a popular thought, frugality IS a virtue and I wish you well in your bargain hunting as well as the game fields.

I agree with fine point my first gun was a 357 marlinfor 190.00 my second a 1906 springfield/remington in 30-06 it was the best buy for 90.00 and me and my son-inlaw and 3 grandsons have used them for all types of hunting.

Since modern center fire rifles are my least favorite weapon to hunt with I only own one. A Remington Model 722 in .300 SAV. that my dad bought brand new right after WWII. Topped with a 4 power Tasco scope my dads work buddies got him when he retired in 1975. Can't get much cheaper than that but damned if that gun doesn't kill deer and bear just as dead as any gun I have ever seen.

Fp, that's a good point and I'm not sure how I missed it, I meant to include it. While you can get a new rifle for the amounts I mention, if you look around you can often get a better quality used one for the same price. This also opens up a whole myriad of other "obsolete" calibers I hadn't mentioned.. To maintain the 50 state legal for big game, this still precludes the 6.5x55, but adds the 8x57 you mention and the excellent 300 savage gb mentions. Throw in the 300 win mag (a bit high recoil for most shooters), the 7mm rem mag and the 7x57 and you have most of the formerly sporter calibers. If you hunt open sights and ar willing to use military rifles, the 30-40, 7.62x54r, 303 Brit, 7.65 French, 7.7 arisaka and 7.5x55 Swiss also may be added. With many of those you almost must reload.

I intentionally don't get into reloading because I don't do it and start up costs. Most budget hunters don't shoot as much or use a 22( another topic) for most practice and would never recoup the cost of starting reloading. However, if you are a volume centerfire shooter it does become near mandatory, especially for the budget minded as it will greatly reduce your costs.

Btw, if you have a low dollar scope, please put some of your thoughts about it's performance down as I'll never cover it all

as the average new rifle (rifle, rings, bases and scope) rig costs something north of 850, and close to 2k for those guys setting up kimbers with premium scopes, to my current salary for some full customs with european glass my numbers are intended to show how cheaply one can get out the door with a full rig ready to hunt all the same game.

GB shows another thing I intended to mention. A gun you have (or can borrow from family who quit hunting) is ALWAYS more budget than one you must buy. If it killed elk and deer 50 years ago when new, and there were far less elk and deer, it can do the same thing today, the gun is then not the limit, the operator is.

One small thing I have noticed about choice of caliber when trying to stay on a budget is that certain caliber shells come on sale in the stores where others don't. 30-06, 308, 30-30 and 270 are on sale in just about every store, for 20% off every year a week before deer season opens. Then the same calibers seem to come on sale at one store or another a couple of more times a year. Other caliber rounds almost never seem to come on sale. I have never seen .300 SAV on sale.

Shotgun shells always come on sale before bird season. I haven't payed full price for shotgun shells since I can remember. Department stores with small sporting goods sections quite often have the best deals.

Keep it up GH this is a great thread for a cheap skate like me.

Unfortunately that bit about ammo is too true. My favorite caliber is a 7mm-08, but while it's the smallest cartridge and weight of the four I mention it's also often the most expensive for ammo because it's the least popular of the four. At the local walmart I can but -06 or 270 federal blue box for $17 it's typical $23 or more for 7-08 ammo. That's also the downfall of all the military rifles except the 7.62x54, ammo will be pricier and more difficult to find than the three or four most common ones, in the case of some of them impossible to find out of your home.

gB, could you review your tasco? Timber, lowlight? How about the scope on your inline? I'm guessing it's not real high priced either...

Also, follow sales, there's a leupold 3-9 on sale for 155 right now around here... If you're a budget hunter, become a disciple of your wife. She probably knows how to sale hunt/bargain hunt better than you do (mine does), while your purchase quarry might be different, tactics are similar

All I know is that old Tasco is a 4x32 and has never needed any adjustment since it was sighted in in 1975. Doesn't have any kind of name on it.

Scope? inline? Now that's funny! Here in Oregon Muzzle loader season is a "primitive" season. Open ignition and iron sights only. I take that back, as of this year they do allow fiber optic sights. I have a Hawkins style sidelock. I had to pass on a 75 yard shot this morning because the light was just to low. Hard to see a gray front sight aimed at a gray deer on a gray morning. I bought that gun close to 20 years ago for less than $200.

Fixed 4x... That tasco is still available for $22 on walmarts website... Hasn't been resighted in 35 years...

save money-buy a rifle with iron sights,it will have to be used because most manufactures dont make guns with iron sights on them annymore.

If your eyes are up to it you can hunt iron sights. Many people, especially as they get older, can't focus on sights. However, if you can see sights and find a good price, iron sights are a nice choice. Some fiber optics like truglo, hi viz, and trijicon can help you extend shooting light. Truglo is generally the least expensive, the truglo 4x (a very budget friendly $50 with rings) I have on the kids 22 has never given me trouble.

Another tip that will help the budget hunter...GET IN SHAPE... Why? Colorado still offers otc elk tags on public land, Montana offers otc sheep tags on public land, Alaska offers otc tags for moose and caribou on public land, no guides or outfitters required. Hunts of a lifetime at prices even many budget hunters can save up for... But these are all tough hunts that require you to walk and work for it. Get in shape, it'll save your health, which saves money, and allow you to budget your hunt of a lifetime. Talk to your doctor if it's safe for you first. Montana, Wyoming and Colorado all have accessible public land mulies and antelope... But you'll need to walk... Sometimes 100 miles a week.

What are some budget scopes you'd like to see compared?

a consideration if you travel is the availability of ammo in odd locales. some airlines require that ammo travel separate from guns if you are able to do one of the public land hunts, if they lose your ammo, how hard is it to find? i stopped by a local hardware store to see how hard that would be, i found several boxes of ammo, most obvious..30-30, 30-06, 270, 243, 308... but two that weren't 280 and 35 remington... the last not as suprising when you realize that remington pumps and marlin lever guns make up a preponderance of local firearms. everything else was shotgun and 22 loads. something to think about when you pick a budget gun if you may be travelling.

I have a Simmons 4x32 scope with their Pro Diamond reticle. I bought it new at Wal Mart years ago for $70. It has taken an enormous beating of many 12 guage 3" magnum and 20 guage magnum slugs and turkey loads. The diamond reticle helps with rangefinding somewhat and the scope does pretty good during low light in the field but not as good in the timber. If you stay with a fixed power scope, you can get into the big name brands relatively inexpensively and get a better quality glass. If i find some better examlpes Ill put em on here in a little bit.

At this point final tally looks like this. I'll use a used Winchester ranger with sights and a mounted 4x leupold in 30-06, then if I get something use the new savage edge with the vortex diamondback 2-7 in 7-08. Both guns are untested using ammo i've never hunted with before... I'll let you know overall impressions after the season.

A little more on fixed power scopes.

I was on walmarts website and noticed that they list new weaver K series (fixed) scopes. A4x--&a6x. Both within $2 of $150, my personal preference cut off. These scopes are rated to 10,000 shots from a 375, for comparison, only one other company I know of rates scopes like that, bushnell. A variable bushnell rated at 1000 shots starts at 199, a bushnell rated at 10,000 shots starts at 299... Basically double. Basically you get $300 scope quality for only $150.

Oddly studies have shown that most people when hunting only use a single power of a variable power scope. Ineastern states it's 3 or 4, western states 4-6. Basically you are stating the obvious when you buy fixed and saving to buy 6 boxes of shells to practice with... Or a weeks groceries if more applicable to your budget.

A tasco, like the one GB says has lasted him 35 years costs only $23 at their website, a simmons like j.hunt has around $70 now. A number of low cost brands have them as well, stay within fixed powers and you will get better reliability.

As for low light shooting, the tasco lists an 8mm exit pupil, almost 2 mm more than the human eye... Asinine the scope can gather more light than your eye can use.

Btw, normal pupil size is 3-6.5mm according to the police. If your eyes go above this it's typically drug induced, wether by a dilating chemical for eyeexams or other substance. A human pupil can be dialated to 9mm (if you are 15, the medically determined healthiest your eyes will be) using chemicals. Basically, in ultra low light, anything over 6.5-7 is more than your eye is capable of using.

Great thread!! I did spend some money on my most recent rifle, a Rem 700 SPS in .308 ($600 out the door). You can get decent optics for a reasonable price too. I topped it with an entry level Leupold VX-I, 3-9x40 for $230. When you total that I have a rifle for most big game in the lower 48 states (Deer, Elk, Moose) for $830.

Another budget tip... Actaully a twofer...

We mentioned buying used, if you focus on the -06 you can get great deals right now because a number of people have been trading their -06 for short mags... Somewhat ridiculous as they hunt the same game and with hornady superformance or federal high power loads they quite literally do the exact same thing...actually there's something the -06 will do the wsm does not without hand loads, push heavier than 180 grain bullets, necessary for some hunting.

Anyway, resultantly, there are a lot of -06 on the market making them cheap. There's also, if you find the right store, used -06 ammo on the market. If you can find still sealed boxes or unfired brass loads these are safe to use. I just got some nosler custom ammo doing that, half price because it was 'used' although unopened.

With that, unless your ammo gets discontinued, it's generally cheaper to use what you have, if it's accurate, than to resight your rifle, even with cheaper ammo because of the ammo expended resighting.

Btw, resighting is not to be confused with shooting to make sure zero hasn't changed, nor with practice.

On practice, given the current cost of ammo and the knowledge that practice makes perfect it's a good idea to practice, while slightly pricey initially this will save you money long term... Buy a 22 with a scope. Cabelas and bass pro have savages for sale for 200 this weekend. Accurate and reliable, plus cheap to use. Many times marlins run around the same price and are a nice option.

200 seem expensive? Let's compare. A 22 with 500 rounds, 218. 500 rounds of 30-06 ammo? $4-$500 if yup use the cheap stuff for practice. See the savings? I typically shoot 300+ rounds a year through a bolt action 22 with a 1" scope. Costs me $10 a year vs 270-300 to get that same practice from a big game rifle.

Weeg, did you buy stainless?

Here's an example of why a line like this is important... I'm watching a hunting show right now, the host is carrying a sako a7 with a leupold vx-3L on it in 270 wsm. He made a 300 yd shot... Now, that's a $900 rifle,(stainless) with a $700 scope plus sako rings typically run around $100... $1700 rig, pus a ranch guided hunt....

Are thos shots ones you can't make with a marlin 270 with a red field scope? No. Saved yourself $1200 too.... Anything wrong with an expensive rigq? NO! I'd love to own one, just unrealistic for budget hunters. Thanks to marlin, savage and mossberg there are accurate reliable new rifles for budget hunting... Now if we can just get a hunting show to test and advertise budget gear...

Well, I do have to throw a bone to "deer and deer hunting", their host, Charlie ? Commented that while a booner is everyones favorite, the public land basket 8 is actually a tougher hunt than a ranch, Texas, Canadian booner.... Glad someone's starting to take note

I did not buy stainless.

I wound up buying it from a local shop. The owner is top notch and I know if I have any problems I can walk in, lay the gun on the counter, and he will take care of it. He has a full time gunsmith with a full shop on site.

Could I have bought that same gun cheaper somewhere? No doubt. Would I have the same peace of mind and great customer service? Not even close!!

I'll be honest, I spent the day yesterday hunting in a cold downpour. Couldn't see through the scope half the time b/c of fog and water on the outside. Given the parameters, I'll be getting more bushnell 3200's with rain guard. They are right at the upper limit of our budget price limit and it's only necessary once every two years, but on those days it's the difference between getting a shot and not.

Scope in question... Leupold M8 4x

Well, got the savage edge back from the smith. Triggers better but just okay now. However, even with the improved trigger had a wild time sighting in that rifle. The vortex diamondback scope on it seems to be wildly inconsistent. 2 clicks of the '1/4 moa' adjustment can change poi by 2-4 inches. A blind man twisting randomly would have as much luck sighting in the scope. For that fact, and the fact that eye relief changes quickly with power changes Down to an uncomfortable less than 3", I have had better luck sighting in a $40 tasco pronghorn than thus $189 vortex. Don't think I'll buy another and certainly would not recommend it.

Btw, if you need a cheap scope but want a range adjusting recticle I noticed that bushnell puts it's DOA 600 on the trophy xlt scope... Which I found on line for as little as $100

Another point of note... I've used various descenting clothing wash with descenting body wash as I only have 1 set of scent look and they're not cold weather gear. Everything I tried worked reasonably well, two years ago five deer passed me at 20 yards and barely paused as they caused my scent trail. I tried that stuff that's supposed to cut UV in your clothes part of last year and this year. This year I had a doe cross my scent at 80 yards and respond like she'd been lit on fire. I already had my doubts about this stuff, but this was so clear, I'll never use it again. May as well have been using repellent.

The ti 4 and primos silver are my favorites although it's probably just the shiny bottle and the wildlife research stuff works just as well.

My m-I-l is buying me a Caldwell gun rest for Christmas... Thanks mom... So I'll be trying again to sight in the rifle with the Vortex scope on it. It's sighted in for 100, so I carried it today. It's low light transmission was in vx3 level. I was hunting until last legal light, which is 30 minutes after sunset, and at 100 yds I could still make out detail in the tree bark. It was clear as day. All the way to the edges, clear and bright.

Had the bushnell elite 3200 out last night. Not quite as good light transmission, but no problem through last legal light. Better adjustments, not nearly the field of view as the vortex. Interesting, they are about the same price level scope but the emphasis is different. Overall I'd say the bushnell is more balanced. There's more to a scope than just glass. Tracking, usability, reliability, all come to play

Friend suggested the other day that I move this to a regular blog with tweet and Facebook connections so others could see it.

As is mentioned under the optics heading here, rain guard is also available on binoculars. If you can find them on sale you are able to use them all the time. My nikons, and jason's before them, fog up on the outside due to the heat from my eyes when it's cold and I try to use them. Bring them up to my eyes, take them down to defogger. Use again, rain guard would sure be nice. The gentleman over in optics mentions finding his for only 120 or so.

So I'm on the trice gunshot website tonight and notice they have 6 different package gun bolt actions for under 350. Two savages, a Stevens (essentially the same thing), a marlin, the Remington 770 and a mossberg maverick. I'd like to be able to compare accuracy of them, especially with your basic scope on it for price. See how the triggers, fit, stock and all are. Anyone know how to set up a comparison? I can't actually afford them all at once.

Gehee,
  Man I tell you I am an ASST Mgr for a major retail auto parts store and I fall into the lower middle class.  I have a chance to hunt about 40 acres in Hickman County Tn.  I have never had the chance to hunt like this.  I lived in Florida and all I had for me was a walk in area,  or beg a friend to take me out on the airboat to other public land.  What sucks is that its hard to get on a good lease or even get a chance to go to a good outfitter.  I just got to emails for hunts in Ill. and Iowa and shoot it would take three pay checks to even sign up for one of those.  Let alone try to get new stuff.  Its getting to the point where you cant even get the things you need.  I would love a forum called the budget hunter to get the chance to find out what kind of bargins and ideas someone like myself can do to make it great to go hunting.

Well, if I decide to Twitter and Facebook I'll probably get a real blog.

For the budget hunter in bad climates, savage has added a stainless offering to the axis (the rifle formerly known as edge). Marlin also offers one in their x series... But this does add some coin It adds $80 to the savage.

Use your phone to check ammo prices. I found today a $14 variance amongst local shops on one box of ammo. That's huge,BUT remember with gas prices what they are include the cost difference in fuel when you shop. For example, gas is currently $3 per gallon, one shop will take me seconds to get to, the other half hour each way and 2 gallons of gas. If the price difference is $6 per box my total is equal and I saved an hour of time... However, if I'm buying 5 boxes (I saved up) the $30 difference, plus tax, makes the trip worth my time...

Watch for deals, Right after Thanksgiving Sportsman's warehouse Had Browning X bolts for less than $500. That would have blown a huge hole in my Christmas shopping budget but it was sure tempting.

Another argument for the 'big three' (270, 308, 30-06). I was atwalmart to pick up some shells last night. Rem corlokt 17.97 a box, 7-08 were 24.97 a box and the 7 rem mag 28.97 a box. To a degree I understand the cost of the mag, but the brass, powder and bullet for the 7-08 are significantly smaller than the -06 so basically you're paying for the privilege of owning the caliber.

If you are looking for a compact scope, I noticed the other day that burris timberline scopes are compact (13 oz 3-9) and available with the ballistic plex for as low as 120 right now... 13 oz is much heavier than a leupold ultralight(8.8) but you could buy 3 for the price of one and it is lighter than other brand fullsize scopes. In keeping with leupold brand being light, the red field family of full-size(starting at 129) are about the same weight as other companies compacts.

I spent some time at the range today since I have to find new ammo for all three of my rifles. For two the ammo was discontinued, for the third I was VERY unhappy with bullet performance on game.

Each rifle turned in one sub moa performance today, oddly with the cheapest ammo each time. My Winchester 30-06 ranger turned in right at moa with the 150 Winchester powermax. The savage model 10 turned in an even .5 with fusion 120 grains (7-08).the savage edge 7-08 turned in .85 with the same ammo. Got 1.5 out of federal ballistic tips with both savages and 1.25 out of the Winchester with nosler custom accubond. The accubond I hit a deer with this year went through without opening, so I won't use it again. Too hard of a bullet for small deer 125 lb unless you hit bone. The savages continue to hate on the hornady superformance ammo, 4.5 being the best performance I could muster.

One aside, although I have some complaints about it I continue to be amazed at how much sharper the glass in the vortex is than in the equally priced bushnell elite 3200. It's more like shooting 2 different classes of scope although their in store new price is within $10 of each other.

I think the Winchester would shoot better, even with the same loads, if I put a different scope on it. It only has a 4x so the other scopes allow me to see the target more perfectly. Oddly that has only helped on the range as in thewoids I typically keep the scopes set at lower power than that. Any suggestions we'd like to see? I'm leaning towards another bushnell elite asi really like rain guard, but could be convinced to try the trophy xlt doa or a nikon buckmaster bcd or similar.

Just found your topic.  Keep it up!

I guess I should do a destruction test. In WT I like ammo that opens fast because I hunt public land. This reduces the number of deer lost to other hunters. A bonded bullet can go right through if you don't hit bone. Lost deer means lost meat. Lost meat is lost money. I like drt hits on deer.I typically use milk jugs and want the greatest destruction possible to the first one since deer chests are only 6-9" thick unless you have a big deer.

Gehee, I see some real bargains on the Redfield Revolution scopes these days.  I've seen the 2x7-33mm scope online for $110.  With a full lifetime warranty and real good optics, it may be the best value going in a budget priced scope.  I've also seen their 3x9-40mm scope for $130 online.  I own one in 4x12-40mm and I can tell you, it is a great scope for the price.  I don't worry about rain either.  I just put Butler Creek flip open caps on the scope.

VIP, it's a serious consideration, I have a weak spot for American made products, as that's the only one in the price range it gets prime consideration.

I work two jobs just so I can take a trip to North carolina once a year with the wife, and this IS our vacation. I was there with my Tikka T-3 in 6.5x55 and a Remington model 700 Classic in 8x57 Mauser that I got for cheap brand new because its not a popular caliber. I was in camp with People with big calibers and fancy guns, one person told me that I would be at a real disadvantage with the calibers I had as they were not flat shooters, I advised the Gentlemen that they may not be pretty but I new precisly were they hit out to 300 yards, He said " well I guess we will see st the end of the week" I fired my 6.5x55 2 seperate times and dropped both deer granted the furthest shot was 200 yards, but dead they were in place, I then proceeded to do the same with the 8x57, again the furthest shot for this was 145 yards, The point was 4 shots 4 dead deer, This man went on to fire 19 shots and had three deer to his credit, and not all were misses several of his deer were wounded and not recovered. My firearms were not fancy wiz bang super sonic calibers but they got the job done. I do reload all my ammo but not because its cheaper, because I can get the most accurate load for that rifle, it just happens to be cheaper, having a web site to help people detemine what the best buy for guns ammo and equipment is a great idea!

This is by request from gehee I bought a 30-06 Marlin XL7 2 years ago. I spent $279 for the rifle, $20 for a sling, $20 for a box of ammo. I had a cupon for Cabelas if I spent more than $300 I got a free $100 gift card in whitch I bought my Bushnel Banner 3 x 9 . Then all I had left to buy was the mounting rings. I bought the best ones they had because I feel the rings are one of the most important items on your rifle. I think they were around $50 so Total was around $430.
The XL7 is just as nice or nicer than every other bolt action rifle i have ever shot. It only has a composit stock so its not all that prity and i know some rich yuppy folks like the prity rifles but it kills game just the same. The Busnel Banner 3x9 I think is the nicest scope you can find for the money I have seen it from $99 to around $130 Very clear and i can see well even in low light. In my opinion Bushnel is just as good as any of the other top manufatures like Leupold I think you pay about $100 just for that little gold ring around there scopes. I dont think they are at all $100 better. I sited my XL7 in with a few different kinds of ammo. Trying different factory loads to find the one that grouped best. The 180 grn rounds paterened the worst. Any of the 150 grn rounds all grouped about the same about 1.5" - 2" groups at 100 yards. Then I found Hornady 165 grn SSTs groups thouse 1" 100 yards. Gehee I havent read this hole thing yet but I absolutly agree with your opening statments. I would most definatly agree that most hunters are in the middle class. I would have to say though if you are really looking for a "budget" hunting rifle you cant beat an old militert surplus rifle you can get a Mosen nagant 7.62x54r at a shop near my house for $69 comes with a strap, bayonett, and cleaning kit w/ tools. Then if you want you could put a scout scope mount in place of the rear sight for around $80 and get a nice long eye relef scope for around $80 and there you go Under $250 and you are hunting. Also some nice Mausers 8mm . Lee Enfields SMLE .303 brit. You can find these at a good price and are good straight shooters. Takes a little looking into but you can have them scoped as well. I had a Mauser scoped a few years ago. Only cost about $40 to have a gun smith drill and tap it. Then I had to do a little smithing of my own. I had to heat up the bolt and bend it just a tad and then I filed it down a tad and put some cold blue on the bolt. Looks and shoots great.

The price for the shells at walmart 270 308 30-06 are cheeper because they are more comon. 7mm08 has only been around a short while so not to many people have them thus they dont sell as much thus the factory dosent make as much thus each round is more expensive.

Thank you.

If you were wondering about low priced scopes... I was out tonight for a late firearm season with my muzzle loader. Inline with a scope, package gun, 150 combined. At last legal light I could still see better with the scope than with my, very good, eyes. Crosshairs still visible even on grey backgrounds... Just a cheap traditions 4x scope. I'll be interested to see, I need to check zero. Walking out tonight I tripped on a stick and slammed the gun, scope un protected, onto the frozen ground.

i would definitely check the zero only because i would not want to wound a deer because of my being lazy hank k

Of course... Just wondering how well the scope took the abuse.

You know there is a topic called " Deals and Discounts" already. You could use that one if they dont decide to make a " bargen hunter" one.

Mossberg 100 ATR .270 win. Synthetic Blued (By request)

I had been working my first steady job for a few months when I decided I wanted to buy myself my first centerfire hunting rifle. When I went to the local Wal-Mart about all I looked at was the price and the calibers it was available in. I knew I wanted a .270 win and the 100 ATR was priced to fit my budget at $275. I then looked at scopes and didn't see myself spending a lot of money so when I saw the Centerpoint 4-16x42 for $60 with the rings included I decided that was the scope for my gun.

With taxes and all I spent somewhere around $360 plus $20 for some 150 gr. Winchester Power-Points. I mounted the scope that day and proceded to go shoot it at my friends house. He has a picnic table set up at 50 yds. and I knew that about as long of a shot as I would take where I hunted so I shot there. It shot a nickel size group at 50 and I was plenty happy with that after getting it zeroed in. Since I've shot at 100 yds with many different loads the best being a Hornady 140 gr SST that grouped 1 1/2" at 100 yds; plenty accurate for hunting. I wasted no time in taking it hunting and that same season killed five deer with that rifle without any misses and all shots were right where I was aiming.

About the only problem I have ever had out of this rifle in about 4 years was the screw on the bolt stop breaking and I was still able to hunt with it. I sent it back to Mossberg and they fixed it for the S&H charge to ship to them. It took a while, but I waited till the season ended so it was no big deal and the customer service was pretty good. Another thing about the rifle I discovered hunting was the bolt has to be closed all the way and it comes up pretty easy so you have to be careful not to bump it or when you pull the trigger it won't go off. I discovered this while trying to take a deer and Mossberg may have fixed this, but I'm not sure.

Overall I think it's one of the best budget rifles you can buy and you can find them just about anywhere. The trigger on mine has a lot of play, but what do you expect when you pay that price. Mossberg has added the new LBA trigger system and a fluted barrel since I bought mine so it could have been a vast improvement for it. I have since bought other rifles, but I still use this one to let someone borrow or if I just feel like using it. If you're thinking of buying one I don't think you'll be dissapointed in your purchase.

Thanks bam

Took the muzzleloader to the range to test the scope... Good thing, 4" low, 3 " to the right. I just looked at the scope because it was dark when I fell. I hit it so hard I bent the adjustment cover on top. Had a little difficulty getting it off since it's warped. It still held zero fine when designers.

Another possibility if you live in an area where shots are 200 yds or less and has separate muzzle loader seasons, just buy a muzzleloader. Most states allow you to carry a muzzleloader in rifle season, my online was only 150 and will easily shoot a 2" group, which with a 50 cal slug means they arent separated by much. Personally want a stainless as muzzleloaders corrode more, but can get one of those for under 200 at wlmart

This is a great thread. I love hearing about others like me trying to make their hunting budget go as far as possible. When looking for a decent rifle, some times dealers have good discounts on "last years" models. I bought a Savage 116 Weather Warrior last spring. It was on closeout since it had been sitting on the shelf for over a year. The price was $200 less than a brand new current years model. I put a Simmons 6x21x44 44 mag scope ($165) on it and took 2 antelope with it this past fall in Wyoming. (that was a "budget" hunt, but that's another story) Keep it up!

This is a great thread. I love hearing about others like me trying to make their hunting budget go as far as possible. When looking for a decent rifle, some times dealers have good discounts on "last years" models. I bought a Savage 116 Weather Warrior last spring. It was on closeout since it had been sitting on the shelf for over a year. The price was $200 less than a brand new current years model. I put a Simmons 6x21x44 44 mag scope ($165) on it and took 2 antelope with it this past fall in Wyoming. (that was a "budget" hunt, but that's another story) Keep it up!

Finally some common sense. Great thread.

Gonna be away a while, hope to get the new scope when I return.

I am going to go away from weapons for this post. In the past I have driven back and forth from home to the hunting grounds. This wastes a lot of time and gas. This year I spent around $200 and bought a tent that attaches over the bed of my truck. That may sound pricey at first but it was well worth it.

Camping in the hunting area was great. In the National Forest here many of the campsites are free. We (my Lady went too) found a good location with a fire pit and set up camp. We saved money on gas, a lot of travel time, and by being up in the bed of the truck we stayed dry and were away from critters.

We cooked over a fire (also a small Coleman stove) and enjoyed the outdoors. We just had to dress for the cold when sleeping and had enough blankets to go with the sleeping bag. In the morning I would go out and stoke the fire. Then we would start breakfast, etc.  

It took us a few days to get a system down but next time we go camping will be even better because of that.

 

GUN SHOWS are the kings of great deals, trade, buy and sell, EVERYTHING!!!

GREAT THREAD BTW.

Guess I`m a budget hunter since I buy most of my guns and my bow at garage and estate sales, and hunt with in 16 miles of home. During gun week I stay at my buddies that owns the farm I hunt so I don`t have to drive back and forth. We usually have a couple drinks after a days hunt so I don`t have to worry driving.

an example of a great budget deal i saw while travelling...

at Bucky's in Prescott (if you are out that way) AZ i saw a ruger 77 (mkII i think) with an aftermarket decent quality synthetic stock. It had a fixed 6x tasco scope and of course ruger rings in 6mm (an excellent deer/antelope round) for $399. good quality rifle, scoped for under 400 by buying used. budget hunting.

if you are not familiar, the 6mm is a 7x57 necked down to .244 caliber (same as a .243 winchester) but 100-150 fps hotter with most bullet weights.

Buddahead. I live in Arizona and I hunt with a Yugo 8x57cal. and your right you don't need a $1000.00 gun to get the job done. The 8mm has been around a long time and is a out standing hunting round. I reload and have a hunting load I like. If I have to get out past 300yds for a kill that's not hunting to me. Even here in the flat lands and mountains you can get your game with in and under 200 yd. I bet when you got your deer the fancy guns were looking for a cover to get in. LOL.
Take care and good hunting. SEMPER FI.

Hey J.Rodrigues what are your ballistics on your 8mm self loaded rounds. I have a Yugo m-48 8mm that I had scoped and use that for deer hunting. I use Sieler and Balot 196 grn rounds and I think they are just under 2600 f.p.s. I wish i could find something a tad lighter and a tad faster for the 8mm mauser. Though I do get great goups with the 196 grn rounds. close to 1" at 100 yards. Depending on what kind of day I am having.

Orionh4: sorry taken so long to get back on had trouble with my CP. I use IMR 4064 and load 45.60 or 47.50gr. behind a Nosler ballistic tip 180gr. spitzer. I use this on all my game loads. I fined this load works good on deer, elk, bear, and jave's just fine. SEMPER FI.

Delta 3-D Riverbottom Buck Target



I found this target at Academy on sale for $70.00. It can be picked up at Bass Pro and most other places for $100. The insert is $23 at Academy and about $30 at bass pro. I've probably put about 100-200 arrows in it by now and so far it has held up pretty good. As you can see it stops the arrows like it should and the hole seals up after the first couple of shots and then by the third or fourth in that spot you notice a little pass through...



The insert is fairly cheap and I think this one will last a few months so it's really not that bad for the price you pay. Arrow removal isn't as easy as say a bag target, but about the same as a Rhinehart. As long as you put your hip where the core is and pull out the arrow it's pretty easy this way you get better leverage and the core stays in place. It should have come with longer stakes as it's a little wobbly when you hit it with an arrow, but rebar can be bought if it's too big of a problem. It does stop wobbling a second or two after it's shot and stays up. The head isn't very sturdy and I don't know how long it will stay on, but so far it's holding and I leave it outside. The reason is in the picture bellow...



The foam that is loose was supposed to stay in that hole but came off after trying to get the head to go on better (guess I should have left well enough alone). The head has a slot that slides over it all the bumps did was keep it steady so it will still go on it just might shake itself loose a little easier now. With a little glue or ductape I'm sure it can be fixed.
Overall I'm pleased with this target as it gives me plenty of good practice and by replacing cores I don't have to go out and buy a new one every few months. I'm sure a $200 Rhinehart would be better, but this is the budget hunter thread and I found this to be a good value. I've spent $30 on a Bass Pro block target that was a lot worse than this $30 insert.

I've had great luck over the last few years purchasing specialty items like clothing, boots, waders and decoys through Ebay. In almost every case, I was able to get what I wanted, either new with and without tags or slightly used, for less than half the price of a new one from the big named sporting goods stores. Some of the best items come from a couple of sellers who purchase items that have been returned to the big stores who now can't sell them as new.

Thank you both. Been off the horse, testing new ammo but too busy to actually test it... Still impressed with the clarity and fov of the vortex, less so with tracking, although once I figured it out it's Bette than I thought....

Another trick, one gunning it. I know, not sexy, but if you one gun it with a caliber you can shoot everything with, it's cheaper than multiple firearms... Another consideration, if you have kids or a wife who's short who wanna hunt, weather by makes a 4-2-1 that gives you a short stock, that shouldn't (you should still check) change your point of aim when changing stocks as long as you tighten correctly and don't mess with the sope

Hey just Bought a 870 supper mag express at a pawn shop for $180. Only thing wrong with it is the person that had it did a home made cammo job on it. But it works good its a little ugly but I only bought it for parts anyhow. I can always use it as a back up. It was good advice from a friend to look at the pawn shop. 870s are in my experince very hardy guns as long as you look it over and cycle it and it seems fine it probly is.

Whatever you buy for a rifle, my advice is spend as much on glass as you can afford!

I spent $29.95 the other day...really hurt too. Prostaffers are killing me....LOL
In all honesty though, It does not hurt to check out the pawn shops and second places. Get to know the folks there and let them know what your in the market for. I have SEVERAL that call me when someone drops something off on my "list"
The other day, I got 3 calls from 3 different gunshops and pawn shop about some rifles and a shotgun someone was trying to sell. Everytime they stopped at a new place they would call me to let me know what it was and ther person's asking price. WAY too high for what he had but it was still good they called.

Meanwhile, some still actually shell out hard earned dollars for a hawg hunt in TX where they are paying helicopters and sharpshooters to killl pigs....

Another way to budget and kind of off track, but what I see as a necessary is camo clothing. You can buy good used camo at army surplus stores and save Big $$$$. And if you really need to save you can where your winter coveralls and make yourself a camo parka out of the fabric you use for ground blinds. Not perfect by all means, but beats the heck out of no camo at all. All for about 10 dollars.

much needed bump for this thread

i will be doing a very in-depth piece for you gehee on my 11-87 that i took in for a makeover during the winter and some other things
will hopefully be able to do one for my 100 ATR in .30-06 this summer as well
and eventually the CVA Wolf that is planned to be purchased this year as well

J., look forward to hearing your input, IMO the wolf is a good deal, that or I got lucky.

Well since I haven't gotten the time to go out to the range yet, I figured I would flow some of my knowledge and experience from a recent thread from Firearms that I have a good handle on.........competition clay shotguns.

Just for the record (not tooting my own horn) I shot competitive shotgun sports all through high school and was on either a runner up or championship team every year and was also on the first team in high school league history to ever run an undefeated season. And I did it all with a total of two guns both combined not even coming close to $1K.

The first was an 870 express in 20 guage and the second was a 1187 in 12 guage. In my last year of shooting competitively my dad bought me my graduation present which was a browning citori 425 or 525 sporting with a set of briley tubes in 20-410 with all the chokes off one of the coaches that worked the range. Man that thing is a sweet shooter but still sometimes doesnt have that comfort feel that that 870 or the 1187 has. Probably because the 870 was my christmas presetn at 13, or because the 1187 was the first gun I ever bought with money I had earned (and later on added more sentimental value after discovering the gun was made the same year I was born) but that $2K citori deal just didnt have that same feel as the ol faithful.

That being said I learned a valuable lesson in those 4 years when it comes to competition firearms. The first was that of upmost importance that the gun needed to fit the shooter like a glove. Second was the guage(s) that could be handled effectively by the shooter. And third was that it had to be something that was affordable. I remember seeing people shooting at the gun club I worked at when I was 16 toting around custom trap guns worth more money than I probably made in a year - and boy was it funny to see them start cussin the gun when they missed and I'd go on bustin birds beside em with the 1187.

Truth be told the best type of shotgun for competition clay sports (JMHO) is an over-and-under shotgun for one main important reason - reliability. I would never ever tell someone to not clean a gun but those of you who have been around here longer than I have know that the old break open single and double guns can take a whoopin of a beatin and keep on shootin. Also and of similar importance is the automatic moving parts (or lack there of) with this type of action. An o/u requires absolutely nothing of the gun and the shooter except to re-set the trigger between shots. No worrying about getting off-lead while shucking the pump gun on fast low doubles; no worrying about all the rounds youve shot during the day now clogging up your gas ports; or for the super mag guys accidently grabbing the lighter loaded box of shells as opposed to a heavy target or handicap target load and not creating enough pressure to cycle the action.

I've said it before and I'll say it again the NEF/HR single shots in a 12 guage with a modified choke will allow someone to go out and become extremely proficient at all competion clay sports minus those where multiple shots are required (although I did used to know some old timers that would fast reload during doubles with a single shot - takes tons and tons of practice) Their only downfall in my opinion is a lack of a vent rib and use of only a single bead - this can be overcome however with ease and good form and repetitive correct practice. If being able to do multiple shot games is your cup of tea then a good 12 guage pump action will do you perfectly well providing you take the time to perfect the art of shucking the next round in the chamber without loosing the lead and sight picture of you secondary target.

Refering back to those light loads I mentioned earlier that tend to give most super magnum and even a good amount of magnum semi-automatics fits; they are the reason I suggest starting youngsters and first time shooters out with a 12 guage. For example this is how I work a new shooter in that can handle a 12 guage (if the person is known to be extremely sensitive to reciol I will use a semi-auto here as opposed to any other action to help minimize reciol as we start with only one shell at a time).

Starting off at the low house of a skeet field (station 7) you have the shooter get into the box and use their non-dominate hand to point and follow the bird saying "bang" when they would have pulled the trigger and watching their follow through. Next have them do the same thing with the gun mounted and empty and have them say "bang" again without pulling the trigger. Then move to an empty hull in the chamber for the firing pin to strike. Then to a snap cap if available. (previous two steps for know reciol sensitivity only - for the most part) Then you start with a load like winchesters featherlite low noise low recoil - same shot payload as a 20 guage with even less recoil and noise than their standard 12 round. Then to xtra lite target loads. Then to light target loads. And so on and so on teaching them the basics.

Also with the ammount of managed recoil ammunition research and technology that has come about the 12 guage has grown even more popular as the all-around shotgun for younger and younger audiences. I hope I provided some good insight to anyone who was either seriously looking at a competition gun or someone who was just curious.

In a wrap up - If you're on a tight tight budget a good pump action that could be 5 days to 50 years old will do the trick. If you can either find the diamond in the rough bargain or have the ability to afford it then go with an o/u. If you have someone really recoil sensitive or young starting out, then a remington 1100 would be my recomendation with a good limb saver stock attached. The 1100 is a target style semi-auto as it only chambers 2 3/4" shells and sometimes you can find good deals on them online and at pawn shops/gun shows etc from when they made them in synthetic.

Good luck and as I used to make a livin sayin "dead bird"!



Edit:

Dont know how in the he77 I forgot to metion anything about chokes but I did.  JMHO a full modified and improved cylinder is all you need for competition sports.  A skeet and or cylinder choke will be really benificial if using an o/u and you get into skeet more than another game.  While imp mod and lt mod and x full do have their pros, they simply don't provide enough difference in my opion - unless you're in some crazy wind.  Most guns come now with a F M IC set up so all you would need would be a SKT and if you find them good enough a IM LM and XF.

And while were on budgets - Weaver makes a side saddle mount for shotguns that uses the trigger guard pins to attach the mounting plate to the side of the reciever and then attach an optic.  Believe its 40-80 bucks or a removable set of adjustable fiber optic rifle sights can be found sometimes under 40 bucks.  Or you never know you may come upon the diamond in the rough mint condition half the price of a new fully rifled cantilever slug barrel like i did two months or so ago in the local gun shop.

Good luck and dead bird!

As a note, hornady just introduced their 'custom lite' line of ammo, a line of low recoil ammo similar to fusion light and Remington managed recoil with what I would consider one great benefit... SST bullets. By using a ballistic tip style bullet vs conventional (Remington) or bonded (fusion) you guarantee more bullet upset.

Again, a reminder, used firearms. Came across an nef compact 243 today for 199... Could have added a used scope, rings and a box of shells for a total of 300.. Great start, but I didn't really need one so that is decidedly NOT budget hunting

Truth be told the auctions you find, here or gunbroker or estate auctions are great places to find deals. Right now there's a garmin erred for 1/3 value and a cuddieback trail cam in the same percentage... At the HHH auction

Thank you jhunt, I know very little about shotguns and birding

youre welcome gehee i will hopefully have some more time tonight at work to do a do-up on my 11-87 specifically

not really sure how much more i could put on there about it though until i get a chance to get to the range and do some slug patterning

Had a customer show up with a N.E.F. .308 that he wanted cut back to 17" and to have a shrewd muzzle break installed. The rifle he paid $200 at a local gun show, his scope was a 3x9x40 Barska he got from Sportsman Guide for under $25.00 new . So rifle, break, cut thread and install of break and scope total was $340.00. We added a trigger job to clean it up for another $40.00 Under $400 and this short rifle had less recoil than a .243 and on our 200 yard range in the vise was under 1 1/4 inch group with factory box ammo.

So it does not require $700 rifles, $300 scopes and so forth to make a great hunting rifle.

As others have stated it is hard to beat a Savage out of the box in price and accuracy although I would elect for no scope from them and buy one of several other low cost options. If we could bump that price to under $500 I would say the savage Edge now is renamed the Axis and top it with a new Redfield scope that is now made in the USA by Leupold.

Just spent the afternoon practicing from field positions (sitting against a tree, using tree for support, knelling, off hand, weak hand), under field conditions (walked in 40 minutes no food, no water, rain, windy, soggy ground) put 80 rounds down range. Cost? 3.50. Why? Users 22 with a rifle scope on it. Great practice. Good way to long term save money.

A couple items of note... I finally figured out my vortex scope, it's brighter than my monarch ucc which cost double. Field of view is amazing and next week I'll learn if it takes a licking. I dropped it and need to check zero. On 4x it was brighter and crisper at dusk than my 10x bushnell glasses...

Outdoor life has an article about a budget deer rifle, $538. Let's beat it. Savage axis, 287; Cabelas alpha series scope, 3-9, on sale right now $90. Rings, $20... We are under $400 for the sAme parts, they listed a marlin xl7, red field 3-9 and rings...after siting in my edge with ammo it liked it'll shoot with my other savage... Use the extra $140 for ammo, scents and such.

the current Field and Stream has a comparison of 4 3x9 scopes for under $100. he actually rated the simmons 44 mag as equal optics to many more expensive scopes and significantly better than all the others in it's class. he said that the simmons and the bushnell dusk to dawn held zero very well, even after a shotgun blast and being dropped repeatedly from a tree stand. as well or better than a 30 y/o premium brand. field and stream, dec 2011/jan 2012. check it out.

rossi trifecta, 243/22/20 gauge in stainless for 349... good place to start, combine it with a $100 scope and you have a deer/small game/bird hunting combo for under $500.

Here in MS, we are able to use certain older bigger bore centerfire's during ML season. Went to a local sporting goods store and I bought a CVA Elite Stalker in .35 Whelen for $350 (nib) and put my old Simmons Pro50 scope on it. Filled the stock with dry sand. I like it so much, I've been hunting with it primarily and have killed 2 deer with it so far.

I really like this forum about buget hunters but i dont hear much about gun shows. You can find all kinds of buys at some of them depending on how big they are.I had gone to a gone show and saw a remington 700 30 06 with leupoled vx1 asking 475.00. So i stopped talk to the guy I himed and hawed and walked away . I did this a couple of times and finally said all I can come up with is 400.00 he said I cant go under 450 I pulled out the cash and and said 400 is all I have its been hear for two days and nobody has really looked at if you want to sell it this is it so I got it for 400 and yes its in good condtion and shoots dead on. So look at gun show also for reloading discount prices and no haz. charge.

Just a couple notes. Firs, I've let this dormant a little while so...
Just saw a write up on the new ruger American rifle in Guns and Ammo this month. Seems to be smooth, comfortable and accurate (sub moa average withe a few different factory loads) and in our prestablished price range (sub $500) and will be cheaper on the market. It sadly only comes in 4 calibers at the moment, but all are common and will have ammo available anywhere at reasonable prices. 243, 308, 270 and 30-06. I'd like to see the 7-08 and perhaps 257 added to the short actions. However three of those 4 calibers are a good place to start a one gun collection and all of them are quality white tail calibers.
Also noted that the red field line of scopes (most of which are under our $200 limit) is now available with a range finding recticle.

Check them out

Also noted that a magazine did a write up of the savage axis this month. Didn't get a chance to review the whole article, but it is a good rifle with s poor scope. However, my cheap Simmons that came on the rifle is just as clear (or more so) than the 35 y/o leupold I have. Remember, optic technology has come so far that it is clear, doesnt fog and holds zero. If you need to get started, $350 will put you afield. One last note, they have a narrow pistol grip and fit small hands so well that my wife prefers this cheap rifle to the winchester model 70 she had... And claimed his rifle in it's stead.

Sooooo....deciding to forego a new truck and continue to drive my 2002 with 203 on it for a life long dream of an
Ele hunt would not be considered budget hunting....I guess putting a Swarovski 1.5-6 on my .416Rigby for this hunt wud also be considered extravagant even tho I did no hunts for three years just for this one.....or maybe it depends on your "budget" and how much you are willing to cut back and sacrifice on for your "dream" hunt....I don't owe my kids an inheritance...I raised and educated them....they can sell the taxidermy and house!

Well Tom, it wasn't started as a 1 per center topic to bash those who can (can I be your gun bearer?) but because most hunting articles, firearm and scope reviews were at levels most can only dream of as they were at a budget level far out of reach.  We started reviewing hunting strategies for those farther down... Ivenoticed, it seems to be catching. There've been reviews of more budget rifles and scopes in outdoor life and the like and some hunting shows have done public land strategies in recent months... One after I talked to the host about the topic.

Based on my AGI on 1040, I am not a 1 per center....but I save money to do what I want to do....pretty novel , huh? SKI---Spending Kids Inheritance ...I am retired on a fixed income, about 150K from Obama's definition of "rich"...but I learned early in life not to expect "instant gratification"
BTW, you can hunt RSA and/or Namibia and kill five animals for half of what a guided hunt "out west" would cost.....

Yeah, I can't afford a half guided hunt either... I've gotten to hunt the west by having friends and family to take me. I don't think at all you're a 1 percenter... But was aware that a 5 animal plains hunt is cheaper than an elk hunt

Sportsmanguide on the internet has some decent bargins if you look around. I spent 45 bucks on a scope ( yes I know that should be a reallllllly bad scope at the price ) but I can land 20 shots out of 20 shots in a 3 inch circle at 250 yards. Not too bad IMHO for a $200 used Rem 700 and $45 scope. That is more than accurate enough for my needs. Also found Mossberg choke tubes less than half what the local gun stores wanted.

Nice tip