not trying to start the brand war but curious what the thoughts are on the sub 400 rifles out there these days

Remington 770, I don't care for had a bad experience with one
savage axis, seem ok from looking but that's as far as I know
ruger American, had one that I never shot but felt ok in the hands
Mossberg atr, hear decent stuff but never handled one

not sure what else falls in that category, looking for an inexpensive rifle for this year while I consider a custom build for next year. Im sure there are some other guns out there that I may not have considered or seen in that range so let me know if I missed something. Also a reason to go with or without a certain model.

calibers I am considering are 270win, 308, and 7mm-08 or stay classic and pick up a lever gun and hunt with a 30-30

I bought a used but good condition Remington 788 last year for $400. I have actually seen a few of these in that price range over the last year or two.

Cabelas Ft Worth had a 788 in 7-08 not too long ago and were asking $450. Probably could have bought it for $400-$425.

For that price range, I just think it is hard to find a better rifle.

I'd probable default to the Axis or Ruger. Have seen major issues with the bolts from both the 770 and the Mossberg.

I guess the best bet is a 700 adl that falls in that range too. Seems to be a lot of them popping up just in the wrong caliber 30-06

Other thoughts were vanguard and howa

check out the Marlin X rifles or also Stevens

The ones at Academy are a good deal. I saw a .308 at an academy here a few weeks back.

Had a few marlin bolt actions one was very accurate other wouldn't stay on paper

Was just at academy this morning looking at a 700 ADL they were asking $380. granted it needed a scope, rings and base but I never factor this into rifle price.

Have the scope already but like you I don't factor that part either

Remmy ADL's or 788's hard to beat. Found another 788 22-250 last week for $375.

Sportsmans warehouse had Remington 700 adls w/ scope for 399 this week.

ADL, Stevens, or Ruger American

Wal Mart has Savage 11 and 111 combos for $398.

Guess I'm not looking in the right places Walmart never seems to have anything but 22's and ar's lately. Pawn shops are smoking crack on pricing and cabelas and basspro I never find deals at. Academy or dicks from time to time but hit and miss.

I've seen some comments on the Ruger Americans being surprisingly accurate. The truth is there are a lot of good choices out there. A friend of mine has a Stevens 200 in .30-06 that shoots *lights out!*

Savage 10 or 110 depending if you want long or short action. Order it if you have to.

rem 700 adl

I have a savage 111 in 270 tha is good quality. My BIL has an axis, and I do not like the way his magazine fits. Kinds sticky gitting it in.

I have A good friend that has a Mossberg ATR. It is an ok rifle. The Ruger American is also fairly nice... Now time for the cold hard facts... You can get a Remington 700 SPS for 399.99 in some walmarts. Savage 11 Trophy XP costs 430 in local walmart... None of the "budget guns" are even close to the quality of either of the guns I just mentioned, so why go with the budget guns? Don't get me wrong, the ATR and the American are ok rifles, but they lack quality, they lack features, and they lack accuracy, that is why they are branded as "budget gun's"... I am not trying to start an argument here and I know some random person is going to say "my ATR can shoot one inch groups at three hundred yards" but lets be realistic, even if ONE ATR can shoot groups like that (which I don't believe one can) the majority will never even get close. Furthermore I must say I am partial to Remington 700's. It has nothing to do with Remington, it has everything to do with quality, I have shot quite a few 700's and never had one problem. In fact one of the ones I shoot is over 30 years old, has had thousands of rounds through it, and shoots better than most guns in it's price range today.

If you want an accurate rifle out of the box, buy a Savage

I've seen the Rem. 700 ADLs at Academy for $379 in 7mm Rem Mag, .243, .308, .270, and .30-06. Probably your best bet with that price cap.

I had one in .30-06 and out-of-the box it shot sub-MOA. I wasn't a believer in Rem. 700s until then, lol.

I picked up a savage axis in .308 and love it! Accurate out of the box and a tack driver! Have yet to have a deer take a step after pulling the trigger.

I can't argue that in that price range the 700 is probably the best deal but I have never had an issue with savage either. Trying to buy used if I can find something but everything is getting snatched up pretty quick.

My vote is on marlin X series. Marlin XL7 in long or XS7 for short actions. Nice feel, great trigger, nice accuracy. If your goal is to paper punch holes a dime can cover every time then maybe not. If your ok with hunting accuracy at MOA then this will fall right in. Also Howa 1500 or I have seen some TC Ventures fall under the $400 mark on some sites.

http://www.topgunreview.com/best/rifle/budget-bolt-actions/