A close friend has one he is selling for $450. Gun has a Simmons scope that came with it (1st thing I would replace) and has maybe two boxes of ammo throught it. I have the option to go shoot it before buying. I'm looking for opinions on this gun from people who have or currently owned on.
1)Long Range Accuracy?

2) Reliability?


Thanks!

$450 seems a bit high, $425 or $400 would probably be better, the Simmons scope isn't worth much at all. To answer your questions:

1.) Keep in mind that this gun is designed more or less as a nasty weather hunting rifle, and not a long range tack driver, with a good quality scope, and a quality shooter, it should do fine for hunting out to 400-500 yards, which is about the longest ethical range anyway.

2.) It is as reliable as any other push feed rifle.

I don't own that gun but I help sight that same gun in a couple of months ago.It lets you know when you have pulled the trigger.The guy won the gun @ a raffle.After we got it sighted in and he shot another 1/2 box of ammo thru it he decided he was going to sell the gun.....too much recoil for his liking.I would have to agree with him.

Thanks for the info. As far as long range shooting, it's something I want to get into. Not so much for hunting but more for learning how to shoot better in general and the fun of it. I had looked at the recoil pad on the gun, and that would be the second thing to go if I get it.

In our local gun rag that rifle (no scope) has asking prices from $300 to $400, with $350 seeming to be about average.

I had ended up shooting this gun (with the cheap scope) and wasn't impressed with the group. Also found out that the bolt release wasn't working so I passed. Someone else ended up buying it.

For a long range rig I would suggest looking at the Savage Long Range Hunter in either 300 WM or 7MM Rem Mag.

Much heavier barrel contour than a standard barrel, two inches longer barrel and more mass to help with recoil. I think the rifle is around $700.00 new.

I have decided that I want on my next gun a fluted 26 Stainless barrel (300WM). I think if Savage made a 26 inch fluted Stainless barrel with a accutrigger and accustock, that would end my search. I don't see any such combination on their web site. Thank you for the suggestion.

Personally I wouldn't buy anything in a 300 WSM/WinMag etc...too much recoil to shot accurately and the cost of shells are very high.Get a nice Savage 7mm-08,25-06,.270 or even a .243 Rifle.

I'm not worried about the recoil and the reason for the 300WM is because I want it for elk hunting too. If I didn't elk hunt I would be looking at the other calibers you mentioned.