My bad. I just looked, and I was a tad low. Bud's has them for $334:

http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/p...+Black+Synthet

Then, of course, you have to find a cheap FFL (I have a guy that will accept shipment for $20, but I realize the normal price is higher). So you should be able to get one for $350 or so.

What state is he going to be hunting in? Some states restrict you to shooting only shotgun.

Buying used is no doubt the cheapest way into this. Since the objective is to get him into the game, don't get all wrapped up in buying something expensive. When was the last time someone missed a deer because of using a worn-out firearm? Clean it up, maintain it properly, and it will shoot.

On this theme of getting into the game cheaply . . . a scope is not a necessity. A rifle with open sights will still shoot and kill deer. I think I read somewhere that over half the deer shot in the US are shot at under 100 yards. If you can't shoot a deer with open sights at under 100 yards the fault is with the shooter, not the gun, not the open sights.

Having said that, every big game rifle I use has a Leupold VariX III or a VX-III on it. But I appreciate that this is not necessary to get started.

Still a very good rifle at that price.

That puts it halfway between the Savage Axis and the Savage 11/111

For some reason the Marlin seems to be a little harder to come by.

I still stand by the Axis though as being "the cheapest .270 rifle worth buying" no shipping cost,no ffl cost, just about $280 at the local walmart.

We could certainly say "for another $50-$100" all day long though.

If wanting new, I'd throw my opinion behind the Ruger American or the Marlin X7, in that order.

If a used rifle is acceptable you could find a good rifle with good scope for about the same cost as one of these brand new scope-less rifles. If you know what to look for and can see past cosmetic superficial stuff, there are very good deals to be had.

Just make sure you understand the function of the used gun you're looking at and know what elements are important and which superficial things you can live with. A little surface rust or a dinged up stock does not always indicate a poorly cared for rifle. Good, hard, honest use with proper firearm maintenance can result in a rough looking rifle with a great bore and fine shooting functions.

Magazine feeding, bolt function and cartridge feeding and extraction ... full functioning safety... these are the real issues for firearm use. Being pretty isn't necessary but we all seem to like it.

BTW, buying new does not guarantee all the items listed above will be perfect either.

What is his budget? Is it real low like under $400 or low like under $700? Get what ya pay for...

I definitely won't argue with you, the last 3 long guns I've bought have been Savages. Last year I was looking for a reasonably priced deer/antelope rifle, had the Axis, Marlin, Ruger American and a few others on the list, ended up spending a bit more on the 11 series, but one thing I liked about the Marlin was the adjustable trigger, which the Axis lacks.

Take a look at these;


http://www.ableammo.com/catalog/ruge...-p-127532.html

http://www.ableammo.com/catalog/weat...-p-121954.html

http://www.ableammo.com/catalog/marl...-p-117249.html

http://www.ableammo.com/catalog/ruge...h-p-99578.html

http://www.ableammo.com/catalog/tikk...h-p-90826.html

http://www.ableammo.com/catalog/remi...h-p-86358.html

http://www.ableammo.com/catalog/howa...h-p-99595.html

http://www.ableammo.com/catalog/sava...m-p-86703.html

http://www.ableammo.com/catalog/thom...-p-112298.html

http://www.remington.com/product-fam...model-783.aspx

I agree with you that the Marlin is the better rifle. I just disagree within the context of the question.

The Axis is IMO the cheapest rifle worth buying.

Like you I would go with the 11/111 but I don't think its the cheapest rifle worth buying.

Academy sports has Remy 700 ADLs for $379. If I wanted to be under 400, that would be the one for me.

I've looked at the RAR, Axis, and the 770. I havent had a chance look at the marlin. I'm wanting a short barrel 308 for hog and deer hunting in the thickets. Between the 3 I've looked at the ruger by far had the best trigger and feel to me. The range reports I have read on them accuracy seems to be about the same on all of them.