" Budget " ( under 1K, preferably between 500-1K ) Hunting Rifle For Buddy With Limited Funds?

[Huntin_GI]

Tikka tikka tikka

 

[gtriple]

I was going to reccomend the Ruger American Predator.. Glad to see others did. That was the rifle that got me into hunting and was fantastic. I have since graduated to better rifles, however I do not regret starting out on the RAP.

Yup. I started with a plane Jane RA in 30-06. It killed two 300" elk and a buffalo just fine. Then I got a Go Wild version in 308. That gun has killed more animals than all of my other guns combined.

 

[BryanL]

Tikka and done! .308, 6.5, and .223.

 

[KenLee]

not a fan of my ab3 in 30-06.

The 3 doesn't make me smile like the older 1 and 2 versions

 

[UncleBone]

The 3 doesn't make me smile like the older 1 and 2 versions

Its not a bad gun, it just isn't my favorite. I killed a white tail with it last year, so it does the job. Just not quite as refined as id like. Seems like the t3x is a lot better for about the same price.

 

[KenLee]

Its not a bad gun, it just isn't my favorite. I killed a white tail with it last year, so it does the job. Just not quite as refined as id like. Seems like the t3x is a lot better for about the same price.

I bought a 308 and 30-06 AB3 last summer for less than $400 each out the door.
They run some good sales on them. I had plenty of scopes at home, so I couldn't help scoopin those up. They shoot good, just kinda clunky feeling. My old a-bolts balance, point and feel like an extension of my arm. Just natural

 

[JFK]

Sauer 100 is another good option in your price range. I have in 270 and been thoroughly impressed with it.

 

[Teodoro]

Would he have more confidence buying used if you could go along with him, if that's possible? I think sometimes folks who are new to this are worried they won't know what to look for in a used rifle.
My best advice would be to buy a ho-hum used rifle in a not super hard kicking caliber off a used rack somewhere.
It's what I did, but I will say I was somewhat set back my hunting journey by a scope that didn't have eye relief appropriate for the long action rifle it was mounted to. Having someone experienced on hand to check that the bore isn't rusty, the firing pin doesn't drop when you let off the safety, and the scope vaguely makes sense for the gun would probably be a big help.

 

[Bengradillas]

Yup. I started with a plane Jane RA in 30-06. It killed two 300" elk and a buffalo just fine. Then I got a Go Wild version in 308. That gun has killed more animals than all of my other guns combined.

How do you like the Go Wild edition? Did you feel the upgrade was worth it from the RA? In the same situation and looking to upgrade.

 

[gtriple]

How do you like the Go Wild edition? Did you feel the upgrade was worth it from the RA? In the same situation and looking to upgrade.

The Go Wild is definitely better than the original. Cerakote + threaded barrel are great.

If you can afford it, though, I'd put a couple hundred extra in and get a Tikka. The RA shoots well, but the Trigger, Action, and aftermarket availability are well below a Tikka.