Rifle Stolen ...New Rifle Recommendations-HELP!

[dbo]

Ok guys, I'm having a really bad day and need some advice.
 
About a month ago, I purchased a new Ruger M77 Mark II in .338.  I was very happy with the rifle with one exception-the trigger.  As most have noted, the trigger pull was very heavy and non-adjustable.  I spoke with Ruger about the problem.  They told me to send the gun back to them and they'd lighten the trigger  to 3.5 lbs for no charge. I said great and packaged the rifle in a foam rifle case and FedExed it to them about a week ago.  
 
A product service rep called me today and informed me they received my rifle case but with NO RIFLE in it!!!!!! :evil:  :evil: I couldn't believe what I'd heard!!  I had the damned rifle for less than a month and now it's stolen!   So, now I'm in the process of filling a claim with FedEx and just finished filing a police report.  
 
Now I need some suggestions on what brand to get to replace the Ruger.  I probably won't go with a Ruger again due to the trigger problem.  What brand/model of rifle in the $500-$650 range has a good trigger from the factory?  
 
My biggest concerns are: accuracy, reliability,and trigger adjustability. I'm thinking of going the synthetic route to save a little on cost. As far as brands,  I'm thinking of a Weatherby Vanguard, Remington 700 BDL or a Savage.  I heard good things about that new Savage trigger but I know nothing about the rifle other than that.  Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.
 
Thanks-

[7magWoodsman]

I am extremely sorry to hear about your loss, and I know how you feel.

I would get another Ruger and buy a Timney Trigger for it, but I love to way the Ruger fits me and it is worth spending extra on the Timney in my opinion...

I would not get a Vanguard just because they are made in Japan, something about a gun made by people that don't own guns just don't sit well with me...

Out of the Savage and Remington I would go with the Remington 700 BDL...Savages are great guns for the money and I have a couple, but the bluing on the Savage is not that great and the Remington stocks feel better to me.

Just my honest opinions.

I recommend shouldering the rifles and buy whichever feels best to you.

Good Luck. Stay Safe. Happy Hunting/Shooting.  

[smoky]

If I were in your shoes, I would buy the Remington.  I've never had a lemon from them.  If you are going the synthetic route, I would suggest getting the least expenssive model you can find (maybe even a used one from a pawn shop) and getting an H-S precision aftermarket stock with the aluminum bedding block in it.  IMO, all of the factory stocks are junk (plastic).

The 700 is the most common bolt gun out there, so aftermarket accessories are endless, should you ever want to change or modify something.

If you are not set on a bolt gun, you might consider a T/C Encore.  With mine I only shoot it as a pistol or muzzle loader right now, but it has the best trigger on it (after a trigger job) of any of my guns.

Hope this helps a little.

Smoky

[tscott]

I love my 20 yr old Vanguard in .270... In those days they came with a fancy walnut stock... lucky me!
The Vanguard I believe is the one rifle that still comes with an accuracy guarantee, and target with 3 shots from the rifle in it, at 100 yds.
Today I would go to the legacysports.com site and look at the lightning 1500 Howa barelled action.(Howa makes the Vanguard cost = 363)
I'd then go to ramline.com, and look at the black composite stock=89.95
And then play the match game!
I to want to buy American, and like you I work hard for my money. I do
research, and buy what I feel is the best quality product, regardless of who makes it. I also love my Savage 99 circa 55'. My favorite deer rifle (model f)!
Ain't too crazy about the grandchildren of the model 99!
I hope you get restitution...

[Omaha-BeenGlockin]

If you were happy with the Ruger---why not get another one???

Then install a Timney yourself----that way she doesn't leave your sight this time around.

[gunnut69]

Check a few gunshows and internet sights.  The 338 caliber rifles don't sell ass high priced as a 30-06 and nobody ever wears one out! A good old M77 Ruger would great.  A really nice fitting wood stock and a fully adjustable trigger.  All that's needed is a screw driver and a bit of knowledge.  Another would be thea M70.  Even the post 64 pushfeed types will work just great and are sometimes a real bargain.  I bought a M70 LT a couple of yers age in 338 with a 3x9 Nikon mounted. The checkering had been damaged but at $350 I could not let it go by!!  I have had much bad luck of late with the M700's and Remingtons QC in general.  Ruger hasn't been much better but I simply shop old!!

[Lawdog]

dbo,

You could do as 'Omaha-BeenGlockin' says;

If you were happy with the Ruger---why not get another one???

Then install a Timney yourself----that way she doesn't leave your sight this time around.

This is what I did to all my newer Rugers.  But you could also get a Savage and have one of the most accurate out of the box rifles made today.  The Weatherby Vanguard is another good choice as you get the Weatherby guarantee to go along with it.  My advice is to stay away from Remington.  They could end up costing you more than you want to spend.  Small groups and tight lines to you.  Lawdog
 

[Val]

The Savage with the accutrigger meets all your concerns very well.

[sgtt]

I picked up a used Tikka 695 at a gun show at a resoonable price.  Good wood, good blueing, good ring set up, good trigger, scary accurate.  A little on the heavy side.  Waaaaaaaaaaaaaay under $500.

[handirifle]

SAVAGE!

http://www.savagearms.com/111f.htm

Or go with the wood stock model.  Either way you get one of the best factory triggers out there, if not the best, an incredible accurate rifle all for under $500.

[TC Shooter]

I have owned 3 Remingtons and never had any trouble with - all were extremely accurate. Although all were/are the heavy varmint style 26" barrels - ( VS in .308 , VLS in .223 and a 700P in .308) My only complaint on the 700s is the out of the box trigger.  I have a Jewell trigger in my 700 so that is no longer a concern! But it seems you would be better suited with a good, easily adjustabe trigger to begin with.

Try a  Savage Accu-trigger next time you are in a gun store - it has a great out of the box trigger with the Accu-trigger. The accuracy reputation seems to be well deserved. Probably should be able to buy one under or at the low end of the budget range you have listed.

[goose7856]

I have a Remington 700 ADL for a 30-06 and really love the rifle........its comfortable for me to shoot, and I can shoot it very well.......but if you have around 500-600 dollars........i second the recommendation of the Tikka. One of my freinds just ordered one, and he is expecting it soon, i have never heard anything bad about Tikkas, and the price is right is your wheel house.......but then again.......any other gun would be fine....but the tikka should match or do better accuracy wise than your Ruger........plus, tikka makes a synthetic model that goes for around $460 from ozarkguns.com so add about $25 to ship and the FFL fee from the gun store and it should end up costing about $500........just my  :money:

:sniper:

 

[Patriot_1776]

7magWoodsman wrote:

I would not get a Vanguard just because they are made in Japan, something about a gun made by people that don't own guns just don't sit well with me...

I disagree with that.  Weatherby really stands behind their products and they do have general guidelines that are followed.  I would recommend a Wby. Vanguard, because I have a Weatherby rifle (Accumark) and it has been perfect to the dot.  Still looking for "the load that is right" though, as it takes patience.  But either way, that is the best way to find the right gun: ask around, look over manufacturer's web sights, and check their figures and reviews by owners.  I'm terribly sorry to hear about your rifle being stolen dbo...That is a real bite, especially since it was barely used.  God bless   Patriot

[dbo]

Thanks for all the good information guys,  I appreciate it.   I went to a gun shop and checked out the Savage accu-trigger and I love it.  For the money, the Savage (about $450) has a good set of features:  adjustable trigger, floated/button rifled, bedded action, and a good reputation for out-of-the-box  accuracy.  I think I'll give it a try.  
 
Thanks again-

[7magWoodsman]

I would not get a Vanguard just because they are made in Japan, something about a gun made by people that don't own guns just don't sit well with me...

I disagree with that.

I really don't know what you are disagreeing with, I never said the Vanguard is a bad gun, I just said I didn't like the Idea of a "non-Gun owner" actually making my gun........To be honest It is hard to find a Remington, Winchester, Ruger, or Savage that does not shoot less than 1.5" groups @ 100yrds. even though they don't send you a neat little target with them, and that is 75% of the sales pitch for the Vanguard...the other 25% is the Weatherby name, and they don't even make them!!! And out of those four Companies I mentioned, 3 makes rifles in the same price range and all bolt actions from these three are still made in the USA.........I prefer to keep my money here in the States "if possible".

I would recommend a Wby. Vanguard, because I have a Weatherby rifle (Accumark) and it has been perfect to the dot.

I recommend the Ruger M77, Timney Triggers, and McMillan Stocks for the same reason....

I went to a gun shop and checked out the Savage accu-trigger and I love it.

Well it sounds as if you are going to be a happy Savage Shooter.  :grin:

Good Luck. Stay Safe. Happy Hunting and Shooting.