Many of our regular readers are serious competitors who own top-end benchrest, F-Class, Palma, and/or Service Rifles. Such full-custom match rifles can easily exceed $5500 with optic. These premium rifles are a source of pride and competitive success. But many shooters also want something more affordable for fun rimfire matches, plinking, or varmint work. And that’s the focus of this story — good quality rifles that won’t bust your budget.
Video Reviews of Affordable Rifles
We recently found an interesting YouTube Channel that specializes in affordable rifles and scopes. This channel, appropriately named Affordable Optics and Rifle Reviews (AOFF), has 170+ helpful videos online, many with over 100,000 views. The testers are based in Canada, so they offer a perspective that’s a bit different than that of most American gun vloggers.
For todays’ Saturday at the Movies feature, we feature five of our favorite rifle reviews from the AOFF site. These videos are good starting points if you have been considering any of these rifles. Most are multi-purpose rifles that could be used in a tactical match or on a hunt.
1. Savage 110 Precision vs. Ruger Precision Rifle Comparison
These two rifles are direct competitors in the $1300-$1400 market range. The Savage combines the proven model 110 action with a modern Modular Driven Technologies (MDT) chassis. The latest Gen 3 Ruger Precision Rifle comes with a new, free-float M-LOK handguard that provides greater front scope clearance. The Ruger Precision MSR buttstock attaches to an AR-style buffer tube on a left-folding hinge, and the stock adjusts for length of pull and comb height. We have shot both rifles. We like the balance and accuracy of the Savage, but prefer the adjustable butt system on the Ruger.
2. Bergara B-14 vs. Tikka UPR Rifle Comparison
In this interesting comparison video, AOFF tests the Bergara B-14 HMR and the NEW Tikka UPR, both of which could be called cross-over rifles. You can hunt with them or shoot a tactical match. AOFF notes: “Both are GREAT rifles. In our previous reviews on these rifles, both showed great accuracy and performance out to long range (we brought them to 750m).” The Bergara B-14 runs about $1000 USD while the Tikka currently sells for about $1400.
3. Savage Axis II Precision Rifle in MDT Chassis
This video showcases the Savage Axis II Precision, chambered in 6.5 Creedmoor. Priced at $899.99, this rifle offers good performance for the price. It’s a good starter rig if you want to try a PRS/NRL competition, but it can also serve well as a hunting rifle. With adjustable comb and adjustable LOP, the MDT chassis offers good ergonomics. AOFF writes: “A great option for those who are looking to get into long range shooting, but aren’t looking into remortgaging there home to do so.” AOFF says the Savage Axis II is one of the best affordable, chassis rifles on the market because it combines an accurate barreled action with a nice MDT chassis. For more info, read this very thorough Savage Axis II review in Guns America Digest.
4. MDT XRS Modular Chassis System for Tikka T3x
AOFF tested the MDT Chassis with Tikka T3x Varmint in .223 Rem and .308 Win. AOFF states that this MDT Chassis offers good value: “This is not a ‘cheap’ rifle stock, although it IS one most can afford.” The XRS Chassis is designed for shooters who want the ergonomics of a traditional-shaped rifle stock with the benefits of a modern precision rifle chassis system. The MDT XRS Chassis is constructed from a full-length CNC machined core of 6061 aircraft grade aluminum with external textured polymer panels. It is available configured for a variety of short actions including Rem 700, Tikka T1x/T3x, Savage, CZ 457, Howa 1500, and Ruger American.
5. Winchester Wildcat .22 LR Rifle
The Winchester 22 has earned very positive reviews from owners, and it is a true bargain. AOFF reports: “This Winchester rifle proved to be a fun little rifle to shoot and plink with. As light as it is, with minimal recoil makes it a pleasure to shoot. This rifle retails for $230 USD making it not only fun but affordable. Mind you it isn’t perfect. The short stock with the short grip are two … things we found that should be improved on the Winchester Wildcat 22.”
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At the request of our readers, we provide select “Deals of the Week”. Every Sunday afternoon or Monday morning we offer our Best Bargain selections. Here are some of the best deals on firearms, hardware, reloading components, optics, and shooting accessories. Be aware that sale prices are subject to change, and once clearance inventory is sold, it’s gone for good. You snooze you lose.
Cabela’s — Bergara B-14 HMR Rifle, $949.99
⏺ Good Ergonomics, Works for Hunting plus PRS Factory Class
Bergara rifles combine accuracy, good ergonomics, and smooth function at a lower costs than many other brands. If you’re looking for a new rifle that’s capable of hunting, PRS competition, or target shooting, check out the Bergara B-14 HMR now on sale. Available in 6.5 Creedmoor for $949.99, the B-14 HMR features a quality synthetic stock with adjustable cheek-piece (scope not included). The 24″ barrel has a threaded muzzle, so you can add a muzzle brake or suppressor. Order this online from Cabelas.com and it ships for free to your local Cabela’s store.
2. Precision Reloading — Lapua Brass and Scenar Bullets Rebate
⏺ SAVE 10% with Rebate Program for Lapua Brass and Bullets
Here is a great deal on great cartridge brass and bullets. Right now Lapua is offering a Lapua Summer Savings Rebate on cartridge brass and Scenar bullets. With this rebate, you can then save 10% on your purchases up to $200 max. Precision Reloading has a great selection of Lapua brass and bullets. Of course Lapua brass is the “choice of champions” and we have found the Scenars to be extremely consistent in weight and base-to-ogive measurements. The Lapua Rebate Program covers purchases through August 31, 2020. You can also buy from Midsouth Shooters and Grafs.com.
3. Palmetto State Armory — Rossi RS22 Rimfire Rifle, $109.99
⏺ Reliable, with very impressive accuracy — awesome deal under $110!
Looking for a very affordable first rifle for a young family member? Here’s one of the best low-cost options you can find among .22 LR rimfire rigs. The Rossi RS22 is a reliable, semi-auto rifle that comes equipped with barrel-mounted iron/fiber optic sights. There are also dovetails on the receiver for mounting scope rings. The RS22 also takes most Mossberg 702 magazines. The Rossi RS22 features an 18″ free-floating barrel, adjustable fiber optic sights and a synthetic Monte Carlo stock. For added accuracy, 3/8″ dovetail mounts allow the mounting of a scope or other optic. Overall weight, without scope, is 4.1 pounds.
⏺ Take advantage of Browning Bucks Rebates up to $100
Browning makes excellent rifles, shotguns, and pistols. The Browning Buckmark is one of our favorite .22 LR rimfire pistol, and Browning Citori shotguns are renown for their build quality and performance. Right now CDNN Sports is running special SALES on a wide selection of Browning Firearms. And now through the end of September, you can can Browning Bucks back — up to $100.00 on Citori shotguns. The rifle rebate is $50, while the pistol rebate is $25.00. Here’s a change to get major savings on quality guns.
5. Bruno Shooters Supply — Massive BAT Action Sale
⏺ Superb BAT custom actions, over 80 on sale at $100 Off
BAT actions have an amazing reputation and are available in more configurations that just about any other action on the market. Head over to Bruno Shooters Supply and choose from over 80 BAT Actions on sale. Many models are avaiable, all discounted $100 off Bruno’s normal pricing. This BAT promo gets you $100 closer to that elite custom rifle you’ve always wanted.
⏺ Fine new press and all you need to reload — just add dies and components
The RCBS Rebel Master Reloading Kit features the new Rebel Press plus Uniflow III powder measure, pocket digital scale, hand priming trickler, powder funnel, fold-up hex key set, deburring tool, brush set, case loading block, spray lube, and a Speer Loading Manual. Midsouth’s Rebel Kit sale price is $379.99. But note — this Kit qualifies for a $75.00 RCBS rebate, lowering your net cost to $304.99 — a killer deal. The RCBS Summer Rebate provides $50 back with $100-$249.99 purchase; $75 back with $250-$399.99 purchase; and $100 back with a purchase of $400 or more.
7. Midsouth Shooters — Norma .22 LR Match Ammo, $65.65/500
⏺ Great accuracy for the price; excellent for gun games and NRL22
Midsouth has 500-round bricks of Norma .22 LR 40gr Elite Match-22 ammo for $65.65 (just 13 cents a round). The Match-22 LR series is known to deliver great performance. Norma tests each lot of .22 LR ammunition and then when a particularly accurate batch is identified, Norma places them into the Match category. This Match-22 ammo was produced for biathlon and target competition. It also an excellent choice for NRL22 tactical rimfire matches. At just $6.56 for a 50-count box, this is a great deal.
If you’re looking for a decent, under-$300 spotting scope, check out this Athlon for $149.99 at MidwayUSA. That price, which includes a tripod, is 25% off the regular $199.99 price. No this won’t compete with a $1500 Kowa, but it offers solid performance for the price. A verified purchaser posted: “Great value for the money. For $150 I don’t think you can go wrong. I am also not going to be worried about dropping it or getting it dirty. I had looked at scopes in the $800 range and decided that for me, there just wasn’t another $700 of value with the other scopes”. Another owner posted: “A Swaro it ain’t. But for the price nothing I’ve ever seen even comes close to touching it. Good sharp optics and simple to use.”
Here’s a very good mat for just $27.99. This NcStar Vism shooting mat boast decent padding, and reinforced areas for elbows and knees. Full dimensions are: 69″ Long x 35″ Wide. This mat has straps for pre-loading your bipod. When you’re done simply fold in the edges, roll it up into a compact 19.50″ W x 8.50″ H package — the size of a sleeping bag. You can pay twice as much for a shooting mat and not get much more quality. This mat has earned 85% Five-Star buyer ratings on Amazon.
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At the request of our readers, we provide select “Deals of the Week”. Every Sunday afternoon or Monday morning we offer our Best Bargain selections. Here are some of the best deals on firearms, hardware, reloading components, optics, and shooting accessories. Be aware that sale prices are subject to change, and once clearance inventory is sold, it’s gone for good. You snooze you lose.
1. Cabela’s — Bergara B-14 HMR, $949.99
⏺ Good Ergonomics, Works for Hunting plus PRS Factory Class
Bergara rifles offer excellent value for the money. They combine accuracy, good ergonomics, and smooth function at a lower costs than many other brands. If you’re looking for a new rifle that’s capable of hunting, PRS competition, or target shooting, check out the Bergara B-14 HMR now on sale. Available in 6.5 Creedmoor or .308 Win for $949.99, the B-14 HMR features a quality synthetic stock with adjustable cheek-piece. The 24″ barrel has a threaded muzzle, so you can add a muzzle brake or suppressor.
2. Amazon — Frankford Arsenal Perfect Seat Priming Tool, $69.79
⏺ Precise Depth Control, 12 Shell Holders, Quick-Change, Carry Case
Seating primers to a consistent depth helps deliver enhanced accuracy and low ES/SD. However, most priming systems don’t allow precise depth control. If you’re looking for a priming tool that allows you to adjust primer seating depth, check out the Frankford Arsenal Perfect Seat Hand Primer. This tool comes in a protective case along with a full set of case holders and primer flip tray. A quick thumb release system allows you to switch from small to large primers quickly.
3. Precision Reloading — H4350 and Reloder 16 in Stock
⏺ Great Temp-Stable, Match-Grade Powders in Stock
The most popular powders, such as H4350 and Reloder 16, can be hard to find. But we’ve located these outstanding temp-stable powders at two leading vendors. Right now Precision Reloading has both Hodgdon H4350 (1-lb and 8-lb) and Alliant Reloder 16 (1-lb) in stock. In addition, Powder Valley has popular H4350 in stock (1-lb and 8-lb). These powders are both great choices for 6.5 Creedmoor, .284 Win, and other match cartridge types.
4. Graf & Sons — 25% Off All Sightron Scopes
⏺ Great 25% Sale! Sightrons Rival Optics Costing Hundreds More
Need a high-quality optic for your match rifle or hunting rig? Looking for a specialized “big wheel” scope for Field Target airgun competition? Sightron offers a wide range of quality scopes at affordable prices. And now the deals are even better. Right now Grafs.com is offering 25% Off ALL Sightron scopes in stock. This sale is good through 11:59 pm CT on July 10, 2020.
5. Amazon — Lyman Xpress Case Trimmer, $114.99
⏺ Great Tool — EZ Length Adjust, Variable Speed, Carbide Cutter, 10 Bushings
Trimming cases to length is a critical for precision reloading. Unfortunately, many trimmers are inefficient and/or clunky. If you want a fast, easy, and precise way to trim brass look no further than the Lyman Xpress Case Trimmer. This boast a super-sharp carbide cutter head plus a variable speed control. The unit ships with 10 shoulder bushings to cover most cartridge types. The carbide cutter trims fast and clean.
6. Amazon — Teslong Rod-Type Digital Borescope, $79.99
⏺ Handy Rod Borescope with Sharp Digital Images and Video
Teslong digital borescopes have been a huge success and earned high praise from our Forum members. First there was the cable-type plug-in model, then a Wifi Teslong that works with all types of mobile devices. The latest Teslong features a metal shaft, with length markings. This makes it easier to inspect your bore with precision. This compact, electro-optical, Rod-type Borescope ($79.99) outputs sharp, high-rez images and VIDEO to desktop computers, laptops, as well as Android tablets and smartphones.
7. Amazon — Frankford Arsenal or Lyman Brass Tumbler Sale
⏺ Great Sale Pricing, Choose Lyman or Frankford with Clear Top
⏺ Huge Discounts on Weaver Tactical, Hunting, and Competition Optics
Weaver scopes have always been a top optics option. Weaver offers models for just about any discipline. If you’re in the market for a new scope check out the amazing Weaver Scope Blowout SALE at Natchez. Natchez has a good assortment of quality Weaver scopes at crazy low prices up to 55% off. NOTE: There may be changes in Weaver scope production. Contact Bushnell for ongoing warranty policies.
9. Brownells — TriggerTech Trigger Sale
⏺ Good Selection for ARs and Rem-Compatible Bolt Guns. Save 25-35%
TriggerTech makes quality trigger with crisp breaks and adjustable pull weights. With a protectice housing, tThese triggers are very resistant to dirt and debris. If you’ve been looking for a new trigger, check out the TriggerTech Trigger Sale at Brownells. There are substantial discounts. For example the AR15 Independence trigger is discounted from $229.99 to just $149.99 — a 35% savings.
10. Midsouth Shooters Supply — Berger Ammo Sale
⏺ True Match-Grade Factory Ammo with Lapua Brass and Berger Bullets
Berger Bullets is a renowned bullet-maker. But did you know Berger makes loaded ammunition as well? Available in many calibers for both hunting and target shooting, Berger ammo is a great choice for those who want quality without hand-loading. Midsouth Shooters is running a Berger Ammo Sale. You’ll find 6.5 Creedmoor, .260 Rem, .308 Win, .300 Win Mag, .338 LM and other popular types. This ammo shoots great — check out this Berger 6.5 Creedmoor Ammo Test.
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Video Reviews of Affordable Rifles
