I am looking to pick up my first rifle.

I used a Remington 700 this weekend, and loved it, though that would likely be out of my price range.

I usually check out academys website, as they seem to have a pretty good selection and are affordable.

My biggest issue is that I am left handed, which only makes things harder. I'm not convinced that I have to have a left hand rifle, but I would likely spend a little more if I had to.

I would really like to stay under 500 for rifle and scope, but understanding that you get what you pay for.

any suggestions?

Under 500 for rifle and glass is almost impossible. That is ... if you want something that shoots reasonably well.

My son is a lefty, and the best deals we found were at www.grabagun.com They had left handed Tikkas on sale for a while. Not sure what they have left though. They're great to work with and shipped next day.

A Tikka T3 and decent glass is going to set you back at least $750 or so. That is if you can still find the T3 on sale for $400-$500.

Thank you!

Ruger American

Lots of good options. Savage Trophy Hunter combo is just under $500 in synthetic and just over $500 for wood stock. Ruger American is about $300-$350 plus you could add a Nikon Prostaff. Rem 700 scope combo is in your budget as well.

My vote goes for the Savage for accuracy, but any of those options should be fine. Even the Mossbergs in the $300-$400 range are good shooters. Just pick what you like best.

If you can find a LH Tikka T3 on sale for $450, go get it and save up the extra $ for a scope down the road. It's worth the extra if you can get it in the $400-$500 range.

LH'd T/C Venture should be available within your price envelope & comes with a Weaver style base from the factory, then a Minox 3x9x40 with a Lifetime warranty Z?-3 from Camera Land at $100 in Plex or $110 in BDC should keep you under $500....if your FFL transfer guy does not cost more than I would pay for one....and probably no Sales Tax involved like any Texas based retailer is required to charge you.

T/C Ventures also come with a Lifetime Warranty for the original owner of record....and a 1" MOA Guarantee in factory ammo.

Some LH'd Tikka's still left at closeout prices at Europtic in Pensylvania last time I looked.

"Budget Guns" Ain't ever gonna be pretty, but they can get the job done if you chose wisely.
Ron

Agree with the TC Venture. I have one in 223 and it is accurate for the $

Doesn't do him any good to buy a rifle if he has to wait to put a scope on. The savage 110 package or the mossberg patriot packages are your best bet. I'd give the nod to the savage for long term reputation.

My sub-500 combo would be a Ruger American with a Nikon Prostaff.

I'm just thinking another $50 for a Minox ZV or Bushnell Trophy or another $100 for a Prostaff shouldn't make for too long of a wait. I think the Tikkas are just in a different league than many other options, but not in a completely different price point if you can get it for $450. The scope on the Savage combo or Mossberg combo isn't going to be any better than the $100 options. But you're right - if it's truly a long wait to save up the extra few bucks, then he might as well get started with either of the lower priced options and possibly upgrade the rifle later if necessary. New T3 closeout models will be long gone at that point though, which is the only reason I brought it up.

https://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/products_id/96990/Mossberg+PATRIOT+22+270+SYN

http://m.cameralandny.com/spec_sheet.html?catalog[name]=Minox-ZV-3-3-9x40---PLEX-%2366005-Minox-ZV-3&catalog[product_guids][0]=19b81e80-0bd3-0134-7eba-00163e9110c0

Mossberg Patriot .270 and Minox ZV 3 for a total of $375.00. Leaves $125.00 for FFL fee, rings and base.

The reason I'd go that way instead of buying a package rifle is the scope and mounts. The Minox IMO is a much better scope than what you'll get with an Axis, 783, RAR or Patriot package. Plus the rings that come with the package rifles are very low quality.

Ruger American "PREDATOR" package

I like the TC Venture also. Topping it with a Redfield Revolution or Vortex Diamond back should get you pretty close in price.

Another vote for the TC Venture!

Great deal, especially for stainless.

And left handed....

make sure you are left eye dominate...

I would shop used.

axis with Nikon 3x9x40

My brother has one is 22-250 and I lightened the trigger a bit and its surprisingly a great gun for the price

Thank you everyone for your suggestions.

I am definitely left eye dominant. I considered not worrying about left handed, as it likely wouldn't be an issue except with a shotgun.

I'm still shopping all the options, and looked at a few Nikon scopes this weekend. I liked them much more than the leupold I had hunting over Christmas. Does anyone know who may have the Minoz zV3 on display? I didn't see any at academy.

I got a great deal on a scope and bought the Tikka at regular price

I'd buy this one!

270 in classifieds