ParadiseRoad
Member
...I'd vote for the H&R/NEF Handi Rifle also...
DOes anyone make an inexpensive rifle WITH iron sights anymore?
- Thread starter CAJUNLAWYER
- Start date
AR's can be had for less than $500......Meets all your qualifications...
ditto1958
Member
+1. Get a used entry level AR with either a carry handle or flip up sights. You can literally throw it in the boat if that's what you wanna do.
The most rugged rifle I've ever seen is the SKS. It will keep working no matter what. AK's are close behind but not as rugged IMO. They both have sights. I love my AR's but I still have my SKS because it has kept working perfectly for 25 years and many thousands of rounds of ammo. I don't know what they sell for now. Likely an AR is a better deal unless you just want something you can beat to heck and not worry about. That's what an SKS is.
Also I'd buy the Savage Hog Hunter over the single shot NEF and H&R break down rifles. They are more accurate and they won't break down over time because of the break down barrels. Those pivot points work loose over the years. Savage makes some very accurate rifles even among their cheaper models. And the Hog Hunter is designed to take a beating too. If the choice was a $275 Handi Rifle and a Hog Hunter for $425 I'd take the Hog Hunter every time. They are much better rifles. The Handi Rifle is made to be the cheapest rifle possible. They will work a good while but they Savage will work for your grandchildren.
Also I'd buy the Savage Hog Hunter over the single shot NEF and H&R break down rifles. They are more accurate and they won't break down over time because of the break down barrels. Those pivot points work loose over the years. Savage makes some very accurate rifles even among their cheaper models. And the Hog Hunter is designed to take a beating too. If the choice was a $275 Handi Rifle and a Hog Hunter for $425 I'd take the Hog Hunter every time. They are much better rifles. The Handi Rifle is made to be the cheapest rifle possible. They will work a good while but they Savage will work for your grandchildren.
ky wonder
US Veteran
The handy rifles are handy, but they are not that cheap anymore, have you looked at a remington 700 adl, many of these have iron sights and I just saw one in 270 shoot a half inch group at 100 yds with a 5.5 lb trigger
Saw one recently in a cdn ad at 369 dollars
Saw one recently in a cdn ad at 369 dollars
TheHobbyist
Member
Hi Caj,
I hope my post is of some value to you. I agree with others who mentioned buying a low-cost AR-15. I bought a Ruger with a scope for $599.00. You can buy them easily under $ 500.00.
I have purchased new Savage bolt actions and haven't been too impressed. The action just doesn't have the same feel as the older ones. However, the new Savage rifles can be had for $300-$400. For that price, it is an excellent buy. Just need to keep perspective. I have no experience with the Mossberg mentioned.
Were it me, I'd likely go the AR route or something on the used market under $500 in this instance.
I hope my post is of some value to you. I agree with others who mentioned buying a low-cost AR-15. I bought a Ruger with a scope for $599.00. You can buy them easily under $ 500.00.
I have purchased new Savage bolt actions and haven't been too impressed. The action just doesn't have the same feel as the older ones. However, the new Savage rifles can be had for $300-$400. For that price, it is an excellent buy. Just need to keep perspective. I have no experience with the Mossberg mentioned.
Were it me, I'd likely go the AR route or something on the used market under $500 in this instance.
BigBill
Absent Comrade
Sks/7.62x39 got gators? Very accurate to 125yds. Battle field proven reliable.
When a snake comes into the boat please don't shoot the boat. These critters like to visit boats at night.
When a snake comes into the boat please don't shoot the boat. These critters like to visit boats at night.
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That hasn't been my experience at all. I guess it's been a few years since I bought one but the last one I bought was smooth as butter. And the accuracy is amazing. It wasn't a cheaper model but still - 5" groups at 500 yards says all I need to know.
scoobysnacker
Member
SKS would be the ticket, but they're climbing in price now. You're doing good if you can find one at $300, and not mismatched. But they're a great platform for slinging 7.62.
LVSteve
Member
Not a 223, but was cheap, has one peep site and accurate as I need it to be for anything I'm doing...
As a collector of original Enfields, all I can say is MY EYES!!! MY EYES!!!
My first choice would be for Caj to ride his time machine back the 1970s then buy a new .223 Remington Model 788 bolt action at Ernst Hardware for $99.
In the role of the poor man's .223 prairie dog rifle 788s were superseded by hardwood stocked Savage 110s during the late 1980s. Both tended to be more accurate than Winchester Model 70s and Ruger Model 77s. While the price of used 788s went up so high it took them out of bargain territory Savage 110s remained affordable. Consequently my second choice is an already scratched up 20 to 30 year old economy grade .223 Savage 110.
In the role of the poor man's .223 prairie dog rifle 788s were superseded by hardwood stocked Savage 110s during the late 1980s. Both tended to be more accurate than Winchester Model 70s and Ruger Model 77s. While the price of used 788s went up so high it took them out of bargain territory Savage 110s remained affordable. Consequently my second choice is an already scratched up 20 to 30 year old economy grade .223 Savage 110.
OP
CAJUNLAWYER
Member
Thanks for the answers. Like Dorothy I have realized that I "always had the power to go home" so to speak. I'm just gonna use my Mini 14. That's what it was made for! And since I only paid $300 for it at Wal Mary years ago it DOES qualify as a cheep .223 with iron sights. 
Interesting exercise nonetheless and thanks for the participation.
Interesting exercise nonetheless and thanks for the participation.Similar threads
