Budget .308 bolt action recommendations

[BenimusPrime]

I am looking to get a .308 bolt action as a back up to the G3 knockoff I'm using as my main deer gun currently. Figure then I can give great grandpa's Montgomery Ward 30-30 lever action to one of my nephews to get it in the hands of a 5th generation and my deer rifles can share ammo then.

I'm looking for .308 (as stated), has a scope rail, 18" to 22" barrel, under 7.5 lbs, and under $500. Hunting whitetail deer in MN at 100 yards or less.

I have already eliminated Ruger and the Savage Axis. Ruger because I recently accidently broke my dads Ruger bolt action, and the Axis because I did not like the bolt throw riding so close to the scope when I got my hands on it. I liked the feel of the Mossberg Patriot bolt, however I see a bunch of hate toward the Patriot in 308 on YouTube.

I'm currently am looking at Mossberg Patriot carbine with the heavier barrel (but can't find any reviews on this model) coming in at about $425, or the Stevens 334 costing roughly $345. I am wondering if the MB carbine fixed or at least improved the accuracy problems I hear about on the base Patriot, and if the 2' shorter barrel and being threaded, and 1 lb less in weight, is worth $80? Or if anyone has some other suggestions to throw in the mix?

(And before anyone says just pick which one feels better in hand, none of the stores around me have either of these guns in stock. I would need to order online only currently.)

 

[TX Trophy Hunter]

I doubt the mossberg or stevens would be any better quality than the ruger. If you don’t mind going single shot, I’ve seen a lot of good reviews of the CVS scout in that price range.

 

[TX Trophy Hunter]

CVA that is

 

[SD_Prairie_Goat]

Check howa 1500. Budget line for Weatherby but same action

 

[TX Trophy Hunter]

 

[BenimusPrime]

I doubt the mossberg or stevens would be any better quality than the ruger. If you don’t mind going single shot, I’ve seen a lot of good reviews of the CVS scout in that price range.

I would prefer not to go single, but I won't completely throw the idea out.

 

[BenimusPrime]

Check howa 1500. Budget line for Weatherby but same action

I will keep an eye on them, but currently I haven't seen anything scope ready under $600

 

[TX Trophy Hunter]

I will keep an eye on them, but currently I haven't seen anything scope ready under $600

There’s a couple used ones on cabelas for 500. They will ship to any cabelas or bass pro for you to evaluate and purchase

 

[SFC B]

Check howa 1500. Budget line for Weatherby but same action

If you look hard you should be able to find one of these right around 500(look for them as Weatherby Vanguards as well, same as mentioned)......It is by far the best of what has been mentioned but you would still have to put a rail on it. I have not handled or shot the Stevens but can say STRONGLY to stay away from the Patriot. We sell them (thankfully not many) and it is an absolute crap shoot. Occasionally they shoot lights out but it is MUCH more common for them to be "minute of pie pan" and Mossberg DGAF about accuracy on them at all. Also, stay away from any Winchester XPRs you see. I get your price limit but about 2-250 more would make a WORLD of difference. Just food for thought.