243 Stainless/Synthetic Bolt Action

[presence]

Looking for a new meat in the freezer maker. Open to your thoughts.

Single Purpose:

Bolt Action.
Whitetail.
Deer stand.
Dense woods, range 45-75 yards.
Incessantly wet weather. (stainless / synthetic)
Minimum recoil so I can pass it on to my son when he's a bit older.
Compact; Not SBR but close; willing to have it cut: 18" barrel
243 preferred open to other "short action"
will hold low magnification, budget minded, 2x, 2.5x, or a 1x-6x scope; etc.

< $900


$400
Ruger All American Compact
http://www.ruger.com/products/americanRifleAllWeatherCompact/models.html

$400
Savage Axis Stainless XP
http://www.savagearms.com/firearms/model/axisstainlessxp

$550
Marlin Model X7S
http://www.marlinfirearms.com/Firearms/CenterfireBoltAction/x7s.asp

$600
Tikka T3 Lite
http://www.tikka.fi/t3models.php?litess

$650
Sako A7
http://www.sako.fi/sakoa7models.php?synthetic_sl

$650
Winchester 70
http://www.winchesterguns.com/products/catalog/historic-detail.asp?mid=535012

$800
Steyr-Mannlicher Pro Hunter
http://www.steyrarms.com/products/hunting-rifles/pro-hunter/

$850
Weatherby Vanguard Series 2
http://www.weatherby.com/product/rifles/vanguard_2/series_2_stainless

$850
Browning Stainless A Bolt
http://www.browning.com/products/ca...c.asp?cid=035&tid=177&fid=001B&cattype=035177

$900
Remington Model 700 XCR
http://www.remington.com/products/firearms/centerfire/model-700/model-700-xcr.aspx

 

[presence]

$710
Howa Hogue Stainless
http://www.legacysports.com/hogue-stainless

others that I'm not sure are actually stainless:
Thompson/Center Venture Weathersheild
Mossberg Marinecoat

 

[Intoxiklown]

If it was me, and was buying for what would be my son's gun, I'd buy the Browning. My family has a lot of history with Browning guns, and I am admittedly bias. But, even their "junk guns" are top tier guns by other companies standards. The Marlin X7S is a nice rifle for a nice price, but so is the Steyr.

You have a lot of nice rifles listed here though, so I don't personally see any wrong route.

 

[presence]

Here's a review of several listed in the OP

Summary: Approximate Order of Preference
This is not Holy Writ; it is just my impression after comparing these rifles. True value means the best quality and fewest cheesy shortcuts for the money. It won't hurt my feelings if you disagree.

1. Weatherby Vanguard Series 2 Synthetic
2. Tikka T3 Lite
3. Browning AB3
4. Marlin X7
5. Ruger American
6. Mossberg ATR
7. Savage Axis
8. Remington Model 783

Conclusion
If the only centerfire hunting rifle you can afford is one of these economy models, rest assured that they will take down a coyote, feral hog, deer or elk in an appropriate caliber. They are generally available at discounted prices. However, remember that you can probably buy a used, higher grade rifle in good condition at your local gun or sporting goods store for about the same price. A good used Remington Model 700 BDL, for example, is a much better investment than a new Remington Model 783.
The Weatherby Vanguard Series 2 Synthetic is the clear winner in terms of quality and long term value. It is the only barreled action worth upgrading. You could replace the cheap plastic stock with a decent walnut version, have the barreled action polished and high luster blued and emerge with a semi-custom rifle of which you could be proud. (Of course, it would be more cost effective to simply buy a Weatherby Vanguard Deluxe in the first place.)
The Tikka T3 and Browning AB3 stand above the remainder of the pack. The Browning's action design is a little more sophisticated than normal for the class and its finish is a bit better. The Browning's stock and furnishings are below what you would get on an X-Bolt or classic A-Bolt, but above average for the class. Basically, the same can be said about the Tikka T3 Lite.
The rest are essentially throw away rifles that you use-up and discard. They are suitable for use as loaners to visiting hunters, for leaving behind the seat of your pick-up or tractor in case of a chance encounter in the field or as a first rifle for a new hunter that will soon be replaced by something better. They are not rifles you would be proud to bequeath to the next generation when they grow up to be hunters.

http://www.chuckhawks.com/compared_bolt_action_economy_rifles.htm


Details at source.

 

[presence]

http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/cPath/36_136/products_id/73943

Weatherby for $612 free shipping




*itchy trigger finger*

 

[Kotin]

I have a remington 700 and I absolutely love it.

 

[XNavyNuke]

I have an Axis in 30-06. My wife took it to a KD Appleseed where they were shooting out to 600. Does what it's supposed to at a decent price. If I have any complaints, it that the firing pin strike is not alway sufficient with the CMP Garand food.

XNN

 

[kcchiefs6465]

Walmart has a Black Friday special running 20% off all firearms the weekend after Black Friday. Can pick up an Axis for ~200, a 700 for ~315, a 770 for ~220, a 783 for ~350, an American for ~275... the trouble would be that the barrels aren't going to be stainless.

Still, at those prices, they're something to consider.

 

[oyarde]

I saw a used ( like new , at least 90% ) Browning BAR 30 06 in a gun shop recently for $563 .

 

[brushfire]

I'm not big on cheap glass, myself. I would seriously consider the savage 16 TH XP. Its a lot of rifle for the $ and its nice to have a box mag. From there, just choose your caliber. I like 308, but they have about a dozen to choose from.

http://www.savagearms.com/firearms/model/16TROPHYHUNTERXP

Personally, I'd go for the 10 FCP, but it may just barely be over budget. I like it better than the Rem 700, and with a decent optic its an instant 600 yard sensation with sub MOA out of the box and a very nice trigger. A very similar trigger is on the trophy hunter package, which the axis does not have. Bring a snapcap into the gun shop and try the trigger out. Best deal in town, IMO.
http://www.savagearms.com/firearms/model/10FCPHS

Good luck with whatever you choose

 

[Intoxiklown]

I saw a used ( like new , at least 90% ) Browning BAR 30 06 in a gun shop recently for $563 .

Please tell me you are going to buy it. The Browning BAR is to rifles as the Kimber is to the 1911.....perfection. And that is a godly price.