Can't Decide

[Mountaineer]

I sold a 9mm handgun today, and now I'm looking to buy a Bolt Action .243 Rifle. Walmart has a Savage 11FXP3 in .243 with a synthetic stock and an "ACCU-Trigger", and scope mounts, and a Simmons 3x9x40 scope for $349 + Tax. Also my local dealer has a brand new Remington 700 ADL Synthetic and some scope mounts for $335 out the door. Then I would have to come up with some more money for a scope. I know the Simmons 3x9x40 is not much of a scope for a .243, but I was going to take that scope off and put on my .17HMR, and put a 4x12x40 scope on the .243. Not sure what I'm going to do, what do you guys think?

[Callahan]

I would get the Savage. Gun Tests and others have had some nice things to say about that rifle, rating it a best buy for the money. It's at least as good as the Remington ADL model (not BDL) maybe even better.

For a best buy I would go with the Savage or hunt up a Weatherby Vanguard or a Howa (same rifle), marketed by Legacy. Do a search on Legacy and Howa.

I wouldn't be concerned about the scope. The Simmons would give you good service for a couple of years, if not more. I've been using a Tasco on one of my rifles for more than 23 years and the durn thing just won't break!

[Mountaineer]

Callahan, I ended up getting the Savage today . It is the model 10FXP3 with synthetic stock, Pillar bedded, free floated barrel, and the ACCU Trigger. I've heard a lot of good things about the ACCU Trigger, that is what swayed me to the Savage. I'll leave the Simmons scope on their until I try the gun out to make sure it works ok, and later on I can buy a better scope.

[Callahan]

I think you'll like it. Let me know how it goes. THe Simmons will make a good backup scope once you put the permanent one on....