r/canadaguns • u/No_Amount_69 • 27d ago

Buy recommendations Can you recommend a budget-friendly, high-power firearm? New or used, lever-action or bolt-action

I am looking for a reputable, new or used high-power bolt-action or lever-action firearm. The maximum price I can spend is less than $1,000. Are there any suggestions?

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u/HappyCan7250 26d ago

Savage 110s are good guns and come in a huge variety of actions and calibers and huge aftermarket support from 223 up to magnum calibers.

I have also been extremely impressed by my Stevens (owned by Savage) M334. Its one of my most accurate rifles and was only $500 new. It'll nearly put 3rd through 1 ragged hole at 100yd with good ammo. The trigger is set super heavy from the factory but can be adjusted down to around 2lb and quite nice with a bit of work (check youtube). It is excellent value for $500. They come in 30-06, 270, 243, 6.5 and 308 i believe. It outshoots some of my more expensive rifles.

The Cz600 Alpha as others have mentioned is also an excellent rifle for the price. Very accurate and surprisingly light despite the medium weight barrel. They use an aluminum action instead of steel, and lock the bolt into the steel barrel instead which is pretty unique. Excellent factory trigger too.

Might be worth checking out the Glenfield Model A too, its a Ruger American just rebranded, but still made by Ruger. Theyre around $600-$650, never handled the Glenfield but I did enjoy the 2 Ruger Americans I've owned.

Or hop on Intersurplus and pickup an old used M96 or M98 in 30 06 for super cheap too, it'll get the job done without the bells and whistles of newer models and for half the price.

You can also sometimes find Tikka T3x used or on sale for $900-$1000. They are absolutely excellent rifles as well but pushing the limit of your budget.

If it's your first centerfire rifle though Id opt for 308 or 223. Bigger calibers kick, especially in light hunting rifles, and get expensive to shoot. If I went back, my first 3 guns would be a 22lr, 12ga, and a nice 223 bolt gun to practice for cheap(ish)