Which is a better inexpensive rifle in a .243? a Remington 710 or a New England Firearms Handi-Rifle?

Question

It's going to be used as a varmint rifle and spare deer rifle for a couple of friends who hunt with me and don't own guns. Also, I need something that would be a good rifle for my niece to start with next year.

Answer 1

Better of the two, Remmington. I would bump that up to a 30-30 for deer though.

Answer 2

Bewtween those two choices, the Remington 710.

The NEF is not a bad gun for a lot of folks, but it's a cheap gun that will have limited usage.

I would strongly suggest you take a step back and reconsider your two choices. The Rem 710 package looks ver appealing, but it too suffres from the old adage "you get what you pay for". No first hand experience, but I've seen and heard a lot of negative comment on the 710....particularly that "...it sure ain't a 700..."

A comment was made about considering Savage's offereing and I agree.....definitely look at the Savage.

Also, since this is a backup/friend-along rifle, consider used. You may be able to find yourself a deal on a used high-quality gun at gun shops, pawns or even private sellers. Buying a good condition Remington 700 is in my opinion better than a brand new 710 (which won't be new very long).

Good luck and good hunting!

Answer 3

As a starter rifle for your niece I'd get a Ruger 22 Winmag, bolt action. A little punchy yet easy to handle and bolt action because a beginner needs to take their time and learn to handle a firearm safely; and it's cheap to shoot. Also, the bolt action will be slightly more accurate which will keep her interested. As for your friends, I think the best inexpensive yet accurate rifle to go with for deer would be the Remington 700. A lot of people think the 710 is too boxy and feels heavy and is uncomfortable to shoulder.

Just thought that for varmint you might want a Ruger Mini 30 (7.62-39) - good brush gun and in 7.62-39 good for deer though it runs about $400 you might be able to get a used one.

Answer 4

I owned a NEF for about 2 weeks. I never could get a decent group out of it. I traded up to a Savage 10 Hunter and shot 1/4 inch groups with the same ammo. Do yourself a favor and look into the Savage lineup. They are less expensive than Remington (I do like Remington a lot though) and in my experience shoot just as good if you experiment with the ammo or reload your own. I have two Savage rifles. I have the Model 10 Hunter in .243 and a Model 110 LE in .223 (bought it the last year they were only making long action receivers). They both shoot great and that "Tactical" 110 will turn in 1/10th of an inch groups with 50 grain Hornady V-Max and 21.8 grains of IMR 4198.

Answer 5

For a starter rifle the NEF is good.

But check out the Rossi rifle/shotgun combo setup in 20 guage/.223 at Academy Sporting Goods. For $194 is a good deal.

They have rilfes in .243 if you feel like you have to have one in that caliber.

The Mossberg ATR 100 is the best deal going right now in .243 or .270 or .308 or 30.06 and for $287 its hard to beat.

Miketyson26

Answer 6

I'd suggest a Savage/Stevens. A Stevens model 200 in .243 is accurate and the sell for only $269. Step up the Savage line and you get the addition of an adjustable trigger for ~$100 more.

Answer 7

I would always go for the Remington over the New England. While the 710 is no 700, I would still go that way.

Answer 8

Inexpensive?? Or cheaper to own?? What is it you plan o do with the rifle?? Are you a target shooter or a hunter??? Using a rifle at the range will expose it to a lot less abuse than in the woods, hence a cheaper maintanence cost.

Answer 9

I would go with the remington.And 243 is a great cal. for a niece.

Answer 10

the 710, its always good to have another shot if you need it.