An extra $100 spent on the rifle will get you more value than it will on the optic or mount.
With $800 I'd buy a Vortex, mount, and rings ... and then something like a Ruger American to sit under it.
OP, to answer your question go with the Howa 1500 in a .308. I bought a used one with a scope for 450.00 and this thing is a tack driver. I have shot twice the last two years at bucks and they both were dead right there. I have owned and still have expensive rifles and I will pick my Howa first any day.
Thompson Center Compass
1 MOA guarantee, should be around $300 with a threaded barrel.
Thompson Center Compass
1 MOA guarantee, should be around $300 with a threaded barrel.
I'd rather a new rifle hunter have a Weaver K4 or T6 on an H&R .243 or .308, and a TON of ammo to practice with than any of the above more costly options.
I'd rather a new rifle hunter have a Weaver K4 or T6 on an H&R .243 or .308, and a TON of ammo to practice with than any of the above more costly options.
Agreed mostly on the glass and it is a solid point on the need for practice but I see no point in a new rifle shooter starting out with a rifle that has a terrible trigger, especially when better options are available for a similar price or slightly higher price. Along the same line, why buy the cheapest possible rifle that has a crappy stock, is super light or both which will only increase the felt recoil. Extended practice with a terrible trigger and a rifle that unnecessarily beats one up does not seem likely to do anything positive for a a new rifle hunter. Also, the .243 while great for keeping recoil down, requires a bit higher level of knowledge/understanding of bullet selection, a level not likely to be found in most new rifle hunters.
Right?
It's like buying a 10 year old Ford Taurus when you can get a new Toyota Camry for the same money. No brainer that one should opt for the newer and better if the money is the same.