Saturday, June 10th 2023: Affordable Rifle ReviewsMany of our regular readers own high-end Benchrest, F Class, Palma and/or Service Rifles. These full-custom match guns can easily cost more than $5500, including optics. These premium rifles can be a source for pride and success in competition. Many shooters want something more affordable to use for rimfire matches, plinking or varmint hunting. This story is about affordable rifles of good quality.
Recently, we discovered an interesting YouTube channel that specializes on affordable rifles and optics. This channel, appropriately titled Affordable Optics and rifle Reviews (AOFF), features 170+ videos, many of which have over 100,000 views. The testers are Canadian, so their perspective is different from that of many American gun vloggers. For today’s Saturday at the movies feature, we feature our five favorite rifle reviews on the AOFF website. These videos are a good place to start if you’ve been considering any of these firearms. Most of these rifles are multi-purpose and can be used for a tactical match, or even on a hunting trip. Savage 110 Precision vs. Ruger Rifle Comparison Both rifles are direct rivals in the $1300 to $1400 market range. The Savage combines a proven model 110 action and a modern Modular Driven Technologies chassis. The Gen 3 Ruger Precision Rifle features a free-floating M-LOK handguard which allows for greater front scope clearance. The Ruger Precision MSR stock attaches to the AR-style buffer tube via a left-folding pivot. It can be adjusted for length of pull, comb height and other features. Both rifles have been shot. Ruger has a better adjustable butt system. We prefer the balance and accuracy on the Savage. Bergara B-14 Rifle vs. Tikka UPR Comparison In this fascinating comparison video, AOFF tests both the NEW Tikka UPR and the Bergara B-14. Both rifles could be considered cross-overs. You can use them for hunting or tactical matches. AOFF says: “Both rifles are GREAT.” Both rifles showed great accuracy and performance at long range in our previous reviews (we brought them up to 750m). The Tikka sells for around $1400, while the Bergara B-14 costs about $1000. Savage Axis II Precision Rifle on MDT Chassis This is a video of the Savage Axis II Precision in 6.5 Creedmoor. This rifle is priced at $899.99 and offers good performance. This is a great starter rig for those who want to compete in PRS/NRL, but can also be used as a hunting gun. The MDT chassis is ergonomically designed with an adjustable comb and LOP. AOFF writes, “A great option for anyone who wants to get into long-range shooting but doesn’t want to remortgage their home to do it.” AOFF claims that the Savage Axis II chassis rifle is one of the most affordable on the market. This is because it combines a barreled action and a nice MDT frame. For more information, read this very thorough Savage Axis II Review in Guns America Digest.4. MDT XRS Modular Chassis for Tikka T3x AOFF has tested the MDT Chassis on Tikka T3x in.223 Rem or.308 win. AOFF says that the MDT Chassis is a good value. “This is not an ‘economy’ rifle stock but it IS one that most can afford.” The XRS Chassis was designed for shooters that want the ergonomics and benefits of a traditional rifle stock, but also the benefits of a modern precision chassis system. The MDT XRS Chassis has a full-length CNC-machined core made of 6061 aircraft grade aluminium with external textured panels. It can be configured for a wide range of short actions, including Rem 700, Tikka T1x/T3x, Savage, Howa 1500, CZ 457, and Ruger American. Winchester Wildcat.22 LR rifle The Winchester 22 has received very positive reviews and is a great bargain. AOFF reports that this Winchester rifle was a fun little gun to shoot and plink. It is a joy to shoot because it is so light and has minimal recoil. This rifle is not only affordable but also fun. It’s not perfect. “The short grip and the short stock are two things that we found should be improved on Winchester Wildcat 22,”
Tags: Ruger Precision Rifle (RPR), Ruger B-14, Savage Axis II and Winchester Wildcat