When I bought my Ruger .556, it was during the good ol' days (pre-Covid), and it was a $300 rifle. If memory serves, it was on sale for $379, so close enough.So today I stopped at a gun shop and handled a Savage Axis, Mossberg and the Ruger. And I was left wanting. To me none of the actions felt good and they overall had the feel of a $300 rifle.
Am I just not used to today's bolt actions? Growing up we had Weatherby's, Winchesters and Remingtons. The bolts ran quiet and slick. The rifles had some mass and structure around the action.
I was really surprised (and disappointed) with the feel of cycling the bolt on those 3.
Is that the way new rifles are? Or is it the price point and if I want more, I need to spend more?
Not dissing those rifles as I know some of you guys and if you say they shoot well, I believe it. And that is what is important. Maybe I'm spoiled with what I grew up with.