Looking to get a bolt action 308. Need Help!

[JMP]

An R700 is an R700 so it's frequently good to start with an on sale base model or aftermarket custom and get it built with what you want. There are a couple models like the 24" 5r mil spec that you pay up to get desirable features (usable stock and barrel). Also, if you get a 308, you are also getting a 6.5 Creedmoor simply by changing the barrel. Just about all the short action cartridges that you'd ever need are fired from a 308 boltface.

Personally, I'd recommend getting an Accuracy International if you are just starting since it'll shoot great straight from the box, and you can isolate the error to the shooter. Ultimately, you will pay a bit less for a fully tuned R700, but it's appealing for many since people build their R700s as they go so no single piece costs more than several hundred dollars.

[JMP]

The 6.5 creedmore was developed in 2006. So it's a lot newer than the dinasour 308. It's a much much better round eventually the 308 WILL go the way of the dodo bird.

I think the 6.5 Creedmoor is the perfect cartridge for intermediate range target shooters that want to stick to one rifle/chambering. It's really good for all purpose shooting to 1km. However, it's not as commonly used in more specific disciplines because it isn't really the best at anything.

[Tere_Hanges]

There are a couple models like the 24" 5r mil spec that you pay up to get desirable features (usable stock and barrel).

Cause the other barrels are, you know, unusable. LOL

Personally, I'd recommend getting an Accuracy International if you are just starting since it'll shoot great straight from the box, and you can isolate the error to the shooter.

Yeah go drop $4K grand on your first bolt gun. Haha!

I swear some people live in a dream world totally detached from reality.

Just had to quote those for posterity.

[200Apples]

No need to be offended. I simply wasnt impressed. I prefer the R700.

Who's offended? Only seeking to enlighten you, sir.

Anybody who is seriously interested in the scout should shoot it first and the R700. You might realize it isnt for you BEFORE you drop $1200 on one. My "scout" rifle is an M1A.

And who pays 1200 for a RGS? They sell for +/- $800 on internet gun buy sites. $950 ish brick-and-morter store.

I envy you your M1A, but it's far too heavy to be considered a true scout rifle...

[Tere_Hanges]

Who's offended? Only seeking to enlighten you, sir.

I envy you your M1A, but it's far too heavy to be considered a true scout rifle...

You sounded offended.

The weight of the M1A doesnt bother me. I have shot my friend's RGS many times and he's shot my M1A scout squad. Guess what he went and bought afterward...
I dont really understand the scout rifle concept. If I could only have one all purpose .30cal rifle it would be a semi-auto M1A, SCAR17, AR10, or AK. Definitely not a bolt gun. Personally I'd rather have a Marlin .30-30 levergun than an RGS.

If anyone is considering the RGS go shoot it first and some other rifles to see how it compares. It is somewhat subjective. RGS arent exactly cheap.

Another thing I hate about Ruger is their proprietary mags that suck balls.

[JMP]

Cause the other barrels are, you know, unusable. LOL

I haven't been impressed by any of the other factory Rem barrels.

Yeah go drop $4K grand on your first bolt gun. Haha!

I swear some people live in a dream world totally detached from reality.

Just had to quote those for posterity.

It might sound absurd since it is a less conventional way, but my suggestion comes from experience and a long term view (I took conventional wisdom and it only cost me more in the end). When someone is just starting his target shooting, it is a tremendous advantage to shoot a good gun. The error comes from the rifle, shooter, and ammo. If you can eliminate the most avoidable error, you can focus on the shooter and ammo, which are tougher. Over the lifetime of a 308 barrel, you will spend $2,500 to $4,000 in ammunition, and that doesn't differ on your rifle's quality. This is why I perceive better long run value if one just gets a good rifle from the beginning.

[glockman19]

My .308 caliber bolt action rifle is a Remington 700P

[200Apples]

You sounded offended...

Again, I wasn't. Annoyed, yes.

Perhaps folks being offended is the only thing you usually see after your post? and you're just used to it.

Hahaha... Now I'm just funnin' ya.

:-)

[vintagearms]

I honestly can't tell who has the most idiotic posts in this thread. Its between lightcav and Rickmcu. Flip a coin.

[ExtremeX]

It might sound absurd since it is a less conventional way, but my suggestion comes from experience and a long term view (I took conventional wisdom and it only cost me more in the end). When someone is just starting his target shooting, it is a tremendous advantage to shoot a good gun. The error comes from the rifle, shooter, and ammo. If you can eliminate the most avoidable error, you can focus on the shooter and ammo, which are tougher. Over the lifetime of a 308 barrel, you will spend $2,500 to $4,000 in ammunition, and that doesn't differ on your rifle's quality. This is why I perceive better long run value if one just gets a good rifle from the beginning.

I probably started like most people who just wanted some easy entry level $500-1k price point. When I decided to get into the sport 2.5-4k was enough to sticker shock me away from a suggestion like that.

Knowing what I know now about precision rifles, long distance shooting, support gear, load dev, testing, and time it takes to develop a real system... A part of me wishes I had the insight to just get a custom action built up, or factory rifle like a Sako TRG, or Accuracy International as my first rifle and be done with it so I could get to shooting and get to what matters.

Most new to the game shooter or those testing the water dont really know what it takes to get a rifle to where it needs to be so they seek a more palatable entry cost. That said, I've probably spent that and more over time though changes and experimentation.

If you know you are here to stay, and not just "trying out long range" then there is value in just dropping the coin out of the gate. If I could go back and change my path I took I would have been better off buying a factory rifle from Sako or AI. At least their resale is good... ill never recover my money back from what i've spent on my Remington 700 except for some bolt on parts.

Perhaps its good I still took the route I took, because I learned a lot starting from the bottom, and I think I gained a much greater appreciation for nicer hardware after seeing the spectrum.

[Pekpek]

I'm happy with my decision

Remington 700 SPS Varmint
Krg Xray chasis
Timney 510
Just ordered a Vortex Viper HST 6-24x50 moa along with tps low rings
Tps 20moa base

[Tere_Hanges]

I'm happy with my decision

Remington 700 SPS Varmint
Krg Xray chasis
Timney 510
Just ordered a Vortex Viper HST 6-24x50 moa along with tps low rings
Tps 20moa base

Nice set up. You went all out.

[Tere_Hanges]

Again, I wasn't. Annoyed, yes.

Perhaps folks being offended is the only thing you usually see after your post? and you're just used to it.

Hahaha... Now I'm just funnin' ya.

:-)

Understood. At least you have a sense of humor.

[Tere_Hanges]

I honestly can't tell who has the most idiotic posts in this thread. Its between lightcav and Rickmcu. Flip a coin.

Says the guy who hasnt offered anything about the topic at hand. You're just a troll. Haha.

[JMP]

Knowing what I know now about precision rifles, long distance shooting, support gear, load dev, testing, and time it takes to develop a real system... A part of me wishes I had the insight to just get a custom action built up, or factory rifle like a Sako TRG, or Accuracy International as my first rifle and be done with it so I could get to shooting and get to what matters.

The TRGs and AIs are remarkable, and the reason they are so accurate out of the box is that they have high grade barrels that have been fit by good, even world class gunsmiths. So, if you want the accuracy, you need to buy such a rifle or replace the barrel on a factory rifle, which is about $600-700 for a barrel and gunsmithing.

In CA, with the impending ammo bans, I figure learning to shoot rifles is going to be hand in hand with learning to reload, unless you buy an ammo permit and buy FGMM for $40 a box at your LGS. Learning how to load for accuracy is much easier with a good barrel.