Newbie Question - Wanting to get into Precision?

[rodralig]

Hi Guys -

Am thinking that I'd like to go into some long range precision shooting (snipers?)... Knowing ZERO about it, do go easy...

That said, what will be a recommended first rifle? I essentially wouldn't want something that needs to be replaced or "upgraded" when my skillset/experience becomes "intermediate." But then, I really don't need the high-end features that the hardcore folks are looking for (OR those features that I probably wont fully utilize).

I was looking through some ads, etc. and here are some that I think MAY be good (looking at 308):

• Remington 700 (question: Which variant then?)
• Ruger Precision Rifle
• Tikka T3X TAC A1

The 700 may be the cheaper, but I find that the cost starts adding up when you'd be "upgrading" / customizing its features; while the Tikka is the high-end (at least on my budget).


Now, what would be a good scope to come with that? Should I go to what I hear that the scope needs to cost twice that of the rifle?


Thanks in advanced~~~!


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[Citadelgrad87]

[smoothy8500]

Within this last year that I transitioned from NRA Service Rifle to shooting Midrange F-Class, I've seen guys shooting everything from super "high-end" to others running a box stock 700 Varmint Special. As noted above, the 5R is a good step up from the VS, but if all you can afford is a used VS, then run what you can. I'm seeing quite a few Ruger RPR's on the line too.

As for scopes, plenty of quality used Vortex, Leupy, Sightron, etc, stuff is around. It doesn't need to be twice the cost of your rifle, just quality.

[rodralig]

This one for 5R?

https://www.riflegear.com/p-1680-remington-model-700-ss-5-r-mil-spec-308-win-20.aspx

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[Citadelgrad87]

[Citadelgrad87]

This one for 5R?

https://www.riflegear.com/p-1680-remington-model-700-ss-5-r-mil-spec-308-win-20.aspx

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[sigstroker]

The RPR is the cheapest of the ones you listed. A Remington will soon fly past the cost when you start making upgrades.

Why .308? It's pretty much limited to 1000 yards, and with a lot of drop at that range. That's the bad news, the good news is it has become the red-headed stepchild of the precision rifle world (because of the bad news above) and you can get them cheap. Shop hard and you can find .308 RPR's in the $800 range sometimes.

RE: the scope, it depends on what you're doing. If you're in competition and serious about winning, yes. Otherwise, pheh. Just don't get something so cheap that it breaks. You can find some high quality stuff for $300-$500, it just might not have all the latest features.

[NorCalFocus]

A good budget for an all in n00b to get a decent starter kit going is $2,000-$2,500.

What most guys over look when buying a starter rifle is the value and purpose of a fully adjustable stock. So when buying you want to buy a rifle like the Tikka T3X or RPR, or buy a 700 or similar and be ready to pony out more for a decent stock.

Here's the good and bads about each rifle your looking at and what else I suggest...
-Rem 700 5R, if your going to go with a Rem 700, this is the way to go. Downsides, long throats so often hand loading ammo for them becomes a challenge to really get a tailored load. The factory triggers aren't great. Often people think they're fine until they shoot a real trigger and figure out all the flaws. Lastly, the stock is not optimal for the style of shooting you want to do. No adjustable cheek weld, the grip is sweep back to far, and you have to have it inletted to get it to take magazines. The good, tons of aftermarket parts and options out there for it. Its like the AR15 of bolt guns. The 5R barrels are usally great shooters, the chances of getting a dud barrel is slim.

-RPR downsides, because of the shape of the action, it will always be an RPR. Unlike tradintional actions you can't swap it over to another stock or chassis if you want to. The plus is its fully adjustable, pretty good options for aftermarket barrels and parts, comes magazine ready. I just don't like the fact that you can't ever change it from being a chassis style rifle.

-Tikka T3X, Not a lot of downsides to this gun. The only one is the lack of aftermarket choices. On the positive, of the 3 you listed, it has the best fit and finish and doesn't need much if any aftermarket help. This would be one gun you can buy and run hard without issue. It is the most expensive of the options you listed, but its also the best quality.

-My suggestion is a Howa 1500. I think Howas offer the best balance between cost and quality. Howa has just launched the Howa Bravo which is a great action in a fully adjustable stock. Or if you want a different stock of your choosing, you can get just a barreled action and buy the stock you want.

Each of these options will cost you right around $1000. So what does the other $1000-$1500 get you? Your going to want a scope right in the $1000 range as well. Your best choice right now is a Burris XTR or a Vortex PST II. Rings and a base will run you another $200, and a bi-pod $100. If you don't have a good case already and a shooting mat, you'll likely want those as well.

This would get you up and running through your first year or two. If you decide you like the sport and want to keep growing, you'll then be ready for a custom rifle. You'll also have a very good idea of what you want and need in a custom at this point.

Now if you've read along this far you'll have noticed I didn't even bring up cartridges. That because its not the most important choice. People go through long debates about .224cal, 6.5mm, or .30cal rounds and this or that. When in the end, for learning any of them will do. Your choice of distance, target, and training will make that choice super easy for you.

[sigstroker]

A couple Rex videos, if you want to go the budget route:

[NorCalFocus]

Why .308? It's pretty much limited to 1000 yards, and with a lot of drop at that range.

And your point is? So what if it drops, drop is easy to calculate for. Its the wind that will beat most shooters. Even with that said, everything most people list as negatives about .308 I see as positives for new shooters.

-".308 gets beat up by the wind." okay so now instead of cheating the wind and having little to no clue on how to shoot in it, with .308 you'll get much more practice.
-".308 has to much recoil." No it has the right amount of recoil to teach proper recoil management. Start off with a soft shooting 6mm or .223 and you can still shoot decent with bad form. Get behind a .308 and learn real quick what bad form does to a shot.

[Citadelgrad87]

And your point is? So what if it drops, drop is easy to calculate for. Its the wind that will beat most shooters. Even with that said, everything most people list as negatives about .308 I see as positives for new shooters.

-".308 gets beat up by the wind." okay so now instead of cheating the wind and having little to no clue on how to shoot in it, with .308 you'll get much more practice.
-".308 has to much recoil." No it has the right amount of recoil to teach proper recoil management. Start off with a soft shooting 6mm or .223 and you can still shoot decent with bad form. Get behind a .308 and learn real quick what bad form does to a shot.

[rodralig]

Thanks for the responses!!!

Okay - until that is decided - I'll be going with a .308 Win. ... which on a hand is good, because I think I stocked up on a few hundred of 168gr Sierra Match before 1-Jan (and that Komiefornia Law took effect).

That said, okay - I guess then I could rule out the 700, as I wouldn't want to worry about "upgrades," etc. for now. Just focus on the fundamentals for the next few years or so. ... meaning, it's either the RPR or the TAC A1.

Hhhhmmmm....

Now, on to finding a scope.

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[LynnJr]

The RPR is the best bang for the buck if you never plan on upgrading anything.

The 700 is the best option if down the road you really want to step it up in terms of accuracy/performance.

The Tika is a nicely built rifle for plinking/target shooting and hunting with your buddies but no upgrades.

[kwsr166]

Let the throw this into the mix, for your thoughts and opinions.

Would the Rem 700PCR be a good compromise? You get a out of the box factory chassis rifle, but if you want you can pop the action/barrel out with a lot of directions to go, should you decide to.

[baih777]

6.5 creedmore