Help choosing a rifle?

[Torrez465]

[Glo3k]

Are you only considering bolt actions?

Springfield SOCOM 16s are a lot of fun.

Edit: My bad, just noticed the sub forum, guess that answers my question

[ar15barrels]

Are you only considering bolt actions?

Springfield SOCOM 16s are a lot of fun.

Manually operated M1a's are lame.

[ar15barrels]

What's more important, price, perceived quality or future customization/adaptability?
Is the $2000 budget just for the rifle or do you expect to get a scope and mounts and rifle for that budget?

[MongooseV8]

Id get either a Tikka, 700 5R, or build a custom 700.

[JackEllis]

I just bought a used Howa 1500 in .223 with a varmint (heavy) barrel for about $575 with fees. It's accurate and shoots very nicely. My only "complaint" is that the action isn't as smooth as my Tikkas but it's not a show-stopper either. I may replace the scope but otherwise it's find for punching paper, shooting gongs and hunting squirrels. I can;t speak to how well it would perform in a competition.

A lot of folks have good things to say about the way T/C Compass rifles shoot. They appear to be an even better value for money than the Howas but I'm not thrilled with the way they feel.

I consider rifles hunting tools. I prefer relatively less expensive rifles that shoot well out of the box and I'm not into customization. If you're main interest is in punching paper at up to 200 yards, you might consider a lower end rifle that gets the job done. That way you don't have a lot of money tied up in something you may not use very often.

Of course you could also get hooked on one of the shooting disciplines that requires a higher degree of precision than I do, in which case you might be better off buying a higher end product.

Just another viewpoint.

[Tommy Gun]

Shooting distance 200 yds? And you put a RPR and a Tac A1 on the list? Save a ton of money get a 700 with a $300 1x6 scope.

[NorCalFocus]

Bergara B14 HMR (or BMP?) - On this list, this would be my number one. It has the best price vs value offered vs fits your needs. Fully adjustable stock, 700 patterned receiver, AICS mag ready.

Remington 700 - If you want to buy a basic barreled action and drop it into a certain stock and get an aftermarket trigger and do a little tinkering, this is the way to go. It offers the 2nd best price to value on this list. Not sure what picticular model your looking at, but only two models I know of come with adjustable stocks. One being the Magpul Hunter, the other being their precision rifle. Neither of which I consider great stocks/chassis.

Ruger Precision
Savage Stealth
Tikka t3X tac a1 - All 3 of these rifles have horrible buttstocks for bench shooting. A traditional style stock (like whats on the Bergara) will ride a bag much easier. That alone rules these 3 out for your planned use in my mind.

Mossberg MVP No, just no.


The only other rifle I'd consider would be the Howa 1500. Again price vs value, I think it offers a ton. You can order a barreled action from Brownells and then a stock from Stocky's for under $900. (Looks like most of the Howa actions are on sale right now too)

.308 26" threaded muzzle barrel $350 https://www.brownells.com/rifle-part...rod113619.aspx

Bell and Carlson stock $400 https://www.stockysstocks.com/stocks...ion-stock.html

[dchan521]

Consider building an AR-10?

[ar15barrels]

Consider building an AR-10?

Manually operated AR's suck.
The bolt carrier system does not have the camming power pf a real turn-bolt rifle.

[dchan521]

Manually operated AR's suck.

The bolt carrier system does not have the camming power pf a real turn-bolt rifle.

I have both and enjoy both.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Bushwack44]

I have both the Rem 700 and Mossberg. Save money and go with the less expensive Mossberg. You're not the guy who will take a rifle and continuously upgrade it. As a new shooter, start with the Mossberg. IMO better trigger then the OEM Rem 700.

As you get better skilled, you'll be more knowledgeable what your next rifle (and caliber) should be.

Side note: As you stated, why .308 when a .223/5.56 will do (ammo significantly less expensive).

[Tere_Hanges]

In before a delusional snob tells you to budget $4000 minimum for an optic.

I have a Remington 700. Its a good decent rifle. I just dont like shooting it as much as my Semiauto .308s (M1A, CMMG, Windham, SCAR17). The CMMG and Windham are well within your budget but you dont want a semiauto... yet.

[warbird]

My personal favorites in my collection are an old (1983) smith and wesson in 25-06 that shoots flat for up to four hundred yards and a older Marlin in Remington 35 caliber. You might look at the Marlins just for the fun of it since their quality has come back up quicker than their prices. You can get most versions in 223./556 and it is a lot cheaper than 308 to shoot as mentioned by Bushwhack above or the two rounds i cited above.

[Mr. Patis]

How about a remage setup (switch barrel)...if you get tired of .308 and want longer range just switch barrel to another .308 base caliber like 6.5 creedmoor