Best Beginners Bolt Action Rifle?

[Dandy04]

Hi all,

I'm looking at getting into rifles soon for long range. The longer the better. I have a good eye and would really like to test it.

I currently don't own any rifles of any type.

Are there any rifles you would recommend for someone just getting into the hobby? Ideally I'm looking for something that is reasonably priced but will last awhile and that I won't have to replace for a better version within a year.

Or, if there are any great threads or websites you can recommend that I can read and research, that would be a great help, too!

Thank you,
Daniel

[jarhead714]

Start off up to 5-600 meters, then go long range.

[baih777]

You need to give us a price range.

Plan on a $1000 For scope.

[n8vrmind]

Savage axis or Thompson Compass or Ruger American.. do you have access to an outdoor range capable of 600+ yard?

[Dandy04]

Price range for entry level I would say $1k-1500k (Total).

And yes, I have access to a long range.

[Sir Toast]

You need to give us a price range.

Plan on a $1000 For scope.

YES! Don't skimp on a scope or you'll be frustrated to the end. Don't be afraid to buy a used Nightforce or Vortex. I just picked up an Athlon for a Bergara B14R and I really like it.

Get a Ruger Precision Rifle. They don't make the .223's anymore. Try a 6mm or a .243. If you can get a 22-250, that would be fun out to 500-600. Don't get the new Savage.

[Dandy04]

YES! Don't skimp on a scope or you'll be frustrated to the end. Don't be afraid to buy a used Nightforce or Vortex. I just picked up an Athlon for a Bergara B14R and I really like it.

Get a Ruger Precision Rifle. They don't make the .223's anymore. Try a 6mm or a .243. If you can get a 22-250, that would be fun out to 500-600. Don't get the new Savage.

By your response, am I correct in assuming you'd recommend going ham on a quality scope to begin with and replace the rifle as necessary when my skill level increases, instead of the other way around?

Meaning the quality of the scope is more important than the quality of the rifle, given if I have budget issues?

[Sir Toast]

By your response, am I correct in assuming you'd recommend going ham on a quality scope to begin with and replace the rifle as necessary when my skill level increases, instead of the other way around?

Meaning the quality of the scope is more important than the quality of the rifle, given if I have budget issues?

Rule of thumb, spend the same amount of money or more on the scope that you spend on the rifle. (Just a rule of thumb.) If you spend $1400 on an RPR, you get a good Burris scope for $1200. When we say don't skimp on the scope, don't buy a $250 scope. Even a Vortex PST scope for $850 would be okay, even though I don't like the PST scopes. You need a quality scope to shoot long distance. It needs to track accurately and hold its zero. Inexpensive scopes cannot do it.

I bought a Nightforce BEAST and put it on a Desert Tech Inc. rifle. I can swap calibers like underwear. No matter what I'm shooting, (i.e., hunting or competition) I always have a rock solid scope. If I miss, it wasn't because of my equipment. You need to have that type of confidence in your equipment and good equipment isn't cheap.

That's my 2 cents.

[Dandy04]

Rule of thumb, spend the same amount of money or more on the scope that you spend on the rifle. (Just a rule of thumb.) If you spend $1400 on an RPR, you get a good Burris scope for $1200. When we say don't skimp on the scope, don't buy a $250 scope. Even a Vortex PST scope for $850 would be okay, even though I don't like the PST scopes. You need a quality scope to shoot long distance. It needs to track accurately and hold its zero. Inexpensive scopes cannot do it.

I bought a Nightforce BEAST and put it on a Desert Tech Inc. rifle. I can swap calibers like underwear. No matter what I'm shooting, (i.e., hunting or competition) I always have a rock solid scope. If I miss, it wasn't because of my equipment. You need to have that type of confidence in your equipment and good equipment isn't cheap.

That's my 2 cents.

Great info. Thanks!

[Whiterabbit]

6mm rpr is ideal. Do you reload? If not, I suggest 308 win.

[SmokeTheClay]

Price range for entry level I would say $1k-1500k (Total).

And yes, I have access to a long range.

What is your goal or are you still trying to figure out what you want to do?

•plinking at the range?
•steel targets?
•paper targets?
•matches?
•PRS?
•Highpower?

Considering you've never owned a rifle and your price range for a rifle and glass, you might be better off getting a .22lr and shooting that 50 to 100 yards first. It will allow you to get tons of practice while saving more and figuring out what you want.

To truly shoot mid or long range you need at least match ammo or need to reload which will burn a hole in your budget.

[Fastattack]

Not sure if you really meant long range but this gives you an idea. Search for this channel on YT:
TiborasaurusRex

I don't do long range but it is interesting.

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[TMB 1]

91/30 Mosin Nagant

[m16]

[ar15barrels]

Meaning the quality of the scope is more important than the quality of the rifle, given if I have budget issues?

Yes.

Budget $1000 to $1200 for a good scope.
Then buy a $500 gun that you can replace later if you outgrow it.
I suggest a Ruger Predator in 223 because it has a proper heavy barrel with a fast enough twist to shoot 77gr or 80 gr bullets that you will want to shoot to get out to 600yds.