Decent, entry level long range rifle?

[TMB 1]

I have a .308 in a 6lb hunting rifle that'll leave your shoulder with a nasty bruise if you don't have it properly gripped all the way to a heavily braked 15 pounder that feels like fluff. If you can't feel any difference among .308's you may have nerve damage.

Yep weight of rifle makes big difference. I have a 6lb 300 Savage and a 5lb 223, let anyone try them and tell me recoil is similar LOL and the 300 has a little less power than a 308.

[CNC_Apps_Guy]

Ok, that you for all the great info!

I am seeing that budget may be a constraint, so I can go up to $2k. I really have no budget, just do not want to get into super high dollars if I can help it

I had not heard of Savage or Tikka, will have to look into them.

I would like to have a bipod as well, Harris seems to be a good quality people talk about.

As for scopes, not sure where to begin there, are there good "go-to"brands?

Also, what is the shoulder hit like on a 308 round? Anybody going to a range soon (USI maybe?) that would let me fire one?

I'm going to Raahaugues next Monday late morning(President's Day) if you want to try a .338 Lapua. PM me if you want details.

If you're not in a hurry to buy, Raahaugue's has a shooting expo every year. You can shoot just about everything under the sun. It's not cheap to shoot but you get to try out a really wide range of stuff. It's normally in May I believe. That's where I shot a number of long range rifles and made my decision. I went with a Savage 110BA chambered for .338 Lapua. The high-end guys would call it an entry level long range shooter. I call it fun!

Anyway, with that budget, you should be able to get into something that you will enjoy for years to come. Just don't skimp on glass. I like Leupold scopes and Warne Scope Mounts. They are both customers of mine (no I didn't get a deal on the scope from them, bought it from Turner's and got a deal there.). They both make good stuff.

JM2CFWIW