First long-range bolt-action decision $1000

[FromTheGrave]

Hey guys, I'de like to make the move to buying my first long-range bolt in .308 .

Getting bored of the AR and AK at the range shooting paper. I figure if shooting paper is what i'm going to do most of the time it only makes sense to move to something where I can enjoy achieving tight groups and learn the diciplines of long-range shooting, and handloading to go with it.

Looking towards a heavy barreled target shooter. Will be taking out to 200yds consistently and also looking to longer range (out to 1000yds) when possible.

Budget is going to be around $1000, preferably lower if at all possible. So for the rifle itself maybe looking to about $700. (Probably start with a Primary Arms scope @ $225). Pretty much set on .308 as already setup to load for it and seems like the "go to" beginner caliber for what I would like to achieve.

What I've been looking at: Savage, Tikka, Remington, T/C. I'm lost.

Obviously most people recommend going with the Rem and upgrading. I want to aim for a more "out of the box accuracy" rifle that I'm not going to be running out and upgrading the second I get it. Definitely looking for sub-MOA, which I know is a lot to ask at this price point, but it seems like it's possible.

There is just so many models, with so many options, I'm just stumped for lack of a better term.

Any thoughts?

[TMB 1]

If their 308 shoots anything like their 223. Get a Mossberg MVP Varmint.

[bsumoba]

Remington 700 in 308, or savage in 6.5 creedmoor or 260rem. Skip the primary arms and go with a SWFA in the 300 range. Upgrade the trigger to a jewell or timney or huber. There are a few other ones also.

Don't overlook the used market. I know of a savage 12 F t/r that was up for sale for 900. My friend has his eyes on that one.

[TheExiled]

Pretty much where I started. I went with a R700 Varmint, put about 500 rounds through it and the shipping material they refer to as a factory stock before picking up a B&C. Would do it over again

[DarkSoul]

Yea, I would start looking for a used rifle, trying to find a new heavy barrel gun + optic for under a grand is gonna be tough. I've seen some pretty decent deals on some pretty nice guns.

If you go new, the Remy 700 is pretty tough to beat, the SPS starts at like $700 or so and is a great starting point.

Just be careful, long range is the start of a whole new addiction, pretty soon you will want an ultra long range gun, and with that comes much farther trips for that sort of distance

[vliberatore]

Check out caprc.com for some of their budget precision rifle advice.

[ExtremeX]

Also went with a Remington 700 in 308 as my first... Would also have no problem going to the Savage 12 LRP for their 6.5 Creedmoor or 260 if I was in the market for a out of the box 1000 yard shooter.

Originally my first choice was a Tikka since I absolutely love their actions, butter smooth, but local availability for varmint models were difficult to find at the time.

Some used quality Remington 700 accessories became available to me which greatly influenced my decision to go with that platform.

The factory SPS stock is junk, that was the first item I upgraded and added a Timmy trigger in the process. A better out of the box Remington rifle would be the 5R model if you like the stock they come with.

After some basic upgrades the setup didn't disappoint, accuracy is fantastic with hand loads.

I would also consider getting a better scope, especially if you want to play at 1000 yards. Tracking and repeatability is very important as you learn to generate usable ballistic tables.

Personally I would worry about picking the best scope you could afford for the application and then buy a rifle. You don't have to spend S&B money to get something good, but optics should not be an after though.

[CNC_Apps_Guy]

Glass... that's gonna hurt if you are in the "cry once" camp. Luckily my wife is into photography so, it was a short discussion when I bought the Leupold Mark 4 LR/T 3.5-10x40mm (30mm) M1 TMR.

There are better scopes for less now, but I know I'm not going to have to replace it unless I do something stupid. She sits on top of my .338LM.

[ar15barrels]

Hey guys, I'de like to make the move to buying my first long-range bolt in .308 .

Budget is going to be around $1000, preferably lower if at all possible.

http://www.caprc.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=8&t=35

[toby]

http://www.caprc.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=8&t=35

Be nice to not have to register just to look it over.

[Dutch Henry]

Remington 700 would be my choice. Also for optics, take a look at the Revolution line of Redfield scopes. They're made by Leupold and carry the same lifetime warranty.

[FromTheGrave]

I'll check out the CAPRC link in a few.

As much as I'de like to get to 1000yds often, it's not going to happen. Sac rifle club is about the only place with that option and it's not too far a trip, but probably wouldn't make it out that often. 9 out of 10 times I'll probably be shooting 200yds at the USI member range. And most other times I'll probably get out to maybe 600yds at a friends property, but that will be few and far between.

The SPS is recommended often, but always with the caveat "upgrade immediately". I would prefer the remington platform, but the cost for sub-MOA seems out of my league. The Rem 5R is way out of my price range. Although, the T/C venture is a 5R rifling at $500.

I'll check out the SWFA. Thanks for that.

I have to keep this build under a $1000 and in .308 so options other than that don't really help.

Used is not a problem. Unfortunately, I rarely see anything used on the forums for much less than 10% below new. I'de probably pay the extra 10% for the warranty and it being brand new, if that makes sense.

Dick's has a Savage 10 FP "dick's only" model with a heavy 20" fluted barrel for $700ish. But, the camo is hideous. Really turns me off. That does seem like a good deal for that rifle though.

I understand the buy once cry once method. I'm not there yet, though. I need something to get me started into the realm. Also .308 probably isn't the "best" caliber for getting out to 1000yds, so down the line picking up another higher end option would probably be the way I would go.

Thanks for the info so far.

Here's a link to that Savage at Dicks (it's the first one at top).

Savage at Dick's

What do you think about the Savage 11 (third down) combo?

[ar15barrels]

Be nice to not have to register just to look it over.

It's worth registering.
The registration keeps the lazy people out.
Those that REALLY want to learn, will register and reap the benefits.

[Whitefang]

See if you can find a rem 700 ltr if you don't want to go the 5r route

[Click Boom]

Hey guys, I'de like to make the move to buying my first long-range bolt in .308 .

Getting bored of the AR and AK at the range shooting paper. I figure if shooting paper is what i'm going to do most of the time it only makes sense to move to something where I can enjoy achieving tight groups and learn the diciplines of long-range shooting, and handloading to go with it.

Looking towards a heavy barreled target shooter. Will be taking out to 200yds consistently and also looking to longer range (out to 1000yds) when possible.

Budget is going to be around $1000, preferably lower if at all possible. So for the rifle itself maybe looking to about $700. (Probably start with a Primary Arms scope @ $225). Pretty much set on .308 as already setup to load for it and seems like the "go to" beginner caliber for what I would like to achieve.

What I've been looking at: Savage, Tikka, Remington, T/C. I'm lost.

Obviously most people recommend going with the Rem and upgrading. I want to aim for a more "out of the box accuracy" rifle that I'm not going to be running out and upgrading the second I get it. Definitely looking for sub-MOA, which I know is a lot to ask at this price point, but it seems like it's possible.

There is just so many models, with so many options, I'm just stumped for lack of a better term.

Any thoughts?

Step 1) buy various shapes of gongs
Step 2) feel like a kid pulling the trigger for the first time all over again. PM me if you wanna know which ones to get.