First long-range bolt-action decision $1000

[NorCalFocus]

Checked that post out more than once. Besides a few factors that make it not for me, the added costs of travel and transfer fees put it enough above the budget to the point of being able to pretty much build up an sps varmint brand new.

Do you guys think the sps varmint is on or above par with the 10 FCP ?

Have you asked the seller if he would meet you half way at an FFL, Do $900 to keep it under your $1k budget?

That rifle is a big step up from a SPS or Savage. Rifle, scope and a stock that doesn't need upgrading for $1k, that is a hell of a deal.

The SPS vs the savage....barrels are about the same, rem has a better action, Savage has a better trigger with the accu trigger, rem has way more aftermarket options and resale value.

Look up Tumey Hills on the BLM website.

[FromTheGrave]

Have you asked the seller if he would meet you half way at an FFL, Do $900 to keep it under your $1k budget?

That rifle is a big step up from a SPS or Savage. Rifle, scope and a stock that doesn't need upgrading for $1k, that is a hell of a deal.

The SPS vs the savage....barrels are about the same, rem has a better action, Savage has a better trigger with the accu trigger, rem has way more aftermarket options and resale value.

Look up Tumey Hills on the BLM website.

Yeah. I'de prefer a variable magnification, longer barrel and not big on the look of that particular stock (color). For an investment like I'm looking into, I'de rather pay a little extra than to settle. Don't mean to belittle dude's rig or anything, just not for me.

Another thing is i'm not rushing into this, gonna spend a lot of time researching and planning. Not ready to pull the trigger (pun intended) right away. So it would depend on a particular rig being around when I and funds are ready.

Looked up that spot. That's roughly 4 hours from me. Surely worth a trip sometime, but a little more than an hour getaway.

[shooterfpga]

Whichever action you get just dont buy a remington or youll either end up in a self help program or in a mental ward after you figure out theyre worthless and unless you buy from remington custom shop or some other third party gunsmith your wife, kids and dogs will all wish you were dead for wasting money on junk.

[NorCalFocus]

Looked up that spot. That's roughly 4 hours from me. Surely worth a trip sometime, but a little more than an hour getaway.

The map most likely had you go in the back way which takes forever.

Try this address coming off I5. https://www.google.com/maps/place/Pa...a9579b04649cbc

[FromTheGrave]

The map most likely had you go in the back way which takes forever.

Try this address coming off I5. https://www.google.com/maps/place/Pa...a9579b04649cbc

Nice catch. That put it at roughly 2.5 hours. Much more doable!

[ar15barrels]

Yeah. I'de prefer a variable magnification, longer barrel and not big on the look of that particular stock (color).

Beggars can't be choosers.
At $965, that package is a good deal on a great starter gun.

[ExtremeX]

Yeah. I'de prefer a variable magnification, longer barrel and not big on the look of that particular stock (color). For an investment like I'm looking into, I'de rather pay a little extra than to settle. Don't mean to belittle dude's rig or anything, just not for me.

Another thing is i'm not rushing into this, gonna spend a lot of time researching and planning. Not ready to pull the trigger (pun intended) right away. So it would depend on a particular rig being around when I and funds are ready.

Looked up that spot. That's roughly 4 hours from me. Surely worth a trip sometime, but a little more than an hour getaway.

In your budget, the fixed power SWFA (like the fixed 10x rear focus) scopes are fantastic. Tracking, repeatability, and durability at that price point is top notch. Optically its has a head start being a fixed power, but very good in the $300 price range. I have some pretty expensive scopes too, and I still use and enjoy my fixed 10x SWFA. Wait for their next sale if you want to buy new... they drop the price and also include rings for free.

Its a Japanese made scope with a cult like following due to its military heritage, performance and value. I would take that over the primary arms variable you listed any day. I recommend you do some research on them.

As far as that package is concerned, I think its a good value and a great way to start considering your budget. Paint the stock if you don't like the color, but that's what I used on my budget build and its a huge upgrade from the factory SPS stock.

My only gripe about the package is the scope is in MOA. Seller lists MOA/MOA but unless I am mistaken I was I don't think SWFA ever made a MOA/MOA. As far as I know they offer a MOA with Mil Dot reticle and a MIL/MIL with their mil-quad reticle... but I could be wrong. If it is in fact MOA/MOA id be happy with it, as long as its matching.

[JMP]

I know, I'm learning that fast.

Consider a bolt .223. It's a lot less demanding in terms of what you'd need to upgrade, and it would require less in terms of optics. You can't do a 1000 yards, but you can get a lot of practice in for not a whole lot money up to 600 yards with a standard 1:12" twist.

[FromTheGrave]

Beggars can't be choosers.
At $965, that package is a good deal on a great starter gun.

I get the concept but don't see the correlation. I'm the chooser, I'm not begging for anything. I would like to get into long range shooting but it's far from necessary. Weren't you the one who said there is no reason to get a 20" barrel?

I'm not even close to jumping on the first decent deal that I see.

In your budget, the fixed power SWFA (like the fixed 10x rear focus) scopes are fantastic. Tracking, repeatability, and durability at that price point is top notch. Optically its has a head start being a fixed power, but very good in the $300 price range. I have some pretty expensive scopes too, and I still use and enjoy my fixed 10x SWFA. Wait for their next sale if you want to buy new... they drop the price and also include rings for free.

Its a Japanese made scope with a cult like following due to its military heritage, performance and value. I would take that over the primary arms variable you listed any day. I recommend you do some research on them.

As far as that package is concerned, I think its a good value and a great way to start considering your budget. Paint the stock if you don't like the color, but that's what I used on my budget build and its a huge upgrade from the factory SPS stock.

My only gripe about the package is the scope is in MOA. Seller lists MOA/MOA but unless I am mistaken I was I don't think SWFA ever made a MOA/MOA. As far as I know they offer a MOA with Mil Dot reticle and a MIL/MIL with their mil-quad reticle... but I could be wrong. If it is in fact MOA/MOA id be happy with it, as long as its matching.

I've read nothing but good things about the swfa. I've also read only good things about the PA. At variable for less than the price of a fixed swfa.......it's a no brainer. I can have what I want, for less money. Now maybe not for less than this particular rifle.

What makes the AAC-SD so much better than the SPS tactical? The threaded muzzle?

That particular setup seems to save about $150 for who knows how many rounds through it and probably a lack of warranty on all items. Doesn't really
strike me as an amazing deal. If I lean towards the remington I could come close brand new minus the stock.

[ExtremeX]

I've read nothing but good things about the swfa. I've also read only good things about the PA. At variable for less than the price of a fixed swfa.......it's a no brainer. I can have what I want, for less money. Now maybe not for less than this particular rifle.

What makes the AAC-SD so much better than the SPS tactical? The threaded muzzle?

That particular setup seems to save about $150 for who knows how many rounds through it and probably a lack of warranty on all items. Doesn't really
strike me as an amazing deal. If I lean towards the remington I could come close brand new minus the stock.

AAC-SD is just a variant of the SPS line... its not that its better or worse, its just different.

SPS Tactical - 20" 1:12 twist
SPS Tactical AAC-SD - 20" threaded, 1:10 twist
SPS Varmint - 26" 1:12
The 5R for reference is 24" 1:11.25" twist

[ar15barrels]

I get the concept but don't see the correlation. I'm the chooser, I'm not begging for anything.

A $1000 budget to get into a precision rifle IS begging.
Raise your budget to $2000 and you get a MUCH MUCH nicer package.
Even $1500 would be a HUGE step up from a $1000 package.

It's like this:
You need transportation.
A crappy used motorcycle costs $1000
A crappy used car costs $1500
Note the price difference is not that far apart.
Both will get you to work.
A nice used motorcycle costs $3000
A nice used car costs $10,000
Note the price difference is a LOT farther apart.

For daily commuting in all weather that you might encounter, there's a HUGE difference between a motorcycle and a car.
That's the price range you are currently shopping in and the difference that just another $500 to $1000 will make.

Would you rather be wet on rainy days?
Get the car, not the motorcycle...

[Merc1138]

I've read nothing but good things about the swfa. I've also read only good things about the PA. At variable for less than the price of a fixed swfa.......it's a no brainer. I can have what I want, for less money. Now maybe not for less than this particular rifle.

Having shot rifles using both the SWFA 10x and the PA 4-14x44(I own one), it's a no-brainer that I'd never stick the PA on anything but a .22lr rifle plinker(which is what it's on right now). I don't understand why the variable power aspect is such a major concern.

[FromTheGrave]

Having shot rifles using both the SWFA 10x and the PA 4-14x44(I own one), it's a no-brainer that I'd never stick the PA on anything but a .22lr rifle plinker(which is what it's on right now). I don't understand why the variable power aspect is such a major concern.

Could you elaborate some more? What do you like on the swfa, and not like about the PA ?


Randall,

Like I said, I get the concept. It's the same with everything.

Buying used to save 10% is not a good deal to me.

A "good" hardtail mountain bike costs $1000 and a "good" full suspension bike costs $2000. They'll both get you down the mountain. One will be easier and more comfortable on the way, but the hardtail, while being harder on you will teach you more about better riding and will make you know what you want to look for later after you decide you want to pursue mountain biking.

I understand your position. Just seems a little overboard. I'm not looking for a "1000 yard rifle" when I'm planning on shooting at 200 yards 90% of the time. I'm looking for a sub-moa rifle that could be shot out to 1000 yards on a rare occasion, and obviously after I've developed skills at shooting. I understand your advice comes from someone who has done some serious shooting, and that by your profession you are probably a "gear snob" (and I don't mean that offensively). I'm just looking for somewhere to get started.

What's the deal with the 700 vls ? Remington 700 VLS Is this just the varmint with a laminate stock? Would the laminate be a usable stock?

[ar15barrels]

Could you elaborate some more? What do you like on the swfa, and not like about the PA ?

What's the deal with the 700 vls ? Remington 700 VLS Is this just the varmint with a laminate stock? Would the laminate be a usable stock?

The 4-14 PA scope is the same scope as the Falcon Menace.
We have seen these scopes to have serious mechanical problems in our classes.
Knobs falling off.
Reticles breaking.
Tracking problems.
Turrets unscrewing from the tube.
I can't recommend one.
In your price range, you would be better off with an SWFA fixed power.

The stock on the 700 VLS is completely functional and far better than the SPS stock.

[FromTheGrave]

The 4-14 PA scope is the same scope as the Falcon Menace.
We have seen these scopes to have serious mechanical problems in our classes.
Knobs falling off.
Reticles breaking.
Tracking problems.
Turrets unscrewing from the tube.
I can't recommend one.
In your price range, you would be better off with an SWFA fixed power.

The stock on the 700 VLS is completely functional and far better than the SPS stock.

Good info! Thanks. Is there any other differences in the VLS that i'm not seeing?

And for an example if this hadn't sold, I would be all over it.

CG ad SPS Varmint

It looks like it sold for under $1000 . I just want to have the patience to find something I really want, and not settle on the first deal I come across.