First bolt gun advise.

[Franklincollector]

I don't know if it's a good thing or a bad thing, but I like to buy "the best" and grow into it. If I fail or need practice I can handle that because it's on me, if my equipment isn't up to the task I can't handle that and will have to come home and spend more money on something better right away.

[Sir Toast]

Don't get the Armalite AR-30. You will like it for a while and then hate it. I've owned the Armalite AR-50 and my brother had the AR-30. Neither of us liked them. Heard nothing but bad stuff about them.

I think you'd be much happier with a Remington or even a Savage. Check out the Tikkas too.

If you really want to do long distance, punching paper and not knocking animals down, check out the 7mm Rem Mag. Barrels don't last as long though.

As an aside, and not trying to hijack the thread, you're probably better off buying expensive optics as opposed to an expensive rifle. You can always upgrade your Remington 700 with a new barrel, trigger, truing, stock, bipod, etc. over time.

[JMP]

I don't know if it's a good thing or a bad thing, but I like to buy "the best" and grow into it. If I fail or need practice I can handle that because it's on me, if my equipment isn't up to the task I can't handle that and will have to come home and spend more money on something better right away.

In my opinion, "the best" you'll do for a beginner would be to purchase an Accuracy International, for short action, go with the AT. For long action, go with the AX or PSR. For a short action, get a Schmidt & Bender 5-25x56 or 3-27x56 scope; the standard AI 5656 mount would be fine. For a long action, get the Hensoldt ZF 3.5-26x56 with a 36mm adjustable inclination mount. For a short action, get the Atlas BT10 bipod with AI spigot adapter. For a long action, get an LRA bipod.

[Clever]

Budget?

[Franklincollector]

3k less optics

[Clever]

TRG 22 .308 .. If you Look around you might finish at 3K with optics..