Help me evaluate my budget build

[springerjb]

NIB Howa 1500 .243 w/ Hogue overmold stock: $330
EGW 20MOA base: $52
Leupold Rifleman Weaver Rings: $12
Bushnell 3200 10x40 Tactical: $180
Random shipping and transfer costs: $50
Total cost: $624

The primary purpose of the rifle is 100-600+ yard target (unknown distances) with a secondary purpose as a deer rifle (my father-in-law will borrow it to hunt...he's to cheap to buy his own rifle). Other than going with "made in China" glass (which isn't a real option in my mind) and going for a two piece base for $20 where else could I save? Am I missing something?

 

[tylerw02]

Re: Help me evaluate my budget build

I'm not sure what you mean by "budget build". What are you building here? Sounds like you bought an off-the-shelf rifle and scoped it?

 

[springerjb]

Re: Help me evaluate my budget build

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: tylerw02</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I'm not sure what you mean by "budget build". What are you building here? Sounds like you bought an off-the-shelf rifle and scoped it? </div></div>
I stand corrected. Thanks for the enlightening commentary. Others interested in (A) addressing the clearly intended question and/or (B) policing the interwebs for semantics errors?

 

[tylerw02]

Re: Help me evaluate my budget build

If you want critique, I'll advise against a fixed 10x scope for hunting. At closer ranges, you won't be able to distinguish exactly where on the deer you're aiming, which could easily translate to a gut-shot animal.

 

[springerjb]

Re: Help me evaluate my budget build

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: tylerw02</div><div class="ubbcode-body">If you want critique, I'll advise against a fixed 10x scope for hunting. At closer ranges, you won't be able to distinguish exactly where on the deer you're aiming, which could easily translate to a gut-shot animal.
</div></div>
Now that is helpful and appreciated. I'd thought about that. My problem is that I'm already spending money I don't have and variable power scopes with target/exposed turrets worth a damn start at $300 (Weaver Grand Slam Tactical or similar). Suggestions?

 

[cobaltbomb]

Re: Help me evaluate my budget build

id take a savage over a howa because i had a lemon on the latter

change the buschnell to a nikon monarch 2,5-10 bdc
if you are that on a budget consider getting a 223
ammo cost saving over the course of a barrellife for 243 vs 223 is substantial
get a savage 10 PC in 223

 

[C23]

Re: Help me evaluate my budget build

For hunting and other uses having a variable power scope with adjustable parallax helps alot.

I keep the power at the minimum,especially when moving around, it helps me find the target faster and I turn it up when it's required.

Getting surprised by a deer close up on the way to your stand/blind/FFP with a 10x sucks.


Best Regards

 

[jsthntn247]

Re: Help me evaluate my budget build

Agreed, I would opt out for the 3-10x40 Weaver also. You can find them in the $200 range on here every once in a while. I think everything else is fine, just makes sure the twist rate on the barrel is fast enough for the heavier bullets. Might go with burris xtr rings also.

 

[Judd]

Re: Help me evaluate my budget build

Find a good used 3-9 instead of the fixed would be my advice also.

Good luck.

 

[boltgunluvr]

Re: Help me evaluate my budget build

Keep saving to get the Weaver (Midway) or consider a Weaver Classic V 3-9 or 2-10. All great glass.

 

[NBly]

Re: Help me evaluate my budget build

Does this rifle at least come with a heavier profile barrel?

 

[springerjb]

Re: Help me evaluate my budget build

Useful insight gents. I'm now considering a Sightron SI 3-9x40 mil-dot but no target turrets ($135) and the Weaver Grand Slam Tactical. I'm leaning toward the Sightron since $200 is the top of my optics budget for this beater rifle. Plus total cost would be under $600 which was my original goal when I started this buy "an off the shelf rifle and scope it" project.