If you couldnt all tell, Im new here. I want to get a long distance rifle. I have no clue about them. I have been reading about alot of manufacturers guns, but I dont know what to look for. Im trying to keep my first gun in the $500-$600 range.
- Thread starter metalblitz
- Start date
Re: New to long range
I would recommend this:
http://www.snipershide.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=3411630#Post3411630
I would recommend this:
http://www.snipershide.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=3411630#Post3411630
Re: New to long range
IMO when you are considering your budget for your first precision bolt gun you have to take into account everything you'll need to go along with it. For example, optic, rings, bipod. Not to mention a gang of ammo.....
Anyway, this has been said before, and by people who know a lot more than me....
Check out Zak Smith's series of articles, beginning with this one
http://demigodllc.com/articles/practical-long-range-rifle-shooting-equipment/
IMO when you are considering your budget for your first precision bolt gun you have to take into account everything you'll need to go along with it. For example, optic, rings, bipod. Not to mention a gang of ammo.....
Anyway, this has been said before, and by people who know a lot more than me....
Check out Zak Smith's series of articles, beginning with this one
http://demigodllc.com/articles/practical-long-range-rifle-shooting-equipment/
Re: New to long range
Stick with a 308. Great barrel life and accuracy with little recoil and relatively cheap ammo. Especially since you probably don't reload. The firearm tagged above is a very popular choice as it should be. I started my 308 build with that barreled action and couldn't be happier.
Stick with a 308. Great barrel life and accuracy with little recoil and relatively cheap ammo. Especially since you probably don't reload. The firearm tagged above is a very popular choice as it should be. I started my 308 build with that barreled action and couldn't be happier.
Re: New to long range
How far out are you looking to shoot? And are you going to hunt with it? I went with a .300winmag for my first build and will never get rid of it. That said, the above mentioned rifle is the standard for the starter LR/P rifle and when you want to upgrade, you'll have a great platform to build on. Good luck and welcome!
How far out are you looking to shoot? And are you going to hunt with it? I went with a .300winmag for my first build and will never get rid of it. That said, the above mentioned rifle is the standard for the starter LR/P rifle and when you want to upgrade, you'll have a great platform to build on. Good luck and welcome!
Re: New to long range
finnish filling out your profile... where you from? maybe you could hook up with another hide menber in your area.
finnish filling out your profile... where you from? maybe you could hook up with another hide menber in your area.
Re: New to long range
I live in Las Vegas. I do not plan to hunt with it. My longest range weapon I have is an ar15. My friend has a Remington 700. I have been told that Savage is a good first long range weapon.
I live in Las Vegas. I do not plan to hunt with it. My longest range weapon I have is an ar15. My friend has a Remington 700. I have been told that Savage is a good first long range weapon.
Re: New to long range
Here in Australia $500-$600 gets you half a gun lol
Here in Australia $500-$600 gets you half a gun lol
Re: New to long range
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Kemonuts</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I live in Las Vegas. I do not plan to hunt with it. My longest range weapon I have is an ar15. My friend has a Remington 700. I have been told that Savage is a good first long range weapon. </div></div>
The reality of this game is that it gets reals expensive, real quick. I started with a Remington SPS tactical with a SWFA SS scope.
4 evolutions later I now shoot a rifle & scope combo that the cost of it would likely cause you to say "holy ...."
My recommendation to you is to get behind as many rifles as you can to see what you like. There are plenty of us in Vegas that shoot longe range, which means many different rifles.
Now for some bad news, your budget will barely cover the cost of a Savage. You then have to consider; optics, rings, 20 MOA base, bipod and ammo. And that is just to get started shooting.
Do lots of research and buy used to start, it will save you lots of money in the end!!
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Kemonuts</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I live in Las Vegas. I do not plan to hunt with it. My longest range weapon I have is an ar15. My friend has a Remington 700. I have been told that Savage is a good first long range weapon. </div></div>
The reality of this game is that it gets reals expensive, real quick. I started with a Remington SPS tactical with a SWFA SS scope.
4 evolutions later I now shoot a rifle & scope combo that the cost of it would likely cause you to say "holy ...."
My recommendation to you is to get behind as many rifles as you can to see what you like. There are plenty of us in Vegas that shoot longe range, which means many different rifles.
Now for some bad news, your budget will barely cover the cost of a Savage. You then have to consider; optics, rings, 20 MOA base, bipod and ammo. And that is just to get started shooting.
Do lots of research and buy used to start, it will save you lots of money in the end!!
Re: New to long range
Definitely.. My price right now is only for the rifle. I have seen optics prices....So far I have fired a savage .308 and my friends .308 Remington. They both very nice and smooth. As far as caliber goes. What should I be looking at? My range would be anywhere between 300 - 1200 yards.
Definitely.. My price right now is only for the rifle. I have seen optics prices....So far I have fired a savage .308 and my friends .308 Remington. They both very nice and smooth. As far as caliber goes. What should I be looking at? My range would be anywhere between 300 - 1200 yards.
Re: New to long range
The .308 I tagged above is perfect for you. It already has a couple unique changes to it, and since it's a .308, your barrel life is going to be about 10k rounds or so. My vote is for Remington 700, but a Savage isn't bad.
The .308 I tagged above is perfect for you. It already has a couple unique changes to it, and since it's a .308, your barrel life is going to be about 10k rounds or so. My vote is for Remington 700, but a Savage isn't bad.
Re: New to long range
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Kemonuts</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Definitely.. My price right now is only for the rifle. I have seen optics prices....So far I have fired a savage .308 and my friends .308 Remington. They both very nice and smooth. As far as caliber goes. What should I be looking at? My range would be anywhere between 300 - 1200 yards. </div></div>
.308 to start.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Kemonuts</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Definitely.. My price right now is only for the rifle. I have seen optics prices....So far I have fired a savage .308 and my friends .308 Remington. They both very nice and smooth. As far as caliber goes. What should I be looking at? My range would be anywhere between 300 - 1200 yards. </div></div>
.308 to start.
Re: New to long range
Try to find a nice used .308 Rem 700P. My local gun guru pointed me in that direction when I first got into the LR game. Solid gun to get started with.
Try to find a nice used .308 Rem 700P. My local gun guru pointed me in that direction when I first got into the LR game. Solid gun to get started with.
Re: New to long range
Would it be considered bad form for me to jump into this thread as being in almost the same boat?
I just don't see much point in starting my own thread for something that is already being covered, but I certainly will if you guys think I should.
I already own some reloading gear.
I bought it about 2 years ago when I thought I was going to get started on long distance shooting.
My tastes took a different turn and I detoured from the whole idea for a while.
I'm also thinking that I should be looking at .30-06 or higher for a truly long distance gun.
Obviously, .308 can make a nice 1000 yard cartridge with a good gun and a good shooter, but I'd just like something that isn't quite so "intermediate" (no offense to the horde of .308 fans out there!)
(Also, I'm not really on a set "budget" per say, other than just being a cheap-ass.
I know I gotta pay to play, but I just need help avoiding overpaying for the cool-factor.
If I can find the right set up, but I can't pay for it, I'll just save up for it. I'm patient like that.)
Would it be considered bad form for me to jump into this thread as being in almost the same boat?
I just don't see much point in starting my own thread for something that is already being covered, but I certainly will if you guys think I should.
I already own some reloading gear.
I bought it about 2 years ago when I thought I was going to get started on long distance shooting.
My tastes took a different turn and I detoured from the whole idea for a while.
I'm also thinking that I should be looking at .30-06 or higher for a truly long distance gun.
Obviously, .308 can make a nice 1000 yard cartridge with a good gun and a good shooter, but I'd just like something that isn't quite so "intermediate" (no offense to the horde of .308 fans out there!)
(Also, I'm not really on a set "budget" per say, other than just being a cheap-ass.
I know I gotta pay to play, but I just need help avoiding overpaying for the cool-factor.
If I can find the right set up, but I can't pay for it, I'll just save up for it. I'm patient like that.)
Re: New to long range
Another good starter option is the Howa 1500 varmint in 308.
Another good starter option is the Howa 1500 varmint in 308.
Re: New to long range
Angstrom,
You may be an accomplished shooter, but the heavy recoil cartridges aren't typically the best for starting out, especially when you plan to shoot 60-100+ rounds in an afternoon. The larger cartridges will only cheat the wind better beyond say 400yds. The intermediate cartridge .308 will help you learn to be a better shooter. I started with 7mm, which I still love, but .308 in my first F-class match taught me more about reading the wind/mirage than a year of shooting my 7mm at long distace. In addition, my shoulder wasn't bruised like 50+ rounds of 7mm will do. Just throwing that out there.
And if you're not serious about reloading, stick to an intermediate cartridge with lots of match ammo available. You don't want to have to pay sticker price for magnum cartridges.
Angstrom,
You may be an accomplished shooter, but the heavy recoil cartridges aren't typically the best for starting out, especially when you plan to shoot 60-100+ rounds in an afternoon. The larger cartridges will only cheat the wind better beyond say 400yds. The intermediate cartridge .308 will help you learn to be a better shooter. I started with 7mm, which I still love, but .308 in my first F-class match taught me more about reading the wind/mirage than a year of shooting my 7mm at long distace. In addition, my shoulder wasn't bruised like 50+ rounds of 7mm will do. Just throwing that out there.
And if you're not serious about reloading, stick to an intermediate cartridge with lots of match ammo available. You don't want to have to pay sticker price for magnum cartridges.
Re: New to long range
my cousin and i both have Remington 700's and bang metal out to 1000 yards.
joe
my cousin and i both have Remington 700's and bang metal out to 1000 yards.
joe
Re: New to long range
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Angstrom</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Would it be considered bad form for me to jump into this thread as being in almost the same boat?
I just don't see much point in starting my own thread for something that is already being covered, but I certainly will if you guys think I should.
I already own some reloading gear.
I bought it about 2 years ago when I thought I was going to get started on long distance shooting.
My tastes took a different turn and I detoured from the whole idea for a while.
I'm also thinking that I should be looking at .30-06 or higher for a truly long distance gun.
Obviously, .308 can make a nice 1000 yard cartridge with a good gun and a good shooter, but I'd just like something that isn't quite so "intermediate" (no offense to the horde of .308 fans out there!)
(Also, I'm not really on a set "budget" per say, other than just being a cheap-ass.
I know I gotta pay to play, but I just need help avoiding overpaying for the cool-factor.
If I can find the right set up, but I can't pay for it, I'll just save up for it. I'm patient like that.)
</div></div>
Until you master the fundamentals, and even after, .308 is where it's at IMHO. I shoot .308 most of the year, changing just a little before match season. If you don't yet know what you are trying beat/avoid by moving away from .308, I'm not sure anyone could tell you what caliber to use. The caliber you'd change to from .308 depends entirely what you are trying to optimize.
Honestly, the best shooters I know still shoot .308, and they have a certain satisfaction when they beat 50 guys shooting high end match calibers.
Indian > arrow.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Angstrom</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Would it be considered bad form for me to jump into this thread as being in almost the same boat?
I just don't see much point in starting my own thread for something that is already being covered, but I certainly will if you guys think I should.
I already own some reloading gear.
I bought it about 2 years ago when I thought I was going to get started on long distance shooting.
My tastes took a different turn and I detoured from the whole idea for a while.
I'm also thinking that I should be looking at .30-06 or higher for a truly long distance gun.
Obviously, .308 can make a nice 1000 yard cartridge with a good gun and a good shooter, but I'd just like something that isn't quite so "intermediate" (no offense to the horde of .308 fans out there!)
(Also, I'm not really on a set "budget" per say, other than just being a cheap-ass.
I know I gotta pay to play, but I just need help avoiding overpaying for the cool-factor.
If I can find the right set up, but I can't pay for it, I'll just save up for it. I'm patient like that.)
</div></div>
Until you master the fundamentals, and even after, .308 is where it's at IMHO. I shoot .308 most of the year, changing just a little before match season. If you don't yet know what you are trying beat/avoid by moving away from .308, I'm not sure anyone could tell you what caliber to use. The caliber you'd change to from .308 depends entirely what you are trying to optimize.
Honestly, the best shooters I know still shoot .308, and they have a certain satisfaction when they beat 50 guys shooting high end match calibers.
Indian > arrow.
Re: New to long range
If you can come up with a few hundred dollars more, you can get into some great rifles. i.e. Tikka Scout, Remington LTR, Remington 700 P, Remington 5R Milspec, Savage 10FCP, etc.
If you can come up with a few hundred dollars more, you can get into some great rifles. i.e. Tikka Scout, Remington LTR, Remington 700 P, Remington 5R Milspec, Savage 10FCP, etc.
Re: New to long range
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Angstrom</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Would it be considered bad form for me to jump into this thread as being in almost the same boat?
I just don't see much point in starting my own thread for something that is already being covered, but I certainly will if you guys think I should.
I already own some reloading gear.
I bought it about 2 years ago when I thought I was going to get started on long distance shooting.
My tastes took a different turn and I detoured from the whole idea for a while.
I'm also thinking that I should be looking at .30-06 or higher for a truly long distance gun.
Obviously, .308 can make a nice 1000 yard cartridge with a good gun and a good shooter, but I'd just like something that isn't quite so "intermediate" (no offense to the horde of .308 fans out there!)
(Also, I'm not really on a set "budget" per say, other than just being a cheap-ass.
I know I gotta pay to play, but I just need help avoiding overpaying for the cool-factor.
If I can find the right set up, but I can't pay for it, I'll just save up for it. I'm patient like that.)
</div></div>
Like I stated above, I started with a .300winmag and have never looked back. .308 is a great round but you don't NEED to start with it. If you have the reloading supplies, it pretty much costs the exact same to reload for as a .308. If you guys are wanting to hit out further than 1k to 1200, I would suggest higher horsepower. If you're looking to stay within a grand or won't be loading yourself, .308 is a great round. I wouldn't bump to a .338 lapua for a first rifle, but .300, 7mm or the like are great options.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Angstrom</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Would it be considered bad form for me to jump into this thread as being in almost the same boat?
I just don't see much point in starting my own thread for something that is already being covered, but I certainly will if you guys think I should.
I already own some reloading gear.
I bought it about 2 years ago when I thought I was going to get started on long distance shooting.
My tastes took a different turn and I detoured from the whole idea for a while.
I'm also thinking that I should be looking at .30-06 or higher for a truly long distance gun.
Obviously, .308 can make a nice 1000 yard cartridge with a good gun and a good shooter, but I'd just like something that isn't quite so "intermediate" (no offense to the horde of .308 fans out there!)
(Also, I'm not really on a set "budget" per say, other than just being a cheap-ass.
I know I gotta pay to play, but I just need help avoiding overpaying for the cool-factor.
If I can find the right set up, but I can't pay for it, I'll just save up for it. I'm patient like that.)
</div></div>
Like I stated above, I started with a .300winmag and have never looked back. .308 is a great round but you don't NEED to start with it. If you have the reloading supplies, it pretty much costs the exact same to reload for as a .308. If you guys are wanting to hit out further than 1k to 1200, I would suggest higher horsepower. If you're looking to stay within a grand or won't be loading yourself, .308 is a great round. I wouldn't bump to a .338 lapua for a first rifle, but .300, 7mm or the like are great options.
Re: New to long range
Thanks for the input everyone. Once I sell my Revolver. I'll use that money and look at spending more in the 800-900 range.
Thanks for the input everyone. Once I sell my Revolver. I'll use that money and look at spending more in the 800-900 range.
Re: New to long range
I should have mentioned that I already have access to a "nice" .308.
It's one of the "new" Savages (Mod 10) with the accustock and accutrigger. So far, the gun is more accurate than I am.
Any Savage haters around here?
I'm thinking about setting it in an A-5 stock just to improve the ergonomics, and add a bipod, but other than that I'd say it's pretty okay for mastering the fundamentals.
That'll probably clear up some of the confusion.
See, the plan is to practice with the Savage while saving up for a more powerful rifle and better glass, and then just move the glass over to the new rifle.
I should have mentioned that I already have access to a "nice" .308.
It's one of the "new" Savages (Mod 10) with the accustock and accutrigger. So far, the gun is more accurate than I am.
Any Savage haters around here?
I'm thinking about setting it in an A-5 stock just to improve the ergonomics, and add a bipod, but other than that I'd say it's pretty okay for mastering the fundamentals.
That'll probably clear up some of the confusion.
See, the plan is to practice with the Savage while saving up for a more powerful rifle and better glass, and then just move the glass over to the new rifle.
Re: New to long range
Like you I am also recently gettin into the long range game. I bought a ruger M77 target in 6.5 creedmoor. It cost about $750 without scope. Not much recoil and it shoots really well. I started out with a cheaper scope with target turrets just to learn how to use it and later on bought a better scope. With nothing done to the factory rifle I can hit a 10" steel target at 700 yards consistently. Looking forward to moving targets out farther. It's a good shooter for not much money but if I had it to do over I prob would buy a Remington 700 because of all the build options. Not much for the ruger.
Like you I am also recently gettin into the long range game. I bought a ruger M77 target in 6.5 creedmoor. It cost about $750 without scope. Not much recoil and it shoots really well. I started out with a cheaper scope with target turrets just to learn how to use it and later on bought a better scope. With nothing done to the factory rifle I can hit a 10" steel target at 700 yards consistently. Looking forward to moving targets out farther. It's a good shooter for not much money but if I had it to do over I prob would buy a Remington 700 because of all the build options. Not much for the ruger.
Re: New to long range
.308 or 6.5 creedmore considering that you could find a 6.5 in your budget range. both would serve you well. have seen a few savage 6.5's used for around 7-800 and i kick myself for not grabbing one.
id jump on the R700 SPS
.308 or 6.5 creedmore considering that you could find a 6.5 in your budget range. both would serve you well. have seen a few savage 6.5's used for around 7-800 and i kick myself for not grabbing one.
id jump on the R700 SPS
Re: New to long range
In your price range I would look at the Savage 12 or 10 series. The 12 in .308 can be had for right around $500-550 depending on where you look. Bud's warehouse and range has good prices and from I hear good service with quick delivery time. I have the 12fv in .308 and it shoots the Hornady 178 match at under 1/2 in at 100 yards and under 3/4 at 300 yards.
In your price range I would look at the Savage 12 or 10 series. The 12 in .308 can be had for right around $500-550 depending on where you look. Bud's warehouse and range has good prices and from I hear good service with quick delivery time. I have the 12fv in .308 and it shoots the Hornady 178 match at under 1/2 in at 100 yards and under 3/4 at 300 yards.
