- Thread starter Rock Head
- Start date
Re: Shooting on a budget
$800 is gun only or gun, scope, mounts, etc?
$800 is gun only or gun, scope, mounts, etc?
Re: Shooting on a budget
You might want to put that $800 away and wait until you have enough for even a budget build.
Even if you went with a Dicks sporting good ADL varmint and a Midwayusa Weaver 3-10x40 mildot, you still haven't enough for a good stock, trigger, rings, base, bipod etc.
$800 will get you a nice Remington( 700 AAC, SPS-T. SPS-V), Tikka Varmint in 223, or close to a Remington 700P. Rifle only.
You might want to put that $800 away and wait until you have enough for even a budget build.
Even if you went with a Dicks sporting good ADL varmint and a Midwayusa Weaver 3-10x40 mildot, you still haven't enough for a good stock, trigger, rings, base, bipod etc.
$800 will get you a nice Remington( 700 AAC, SPS-T. SPS-V), Tikka Varmint in 223, or close to a Remington 700P. Rifle only.
Re: Shooting on a budget
Accustock on the Savage is a good stock and won't need to be replaced
http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/products_id/411540367/Savage+308+24+5R+THREAD+BL
Replace crappy stock with B&C M40 or light tactical for about 230 bucks.
http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/produ...etic+VAR+308+26
Nice stock, right at your max. Should be glass bedded in stock (acra-glas kit from brownells) fairly easy home project.
http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/produ...rmint+Laminated
Accustock on the Savage is a good stock and won't need to be replaced
http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/products_id/411540367/Savage+308+24+5R+THREAD+BL
Replace crappy stock with B&C M40 or light tactical for about 230 bucks.
http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/produ...etic+VAR+308+26
Nice stock, right at your max. Should be glass bedded in stock (acra-glas kit from brownells) fairly easy home project.
http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/produ...rmint+Laminated
Re: Shooting on a budget
My HS precision Savage was $919, but I've heard of people getting it cheaper.
My HS precision Savage was $919, but I've heard of people getting it cheaper.
Re: Shooting on a budget
Buying used can make your budget go way, WAY further, but you've got to invest time in keeping an eye on the WTS boards on websites like SH, SavageShooters, 24hourcampfire, LongRangeHunting, etc.
With patience, you can build a pretty good Savage for well under $800 with a mix of new and used parts.
Alternately:
Savage 10FP-SR 308 ($581) or 12FV 223 ($557)
Weaver Extended Multi-Slot 20MOA base $30.25
Scope & rings of your choice and go shoot!
Buying used can make your budget go way, WAY further, but you've got to invest time in keeping an eye on the WTS boards on websites like SH, SavageShooters, 24hourcampfire, LongRangeHunting, etc.
With patience, you can build a pretty good Savage for well under $800 with a mix of new and used parts.
Alternately:
Savage 10FP-SR 308 ($581) or 12FV 223 ($557)
Weaver Extended Multi-Slot 20MOA base $30.25
Scope & rings of your choice and go shoot!
Re: Shooting on a budget
Even tho I dont own any savages I agree for a out of the box rifle that you dont want to change anything savage is hard to beat for the price.
Even tho I dont own any savages I agree for a out of the box rifle that you dont want to change anything savage is hard to beat for the price.
Re: Shooting on a budget
Used R700 Tactical or AAC-SD for $500ish and a B&C M40 stock will put you at around $700-750. I don't think there is an off the shelf rifle that meets your needs though. You will have to spend a bit more or replace the stock.
Used R700 Tactical or AAC-SD for $500ish and a B&C M40 stock will put you at around $700-750. I don't think there is an off the shelf rifle that meets your needs though. You will have to spend a bit more or replace the stock.
Re: Shooting on a budget
On a tight, tight budget, I'd get a 22 and save for what I really wanted. Let's not forget, ammo is also a big factor in this <span style="font-weight: bold">hobby</span>… every shot of 22 rather than quality centerfire saves almost a $1 bill.
If I *had* to get into a centerfire cheaply, I'd get a pawnshop Savage/Stevens in 223 with 1:9 barrel. That can happen for $200-300. Plus, you'll always be able to sell it again for $200 or so.
On a tight, tight budget, I'd get a 22 and save for what I really wanted. Let's not forget, ammo is also a big factor in this <span style="font-weight: bold">hobby</span>… every shot of 22 rather than quality centerfire saves almost a $1 bill.
If I *had* to get into a centerfire cheaply, I'd get a pawnshop Savage/Stevens in 223 with 1:9 barrel. That can happen for $200-300. Plus, you'll always be able to sell it again for $200 or so.
Re: Shooting on a budget
OK, this option may not sit well with some but I'll go ahead and throw it out there. How about a Remington 700 SPS tactical .308. Bud's Gun shop has them in stock for $594. This was my first long range rifle. Some people might say I got lucky, but mine shot gold medal match 168, .5 MOA out of the box. It would probably shoot better with someone that knew what they were doing.
http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/produ...Tactical+308win
At the risk of mentioning another forum, here is a good write up on the SPS Tactical. Simple enough that even I could understand.
http://www.snipercentral.com/spstactical.htm
OK, this option may not sit well with some but I'll go ahead and throw it out there. How about a Remington 700 SPS tactical .308. Bud's Gun shop has them in stock for $594. This was my first long range rifle. Some people might say I got lucky, but mine shot gold medal match 168, .5 MOA out of the box. It would probably shoot better with someone that knew what they were doing.
http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/produ...Tactical+308win
At the risk of mentioning another forum, here is a good write up on the SPS Tactical. Simple enough that even I could understand.
http://www.snipercentral.com/spstactical.htm
Re: Shooting on a budget
I've seen lots of Savage 110 and 10 FP rifles for well under $500 used...some with decent glass... resell the glass get a mil dot scope and your still under $800
I've seen lots of Savage 110 and 10 FP rifles for well under $500 used...some with decent glass... resell the glass get a mil dot scope and your still under $800
Re: Shooting on a budget
I would say the Savage options put forward to this point are solid choices. For $800 you can actually acquire a very accurate rifle, just have to look a little deeper, which I think actually makes the experience fun and educational.
Some personal experiences with Savages:
My brother runs a Savage 12 series varmint in 22/250 Rem. He bought it new about 3 years ago for $300 to $400 more than your budget. In pure factory form, I can attest he shoots regular 0.1 to 0.2 MOA groups with factory Rem brass and varmint bullets like Sierra blitzking and Hornady Vmax. The rifle shoots better than rifles 3x the price.
We also own an old Savage 110 with factory sporter barrel in 270 Win, factory stock (which we glass bedded) that routinetly groups 3 rounds into .25 inch clusters at 100 yards with 130 gr Nosler ballistic tips and Accubonds. Astounding value for a $250 rifle.
So for your money I would say Savage represents the best value.
I would say the Savage options put forward to this point are solid choices. For $800 you can actually acquire a very accurate rifle, just have to look a little deeper, which I think actually makes the experience fun and educational.
Some personal experiences with Savages:
My brother runs a Savage 12 series varmint in 22/250 Rem. He bought it new about 3 years ago for $300 to $400 more than your budget. In pure factory form, I can attest he shoots regular 0.1 to 0.2 MOA groups with factory Rem brass and varmint bullets like Sierra blitzking and Hornady Vmax. The rifle shoots better than rifles 3x the price.
We also own an old Savage 110 with factory sporter barrel in 270 Win, factory stock (which we glass bedded) that routinetly groups 3 rounds into .25 inch clusters at 100 yards with 130 gr Nosler ballistic tips and Accubonds. Astounding value for a $250 rifle.
So for your money I would say Savage represents the best value.
Re: Shooting on a budget
savage seems to be the way either for a budget or "other" build. most of what you want to do is already there from the box (trigger, stocks, rails, bolt knobs, etc.) and the ability to "upgrade" to match barrels, etc at home with the accuraccy to appreciate. unfortunately resale (if having to) is sometimes funky as many consider it "only a savage". check out the stevens line too.
remington has a whole bunch of lower priced 700's that can be modified as the budget allows in the future.
don't pass up on the winc. 70 or (and i may get flamed) the marlin x7vh or xs7 http://www.marlinfirearms.com/Firearms/CenterfireBoltAction/x7vh.asp
http://www.austargets.com/marlin308.htm
http://www.shootingtimes.com/2010/11/01/longgun_reviews_marlin_corners_the_market_102910/
scroll about halfway down, sounds like someone who knows what they are talking about:
http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2008/10/22/marlin-xs7-short-action-xl7/
i likey this marlin at face value as it seems they put stuff in it that folks like from savage, rem, weatherby, ruger, and winchester into a platform thats 400.00 ish or under, and the more i look at it make me think this would be a nice present for myself for christmas this year....
probably the savage / steven or the marlin will give you the best bang for the buck with the ability to do most of the changes you may need or want from the comfort of your own home reducing smithing costs.
who gives an F what the neighbors think, the end result is rounds downrange in a clover leaf design. you don't need a Les Baer with a nightforce sitting on top to do well for general target shooting.
savage seems to be the way either for a budget or "other" build. most of what you want to do is already there from the box (trigger, stocks, rails, bolt knobs, etc.) and the ability to "upgrade" to match barrels, etc at home with the accuraccy to appreciate. unfortunately resale (if having to) is sometimes funky as many consider it "only a savage". check out the stevens line too.
remington has a whole bunch of lower priced 700's that can be modified as the budget allows in the future.
don't pass up on the winc. 70 or (and i may get flamed) the marlin x7vh or xs7 http://www.marlinfirearms.com/Firearms/CenterfireBoltAction/x7vh.asp
http://www.austargets.com/marlin308.htm
http://www.shootingtimes.com/2010/11/01/longgun_reviews_marlin_corners_the_market_102910/
scroll about halfway down, sounds like someone who knows what they are talking about:
http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2008/10/22/marlin-xs7-short-action-xl7/
i likey this marlin at face value as it seems they put stuff in it that folks like from savage, rem, weatherby, ruger, and winchester into a platform thats 400.00 ish or under, and the more i look at it make me think this would be a nice present for myself for christmas this year....
probably the savage / steven or the marlin will give you the best bang for the buck with the ability to do most of the changes you may need or want from the comfort of your own home reducing smithing costs.
who gives an F what the neighbors think, the end result is rounds downrange in a clover leaf design. you don't need a Les Baer with a nightforce sitting on top to do well for general target shooting.
Re: Shooting on a budget
Hey Rockhead,
You should give this a good reading.
http://8541tactical.com/budget%20precision%20article.php
It was written by a Hide member, LoneWolfUSMC, has some great info for the budget minded shooter.
-Jason
Hey Rockhead,
You should give this a good reading.
http://8541tactical.com/budget%20precision%20article.php
It was written by a Hide member, LoneWolfUSMC, has some great info for the budget minded shooter.
-Jason
Re: Shooting on a budget
I would go a Stevens 200 or Savage, they can be built up for $800 and always upgraded later as money allowed. Plus with Savage you can do the work yourself and not have to pay a gunsmith to work on it. Hope this helps.
I would go a Stevens 200 or Savage, they can be built up for $800 and always upgraded later as money allowed. Plus with Savage you can do the work yourself and not have to pay a gunsmith to work on it. Hope this helps.
Re: Shooting on a budget
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: RockHead</div><div class="ubbcode-body">All,
I'm looking to get back into target shooting and have started the search for a good long range target gun. I have a pretty tight budget of around $800 absolute max. Any recommendations? </div></div>
Option 1
Savage 11 Trophy hunter XP/w Nikon $432
B&C Tac stock $214
bottom metal setup $194
Sell the Nikon -$125
total $715 (spend the extra on a bolt handle if you wanted)
Option 2
Same rifle $432
H-S M24 $367
BM setup $194
Scope -$125
Total $868
(you can sell your factory stock and mag to help with +$68)
Option 3 (gives you almost non factory rifle)
rifle $432
B&C $214
CBI barrel $280
Scope -<span style="text-decoration: line-through">$125</span> $126
Total $800
Option 4
rifle $432
Scope -$125
Total $307
leaves almost $500 for scope, reloading,ammo, bills, whatever you wanna spend it on.
Lots of ways of doing this for your $800 budget just depends on which way you want to go???
Only thing is the inletting of the stocks is not added in. Which you can go single shot until you got the money for inletting which shouldn't be that much? Or skip the BM setup and have the stock cut same as your factory setup and use your stock mag. Then when money comes up you can buy that BM setup and stick it right in.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: RockHead</div><div class="ubbcode-body">All,
I'm looking to get back into target shooting and have started the search for a good long range target gun. I have a pretty tight budget of around $800 absolute max. Any recommendations? </div></div>
Option 1
Savage 11 Trophy hunter XP/w Nikon $432
B&C Tac stock $214
bottom metal setup $194
Sell the Nikon -$125
total $715 (spend the extra on a bolt handle if you wanted)
Option 2
Same rifle $432
H-S M24 $367
BM setup $194
Scope -$125
Total $868
(you can sell your factory stock and mag to help with +$68)
Option 3 (gives you almost non factory rifle)
rifle $432
B&C $214
CBI barrel $280
Scope -<span style="text-decoration: line-through">$125</span> $126
Total $800
Option 4
rifle $432
Scope -$125
Total $307
leaves almost $500 for scope, reloading,ammo, bills, whatever you wanna spend it on.
Lots of ways of doing this for your $800 budget just depends on which way you want to go???
Only thing is the inletting of the stocks is not added in. Which you can go single shot until you got the money for inletting which shouldn't be that much? Or skip the BM setup and have the stock cut same as your factory setup and use your stock mag. Then when money comes up you can buy that BM setup and stick it right in.
Re: Shooting on a budget
Stevens action: $250
CBI barrel: $280
B&C stock: $214
total: $744
You can add a SAV-1 trigger later for under $100.
The only downside to doing this is you need to know someone with a barrel vice/barrel nut wrench/& go-gauge. If not you will have to buy them. If you have to buy them you can pull it off for under $120, but that will put you over budget. It is nice being able to change barrels/calibers though.
Stevens action: $250
CBI barrel: $280
B&C stock: $214
total: $744
You can add a SAV-1 trigger later for under $100.
The only downside to doing this is you need to know someone with a barrel vice/barrel nut wrench/& go-gauge. If not you will have to buy them. If you have to buy them you can pull it off for under $120, but that will put you over budget. It is nice being able to change barrels/calibers though.
Re: Shooting on a budget
For an $800 budget you might be able to pick up a R700 SPS at Walmart, Dicks, Cabelas, etc. for about $350-400. I paid $375 a few years ago for an ADL model in 7mm Rem Mag but Remington was doing a mail in rebate so that knocked the price down by $50. Even then you still need to buy optics and for distance target shooting you don't want to skimp on the glass.
Your best bet would be to save the $800 and gradually increase your budget. You can get lucky here and there with a low budget like that but most likely you will not be happy with the performance of your build if you skimp out.
For an $800 budget you might be able to pick up a R700 SPS at Walmart, Dicks, Cabelas, etc. for about $350-400. I paid $375 a few years ago for an ADL model in 7mm Rem Mag but Remington was doing a mail in rebate so that knocked the price down by $50. Even then you still need to buy optics and for distance target shooting you don't want to skimp on the glass.
Your best bet would be to save the $800 and gradually increase your budget. You can get lucky here and there with a low budget like that but most likely you will not be happy with the performance of your build if you skimp out.
Re: Shooting on a budget
$800 for just the gun look into the AAC-SD. I am going to go with that for my new precision build in 308. Very good rifle and you can that rifle easily for under $800.
$800 for just the gun look into the AAC-SD. I am going to go with that for my new precision build in 308. Very good rifle and you can that rifle easily for under $800.
Re: Shooting on a budget
my first choice for a budget build would definitely be Savage, but also Howa makes a fine platform......if i were you, i'd buy a Howa heavy barreled action, B&C stock, and then you'd still have a little left over for mounts/rings......then you just need to save for a scope
my first choice for a budget build would definitely be Savage, but also Howa makes a fine platform......if i were you, i'd buy a Howa heavy barreled action, B&C stock, and then you'd still have a little left over for mounts/rings......then you just need to save for a scope
Re: Shooting on a budget
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: dmpowder</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: RockHead</div><div class="ubbcode-body">All,
I'm looking to get back into target shooting and have started the search for a good long range target gun. I have a pretty tight budget of around $800 absolute max. Any recommendations? </div></div>
Option 1
Savage 11 Trophy hunter XP/w Nikon $432
B&C Tac stock $214
bottom metal setup $194
Sell the Nikon -$125
total $715 (spend the extra on a bolt handle if you wanted)
Option 2
Same rifle $432
H-S M24 $367
BM setup $194
Scope -$125
Total $868
(you can sell your factory stock and mag to help with +$68)
Option 3 (gives you almost non factory rifle)
rifle $432
B&C $214
CBI barrel $280
Scope -<span style="text-decoration: line-through">$125</span> $126
Total $800
Option 4
rifle $432
Scope -$125
Total $307
leaves almost $500 for scope, reloading,ammo, bills, whatever you wanna spend it on.
Lots of ways of doing this for your $800 budget just depends on which way you want to go???
Only thing is the inletting of the stocks is not added in. Which you can go single shot until you got the money for inletting which shouldn't be that much? Or skip the BM setup and have the stock cut same as your factory setup and use your stock mag. Then when money comes up you can buy that BM setup and stick it right in. </div></div>
Great ideas!!,Thanks
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: dmpowder</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: RockHead</div><div class="ubbcode-body">All,
I'm looking to get back into target shooting and have started the search for a good long range target gun. I have a pretty tight budget of around $800 absolute max. Any recommendations? </div></div>
Option 1
Savage 11 Trophy hunter XP/w Nikon $432
B&C Tac stock $214
bottom metal setup $194
Sell the Nikon -$125
total $715 (spend the extra on a bolt handle if you wanted)
Option 2
Same rifle $432
H-S M24 $367
BM setup $194
Scope -$125
Total $868
(you can sell your factory stock and mag to help with +$68)
Option 3 (gives you almost non factory rifle)
rifle $432
B&C $214
CBI barrel $280
Scope -<span style="text-decoration: line-through">$125</span> $126
Total $800
Option 4
rifle $432
Scope -$125
Total $307
leaves almost $500 for scope, reloading,ammo, bills, whatever you wanna spend it on.
Lots of ways of doing this for your $800 budget just depends on which way you want to go???
Only thing is the inletting of the stocks is not added in. Which you can go single shot until you got the money for inletting which shouldn't be that much? Or skip the BM setup and have the stock cut same as your factory setup and use your stock mag. Then when money comes up you can buy that BM setup and stick it right in. </div></div>
Great ideas!!,Thanks
Re: Shooting on a budget
rem 700 sps tac 20in. mine shoots bug holes. add a stock and trigger later down the road and your set for life, or until you have been completely bitten by the shooting bug.
rem 700 sps tac 20in. mine shoots bug holes. add a stock and trigger later down the road and your set for life, or until you have been completely bitten by the shooting bug.
Re: Shooting on a budget
If you are looking at long term budget, which if you are on a budget now I am assuming you will be in the long term since you said "getting back into". If that is the case regardless of the rifle you buy/build you want to budget for a reloading press. All told you can pick up reloading gear for a decent price, and it will eventually pay for itself. Also if you go 223 rem (cheapest to shoot) then it really opens up the options for loading. Get signed up for flyers from both midsouthshooterssupply and midwayusa. Both have blemished bullets that go on sale for cheap. Often you can figure out the major manufacturer that made them, and then buy in bulk. I bough 1.5K of both 105gr A-max's and 75gr V-max's in 6mm for less than $10/100. The only difference I can tell is that they have a grey tip instead of a red one.
As far as a rifle (I a grad student and also on a budget) I built a savage stevens. I picked up a used one in LNIB condition for cheap and screwed on a barrel I got a deal on from Northland. It may be heresy on this site, but B&C makes some good enough stocks for the hobbiest for cheap that are still a big improvement over most factory stocks. It all also depends on how far you are shooting, unless you have the range to get out there pretty far, 223 handloads with the heavy for caliber bullets hold its own against some of the sexier cartridges.
If you are looking at long term budget, which if you are on a budget now I am assuming you will be in the long term since you said "getting back into". If that is the case regardless of the rifle you buy/build you want to budget for a reloading press. All told you can pick up reloading gear for a decent price, and it will eventually pay for itself. Also if you go 223 rem (cheapest to shoot) then it really opens up the options for loading. Get signed up for flyers from both midsouthshooterssupply and midwayusa. Both have blemished bullets that go on sale for cheap. Often you can figure out the major manufacturer that made them, and then buy in bulk. I bough 1.5K of both 105gr A-max's and 75gr V-max's in 6mm for less than $10/100. The only difference I can tell is that they have a grey tip instead of a red one.
As far as a rifle (I a grad student and also on a budget) I built a savage stevens. I picked up a used one in LNIB condition for cheap and screwed on a barrel I got a deal on from Northland. It may be heresy on this site, but B&C makes some good enough stocks for the hobbiest for cheap that are still a big improvement over most factory stocks. It all also depends on how far you are shooting, unless you have the range to get out there pretty far, 223 handloads with the heavy for caliber bullets hold its own against some of the sexier cartridges.
