$6,000 and a favor, give me some recommendations on what to get.

[bmk]

Here's the situation:

I've got about 6k to spend, and a client who is an FFL dealer. Client and I have agreed that he will square up his legal fees by selling me one weapon of my choosing at his cost. I don't have to blow the whole 6k, but I'm thinking the more expensive the weapon = better deal for me.

I don't need to talk about optics or any of that, just the weapon alone. I've already got a 300 win/Mcree/US optics set up that is a 1,000 yard hammer, I've got an SPR clone, a Recce clone, several hunting rifles, a MA-TEN in 260, lots of kind of run of the mill stuff.

I'm thinking a BA-50, DTA HTI 50, a Rem 700 xcr in 338 lapua, or something else that adds a capability I don't already have in the arsenal. (ie, shoot rounds that deliver a payload, or shoot 1500-2000 yards).

I do have a place to shoot beyond a mile, although I've never tried it. I shoot to 1200 pretty often.

Please throw me some ideas and please let me know what you think the FFL's cost will be. I don't have a clue what typical mark up is on rifles like this. (25% perhaps?)

 

[Whit]

Spend a couple hundred extra and get a Accuracy International AW or AX in 338 Lapua or EDM .408 CheyTac. Thats what I would do.

 

[bmk]

I've definately considered AI, but I doubt I'll get much of a discount. Does anyone know what dealer's cost would be on an AI in 338?

 

[diverdon]

Here's the situation:

I've got about 6k to spend, and a client who is an FFL dealer. Client and I have agreed that he will square up his legal fees by selling me one weapon of my choosing at his cost. I don't have to blow the whole 6k, but I'm thinking the more expensive the weapon = better deal for me.

I don't need to talk about optics or any of that, just the weapon alone. I've already got a 300 win/Mcree/US optics set up that is a 1,000 yard hammer, I've got an SPR clone, a Recce clone, several hunting rifles, a MA-TEN in 260, lots of kind of run of the mill stuff.

I'm thinking a BA-50, DTA HTI 50, a Rem 700 xcr in 338 lapua, or something else that adds a capability I don't already have in the arsenal. (ie, shoot rounds that deliver a payload, or shoot 1500-2000 yards).

I do have a place to shoot beyond a mile, although I've never tried it. I shoot to 1200 pretty often.

Please throw me some ideas and please let me know what you think the FFL's cost will be. I don't have a clue what typical mark up is on rifles like this. (25% perhaps?)

Many local FFL's will do the paper work for a gun transfer for $20-50 dollars. In the Six K area one fine .338 is the Barrett MRAD. http://www.barrett.net/firearms/mrad You are also in the range where you might consider a full custom from GAP or Surgeon.

 

[bmk]

I do the $15 dollar transfers all the time, but that's usually a gun that is coming from another FFL dealer. I'm looking to get something at my FFL's cost from his distributor(s) or from a factory. I think if I go full custom, I won't get the discount. I'll check on the barrett, though.

 

[green338 2.0]

For the most part, your FFL needs to be/become a dealer to get discounted pricing.

 

[Flying Goose]

Have you thought about Sako TRG 42? I don't own one but I've shot a few and if my money tree were ever have a growth spurt thats the direction I would go. If you FFL is a dealer you could even pick up a few of those expensive Sako accessories ie bipod that we've all heard really good things about!

 

[cwinston]

BMK, What product lines does your dealer friend have access to? If he's only able to get typical sporting arms that's one thing, but if he is already hooked up with Barrett, AI, SAKO, or other high end product that puts you in a whole different world. Sounds like you are looking for something big, but many FFL dealers aren't hooked up with the right distribution sources for that kind of hardware.

 

[Quarter Horse]

First question is what lines does your FFL have available? Check on FN, AI and Sako TRG for the factory stuff. Then the question becomes, are you going to keep it? A TRG .338 with a folder, an extra mag or two, a TRG bipod and a factory muzzle break would fit in nicely. Edit: cwinston was faster to the keyboard and is correct.

 

[bmk]

I dont care for the trg, but perhaps ill take another look. Any word on the xcr in338? Ba50?

 

[SSG3K]

Ill sell you a like new AX in 308 or 243 for 6K plus shipping and ins.

Rich

 

[bmk]

Ill sell you a like new AX in 308 or 243 for 6K plus shipping and ins.

Rich

I appreciate the offer,but i dont care for either of those calibers. I dont mean to offend, I'm just looking for something bigger that will have capabilities beyond those in my current arsenal.

 

[Bear24]

If it were me, I would go with the DTA in .338 LM and get some great glass to go with it or another conversion for it in 375CheyTac or 50BMG

 

[dunes450r]

i'd go for something bigger than 338 lapua. since you already have a 300wm, i think something in .375, or .408 or .50 would be better

 

[Atanasius]

PGM 338LM or 50BMG.http://www.drakeassociates.us/content/pgm338lmpsr

 

[bmk]

i'd go for something bigger than 338 lapua. since you already have a 300wm, i think something in .375, or .408 or .50 would be better

I'm inclined to agree with this post, the entire reason I set my 300 up the way I did was that I figured I'd get 80% of the lapua's performance for less than 40% of the price. Stepping up to a 50 would be a real game changer, especially because of the payload rounds.

 

[Slinky001]

Sounds like a fun problem to have,

.408 Cheytac sounds like it could be fun!

I have never handled one though, so can not comment beyond the fact that is sounds interesting. Also probably quite expensive to shoot!

Brian

 

[Pleistarchus]

You not only need to consider a rifle. Your going to need a scope, ammunition(big bucks at the calibers discussed). Figure 3K for a rifle, 2K for a scope and 1K for everything else. Getting a 6K rifle you'll need 9K to finish it. Food for thought.

 

[tac foley]

You not only need to consider a rifle. Your going to need a scope, ammunition(big bucks at the calibers discussed). Figure 3K for a rifle, 2K for a scope and 1K for everything else. Getting a 6K rifle you'll need 9K to finish it. Food for thought.

All true. Especially if you go for anything bigger than .338LM............

About $1500 for a case of 198 rounds for the Cheytac .408.....................that's um...........$7.60 per bang.

Time to handload, methinks.

tac

 

[iamdamnsam]

I am deleting my post

 

[scudzuki]

This isn't going to go well for this poster, me thinks.

Joe

I have a 338 Lapua for sale

Blueprinted and trued
29" Bartlein Match 5R barrel
JP Tactical Brake
Jewel Trigger set at 1 pound 8 oz.
AICS 2.0 folding stock in FDE
Stock and magazine are C.I.P.
Nightforce rings lapped
pri base
Badger Ordnance recoil lug
fluted bolt
New Nightforce 8.5x32x56 zero stop high speed turret scope
New Harris adjustable/swivel bi-pod

Approx 87 precision loaded rounds (some round have longer C.O.A.L), dies, 48 nosler cases, 200 berger tactical otm 300gr projectiles, 800 primers and load data.

 

[iamdamnsam]

Sorry, someone else posted their gun for sale (recommendation) so I thought it was fine. I removed my post, 6K is too cheap anyway for it.

 

[popapi]

Do a Allen Mag!!!!

 

[Shoottothrill]

I would go HTI .50 all the way, super accurate well built rifle platform. Second there is the wow factor and fun factor of touching off a round that produces over 12,000 lbs. of energy at the muzzle. It can also reach out to over 2,000 yards. Second you can always buy a .375 Cheytac conversion after awhile and reach out to 3,000 yards if want to get into extreme long range shooting at some point. You already have a .300WM that will get you to 1500 yards so the .338 lapua only gives you just a little more. Go big or go home!!!!

 

[gunslinger07]

I would go HTI .50 all the way, super accurate well built rifle platform. Second there is the wow factor and fun factor of touching off a round that produces over 12,000 lbs. of energy at the muzzle. It can also reach out to over 2,000 yards. Second you can always buy a .375 Cheytac conversion after awhile and reach out to 3,000 yards if want to get into extreme long range shooting at some point. You already have a .300WM that will get you to 1500 yards so the .338 lapua only gives you just a little more. Go big or go home!!!!

I'll second the DTA HTI. You'd have the ability to swap calibers relatively easily.

 

[steve123]

I'll second the DTA HTI. You'd have the ability to swap calibers relatively easily.

DTA HTI but in 375CT. Buy DTA's factory loads and 1 mile + will be no problem.

 

[bmk]

I'll keep following the reviews on the DTA, their customers sure seem happy. I still kind of like the idea of the BA50 as well. Does anyone know whether Bushmaster is actually still producing weapons?

 

[bmk]

All true. Especially if you go for anything bigger than .338LM............

About $1500 for a case of 198 rounds for the Cheytac .408.....................that's um...........$7.60 per bang.

Time to handload, methinks.

tac

Per the OP, $6,000 is the budget for the rifle only. Glass, reloading components, bipods, are all being seperately considered and budgeted for.

 

[tac foley]

Per the OP, $6,000 is the budget for the rifle only. Glass, reloading components, bipods, are all being seperately considered and budgeted for.

OK. it's just that down at my level of funding, north of $7.50 per shot tends to take the shine off the adventure somewhat, that's all.

On the other paw, since money is a never-mind, you might consider the DSR .50cal.

tac, gone home

 

[Flying Goose]

you never mentioned what companies your FFL deals with, I love all the ideas but when your set on DTA and the FFL can't deal with them its all for not

 

[jasonk]

How much does this guy owe you? Ordering a rifle at his cost probably isn't as big of savings as you think vs. just calling a good Hide vendor up and working out the best deal. I'm thinking he may save you a whopping $500 to $1000 TOPS. That's like 4 hours of legal services if that. There's not that much mark up in rifles that you're going to get a $10k rifle for $5k.

 

[STR]

How much does this guy owe you? Ordering a rifle at his cost probably isn't as big of savings as you think vs. just calling a good Hide vendor up and working out the best deal. I'm thinking he may save you a whopping $500 to $1000 TOPS. That's like 4 hours of legal services if that. There's not that much mark up in rifles that you're going to get a $10k rifle for $5k.

Very good advise. The markup is not what a lot of people think. If you're buying it through him regardless, then I too would chose an AI or a DTA in .338. Both are going to cost well over 6 K though, but you did say expensive.

 

[swampbuck]

Mark up on most gun retailers is only like 10%. It is highly competitive. Gun stores make all their money on ammunition, accessories, clothes and those damn Costas. It is the same way gas stations make all their money on cigarettes and beer. Jason's is right. You probably aren't getting the best end of this. Especially is he can't deliver from companies like Barrett, AI etc.

 

[Doctorwho1138]

Ill sell you a like new AX in 308 or 243 for 6K plus shipping and ins.

Rich

I wish I had known about that before I bought mine Nice rifle and a good offer IMO. Does that have the adjustable check riser and butt stock?

 

[JB02]

I would go for a Surgeon Rifles built Surgeon Remedy in 300 Norma Magnum in a AIAX chassis.

 

[Doctorwho1138]

How much does this guy owe you? Ordering a rifle at his cost probably isn't as big of savings as you think vs. just calling a good Hide vendor up and working out the best deal. I'm thinking he may save you a whopping $500 to $1000 TOPS. That's like 4 hours of legal services if that. There's not that much mark up in rifles that you're going to get a $10k rifle for $5k.

I agree with this. I am an investor in a gun range here in GA and I get to buy some things at cost or just above. When I was looking to buy an AI, I actually bought it off of one the vendors on this site cause it really wasn't much cheaper to buy it through my range and the wait time just wasn't worth it IMO. The markup isn't what you think.

 

[Monmouth]

How about putting the money to a different type of new toy, night vision? Adds a new capability to your existing arsenal.

 

[TheGerman]

I'd go with an MRAD

 

[bmk]

How much does this guy owe you? Ordering a rifle at his cost probably isn't as big of savings as you think vs. just calling a good Hide vendor up and working out the best deal. I'm thinking he may save you a whopping $500 to $1000 TOPS. That's like 4 hours of legal services if that. There's not that much mark up in rifles that you're going to get a $10k rifle for $5k.

I'm thinking that I will end up with the short end of the stick. I was planning on saving about $1,500 on a $6,000. I should have posted this before I made the deal. I will be sticking to my word nevertheless, and if I can get $500 off a nice 50 cal rifle, I won't lose any sleep at night.

 

[bmk]

How about putting the money to a different type of new toy, night vision? Adds a new capability to your existing arsenal.

I've been looking at a lot of different NVG, which I think would be awesome for night calling coyotes. The problem is I don't "know a guy" who can hook me up. One of these days though...

 

[Mitch1352]

Call Mark at Accurate Ordnance. He quite graciously relieved me of some earlier last week. He built a. 300 Win Mag to test out some tooling and I bought it. He and his bunch are great to deal with and allegedly built a great rifle .

 

[diderr]

It all depends on what manufacturers this guy can get. Barrett M99 416 with good glass.

 

[Mitch1352]

He posted it here in the for sale section if you want to take a look at their work. He also posted another in. 308 that was built at the same time for the same reason. His handle here is Bookhound. The rifles list the ingredients used so if you are knowledgable about the parts, it will add some insight. I will say that I'm gonna get him and his crew to build a. 308 for my son as a college graduation present.

 

[XL Mammal]

bmk, some recent studies have shown that money can buy happiness but only if spent wisely. More precisely, it found that philanthropy gave the best emotional return on investment.

I'll take an HTI in any of the available calibers. Thank you.

 

[bmk]

How much does this guy owe you? Ordering a rifle at his cost probably isn't as big of savings as you think vs. just calling a good Hide vendor up and working out the best deal. I'm thinking he may save you a whopping $500 to $1000 TOPS. That's like 4 hours of legal services if that. There's not that much mark up in rifles that you're going to get a $10k rifle for $5k.

Well, you were right. The long and short of it is this: We got done what we needed to get done with the legal services and the case is now closed. I told him I wanted to collect my fee and to get me a price quote on a Bushmaster BA50 with the 30" barrel. It was the only thing I was interested in that he was a dealer of. I can buy these things all day long on gunbroker for anywhere from $4,400 to $5,000 new in the box. He quoted his cost as $4,119.

They're good folks, and I'm sure they didn't think they were giving me a screwing on this deal. I'm a little bitter, but learned a valuable lesson. Now I can't decide if I should go ahead and get the fifty or use my one time discount on something else.

 

[Captain Kirk]

Don't settle on something, take your time and get what you really want.

 

[redneckbmxer24]

If I was looking at 50's the BA50 wouldn't even be on the list. A friend bought one because it was almost half the price of a M107 and it didn't shoot for shit. If you want a 50 for LR shooting the McMillan or Armalite is where I would spend my money if you don't want to splurge for the AI.

That said, I would get a 338. It is perfectly capable well beyond a mile, its cheaper to load for, easier to find components, you don't have to have specialized equipment for it, less recoil, less muzzle blast, and less weight. Not to mention you have to be very very careful when loading for the 50. When you're talking that much powder pressure signs can come up quick, you also have to watch temperature sensitive powders all the more closely.

Did you see what he can do a Barrett 98B or MRAD for? A lot of distributors stock those so he can probably save you a decent amount. I would personally for AI just because but he probably isn't going to get you any better deal than you can get by calling mile high.

 

[bmk]

Dang, the reviews on the BA50 are few and far between, but all of the accuracy reports I've read were right around MOA with Federal 660 grn ball and around 1/2 MOA with factory Hornady 750 AMAX.

I've given alot of thought to the 338 LM, but it's just not a big enough improvement over my 300 win mags to justify all of the extra expense.

 

[mikeltee]

I would never line up on a range with someone shooting a "cheap" 50 let alone fire one. There are far too many stories of guys missing body parts from shooting these inferior 50s. Tell him to become a DTA dealer and get yourself a A1 covert in 308 and also grab a 338 conversion. Then you can clean out your safe of all the rifles you will no longer shoot.

 

[Rockfish Dave]

Sounds like you and I are looking for something similar. Take a look at Kirby Allen's 510 AM. Unique, accurate and crazy power.