All around non-custom, base rifle - recommendations

[MAG00]

I have read many post and done some searches and based upon that have some ideas. But I wanted to get input and recommendations from other members on the subject.

I would like your recommendations on what you think would be the best, store/dealer bought, non-custom, base rifle (make/model/caliber) based upon the following criteria. Please be specific in case a rifle comes in different barrel lengths, barrel twists, etc. :

- Base Rifle: Rifle to be bought as is (non-custom). So keep in mind how the rifle is configured from the factory (i.e. stock, barrel, etc.)
- Future Customization: Rifle may be customized later on so keep in mind ease of work on or availability of parts when recommending a make/model.
- Use: Rifle to be used for hunting and fun target long range shooting (anywhere from 100yds to 600 yds).
- Game: To be used on - Whitetail deer, hogs, and similar size game
- Caliber: At least .243/6mm up to .308 (I already own a custom .300WM)
- Costs: I don't have a ton of money to waste so something $650 to $750 range would be great. However, if the right rifle can only be had for $1000, I will entertain that as well.

Thanks and all help is appreciated. I look forward to your replies.

 

[Trochlea]

You have probably already done a search, but this thread from yesterday might be handy

http://www.snipershide.com/shooting/snipers-hide-bolt-action-rifles/215259-budget-rifle.html
and if future customization is a concern, definitely try for remington. My friend ended up with the wrong kind of savage (bottom bolt release) and cant find a stock to save his life

 

[Texas solo]

Savage all the way. As mentioned above though, you need a model #12 with top bolt release. I have two of these, one customized to the max, the other stock.
As long as you get the top bolt release, you can do anything you can do with a Remington....for less $$$.
Look at Buds Gun Shop for a model 12FV, among other model 12's. See Savage website. After shooting my Savage rifles, a buddy bought the 12FV for just under $600 shipped. He mounted a good scope in the $300 range (Millet) and placed third in his first F/TR match. The model #12 has the 1.25lb Accutrigger, no need to change it, although you can. My modified #12 has a Rifle Basix SAV-2 trigger set at 12oz, and sits in a Choate Tactical stock. Getting upgrades is NOT an issue for the model #12.

 

[Deadshot2]

I was faced with this question several years ago. Wanted to add a new rifle to my safe but didn't want to spend a fortune on a custom.

Bought a Remington 700 SS 5-R Milspec for only $100 more than your max. Proved to be everything that was said about it, being one of the most accurate "Out Of The Box" rifles I've ever seen.

If you ever decide to Upgrade it (like customize) it makes a great platform. It has a Stainless Steel Action which looks great with any of the popular finishes, even just "bead blasted".

Be careful on the "Customizing" though. Can add up over the years. Stock, Glass, HD Bipod, Trigger, misc goodies, and it's easy to triple or quadruple the initial cost.

 

[MLC]

I really like the Remington LTR for your purposes.
20" 12 twist 308 or 10 twist 300 SAUM.

It requires no bedding out of the box.
It is bipod ready with a stock stiff enough that you don't have to mess with it.
Short enough to carry in brush while hunting.
Plenty accurate.
YMMV

 

[redneckbmxer24]

R700 LTR or 20" 5r milspec. Both 20" barrels, very accurate, and very portable. The standard police model could also be a consideration but a 26" barrel is a bit long for hunting if you can help it.

 

[ZombieSlayer]

Tikka hunter fluted stainless or blued in 6.5x 55.

 

[Petrichor Actual]

I also have a 5r that cost me about $1100 (before I bought a McRee, a Timney trigger, etc). I've been very happy with it. Another option is the R700 aac-sd for around $700ish. Only downside is the flimsy stock, but a B&C m40 would cost you less than $300 when you felt the need.

 

[Hookturnr]

Another vote for Remington here, but the Tikka stuff sure is nice out of the box. My only change to the above recommendations would be to go with 280 remington for the caliber. There's a metric shitton of great 7mm bullets out there to play with and 30/06 type brass is everywhere...

 

[Rediculous]

I bought a HOWA 1500 varmint 20" in .308. OTB amazing rifle, in your price range, and will kill deer/pigs/whatever else just fine. Take it to the range out to 500 yards since that's all they go around here and shot it out to 700 yards at my families place on 8"x11" steel, hits every time. I bought it on a whim and it has impressed everyone who has touched it.

 

[hahco]

Rifles:

Salvage Hawg Hunter - $425ish + B&C Stock - $260ish = $685ish
Remington SPS Tac or AAC-SD - $650ish + B&C Stock - $260ish = $910ish
Remington 700P - $900-950ish
Remington 5r - $1100ish

I prefer the 20" barrel on a gun that's actually going to be toted anywhere.

 

[jim_k]

Winchester Coyote Lite in .308 Win. 24" stainless steel barrel, Bell & Carlson stock. Winchester Model 70 standard grade rifle with 24" barrel, in .30-'06, with walnut stock. Two advantages to the Coyote Lite: it's lighter, and the front stud is screwed into aluminum. The standard grade costs less, and .30-'06 is the best overall cartridge.

 

[Mackay Sagebrush]

Tikka. T3 308 in some Talley lightweight rings. It will have an excellent trigger and be a guaranteed shooter from the factory. Top it with the best glass you can afford and don't look back.

 

[Spock]

Savage F 10 of one the varous models. A little heavy for off hand shooting but well worth the money, and heavy barrels hold up to longer shot strings. Accutrigger and accustocks, and plenty of after market. Rems are great and smoother actions, but going to take more $ to get the accuarcy of the the out of the box Savage. I have several of each and won't spend the money again for a stock Remington. If you are looking to fully customize then it gets to be a different story. In my experiance $800 savage = $2000 Rem. (resale better on the Rem). Not alot of experiance with the Tikas but what ones I have been around have shot very well. Save up and buy the best you can afford. Nothing comes cheap in this sport.