Best Bolt-Action Tactical Sniper Rifle for the money?

[CommieFornia]

Im looking for a tactical sniper rifle that is
1. Accurate
2. Reliable
3. Lightweight
4. Ergonomic
5. Chambered in a long range caliber (NOT 308, Something with Better long-range characteristics)
6. Good Value (not above 5k)

I dont know if this is even possible but I'm looking to check all those boxes. NOT anything above 5k, Ideally around 2-3k. Are there any good options? I am not familiar with bolt-action precision/sniper rifles so any solid suggestions would be great. Thanks in advance!

 

[kRcu]

Read a little. There are numerous options out there.

Most any builder can hit the budget you put out. There are numerous off the shelf setups as well. You could pick up an AI AT LFP from Mile High Shooting Accessories for well under your cap. The AI is basically a “sniper rifle” by design.

 

[Autofire]

Im looking for a tactical sniper rifle that is
1. Accurate
2. Reliable
3. Lightweight
4. Ergonomic
5. Chambered in a long range caliber (Ideally not 308, Bigger)
6. Good Value (not above 5k)

I dont know if this is even possible but I'm looking to check all those boxes. NOT anything above 5k, Ideally around 2-3k. Are there any good options? I am not familiar with bolt-action precision/sniper rifles so any solid suggestions would be great. Thanks in advance!

A tactical sniper rifle with all of the above for around 2-3K , you may have better luck looking for a Unicorn

 

[leftyk82]

There is no best.

Clicking on every thread in the first few pages of this Bolt Action forum will inform and confuse you. But, it's good research. Your list is a good one but depending on your intended use and cartridge selection, 'lightweight' might not be a good thing, for example. Like all of us when we started, you don't know what you don't know.

Have fun reading and welcome to the forum.

 

[supratt96]

A tactical sniper rifle with all of the above for around 2-3K , you may have better luck looking for a Unicorn

Look for a lightly used TRG-42 or DTA in the Firearms PX section.

 

[Danattherock]

Order a Masterpiece Arm's rifle in the caliber of your choosing.

 

[kRcu]

This would work for your list as well.

http://www.snipershide.com/shooting...n-rifle.6924480/#lg=attachment7013344&slide=0

 

[Precisiondada]

Look at a Tikka TacA1 chambered in 6.5cm or it’s CTR brother. It will probably check all your boxes with exception of wanting a caliber larger then .308. I don’t necessarily view that as a bad thing as the larger bore rifles will generally exacerbate issues with fundamentals

 

[whatsupdoc]

I would keep your eyes open on the PX, I have seen so many top end rifles for sale that you could never build for the money they were asking.

 

[1500varmint]

Im looking for a tactical sniper rifle that is
1. Accurate
2. Reliable
3. Lightweight
4. Ergonomic
5. Chambered in a long range caliber (Ideally not 308, Bigger)
6. Good Value (not above 5k)

I dont know if this is even possible but I'm looking to check all those boxes. NOT anything above 5k, Ideally around 2-3k. Are there any good options? I am not familiar with bolt-action precision/sniper rifles so any solid suggestions would be great. Thanks in advance!

What kind of shooting are you going to be doing?

Does your budget include a scope, bipod, muzzle device/suppressor, etc?

 

[Heyitsclint]

So many options out there. If you want to go big on a budget, I might give the new Ruger Precision in 300 Win Mag, or 338 Lapua Magnum a through look.
When asking these kinds of questions, many people on here would like to help out. Giving them more info on what you are trying to accomplish with the rifle will allow them to give you better and more detailed info.

 

[strike33]

AI AT would be my first suggestion, then the DT SRS A1/2. the DT allows you to run everything from 338 down to 223.
The DT SRS A1 can be found around 3,800-3,900 new right now with the clearance going on for the new A2. I would recommend you try to get behind one first.

EDIT: I missed the light weight statement. Neither the AI or the DT are light weight. The DT does balance extremely well however

 

[MK20]

Remington or same footprint action

Remage barrel in caliber of choice from Northland shooters supply

KRG bravo or X-ray chassis.

Scope base

Scope

You could have rifle and sweet optics for about 3500 to 4000 with a Remington. Receiver or just under 5K with optics with a defiance action.

 

[Lowlight]

Someone posted it, we have ton the work for you, follow the link above for more details, but first:

$1950 for this setup,

After this, I would recommend an AI AT if you truly want a "sniper rifle"

But we spec'd this rifle out to help shooters make a buying decision and not have to upgrade after the fact. You can change our spec for the options listed and more, but we made this package so you can just add a scope and drive on.

These will hit the street the end of February.

https://www.ashburyprecisionordnance.net/snipers-hide

 

[patriot07]

Light weight is subjective. We need to have some idea of what weight you're trying to achieve or what function/activity is driving you to consider lightweight as a positive. To some, 15 lbs is light. To others, they want to be under 8 or 10.

All in all, a Tikka T3 in 300WM checks all your boxes at $500. But that would be awful to shoot and would last about 3-4 shots before you'd be letting the barrel cool.

 

[AMGtuned]

Does it have to be called a "sniper rifle"? Cant it just be a "tactical"(which is bad enough), or a precision rifle? Something about "snipery" type things that makes us look so bad....... just making a funny. Welcome to the rabbit hole. I started with a remington 700, and now have 3 and an RPR. While they may not be "sniper" rifles, they sure are precision tack drivers.

 

[CommieFornia]

Someone posted it, we have ton the work for you, follow the link above for more details, but first:
View attachment 7014248

$1950 for this setup,

After this, I would recommend an AI AT if you truly want a "sniper rifle"

But we spec'd this rifle out to help shooters make a buying decision and not have to upgrade after the fact. You can change our spec for the options listed and more, but we made this package so you can just add a scope and drive on.

View attachment 7014249

These will hit the street the end of February.

https://www.ashburyprecisionordnance.net/snipers-hide

Thats what I'm talking about! Hell yea

 

[CommieFornia]

Does it have to be called a "sniper rifle"? Cant it just be a "tactical"(which is bad enough), or a precision rifle? Something about "snipery" type things that makes us look so bad....... just making a funny. Welcome to the rabbit hole. I started with a remington 700, and now have 3 and an RPR. While they may not be "sniper" rifles, they sure are precision tack drivers.

haha true I guess

 

[CommieFornia]

AI AT would be my first suggestion, then the DT SRS A1/2. the DT allows you to run everything from 338 down to 223.
The DT SRS A1 can be found around 3,800-3,900 new right now with the clearance going on for the new A2. I would recommend you try to get behind one first.

EDIT: I missed the light weight statement. Neither the AI or the DT are light weight. The DT does balance extremely well however

Thank you!

 

[CommieFornia]

A tactical sniper rifle with all of the above for around 2-3K , you may have better luck looking for a Unicorn

I said IDEALLY, also said under 5k is the cap?

 

[CommieFornia]

Order a Masterpiece Arm's rifle in the caliber of your choosing.

View attachment 7014133

I checked out there website for around 3k these seem to be the ones to beat, but I will need to do more research, thank you so much!

 

[CommieFornia]

What kind of shooting are you going to be doing?

Does your budget include a scope, bipod, muzzle device/suppressor, etc?

Thank you but I'm not looking at anything else but a rifle first, my wallet will worry about the rest. Step-by-step

 

[CommieFornia]

Light weight is subjective. We need to have some idea of what weight you're trying to achieve or what function/activity is driving you to consider lightweight as a positive. To some, 15 lbs is light. To others, they want to be under 8 or 10.

All in all, a Tikka T3 in 300WM checks all your boxes at $500. But that would be awful to shoot and would last about 3-4 shots before you'd be letting the barrel cool.

There is no best.

Clicking on every thread in the first few pages of this Bolt Action forum will inform and confuse you. But, it's good research. Your list is a good one but depending on your intended use and cartridge selection, 'lightweight' might not be a good thing, for example. Like all of us when we started, you don't know what you don't know.

Have fun reading and welcome to the forum.

Gotcha, I know you need some weight to deal with larger calibers. I also believe that a competent manufacturer will not make a weapon that could not adequately handle the round it is chambered in. What I mean by lightweight is something that I can actually carry around to some extent & likely to have a skeletonized chassis, while still heavy enough to mitigate recoil. It does not have to be SUPER lightweight but not a older style, wooden hunting rifle or WWII replica. I honestly do not know much anything about bolt action rifles and you are right I'm lazy and don't want to spend hours sifting through the forum! LOL with that said thanks for the plethora of great responses this thread has received already. I have to say after being a member of a few other forums, this one was probably the one I received that quickest and most detailed responses from so I want to say thank you for the awesome community. I feel like I'm really gonna like this forum and learn a lot!

 

[CommieFornia]

What kind of shooting are you going to be doing?

Does your budget include a scope, bipod, muzzle device/suppressor, etc?

But Mostly just in the high desert or I can hopefully find a long range shooting range to go to. I want something capable of 1000 yds consistently. I will likely be doing mostly around 500 yds. No competitions or anything crazy just looking to add to the collection. I currently have a LWRC REPR 16, DDM4V5LW, AK-47, LWRC SiX8 A5, and some pistols. Never had a bolt-action, thats why I want a true precision/ long-range rifle that is chambered in something more powerful than 308, as I also already have one (REPR). Thanks!

 

[kthomas]

Oh my. "Tactical" "sniper rifle". With the need to have a bigger cartridge than .308.

You must be an ar15.com member. Where is the old 'hide when you need it?

For you good sir, I would recommend a Savage 110 BA in .338LM.

 

[steve123]

But Mostly just in the high desert or I can hopefully find a long range shooting range to go to. I want something capable of 1000 yds consistently. I will likely be doing mostly around 500 yds. No competitions or anything crazy just looking to add to the collection. I currently have a LWRC REPR 16, DDM4V5LW, AK-47, LWRC SiX8 A5, and some pistols. Never had a bolt-action, thats why I want a true precision/ long-range rifle that is chambered in something more powerful than 308, as I also already have one (REPR). Thanks!

I'm assuming you don't reload ammo currently??

Is it a rifle you'll want to shoot for extended periods of time?? Because a lighter rifle in a powerful cartridge becomes taxing after a while, not to mention the expense involved. I don't shoot my big rifles as much because the normal rifles are so more enjoyable to shoot and there's not a 3 dollar bill or worse going up in smoke with every trigger pull.

Just pointing out that using a medium sized cartridge like 6.5 Creed, with higher ballistic coefficient bullets, going 2800 fps or so, is about the same ballistics as say a 300WM, but with out the recoil and expense, and very noticeably superior than a 308 in the wind at 1000Y.

Thinking out loud, if I wanted to hike around with a rifle quite a bit, I'd want no more than a 12-13 pound rifle including scope, etc, which comes under the weight of most precision rifles we see in this forum, but our heavier rifles are heavy because they lessen the felt recoil and rifle upset in the comps we shoot, which in turn helps with self spotting.

The key is to balance everything out.

 

[patriot07]

I'd get a 20" Tikka CTR in 6.5CM with the best scope I could afford and call it a day. Good factory hunting ammo, good factory target ammo, easy to reload for, and guaranteed to be accurate and reliable.

 

[hollowoutadime]

If you live in a suppressor friendly state, budget that into your price. Makes shooting more pleasurable compared to a braked setup. Unless I'm shooting my 45/70 Marlin, all my centerfire and rimfires are shot suppressed. For the most part you can move your suppressor across guns, that info can be found in the "Suppressor" forum.

 

[patriot07]

I shoot with a brake. Suppressor prices and the associated trust, stamp, etc. are stupidly expensive. My brake was $100, and I wasn't particularly excited about that price.

At least where I'm at, almost everyone shoots with a brake at the range, so I get the lack of politeness aspect, but it's not like everyone else is silent.

 

[Maxim0]

I would seriously look at the mpa. There were just 5 posted up in for sale by an mpa distributor for around 2800 which is great for a curtis axiom action mpa chassis and triggertech trigger

 

[CommieFornia]

Oh my. "Tactical" "sniper rifle". With the need to have a bigger cartridge than .308.

You must be an ar15.com member. Where is the old 'hide when you need it?

For you good sir, I would recommend a Savage 110 BA in .338LM.

1- Sorry I didnt use approved lingo, didnt know you couldnt say tactical without a GD fairy losing its wings.
2 -I said tactical for a reason as I mentioned earlier in this thread. I did not want suggestions that were not going to suit me. I do want - Adjustable Check rest, Adjustable stock, lightweight chassis, Long-range round, detachable magazine, etc... I did not want to write out every feature but since I hurt your feelings, there you go. oldtime 'hide lord
3- So instead of tactical should I say - Functional, Purpose-built long range precision rifle that will make democrats lose sleep at night OR should I write an essay containing all the features I would like!?
4- yes it is going to be a god dam sniper rifle, I live in california and Im so tired of being politcally correct so quite frankly idgaf. PS > You do know that the forum is called "snipers" hide NOT "precision-riflers" hide. Just saying.
5- No, I'm not a member of ar15 forums, I dont like forums much mostly because of comments like yours, I just like to shoot and collect quality weapons that make Hilary Clinton and democrats lose sleep at night.
6 -YES I do want a round larger than 308. I already have a 308. Im not looking for a 308. I'm looking for a well-rounded collection and do not need/ want a 308. Once again comments like this are exactly what turns me off to forums.
7- If this is such a huge problem to ask such questions, than I would be more than happy to join ar15 forums if I will get quality, informed answers that dont hurt people's fragile feelings or make them feel like I'm intruding on there posse. LOL

I'm assuming you don't reload ammo currently??

Is it a rifle you'll want to shoot for extended periods of time?? Because a lighter rifle in a powerful cartridge becomes taxing after a while, not to mention the expense involved. I don't shoot my big rifles as much because the normal rifles are so more enjoyable to shoot and there's not a 3 dollar bill or worse going up in smoke with every trigger pull.

Just pointing out that using a medium sized cartridge like 6.5 Creed, with higher ballistic coefficient bullets, going 2800 fps or so, is about the same ballistics as say a 300WM, but with out the recoil and expense, and very noticeably superior than a 308 in the wind at 1000Y.

Thinking out loud, if I wanted to hike around with a rifle quite a bit, I'd want no more than a 12-13 pound rifle including scope, etc, which comes under the weight of most precision rifles we see in this forum, but our heavier rifles are heavy because they lessen the felt recoil and rifle upset in the comps we shoot, which in turn helps with self spotting.

The key is to balance everything out.

Great man, really good information. I was wondering does anyone know about 300PCR ? Saw an MPA with 300 pcr and it seems to be a pretty cool round. But yes thanks for the suggestions!

 

[CommieFornia]

I would seriously look at the mpa. There were just 5 posted up in for sale by an mpa distributor for around 2800 which is great for a curtis axiom action mpa chassis and triggertech trigger

What website/ distributor was this? Thats a good price!

 

[CommieFornia]

If you live in a suppressor friendly state, budget that into your price. Makes shooting more pleasurable compared to a braked setup. Unless I'm shooting my 45/70 Marlin, all my centerfire and rimfires are shot suppressed. For the most part you can move your suppressor across guns, that info can be found in the "Suppressor" forum.

I live in california, hence the name, I would love a suppressor but cannot own one. But thats good advice undoubtedly.

 

[W54/XM-388]

This suggestion is a fair bit outside your budget, But
There is a huge sale going on right now at both Mile High and Euro Optic for the Accuracy International AXMC
It's their multi caliber platform that will let you shoot everything from .338LM / .338NM / .300NM all the way down to 6CM, 6.5CM and .308
With stops along the way for .300WM and with the right barrel .300 PRC etc.

It's at about $6700 for the rifle setup with 1 caliber and then you get extra options.
Start with either .300WM, or .338LM or .300NM and go from there.

It's an expensive platform but well worth it.

 

[CommieFornia]

This suggestion is a fair bit outside your budget, But
There is a huge sale going on right now at both Mile High and Euro Optic for the Accuracy International AXMC
It's their multi caliber platform that will let you shoot everything from .338LM / .338NM / .300NM all the way down to 6CM, 6.5CM and .308
With stops along the way for .300WM and with the right barrel .300 PRC etc.

It's at about $6700 for the rifle setup with 1 caliber and then you get extra options.
Start with either .300WM, or .338LM or .300NM and go from there.

It's an expensive platform but well worth it.

Thanks I'll check it out! It is a little high but worth a look!

 

[W54/XM-388]

Thanks I'll check it out! It is a little high but worth a look!

https://www.eurooptic.com/Accuracy-International-AX-Rifle-300-Norma-Mag-27-PB-PB.aspx

 

[CommieFornia]

Thanks!

 

[CommieFornia]

https://www.eurooptic.com/Accuracy-International-AX-Rifle-300-Norma-Mag-27-PB-PB.aspx

WOW that thing is absolutely incredible!

 

[SonicBurlap]

Im looking for a tactical sniper rifle that is
1. Accurate
2. Reliable
3. Lightweight
4. Ergonomic
5. Chambered in a long range caliber (Ideally not 308, Bigger)
6. Good Value (not above 5k)

I dont know if this is even possible but I'm looking to check all those boxes. NOT anything above 5k, Ideally around 2-3k. Are there any good options? I am not familiar with bolt-action precision/sniper rifles so any solid suggestions would be great. Thanks in advance!

With your wishlist 5K yes, 3K you're going to have a hard time and will most likely have to make some compromises if you are looking for a custom quality sniper build, unlless you just happen to fall into the sale of the century. Also unless you already own a scope, base, rings, and bags at the minimum you'd have to count them in too. Most sooner or later discover they want a bipod, or tripod with some sort of attachment base whether it is a Picatinny, or an ARCA rail, maybe even a monopod. In any case the rifle itself is just the beginning. This is an expensive addiction.

 

[W54/XM-388]

WOW that thing is absolutely incredible!

Yes, if you want big (as in bigger than .308 class cartridges such as 6.5CM and the like), then this kind of jumps to the top of the list.
You can easily get really spoiled once you handle one & everything else just seems like okay.

Here is the factory link on the system:
http://www.accuracyinternational.com/axmc.html
(Note, the factory link is missing most of the current calibers they can configure it for sale in, so check with Mile High or Euro Optic)
.300 Norma Magnum is pretty popular for those that want to go long range and accurate, but the good old .338LM also is great, or .300WM if you prefer that round.

That sale is seriously making me consider figuring out if I should sell some of my H&K ARs & get another one.

 

[CommieFornia]

With your wishlist 5K yes, 3K you're going to have a hard time and will most likely have to make some compromises if you are looking for a custom quality sniper build, unlless you just happen to fall into the sale of the century. Also unless you already own a scope, base, rings, and bags at the minimum you'd have to count them in too. Most sooner or later discover they want a bipod, or tripod with some sort of attachment base whether it is a Picatinny, or an ARCA rail, maybe even a monopod. In any case the rifle itself is just the beginning. This is an expensive addiction.

Yea I have about 3-5k for the rifle alone. Being that Masterpiece Arms (MPA) seems to make quality rifles for around 3k I would say they have just about everything Iam looking for at about 3k. I will allot another budget for a scope, or tripod. MPA rifles also come with a small integrated kind of rail for tri/bi-pods and other spots for other attachments. But yes to my surprise BA rifles and precision shooting is far more expensive than just about anything else in the gun world nonetheless I will still build a nice long-range rifle even if it takes me a couple years...

 

[CommieFornia]

Yes, if you want big (as in bigger than .308 class cartridges such as 6.5CM and the like), then this kind of jumps to the top of the list.
You can easily get really spoiled once you handle one & everything else just seems like okay.

Here is the factory link on the system:
http://www.accuracyinternational.com/axmc.html
(Note, the factory link is missing most of the current calibers they can configure it for sale in, so check with Mile High or Euro Optic)
.300 Norma Magnum is pretty popular for those that want to go long range and accurate, but the good old .338LM also is great, or .300WM if you prefer that round.

That sale is seriously making me consider figuring out if I should sell some of my H&K ARs & get another one.

Yea it is absolutely gnarly. Maybe next year if I land a solid job LOL.

 

[hollowoutadime]

WOW that thing is absolutely incredible!

Yeah, you really can't afford not to buy it.

 

[SonicBurlap]

Are you mostly interested in owning a precision rifle, or does it have to be an Uncle Sam certified, currently in service use heavy hammer caliber .338 Lapua, or .300WinMag bonafide sniper rifle. Just as an illustration in the service my rifle was not held to the same standards most shooters here hold their Precision Series rifles meaning it did not necessarily have to be sub .5 MOA. The camo was not hydrodipped and all pretty, it was rattle canned sprayed on depending on area of deployment. Also USSOCOM just accepted the 6.5 Creedmoor as their new caliber for sniper rifles this year and they are beginning to convert most of their existing inventory to 6.5 Creedmoor which has less recoil, better ballistic coefficient, and a flatter trajectory. I used to shoot .308s and .300Win Mag. Still got some that I bought for my home use but I really enjoy the 6.5 Creedmoor more these days I got my shoulder hurt back then and the lesser recoil is great for it, it also provides for a better follow through because there is less movement overall, with my muzzle
brake attached I can actually see the impact and keep eyes on target. I'm not trying to talk you out of what you really want, I'm just trying to get you some insights. An AI, or a Barrett are great firearms but so are a lot of rifles from many of the custom shops that will work with you, measure length of pull, pick the best stock based upon your grip, or cheek riser preference; better than going to an arms room and drawing a rifle that had been issued to and customized by another Joe before you.

 

[CommieFornia]

Are you mostly interested in owning a precision rifle, or does it have to be an Uncle Sam certified, currently in service use heavy hammer caliber .338 Lapua, or .300WinMag bonafide sniper rifle. Just as an illustration in the service my rifle was not held to the same standards most shooters here hold their Precision Series rifles meaning it did not necessarily have to be sub .5 MOA. The camo was not hydrodipped and all pretty, it was rattle canned sprayed on depending on area of deployment. Also USSOCOM just accepted the 6.5 Creedmoor as their new caliber for sniper rifles this year and they are beginning to convert most of their existing inventory to 6.5 Creedmoor which has less recoil, better ballistic coefficient, and a flatter trajectory. I used to shoot .308s and .300Win Mag. Still got some that I bought for my home use but I really enjoy the 6.5 Creedmoor more these days I got my shoulder hurt back then and the lesser recoil is great for it, it also provides for a better follow through because there is less movement overall, with my muzzle
brake attached I can actually see the impact and keep eyes on target. I'm not trying to talk you out of what you really want, I'm just trying to get you some insights. An AI, or a Barrett are great firearms but so are a lot of rifles from many of the custom shops that will work with you, measure length of pull, pick the best stock based upon your grip, or cheek riser preference; better than going to an arms room and drawing a rifle that had been issued to and customized by another Joe before you.

Great feedback. As far as accuracy of course 1/2 MOA would be nice but I'm also looking to strike a balance between something that is not finicky with ammo, rugged enough to be durable and reliable - although to my understanding BA rifles are inherently reliable, and also accurate. I was actual at my local gun-shop today who told me they could make me one, however the price I assume would be probably higher than a mass manufactured rifle.
As far as 6.5 I have heard good things, I was considering this, .338 or .300 pcr.
I heard the 300pcr hit hard but had more moderate recoil than most. Thoughts?

 

[CommieFornia]

Yeah, you really can't afford not to buy it.

I cannot imagine I could make myself not want one even if I was not lying to myself, or If I was lying to myself I could not make myself believe that I do not want one.

 

[W54/XM-388]

As far as 6.5 I have heard good things, I was considering this, .338 or .300 pcr.
I heard the 300pcr hit hard but had more moderate recoil than most. Thoughts?

The .300 PRC delivers more energy and longer distances than the .300 WM
From what people say it has a softer recoil pulse than the .300WM, more like a shove rather than a snap.
It gives you most of what the .300 Norma Magnum gives you with less cost & recoil.

On the AXMC rifle, if you wanted to go with .300 PRC you should get the .300WM version and have Dave Tooley or another person spin up a barrel for you. Otherwise get the .300 Norma Magnum or .338 Lapua Magnum to start.

(.338LM/.338NM/.300NM all use the same bolt and then the .300WM and .300PRC use a different size bolt face, you can order more bolt faces as you want, but you could save money by getting it in the boltface you want to start with).

Here is a great thread with all the .300 PRC info you need:
https://www.snipershide.com/shooting/threads/300-prc-update.6890837/

 

[schmi015]

https://www.seekinsprecision.com/product/havak/havak-bolt-action-rifle-3.html in all the great calibers 6mm cm, 6.5cm, .308, 6.5prc, 28nosler, 300wm.

A tikka ctr in 6.5cm or rem 700 5R in 300wm would also meet your expectations.

 

[SonicBurlap]

Also consider the price of .300PRC, .300 Win Mag, and .338 Lapua ammo. If you don't reload and just buy factory ammo you'll be talkin' real money pretty soon. Just a consideration.

 

[Diver160651]

I like AIs but they are far from the third feature on his wishlist.. light