Bolt Action Rifle Advice.

[handsomefox]

Evening All!
So I'm new here, although I only just registered I've look over SnipersHide quite a bit.

I'm looking for some advice on a new bolt action rifle.
I've managed to save up a bit of money in my "stick fund" and have only just looked over how much I have, and realized I have about 10k I can pour into a new rifle.

I've looked over a few options, and I'm really stuck as to what I want to buy.
Here are my thoughts on possible rifles:

GAP M40a5
Colt M2012 CLR
Barret M98b
AWX .338
AWP .308
Or to buy a Remington 700P .338 MLR and equip it in a modular stock (CADEX Duel Strike 33) and replace the muzzle brake etc, replicating something similar to the XM2010 or MSR.

I'm torn mostly between the 700P MLR and the GAP M40a5, though the 700P MLR may not work out to well for me, as living in Australia, there's quite a few things I can't get to here due to customs and shipping laws, the CADEX Strike 33 being one of those items, and it is actually easier to import a whole rifle than it is to get individual pieces.

I've heard nothing but good things about the AW and AX series rifles, but I have a sweet disposition to the R700.

As for the colt M2012, I've heard that it's a little like the savage 110 BA, that it looks like a great tactical rifle, but it's looks don't do it's capability much credit, and that it was targeted at the civilian market because the whole "tactical" or "modular" look is the new thing.
But haven't never fired either I don't know much about them.

I have a Schmidt Bender PMII 3-12x50 I had on my R700P .308 I had before I sold it that I'll equip to any of the above rifles.

Any help, advice or suggestions are greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

Fox

 

[hewlett260]

If you have the money which it sounds like you do, I would get the AI AX in 308 or 260 and a Spuhr mount for the scope. But that's only because they are the shit and I don't like ever having to doubt my gear.

 

[Bigchaza]

If you get Ai it will be cheaper to buy it in Australia, Im currently doing the same thing as you and believe me its a huge process getting guns back to Aus, but totally worth it. My customs are well on there way at short action customs cant wait to get my hands on em. PM me if you need a hand from someone who has done it before

 

[psinclair]

Call GA Precision.

 

[TRTAC]

I dont think you could go wrong with a GAP or AI. Pick whichever one you really want the most and think you will get the most use out of and go for it!

 

[handsomefox]

Thanks guys!

I think I'll go with GA Precisions M40a5, since I have the model scope that the USMC chose for the Sniper Day Scope, and the price includes the rail and rings, as well as that, i'm much more familiar with the .308 round than .338, so I'll give GAP A call when I'm ready to order.

Thanks for your help.