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First Post - Newbie package recomendations!

B

BARNEGAT16

Private
Full Member
Minuteman
Jun 2, 2011
2
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44
#1
I am looking to purchase my first precision rifle setup.

Rifle - https://www.remington.com/rifles/bolt-action/model-700/model-700-5-r-stainless-threaded-gen-2
Glass - https://www.eurooptic.com/nightforc...neItemId=75d8ef83-8767-411c-baf5-f79b917d441e

I plan to shoot it some, then upgrade the trigger

Is the NSX a good choice? I’m open to options.

I am looking at the badger base and rings vs. the night force 1 piece base.

My current range is only 300m so I’m not worried about long range engagements quite yet.

Same with FFP glass. I will know the range of my targets for the next year at least, I would prefer to start on a budget.

I also have plans to grab an atlas bi-pod and seekins mount.

What else am I missing?
 
#2
Get the Tikka T3X CTR in 6.5 creedmoor instead. Pair it with the Nightforce SHV F1 optic. Same or less cost across the board, almost no compromise involved. You can afford the KRG X-ray chassis in the cost difference between that Remington and the Tikka almost.

Dont forget a laser (kilo 2200 on mega sale right now).

PM me if you want more details.
 
#4
Cheaper optic than the NXS. Made in Japan using all of the latest tech, so a newer design than the NXS. Epic glass and awesome reticle. Really no downsides other than no 5-20 available. We have 6 of them in our group of Shooters and all are going strong.

Also these days good 6.5 ammo is cheaper than 308.
 
#5
I know you said you are looking for something to start out with and those are good choices but have you considered used? Just to get a better idea of what you want, what caliber are you looking for and moa or mil for scope? I started with the 5r and a 5.5-22 then upgraded from there, kind of like your plans.
 
#6
A used 700P in .308 and a case of fgmm ammo a member is selling here.

Since your range angel is known and somewhat shotter, get a used fixed power scope.

Then, once you get through that case of ammo you will know better what your “real” rifle will be. Sell the 700P for nearly what you pay and get the keeper rifle done.

So so many fundamental things to work out and you don’t need a laser beam rifle to get there initially.
 
#7
I would agree with the sentiments above - if the Tikka T3X CTR in 6.5 creedmoor was some tragic amount more than the 5R. Its the same price pretty much, but I wouldn't own another R700 for any reason after finding the Tikka and how great it is. Its a GREAT gun to build off of in the future too.
 
#8
After recommending a ctr to a friend and him having nothing but troubles I will never own one or recommend one. I will stick with a 700 even though they aren' what the used to be
 
#10
The magazine would fall out from recoil if it had less than 5 rounds in it. We read up on it and people that had the same issue. He bought several types of factory ammo to see what was going to shoot the best and quite a few of them wouldn't chamber, the bolt was very hard to close. He was able to shoot 175 smk's the rest of the day with no issues but that was the only ammo it would chamber. Cleaning it would take care of it for about 20 rounds then I guess it formed a carbon ring. We started reloading for it and the OAL was 2.9 something when we measured it, pretty much what mag length is in a Tikka. We loaded at 2.8" since that's what factory ammo is and we had troubles with that. We had a gunsmith look at it and check it out, he said the same thing about it. I convince my buddy just to have a new barrel installed on it and it's a great rifle now. I've never heard much positive about the warranty on them so he said fuck it. He's actually been talking to a guy that had the same problem and came to the same conclusion we did so he had a new barrel spun up for his. There was one other minor issue with the rifle but I don't remember what it was. I will try to get a hold of him this weekend and find out.

I read nothing but good things about Tikka's but once we did some research there were complaints out there just like his. It was his first long range gun and his wife surprised him with it so you can imagine how happy she was. I still feel bad about recommending something that ended up being a lemon which is why I won't ever recommend or buy one.
 
#12
So many better options out there now.......

Forget that Remington. Get either one of these three: Howa 1500 HCR, Ruger RPR, or Bergara B14 HMR in 6.5 Creedmoor.

Why not a first focal plane reticle? You're not saving any money by getting a SFP, when you're going to want a FFP anyway. And so what if your current targets are known distance? If you want a Nightforce and can afford an NXS, get one that has FFP reticle and elevation zero stop with at least 15X magnification. Then you're done on the scope department.

Any set of quality rings and a 20 MOA base will work. Don't over think this one or get hung up on brands.

Atlas bipod, solid choice. Seekings mount for what?
 
#13
I would opt for the R700, Seekins rings, if staying with bdl I like the TacOps 2 piece bases (makes loading easier). I would pair it with a used scope that you can pick up on this site (NF NXS is GTG...I like FFP). Finish it off with a Harris bipod and triad stock pack.
 
#14
I'd get a Tikka over a remington too, good trigger, and all three of mine are accurate. Seekins rings, farrel base, and FFP scope. I made the mistake of trying to save a few dollars and got an SFP scope when I started. Works fine until you're shooting on a hot day in the summer and you have to reduce your magnification due to mirage. Now you're dialing your wind hold or guessing, is it now 1/3 greater, double, adding things in your head. Doesn't work shooting a match, FFP is accurate at all magnifications, no calculations necessary.
 
#15
+1 on the Tikka. Drop it in a KRG Xray and enjoy. For the glass, there are a lot of good options in that price range. Don’t overlook the Bushnell DMR 2 offerings. I went through several scopes just starting out and if I were to do it over again I would probably start there or with a Burris XTRii.
 
#16
Bradu said:
The magazine would fall out from recoil if it had less than 5 rounds in it. We read up on it and people that had the same issue. He bought several types of factory ammo to see what was going to shoot the best and quite a few of them wouldn't chamber, the bolt was very hard to close. He was able to shoot 175 smk's the rest of the day with no issues but that was the only ammo it would chamber. Cleaning it would take care of it for about 20 rounds then I guess it formed a carbon ring. We started reloading for it and the OAL was 2.9 something when we measured it, pretty much what mag length is in a Tikka. We loaded at 2.8" since that's what factory ammo is and we had troubles with that. We had a gunsmith look at it and check it out, he said the same thing about it. I convince my buddy just to have a new barrel installed on it and it's a great rifle now. I've never heard much positive about the warranty on them so he said fuck it. He's actually been talking to a guy that had the same problem and came to the same conclusion we did so he had a new barrel spun up for his. There was one other minor issue with the rifle but I don't remember what it was. I will try to get a hold of him this weekend and find out.

I read nothing but good things about Tikka's but once we did some research there were complaints out there just like his. It was his first long range gun and his wife surprised him with it so you can imagine how happy she was. I still feel bad about recommending something that ended up being a lemon which is why I won't ever recommend or buy one.
Click to expand...

Every company has a lemon every now and then. With that being said, there are far more happy Tikka owners out there with different experiences. I myself own two Tikkas's and several Remington 700's and will not buy another Remington. But Tikka is a different story, would buy another in a heartbeat.

YMMV

Eddie
 
#17
tansinator said:
Every company has a lemon every now and then. With that being said, there are far more happy Tikka owners out there with different experiences. I myself own two Tikkas's and several Remington 700's and will not buy another Remington. But Tikka is a different story, would buy another in a heartbeat.

YMMV

Eddie
Click to expand...

I know that but as I said, when you start researching the issues you will find that this was not the only one. I will stick with Remington over a Tikka.
 
#18
Tikka and Howa are currently the trendy picks on this forum. Which is fine, nothing wrong with them.

Don't be fooled by forum blow hards though, every manufacturer is using rack grade components for their budget options. Just simple math, a single match grade barrel, custom action or quality stock/chassis each by themselves cost more than most budget rifles. Even so, most function and shoot just fine with rack grade parts, some don't. All part of the roll of the dice with tolerance stacking.

If you want a smooth bolt buy a tikka. If want to be different buy a Howa. If you like aftermarket trigger options buy a Remington. If you want a 3 lug buy a Ruger. If you want cheap aftermarket match barrel options buy a Savage. None of them are bad options, just different.

If you take the next step up in price you could even look into a basic build by APR, LRI, PVA, RWS, SAC or any other quality smith. Be advised though that it is very easy to send the price through the roof by adding options.

No one can pick the right path for you. Read up, take everything on the internet with a grain of salt and just jump in. Nothing is more fun or educational than hands-on experience.
 
#22
goosed said:
Don't be fooled by forum blow hards though, every manufacturer is using rack grade components for their budget options.
Click to expand...
"Rack grade"

LOL.....You don't know anything about manufacturing if you think there is no difference between the quality that different rifle makers put into their volume products.

Nothing at all.....
 
#23
308pirate said:
"Rack grade"

LOL.....You don't know anything about manufacturing if you think there is no difference between the quality that different rifle makers put into their volume products.

Nothing at all.....
Click to expand...


We are all well aware you believe your Howa sits head and shoulders above other brands. That's fine, glad you like it.

Color me less convinced...
 
#24
I think more in terms of minimizing cost while starting out with what will become your goto practice rifle. Taking a wild guess, I'm thinking you're from NJ, and the 300 yard range is Cherry Ridge.

If you are from the East, think about making a stop at Field and Stream, and looking at their Savage 11VT. I would start with the .223, and keep a .308 in mind as a follow-on rifle that will go the full 1000yd distance when you can find it. Later on, the .308's barrel can be swapped for a Savage drop-in; mine is a .260 Rem, I have it currently mounted on a 2000 Savage 10FP. The adjustable Savage Accue-Trigger is quite good as-is.

The Bushnell scope is OK as a scope for a hunting rifle, I use the Mueller 8-32x 44 with the Target Dot Reticle, mounted on the Weaver extended 20MOA Picatinny base for Savage short actions. Rings are Vortex Medium 30mm Picatinny 6-screw tacticals. Finally, the Savage Stock will work to begin with, but I upgraded mine to use the Choate Tactical Stock for Savage short actions.

That's what my .223 trainer looks like, and the same for my .308. The whole package supplies a lot of capability for a minimum price tag, and they were cheap enough that having both rifles, identically configured, became affordable. BTW, the .223 competed last February in the 2017 Berger SW LR Nationals, as an F T/R MR 600yd entry. It was quite competitive for a beginner outfit. If you aren't handloading yet, the .223 makes a good starting point, and the rifle is capable of stabilizing the Hornady 75gr HPBT-Match bullet for 600yd competition, while being a tack driver with Nosler 50gr Ballistic Tips well out to 300yd. Bullets longer than the HDY 75gr HPBT-Match (like the ELD-Match, or the discontinued A-Max) may not stabilize in the 24" 1:9' barrel.

Greg
 
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