First Rifle?

[VanM]

Hey everyone,

I'm a brand new member. I'm from Queensland, Australia (some of the worst laws on the planet regarding gun ownership). I'm currently going through my registration and then application for permits and what not (probably another six months until it all gets sorted). Until then I'm shooting every Saturday, mid to long range (300-1000yds) at a range. Anyway, I've been shopping around to try and see what kind of gun I want and my current thoughts/choices are (has to be a .308 for the comps):

Armalite AR-30
http://www.qldgunexchange.com/QGEWeb/product.seam?productId=79925

Steyr Elite 308
http://www.qldgunexchange.com/QGEWeb/product.seam?productId=79891

CZ 750 S1 M1 Sport
http://www.qldgunexchange.com/QGEWeb/product.seam?productId=14443

Has anyone used one or more of the above rifles and have any experience which is better for long range? At this stage I'll be getting a Nightforce or Leupold scope, keep getting told both of them are the best. But are there any other ones worth taking a look at?

Alright, thanks for your time!
VanM

 

[swampbuck]

Re: First Rifle?

Looks like the AR-30 starts out at 300 win mag and goes up. No 308 available in your link.

The steyer does not really impress me. The CZ peaks my interest. I like their hunting rifles but don't know much about there precision offerings.

Most of the guys on the hide are American and we really don't know what imports are available to you. That being said Accuracy International is probably available to you. Thats a winner.

It is hard to give advice not knowing your market. What you need to do is keep going to the range and see what your peers are shooting. The Sako line of rifles are owned by Beretta but made in Finland are great.

I heard about a new stock maker in Australia called Wilddog stocks. Pretty expensive but they seem first class. Talk to those guys. They know your market and could diffinately get your compass pointed north.

 

[VanM]

Re: First Rifle?

Hey Swampbuck, yeah the AR-30 does come in 308. I can get mostly anything as far as importation is concerned, it's just a lot of work. We can't have anything semi-auto though, it has to be single shot. Yeah I was looking at some of the AI rifles, they're a pretty nice build.

I will be having a chat to all the guys on range, but they all mostly shoot 300-1000yds no scope. Just thought I'd see what everyone on here thought, any advice on the scopes?

As far as what's available where I live http://www.qldgunexchange.com/QGEWeb/product_category.seam?cid=103386

Here's a few Sako's; any preference? http://www.qldgunexchange.com/QGEWeb/product.seam?productId=5567
http://www.qldgunexchange.com/QGEWeb/product.seam?productId=5649

 

[swampbuck]

Re: First Rifle?

If you can get it imported then I would definately get a custom build from the states. GA Precision sounds on par with the prices that you are looking at and I think that it would be a great investment.

I run a Leupold 4.5-14 Mark 4 with TMR on my M40.

There are so many choices in optics and rifles it is endless. But I will tell you that you need to go with the best that you can afford. Optics really are you get what you pay for, however never really saw the need to go above 1,500 US.

 

[VanM]

Re: First Rifle?

Yeah, the dollar prices are in AUD. The exchange rate is broken at the moment but it's usually 0.75USD to 1AUD so 1500USD is about 2000AUD. The rifle is about 3000USD.
Anyway, I'll definitely take a look at the GA Precision.

 

[cobaltbomb]

Re: First Rifle?

i have shot the steyr and its definitely a good rifle.
you might consider the tikkas aswell
the cz seems pretty ok too, cant go wrong with a mauser action