Help with first precision build

[pho3n1x]

I am putting together ideas for a precision rifle I would like to build in the near future and would like some input. I have decided I would like a bolt gun in .223 Remington/5.56x45mm. I want a detachable magazine, as the main use of this rifle would be precision rifle competitions (I shot in the October PMG match with my best friend's rifle and had a blast). My reasoning for the .223/5.56 is that it has no recoil, is very inexpensive both off the shelf and reloaded, and is plenty capable out to the ranges available in my part of Georgia.

I'm considering the Tikka T3 as it has a reasonable price tag(which I get a 20% discount on at my job) and has a detachable magazine. For the glass, I am dead set on the Leupold Mark 4 3.5-10x40mm LR/T M2 with the illuminated reticle. My best friend had this scope on his precision 5.56 AR15 and I absolutely loved it. I really liked the Larue quick detach mount it was in, I believe a SPR M4 1.5? But, I am open to suggestions for other rings/mounts if there are better, for a similar cost.

My questions for the experienced are as follows:

1.) Is there a better .223/5.56 bolt rifle with a detach mag(or at least ability to accept detach mag conversions) than the Tikka T3?
2.) What scope rings and rail/base should I use, if not the LaRue mount?
3.) What bipod should I use?
4.) I would like a light(less than three pounds) two stage trigger, is such an option available? My friend's Geissele SSA has spoiled me forever.
5.) Finally, and I know this is going to sound weird, but I would like to have a gunsmith install some really nice iron sights on the rifle, so this is a consideration.

Also worth mentioning is that I'm in college and on a budget - so nothing crazy lol!

Many thanks in advance for any help.

 

[boanerges57]

Re: Help with first precision build

Accuracy International (or maybe now that im trying to remember it it may have been armalite) made a boltaction that could use m16 mags a while ago. mid 90s i think.
Mossberg is making one now.
Anything you can put a CDI or badger m5 lower metal on will take higher capacity (5 or 10 round) magazines.
Lots of companies make a rifle that uses small removable magazines.
rifles dont come much smoother than a tikka but there are many options out there.
How serious are you? will this be a weekly thing or bi monthly? This is an expensive hobby.

As far as what rifle is best you might as well ask what car is best, opinions will vary widly.

find what suits you. Tikka is butter smooth but has a little less aftermarket than other brands.
remington has best aftermarket but the cheaper rifles have very sloppy actions and need some work to make them shine. The higher end remingtons are great.
Many people swear by the winchester classic type action.

Get googling and spend some time on wiki. go to a gun store and handle some rifles, decide what appeals to you.

I like my savage.

 

[pho3n1x]

Re: Help with first precision build

I would really like a rifle that takes AR magazines, however the only two I could find are a very uncommon military looking rifle called the CAM, which doesn't appear to have been built with precision in mind, and the Mossberg, which has a heavy looking varmint type stock and also has a 1:9 barrel (I'd be shooting 75s and 77s so I want at least the 1:8 of the Tikka). So, just asking for detachable magazines of any kind is what I've settled for.

I would consider myself a fairly serious shooter - it is my number one past time and interest, but I'm just getting into the long range precision arena (always shot battle rifles with iron sights). While I've seen some very nice custom rigs with chassis systems and $10k scopes, I'd be happy with a simple bolt gun as long as it could hold a minute of angle group or less - basically allowing me to compete alongside the nicer guns in practical applications of shooting instead of putting it in a bench rest and trying for a ten round clover leaf.

We have a Savage Axis at work in .223, but the stock doesn't feel the best to me. Very nice rifle though.

Thanks for your input!

 

[MrLebowski]

Re: Help with first precision build

My advise is read, reaserch & read some more.

No one can tell you what's best for you other than you, we can help guide you but everyone's opinion differs and you'll get alot of different opinions.

Personally I think Leupolds are overpriced for what you get but everyone has their own opinion on the gear they like to use.

To me it kinda sounds like a nice precision AR might fit the bill better than a bolt gun, something to consider.
But really in the end you need to figure it out and then change your mind a dozen times before buying anything if you want to get something you will enjoy in the end and not have to put a bunch more money in or sell off cause you dont like it.

 

[pho3n1x]

Re: Help with first precision build

Yeah, I'm definitely still in the research phase at the moment.

Since you prefer something other than Leupold, is there a similar scope that has the open cross hairs with moa adjustments and mil reticle? The best thing about the LR/T M2 in my opinion is the open cross hairs - this enabled me to sight in on very, very small targets and make hits. So, if that's an option on a better and/or less expensive scope, I'm all ears.

My best friend built a clone of the Army 5.56 DMR, and it is quite accurate - I consider my shooting skills above average but nothing particularly special, and with this rifle and handloaded 77gr ammo I achieved half moa accuracy at 400 yards, repeatedly. However, it cost my friend close to $3k to put the rifle together, and it is more maintenance intensive than a bolt gun would be - in addition it is picky on ammo.

So, that led me to consider a less expensive alternative to a precision AR, thus the bolt gun. I'm finding it difficult to find what I'm looking for, however. So far it's either a Savage or the T3, a much more limited selection than I was expecting.

I'm certainly not new to firearms so I know all about the differing opinions - but since this is a field where my knowledge is much more limited compared to say, handguns or AKs, I welcome any input.

 

[hamstur]

Re: Help with first precision build

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: pho3n1x</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
My questions for the experienced are as follows:

1.) Is there a better .223/5.56 bolt rifle with a detach mag(or at least ability to accept detach mag conversions) than the Tikka T3?
2.) What scope rings and rail/base should I use, if not the LaRue mount?
3.) What bipod should I use?
4.) I would like a light(less than three pounds) two stage trigger, is such an option available? My friend's Geissele SSA has spoiled me forever.
5.) Finally, and I know this is going to sound weird, but I would like to have a gunsmith install some really nice iron sights on the rifle, so this is a consideration.

Also worth mentioning is that I'm in college and on a budget - so nothing crazy lol!</div></div>

A few people already mentioned you may be looking for an AR based on your comments and I would agree. I have a 20" Tikka Scout in 308 and can tell you it a a very fine production rifle. I really considered 223 but have an addiction to 308.

1. "Better" is a relative term and depends on your desired ergonomics, bells & whistles, etc. 20% off a $809 Tikka Varmint or Scout is $647 -- that is unbeatable.
2. With the included rail on the Scout, 1" rings are ideal for me. Low and standard rings are actually too low because of the Tikka's built-in cheek piece. I highly recommend Vortex/Seekins for the best value/quality.
3. Harris 6-9". If you are ok spending ~$100, get a BRM-S model and spend ~$10 shipped for a locking lever from www.t-nuts.com
4. The Tikka trigger is adjustable between 2-5# and very crisp. The lightest setting is scary light and I have it set about 2.5#. Just my opinion, but I like the OEM Tikka trigger more than the tuned trigger on my GAP.

Part of the appeal of the T3 to me -- it's an amazing rifle and very fieldable at under 8 lbs. I also like the ergonomics of the AR, and have an XLR Evolution Chassis inbound. However, I'm keeping the OEM stock because you can switch between the two in a matter of minutes & turn it back into a hunting rifle. If you like the tactical rifle look, check out the KRG Whiskey-3-Chassis. Both accept AICS magazines as is.

Regarding accuracy, the (20" 308) rifle shoots consistently under 0.5MOA with handloads.