Re: If you could do it all over again...
I started with a Savage 10FP .260, but that's not currently being offered. I think the .260 11 FCP-K comes closest, and would be an excellent first LR rifle for the price. If you don't handload, substitute the .308.
I do not subscribe to the buy once, cry once school of optics acquisition. I think that whatever gets you out to the range quickest and cheapest works fine, with uprades intended right from the start when and as knowledge and cash grow to suit our needs. You can't be learning if you can't be shooting, and postponing the process in order to save up money for a super scope is not helping the process.
I have used the Tasco VAR624x42M Vamint/Target scopes for under $100 for 1000yd F Class, with a Ken Farrel 20MOA base, and Burris Signature Zee Rings. Worked well enough that I used the outfit for several years and stopped shooting 1000yd before I ever felt the need for an upgrade.
Damn straight there are better scopes out there, but this one works, and gives you all the time you need to be saving up for that better scope. Meanwhile, you're shooting, learning, and getting better insight into just what your ultimate scope needs to be. When you do get it, the Tasco will work fine on your rimfire trainer, and will also be an accustomed 'hot spare' should you need a quick replacement or loaner for any reason.
Greg
I started with a Savage 10FP .260, but that's not currently being offered. I think the .260 11 FCP-K comes closest, and would be an excellent first LR rifle for the price. If you don't handload, substitute the .308.
I do not subscribe to the buy once, cry once school of optics acquisition. I think that whatever gets you out to the range quickest and cheapest works fine, with uprades intended right from the start when and as knowledge and cash grow to suit our needs. You can't be learning if you can't be shooting, and postponing the process in order to save up money for a super scope is not helping the process.
I have used the Tasco VAR624x42M Vamint/Target scopes for under $100 for 1000yd F Class, with a Ken Farrel 20MOA base, and Burris Signature Zee Rings. Worked well enough that I used the outfit for several years and stopped shooting 1000yd before I ever felt the need for an upgrade.
Damn straight there are better scopes out there, but this one works, and gives you all the time you need to be saving up for that better scope. Meanwhile, you're shooting, learning, and getting better insight into just what your ultimate scope needs to be. When you do get it, the Tasco will work fine on your rimfire trainer, and will also be an accustomed 'hot spare' should you need a quick replacement or loaner for any reason.
Greg
