I am looking at getting into a bit of distance shooting. I am accurate with my .17hmr to 300yds but am wanting to get into a larger caliber and also a little more distance. I have about 600yds to play with on my property and am in need of some wisdom. Please tell me what your recommendations are for caliber, rifle, upgrades to rifle, and scopes. I thank you in advance and after reading the forums on this site am expecting some great suggestions. Almost forgot, I am working with a budget of $600 total so try to keep it close. Thanks again gentlemen!
Need your advice gentlemen!
- Thread starter imnotaccurate
- Start date
Re: Need your advice gentlemen!
Not sure what I did there. If I did something no customary to this forum I apologize and would like to know the correct way to approach this. Thanks!
Not sure what I did there. If I did something no customary to this forum I apologize and would like to know the correct way to approach this. Thanks!
Re: Need your advice gentlemen!
I do not know of any rifle / scope / ring combo you can get into for 600$ total ...
I do not know of any rifle / scope / ring combo you can get into for 600$ total ...
Re: Need your advice gentlemen!
You are SOL for $600. You'd be lucky to get a reasonable rifle for your stated budget, not to mention the money needed for optics, rings/base, maybe a stock, maybe a new trigger or some trigger work, etc., etc.
If $600 is all you have to spend, start saving your pennies now and plan to revisit this issue once you have about doubled your budget (give or take).
You are SOL for $600. You'd be lucky to get a reasonable rifle for your stated budget, not to mention the money needed for optics, rings/base, maybe a stock, maybe a new trigger or some trigger work, etc., etc.
If $600 is all you have to spend, start saving your pennies now and plan to revisit this issue once you have about doubled your budget (give or take).
Re: Need your advice gentlemen!
I think if you move up to the $900-$1000 dollar range you can possibly find something that would work. A savage 10fp or Remington SPS Tactical can sometimes be had around $600. Top it with a Super Sniper 10x for about $200 and about another $150 for decent rings and a base and you could be in business. Then you will also have 2 be able to afford ammo... A rig like this will get you a good start. If you can't afford that much right now save what you got and wait till you have the money to get started and keep shooting the 17.
I think if you move up to the $900-$1000 dollar range you can possibly find something that would work. A savage 10fp or Remington SPS Tactical can sometimes be had around $600. Top it with a Super Sniper 10x for about $200 and about another $150 for decent rings and a base and you could be in business. Then you will also have 2 be able to afford ammo... A rig like this will get you a good start. If you can't afford that much right now save what you got and wait till you have the money to get started and keep shooting the 17.
Re: Need your advice gentlemen!
I agree. Thank you very much MN Sharpshooter. I misspoke in my original post. I already have a Leupold scope that my grandpa gave me for this little venture. It is the VXI 4-12x40 model. I really just needed advice on the rifle and what types of things I can do to make said rifle more accurate. I will only be shooting to 600yds or so and this doesn't have to be the best rifle I will ever own. I'm just looking to learn more. As far as Remington 700 versus the Savage, what are everyone's opinions and what would be the pros and cons of these rifles? I am sure I can dish out a little more than $600 but that is what has been approved already by the wife...(insert whipped joke here). Thanks again for the advice guys. Any knowledge is more than welcome. Thats what I came for. Thanks again!
I agree. Thank you very much MN Sharpshooter. I misspoke in my original post. I already have a Leupold scope that my grandpa gave me for this little venture. It is the VXI 4-12x40 model. I really just needed advice on the rifle and what types of things I can do to make said rifle more accurate. I will only be shooting to 600yds or so and this doesn't have to be the best rifle I will ever own. I'm just looking to learn more. As far as Remington 700 versus the Savage, what are everyone's opinions and what would be the pros and cons of these rifles? I am sure I can dish out a little more than $600 but that is what has been approved already by the wife...(insert whipped joke here). Thanks again for the advice guys. Any knowledge is more than welcome. Thats what I came for. Thanks again!
Re: Need your advice gentlemen!
I recently helped on of the guys from work to set up a rifle system he had purchased. He had a 3.5 x 10 leupold VXIII with rings and base, and had just purchased a new sps tactical with hogue stock. After installing the scope and rings and adding a harris bipod we proceeded to due a little class time on positional shooting and some dry firing exercises. While doing so, he gets to check out my rifle system: a GAP 308 with a US Optics scope and SWR can. After extoling the virtues of owning a fine system like this and letting him know how capable this fine system is we proceed to the range the next day where we zero his rifle and end up shooting several 5 shot groups hovering around .5 inches! So needless to say he is very happy with his rifle system. I have never shot a savage rifle in 308, but I'm sure many members here have and hopefully will chime in on their opinions. Good Luck.
I recently helped on of the guys from work to set up a rifle system he had purchased. He had a 3.5 x 10 leupold VXIII with rings and base, and had just purchased a new sps tactical with hogue stock. After installing the scope and rings and adding a harris bipod we proceeded to due a little class time on positional shooting and some dry firing exercises. While doing so, he gets to check out my rifle system: a GAP 308 with a US Optics scope and SWR can. After extoling the virtues of owning a fine system like this and letting him know how capable this fine system is we proceed to the range the next day where we zero his rifle and end up shooting several 5 shot groups hovering around .5 inches! So needless to say he is very happy with his rifle system. I have never shot a savage rifle in 308, but I'm sure many members here have and hopefully will chime in on their opinions. Good Luck.
Re: Need your advice gentlemen!
imnotaccurate, all above sound advice, and here are a few more things to consider: check your pawn shops ecspecially now that hunting season is over you can pick up some good deals on remington 700 short actions and the reality is very few hunting rifles see a large volume of rounds down the pipe. This can be a good way to exercise a centerfire and then have a platform to build off of. Your current scope will work until you are ready to move to something else. Spend some money on rings and a base that you can then use on a build in the future. Tune up the Remington trigger which does not take much and you will be in the hunt. The Savage option ecspecially used is defenitely something to look at. I ran a .308 110 for years with an old 10x super sniper on it and it was a quality shooter even before the addition of the new Savage trigger. The gun then became my school gun to loan out whenever someones gun went down they could finish the course and that rifle never failed to qualify the shooter. Spend money on ammo and applying some time working on your fundamentals to include getting some quality instruction. Good luck and let us know what you end up with.
imnotaccurate, all above sound advice, and here are a few more things to consider: check your pawn shops ecspecially now that hunting season is over you can pick up some good deals on remington 700 short actions and the reality is very few hunting rifles see a large volume of rounds down the pipe. This can be a good way to exercise a centerfire and then have a platform to build off of. Your current scope will work until you are ready to move to something else. Spend some money on rings and a base that you can then use on a build in the future. Tune up the Remington trigger which does not take much and you will be in the hunt. The Savage option ecspecially used is defenitely something to look at. I ran a .308 110 for years with an old 10x super sniper on it and it was a quality shooter even before the addition of the new Savage trigger. The gun then became my school gun to loan out whenever someones gun went down they could finish the course and that rifle never failed to qualify the shooter. Spend money on ammo and applying some time working on your fundamentals to include getting some quality instruction. Good luck and let us know what you end up with.
Re: Need your advice gentlemen!
Thank you very much to the last two that responded; especially the one before this post. I felt a little out of place with everyone telling me i couldn't get anything worth shooting for $600. It is great though that you guys actually can give me advice instead of telling me what I cannot do. Thank you! I have done some searching for a 700 and also a 10fp. What separates these rifles though. Which is better and for what reason? Also, what caliber should I start out with. A lot of friends who shoot are telling me to go with .223 but my trusty old grandpa says .308w is the way to go. There are way to many decisions to make. I own a Stevens Model 200 which is fine for just shooting and I know Savage is the manufacturer; how different is a model 200 from a 10fp? Is it huge. I want to make a good decision that I can build off. Thanks!
Thank you very much to the last two that responded; especially the one before this post. I felt a little out of place with everyone telling me i couldn't get anything worth shooting for $600. It is great though that you guys actually can give me advice instead of telling me what I cannot do. Thank you! I have done some searching for a 700 and also a 10fp. What separates these rifles though. Which is better and for what reason? Also, what caliber should I start out with. A lot of friends who shoot are telling me to go with .223 but my trusty old grandpa says .308w is the way to go. There are way to many decisions to make. I own a Stevens Model 200 which is fine for just shooting and I know Savage is the manufacturer; how different is a model 200 from a 10fp? Is it huge. I want to make a good decision that I can build off. Thanks!
Re: Need your advice gentlemen!
It is .223 and I am very happy with it. I was under the impression though that to change the stock there would be a lot of custom work involved. I am probably wrong. Is it possible to "convert" my model 200 into an equal of the 10fp? If so that would be phenomenal. My .17hmr is a savage with bull barrel and accutrigger. I actually love the accutrigger. Would it be possible to use my model 200 as a platform and build off of it?
It is .223 and I am very happy with it. I was under the impression though that to change the stock there would be a lot of custom work involved. I am probably wrong. Is it possible to "convert" my model 200 into an equal of the 10fp? If so that would be phenomenal. My .17hmr is a savage with bull barrel and accutrigger. I actually love the accutrigger. Would it be possible to use my model 200 as a platform and build off of it?
Re: Need your advice gentlemen!
The 200 is not a bad platform just limited on what you can easily modify. It may be worth just keeping intact and shooting it plus with kids coming up a .223 in the rack affords them a good starting point as well. The Savage has gotten a bad wrap as a lot of folks considered it like an old International Scout - ugly but functional. The older stocks are flimsy and flex when pressure is put on the fore end. The newer models have a better stock and the accutrigger is a huge improvement. I would say run the 308 as ammo is easier to find at any Wal-Mart in America it will teach you to drive the gun correctly to get the most out of the round. You can always do things like tape a piece of foam on the comb to improve stock weld or add a recoil pad to adjust the length of pull. The main advantage to the adjustable stocks and all the fancy stuff you see is shooter comfort which does make a difference but not a must have right now. Take your time putting the system together that you want. Hopefully you are in the shooting game for the long haul so learn what you can from asking quesitons coupled with personal experience with a lower budget set up you will end up with the gun, glass and gear that works for you. Have fun and don't be afraid to ask.
Good luck
Danel
The 200 is not a bad platform just limited on what you can easily modify. It may be worth just keeping intact and shooting it plus with kids coming up a .223 in the rack affords them a good starting point as well. The Savage has gotten a bad wrap as a lot of folks considered it like an old International Scout - ugly but functional. The older stocks are flimsy and flex when pressure is put on the fore end. The newer models have a better stock and the accutrigger is a huge improvement. I would say run the 308 as ammo is easier to find at any Wal-Mart in America it will teach you to drive the gun correctly to get the most out of the round. You can always do things like tape a piece of foam on the comb to improve stock weld or add a recoil pad to adjust the length of pull. The main advantage to the adjustable stocks and all the fancy stuff you see is shooter comfort which does make a difference but not a must have right now. Take your time putting the system together that you want. Hopefully you are in the shooting game for the long haul so learn what you can from asking quesitons coupled with personal experience with a lower budget set up you will end up with the gun, glass and gear that works for you. Have fun and don't be afraid to ask.
Good luck
Danel
Re: Need your advice gentlemen!
5.56x45(.223)
This will give you lots of practice with wind to 600M on point targets, and yes you can hit a 5" bull at that range with practice.
Less expensive than larger calibers with lots of choices in bullet weight
7.62x51(.308)
Beats the wind better at trange
Hits harder at range
Better overall hunting and range caliber
Many loads and bullet weights available
If you can find a used Remington 700 in 308 you will have an exvellent starting place. A new one is fine too. Both have adjustable triggers that you can DIY and gain good results
SWFA SS is a very solid scope to start with or go with for a long time as it is the base recommendation for entry level or budget. SWFA also has many mounting solution options in package form as well as offering a SWFA SS PACKAGE DEAL with everything and then some. You may need to call and speak with them on this to insure you get what you need
5.56x45(.223)
This will give you lots of practice with wind to 600M on point targets, and yes you can hit a 5" bull at that range with practice.
Less expensive than larger calibers with lots of choices in bullet weight
7.62x51(.308)
Beats the wind better at trange
Hits harder at range
Better overall hunting and range caliber
Many loads and bullet weights available
If you can find a used Remington 700 in 308 you will have an exvellent starting place. A new one is fine too. Both have adjustable triggers that you can DIY and gain good results
SWFA SS is a very solid scope to start with or go with for a long time as it is the base recommendation for entry level or budget. SWFA also has many mounting solution options in package form as well as offering a SWFA SS PACKAGE DEAL with everything and then some. You may need to call and speak with them on this to insure you get what you need
Re: Need your advice gentlemen!
I come across this sort of situation at least a few times a month and I will tel lyou what I tell everyone. Don't skimp on your rifle!!!! Start out slowly and get good gear. My suggestion would be to purchase one of those Remington 700 varmint rifles in 308 as you can't go wrong with 308. They sometimes even come with come mediocre at best scope. This will get you shooing. Next start putting together your rig with proper optics as well as a good stock. Once you are ready then give Douglas Barrels a call and have them fit you with a #7 or #8 stainless barrel. They do a pretty good job. Order your McMillian stock now and be sure to determine what barrel profile you would like as well as bottom metal. The stocks take a few months but they are in my opinion the best. If there is any sand or dirt where you shoot then I would stay away from a detachable magazine as the technology is not there yet. I perfer D.D. Ross bottom metal. The D.D. Ross metal is the toughest that you will find and also it is American made. Tubb makes a very good recoil lug and you will need this for your barreling when you send it to Douglas. Badge had great mounts and consider the six screw MAX-50 type with the Badger base. I hope that this helps.
Semper Fi,
I come across this sort of situation at least a few times a month and I will tel lyou what I tell everyone. Don't skimp on your rifle!!!! Start out slowly and get good gear. My suggestion would be to purchase one of those Remington 700 varmint rifles in 308 as you can't go wrong with 308. They sometimes even come with come mediocre at best scope. This will get you shooing. Next start putting together your rig with proper optics as well as a good stock. Once you are ready then give Douglas Barrels a call and have them fit you with a #7 or #8 stainless barrel. They do a pretty good job. Order your McMillian stock now and be sure to determine what barrel profile you would like as well as bottom metal. The stocks take a few months but they are in my opinion the best. If there is any sand or dirt where you shoot then I would stay away from a detachable magazine as the technology is not there yet. I perfer D.D. Ross bottom metal. The D.D. Ross metal is the toughest that you will find and also it is American made. Tubb makes a very good recoil lug and you will need this for your barreling when you send it to Douglas. Badge had great mounts and consider the six screw MAX-50 type with the Badger base. I hope that this helps.
Semper Fi,
Re: Need your advice gentlemen!
Im pattial to the .308win. you might find a savage or a rem sps for around 500-600, but you still need base , rings and scope. for scopes I have only used Leupold, there ara better ones out there but way off budget. a super sniper scope(i think thats the name) or bushnell can be pretty good. Dont know how many gun stores in your area but you might pick up a used package, just invest a little extra to have a smith look it over and true it up. 600 is tough but not impossible if you do a little shopping
Im pattial to the .308win. you might find a savage or a rem sps for around 500-600, but you still need base , rings and scope. for scopes I have only used Leupold, there ara better ones out there but way off budget. a super sniper scope(i think thats the name) or bushnell can be pretty good. Dont know how many gun stores in your area but you might pick up a used package, just invest a little extra to have a smith look it over and true it up. 600 is tough but not impossible if you do a little shopping
Re: Need your advice gentlemen!
My current 308 started life as an older model Rem 700V that I paid $630 for.
The previous owner had bought it for deer hunting and while is was several years old it had very few bullets down the pipe. I've done a lot of stuff to this poor rifle since I got it, but the truth is that is was a good shooter when I got it.
I know that in our local shooting forum lately I have seen an FN PBR for just a bit over $600, and a Remington SPS Tactical for $450.
So it shouldn't be hard to find a rifle in your price range as long as you have patience.
My current 308 started life as an older model Rem 700V that I paid $630 for.
The previous owner had bought it for deer hunting and while is was several years old it had very few bullets down the pipe. I've done a lot of stuff to this poor rifle since I got it, but the truth is that is was a good shooter when I got it.
I know that in our local shooting forum lately I have seen an FN PBR for just a bit over $600, and a Remington SPS Tactical for $450.
So it shouldn't be hard to find a rifle in your price range as long as you have patience.
Re: Need your advice gentlemen!
I wanted to thank all of you guys for this info. This is exactly what I expected out of this forum. All the other forums I have tried are all about TACTICOOL ar-15's. While that would be a tremendously fun gun to shoot, it is no where near what I am looking for. Anyway, you guys provided the intelligent information that will help me start and with questions I will continue to ask hopefully I will become a better overall shooter. Thanks again guys!
I wanted to thank all of you guys for this info. This is exactly what I expected out of this forum. All the other forums I have tried are all about TACTICOOL ar-15's. While that would be a tremendously fun gun to shoot, it is no where near what I am looking for. Anyway, you guys provided the intelligent information that will help me start and with questions I will continue to ask hopefully I will become a better overall shooter. Thanks again guys!
Re: Need your advice gentlemen!
I just went through what you are now doing. Some things I found out:
Remington vs. Savage. Both are great guns, and very accurate out of the box.
Savage is generally a little cheaper. Not in quality.
Remington is more universally used so there are more aftermarket parts available for the 700. Savage will be coming out with more.
The accutrigger is very user friendly and easily adjusted.
For me it came down to shooting. I felt a better fit w/ the Savage 10FCP. So I bought it. Great guns to start w/ especially in varmint models. Take it slow and build with quality parts.
Also, I would suggest the .308 over the .223. Both are good, but you can grow into the .308 & eventually go beyond 600 yards. Have fun & good luck!
I just went through what you are now doing. Some things I found out:
Remington vs. Savage. Both are great guns, and very accurate out of the box.
Savage is generally a little cheaper. Not in quality.
Remington is more universally used so there are more aftermarket parts available for the 700. Savage will be coming out with more.
The accutrigger is very user friendly and easily adjusted.
For me it came down to shooting. I felt a better fit w/ the Savage 10FCP. So I bought it. Great guns to start w/ especially in varmint models. Take it slow and build with quality parts.
Also, I would suggest the .308 over the .223. Both are good, but you can grow into the .308 & eventually go beyond 600 yards. Have fun & good luck!
Similar threads
