Hey everyone, as you can see I am new to the hide, as well as long range shooting. I am asking for some help with a few questions, if anyone is willing to spend a little time and knowledge with me. Basically, I have never shot over 400 yards, or owned my own rifle that could really do so (I just have an old marlin 30-30 my father gave to me). The reason I am looking to get into this, is that I met a guy the other day at a local hunting ranch, and he impressed the hell out of me by making some outstanding shots at what I would guesstimate being around 8-900 yards. Ok, so my first question is fairly simple, should I buy a gun that is already capable at nailing targets at 1000+ yards (He told me to look into a Remington 700 5r) or should I start at something cheaper and upgrade as I increase my skill level? I am NOT one of those idiots who thinks they can just drop a few grand on a gun, and it makes you a crack shot. My next question would be, what scope would you guys recommend that is under or around $1000? And I guess my last question is, can anyone could inform me of a website or preferably a decent school that will teach me the right long range shooting techniques in Southern California. If the training vids on this site are set up for beginners, I would definitely pay for them, but I don't want to spend a bunch of money on info I can't fully utilize yet. Also, if anyone has any general info that a beginner would find useful, I would love to hear it. Thanks ahead of time to anyone taking the time to respond.
Newbie needs some help
- Thread starter Brawny
- Start date
Re: Newbie needs some help
Zwhetz,
I see that you have been into trap and skeet shooting. With that, I would guess you are somewhat gunny. I, like you, had that background when starting the LR shooting. I had always hunted, so it was not completely new, but way different from the shotgun. At the least, with this background you know whatever you do is going to cost big money.
I have found, there are a couple of ways to get into this, one is slowly, the other is to stand back and throw your wallet at it! Unlike several that post here, I didn’t have to go buy a rifle/scope, as I had several around. One would have thought that I would have learned something from the shotgun sports and gone straight to the best rifle/scope I could find, but no, I had to mess around with what I had and try to make that work. Now, don’t take that wrong, as I have both Rem and Savage rifles that shoot well, but as I read somewhere,” there is nothing like spending a thousand dollars to have a five hundred dollar rifle”. After that, I made a mistake with which builder I used and got a rifle that shot no better than my box rifles. I sent it to another builder and he is going to fix that problem.
SO, FWIW, my advice after being in the same spot would be, buy the best you can and take your equipment out of the equation. Make it all about yourself. If I were starting over I would search the used firearms section and get a proven rifle. There are what seems to be some very good buys there. Plus no wait!
Scope and training I have no big ideas about. I read lots of good things about the Vortex Viper PST, and I think it is in your price range. Again, search the used section and maybe get more for less!
Good luck.
Zwhetz,
I see that you have been into trap and skeet shooting. With that, I would guess you are somewhat gunny. I, like you, had that background when starting the LR shooting. I had always hunted, so it was not completely new, but way different from the shotgun. At the least, with this background you know whatever you do is going to cost big money.
I have found, there are a couple of ways to get into this, one is slowly, the other is to stand back and throw your wallet at it! Unlike several that post here, I didn’t have to go buy a rifle/scope, as I had several around. One would have thought that I would have learned something from the shotgun sports and gone straight to the best rifle/scope I could find, but no, I had to mess around with what I had and try to make that work. Now, don’t take that wrong, as I have both Rem and Savage rifles that shoot well, but as I read somewhere,” there is nothing like spending a thousand dollars to have a five hundred dollar rifle”. After that, I made a mistake with which builder I used and got a rifle that shot no better than my box rifles. I sent it to another builder and he is going to fix that problem.
SO, FWIW, my advice after being in the same spot would be, buy the best you can and take your equipment out of the equation. Make it all about yourself. If I were starting over I would search the used firearms section and get a proven rifle. There are what seems to be some very good buys there. Plus no wait!
Scope and training I have no big ideas about. I read lots of good things about the Vortex Viper PST, and I think it is in your price range. Again, search the used section and maybe get more for less!
Good luck.
Re: Newbie needs some help
I'm currently running a Tikka T3 Varmint in .308, with a Bushnell 4200 6-24x50mm Tactical Scope. It's my first LR setup, and with the new RCS II stock i've ordered it's sitting at around 4.500 AUD in value.
I'm not sure on prices in USD, but i believe both are around the $1000 mark. However, reviews suggest the Vortex Viper PST 6-24x is a much better piece of kit for the same money. However it is not available in Australia so i had to settle for the Bushnell, which I think is great.
As Icallem suggested, you'd be very well to do picking up a gun that's pre-owned, and if you're not sentimental like me then that's often a good idea. However, if you're like me, you'll enjoy the fact of building you're own gun from the ground up, something new, and all the fiddling and tweaking to make it that 1/2MOA shooter will be worth the wait in the end.
But i Digress.
Some decent rifles (new) you might be in the market for are:
Howa 1500
Remington 700 (there's tonnes of models to choose from so go nuts!)
Savage Model 10 Precision Carbine
Tikka T3 Varmint (i wouldn't waste the money on the Tactical)
Stevens 200 (cheap, and many hider's will attest to it's accuracy once tuned up)
As for scopes, the following makers are ones that are both good and fair priced.
SWFA
Vortex (Mainly the Viper and Viper PST range)
Bushnell
Leupold
And finally, remember: What connects the Scope to the Rifle is just as important as anything else!
I'm currently running a Tikka T3 Varmint in .308, with a Bushnell 4200 6-24x50mm Tactical Scope. It's my first LR setup, and with the new RCS II stock i've ordered it's sitting at around 4.500 AUD in value.
I'm not sure on prices in USD, but i believe both are around the $1000 mark. However, reviews suggest the Vortex Viper PST 6-24x is a much better piece of kit for the same money. However it is not available in Australia so i had to settle for the Bushnell, which I think is great.
As Icallem suggested, you'd be very well to do picking up a gun that's pre-owned, and if you're not sentimental like me then that's often a good idea. However, if you're like me, you'll enjoy the fact of building you're own gun from the ground up, something new, and all the fiddling and tweaking to make it that 1/2MOA shooter will be worth the wait in the end.
But i Digress.
Some decent rifles (new) you might be in the market for are:
Howa 1500
Remington 700 (there's tonnes of models to choose from so go nuts!)
Savage Model 10 Precision Carbine
Tikka T3 Varmint (i wouldn't waste the money on the Tactical)
Stevens 200 (cheap, and many hider's will attest to it's accuracy once tuned up)
As for scopes, the following makers are ones that are both good and fair priced.
SWFA
Vortex (Mainly the Viper and Viper PST range)
Bushnell
Leupold
And finally, remember: What connects the Scope to the Rifle is just as important as anything else!
Re: Newbie needs some help
I agree with Icallem in buying the best you can afford at first and take that margin of error out of the equasion. first think of what you are going to use the rifle mostly for hunting or bench or a little of both. A bench rifle might not carry very well in the woods and a rifle you carry in the woods might not work to the best ability of bench shooting. I like a little of both. some states have a weight limit on hunting rifles that bench guns might not make the weight limit. I personaly like the 6.5X284 caliber since it has almost no recoil with some amasing ballistics. the faster the round travels and the higher the BC the less wind drift and drop the round will have to be compinsated for. if you reload you can pick almost any caliber and not break the bank by buying factory ammo. If you are recoil sensitive you might not want to get a 33-378 weatherby to start with. but if you go with a 308 you will have to shoot it alot to be good at 700+yards due to the steep arc and the wind drift of the round. not saying the 308 round is a bad round I have shot them very well out to 1000 yards before but you have to reads the wind better than most other rounds. you might look at the savage or remington high end models because there is so much out there for them. as for scopes look at luepold. they make a great scope and the customer service is outstanding. look at the 6x18 vx3 or the 8.5x25 longrange. they are under $1000 and are a great scope for the price. I have a remington 700 sendero in 7mm ultra mag and a leuplod vx3 6.5x20 that shoots like a dream. good liuck
I agree with Icallem in buying the best you can afford at first and take that margin of error out of the equasion. first think of what you are going to use the rifle mostly for hunting or bench or a little of both. A bench rifle might not carry very well in the woods and a rifle you carry in the woods might not work to the best ability of bench shooting. I like a little of both. some states have a weight limit on hunting rifles that bench guns might not make the weight limit. I personaly like the 6.5X284 caliber since it has almost no recoil with some amasing ballistics. the faster the round travels and the higher the BC the less wind drift and drop the round will have to be compinsated for. if you reload you can pick almost any caliber and not break the bank by buying factory ammo. If you are recoil sensitive you might not want to get a 33-378 weatherby to start with. but if you go with a 308 you will have to shoot it alot to be good at 700+yards due to the steep arc and the wind drift of the round. not saying the 308 round is a bad round I have shot them very well out to 1000 yards before but you have to reads the wind better than most other rounds. you might look at the savage or remington high end models because there is so much out there for them. as for scopes look at luepold. they make a great scope and the customer service is outstanding. look at the 6x18 vx3 or the 8.5x25 longrange. they are under $1000 and are a great scope for the price. I have a remington 700 sendero in 7mm ultra mag and a leuplod vx3 6.5x20 that shoots like a dream. good liuck
Re: Newbie needs some help
do you reload? redundant ? but not picking. I ask as this is valid when picking a new rifle/ caliber for long range.
308, 300win mag, can get you to 1000, both have premium match ammo from various factories available and are usually common enouh that about any shop will have ammo for them. Buying a 338 lapua, 338 edge, 6.5 284, 300 rum.. etc will not be a user friendly purchase if you do not reload.
I agree to check classifieds here, gunbroker etc for a proven rifle. They are abundant. Many have quality optics and part s already there. If you cdont like the accesories you may sell of trade towards your goal.
If I were starting over again. I would go all out the first time. I have numerous rem 700's in various configurations, also have afew mod 70 wins, and others.
If you are going to build on an unlimted budget.. Call any one of the reputable smiths here and tell em to set you up.
If you are piecing together yourself.
Get a already built action, surgeon, defiance, etc. Might just save you time and money in the end. figure 1000 plus but bythe time you buy a cheap 700, even an sps at dicks(450 plus) 20 moa rail(120plus) and send it off to a smith to get trued9easy 2-500) etc you still have arem 700 action.
If you want factory.. cant go wrong with a rem 700 5r( I say remington 700 as about any smith builds them, and parts are abundant) For 2500 you can have a remington 700 5r in a good stock, decent optics, and ammo to train with..
Optics are personal to each individual, Leupold, nightforce, are good and can be had for aout 1000 if you shop around.
If you cant afford .. xyz scope/ rifle etc.. save until you can.. BUY Once cry once is a common statement here.. It is solid advice. Not saying a $200 optic( given that budget I would go with a bushnell 10x elite), and a stevens rifle cant get to 1000 but I am sure there are better options...
Good luck, have fun shooting let us know what your choice is
do you reload? redundant ? but not picking. I ask as this is valid when picking a new rifle/ caliber for long range.
308, 300win mag, can get you to 1000, both have premium match ammo from various factories available and are usually common enouh that about any shop will have ammo for them. Buying a 338 lapua, 338 edge, 6.5 284, 300 rum.. etc will not be a user friendly purchase if you do not reload.
I agree to check classifieds here, gunbroker etc for a proven rifle. They are abundant. Many have quality optics and part s already there. If you cdont like the accesories you may sell of trade towards your goal.
If I were starting over again. I would go all out the first time. I have numerous rem 700's in various configurations, also have afew mod 70 wins, and others.
If you are going to build on an unlimted budget.. Call any one of the reputable smiths here and tell em to set you up.
If you are piecing together yourself.
Get a already built action, surgeon, defiance, etc. Might just save you time and money in the end. figure 1000 plus but bythe time you buy a cheap 700, even an sps at dicks(450 plus) 20 moa rail(120plus) and send it off to a smith to get trued9easy 2-500) etc you still have arem 700 action.
If you want factory.. cant go wrong with a rem 700 5r( I say remington 700 as about any smith builds them, and parts are abundant) For 2500 you can have a remington 700 5r in a good stock, decent optics, and ammo to train with..
Optics are personal to each individual, Leupold, nightforce, are good and can be had for aout 1000 if you shop around.
If you cant afford .. xyz scope/ rifle etc.. save until you can.. BUY Once cry once is a common statement here.. It is solid advice. Not saying a $200 optic( given that budget I would go with a bushnell 10x elite), and a stevens rifle cant get to 1000 but I am sure there are better options...
Good luck, have fun shooting let us know what your choice is
Re: Newbie needs some help
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Remoah</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Remington 700 (there's <span style="color: #FF0000">tonnes </span> of models to choose from so go nuts!)
Savage Model 10 Precision Carbine
Tikka T3 Varmint (i wouldn't waste the money on the Tactical)
Stevens 200 (cheap, and many hider's will attest to it's accuracy once tuned up)
</div></div>
He said "tonnes"
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Remoah</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Remington 700 (there's <span style="color: #FF0000">tonnes </span> of models to choose from so go nuts!)
Savage Model 10 Precision Carbine
Tikka T3 Varmint (i wouldn't waste the money on the Tactical)
Stevens 200 (cheap, and many hider's will attest to it's accuracy once tuned up)
</div></div>
He said "tonnes"
Re: Newbie needs some help
No, I do not reload yet, which is why I was thinking starting out with a .308 would be a good choice. I do eventually plan to start, but I'm trying to save up so I can actually buy a rifle, optics, and a some good equipment first. I have been browsing forums for good deals every day, and I have found quite a few. Pretty soon I'll have enough to actually respond with an "I'll take it" lol. Your post just affirmed that my decision to buy the best I can reasonably afford first was a good one, and I thank you for that. I think I have enough good info now to start really looking for what I want. I'll be sure to make a thread once I get it all together. I really appreciate everyone's input/ advice, It makes me really look forward to getting out there and shooting!
No, I do not reload yet, which is why I was thinking starting out with a .308 would be a good choice. I do eventually plan to start, but I'm trying to save up so I can actually buy a rifle, optics, and a some good equipment first. I have been browsing forums for good deals every day, and I have found quite a few. Pretty soon I'll have enough to actually respond with an "I'll take it" lol. Your post just affirmed that my decision to buy the best I can reasonably afford first was a good one, and I thank you for that. I think I have enough good info now to start really looking for what I want. I'll be sure to make a thread once I get it all together. I really appreciate everyone's input/ advice, It makes me really look forward to getting out there and shooting!
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