• The Shot You’ll Never Forget Giveaway - Enter To Win A Barrel From Rifle Barrel Blanks!

    Tell us about the best or most memorable shot you’ve ever taken. Contest ends June 13th and remember: subscribe for a better chance of winning!

    Join contest Subscribe

School the new guy (budget build)

1949cj3a

1949cj3a

Loser
Full Member
Minuteman
Mar 3, 2009
20
0
50
Teller County, CO
#1
First let me say this, During my lurking I have come to appreciate the knowledge and camaraderie present here on the hide.Ive been a lurker for awhile now and trying to read all I can and hopefully learn some of it. Just trying to break into the long range game. Most of my experience is with handguns, IDPA mostly.


A few weeks ago I got a deal on a rem700 .308 SPS 26" including 2 piece base and Z-rings. All factory specs. The previous owner did the load workup and claims .5 MOA with his handloads. He gave me the recipe and approx 150 rounds ready to go.

Stole a Harris knockoff (non-swivel) from a buddy and started looking for parts to put together a shooter.

Looking to get out to 500 yards and stretch further as practice deems appropriate. All target and varmint. No big game hunting planned but you never know.

I have a strict budget of $2000.00 due to other projects and commitments. waiting to save up isn't much of an option (read Divorce).

Here is what I have laid out in my head:

Trigger $132.95 http://www.riflebasix.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=196

Stock $407.24 http://www.stockysstocks.com/servle...LSON:Varmint/Tactical&no=108&searchpath=95925

DBM $239.95 http://www.stockysstocks.com/servlet/the-473/Wyatt's-Outdoor-Detachable-Magazine/Detail

Scope $799.00 http://swfa.com/SWFA-SS-10x42-Tactical-Riflescope-P42527.aspx

Butler Creek Caps $15.95
Sun Shade $19.95

Base & Rings $158.95 http://swfa.com/EGW-Mounting-Kit-for-Remington-700-P41756.aspx

Est. Shipping $150.00
---------------------------------
Total Cost $1,923.99

I will also throw in the 10 bucks a month for online training once I have something to train with.

I could probably sell off the two piece base and Z-rings along with the factory stock for a few extra bucks.

I know that the DBM is more of a want than a need at this point but competition is something I am very interested in once I can improve to that point.

If i skip the DBM and put that money elsewhere, where would you put it?

Also, what am I missing here and are there any better products or other suggestions to make this all it can be for 2k?? This build will likely remain unchanged for some time.

I am sure that I have missed something so feel free to ask for those details.

Thanks in advance
 
#2
Re: School the new guy (budget build)

If you tuned the trigger yourself, which is not hard to do, you could invest the money saved in either a PST 4-16 or Elite 4200 3-12.
There is nothing wrong with the SS, the HD model gets excellent reviews, but for a few dollars more you can have a more flexible variable power scope.

The stock is nice, but I'm sure quite heavy. Have you considered the light tactical? A very nice stock that would also save you another 180 bucks and is probably more practical in the field.

If the rifle has the Xmark trigger, they can be a bit inconsistent, but if you don't go too low, they aren't bad at all (about 3.5 lbs).
The trigger can always be replaced later.

Don't let me discourage you though, your plan is a good one and the choices are excellent. You will be well pleased with the setup.
 
#4
Re: School the new guy (budget build)

I would go with low rings instead of the medium ones listed on the mounting kit. Actually I went with TPS and got a steel base and steel super-low rings instead for just slight more money. Whatever brand you decide, go with the lowest setup they offer because the 42mm objective on the SS is not large.
 
#7
Re: School the new guy (budget build)

I like what FDkay had to say.
Don't go for all the bling, just get a basic set up and go from there.Shoot what you've got, then start changing things you don't like. Use the money you saved from the stock and DBM and buy bullets and powder.
With $800 budget for a scope, you have many good ones to choose from, and great used ones can be found at that price too.
There's nothing wrong with 2 piece bases, I have Leupold 2 piece bases and rings on my PSS holding a Leupold Mk4, it's been this way for 17 years and I have had no issues with them,I also adjusted my trigger myself and find no need for an aftermarket trigger, there's another $125 that can got to the scope or reloading.
Curt
 
#8
Re: School the new guy (budget build)

Thank you for the responses.

FDkay,

I have never ventured into the world of adjusting triggers. I had read that the X-mark wasn't worth adjusting but I will look into that further. 3.5lbs will be a lot better than the gorilla trigger that it has now.

As for the stock, I was simply looking at the adjust-ability of the Varmint/tactical. I honestly hadn't looked at the weight of either one. I will look at the light tactical and see if I can find one to handle.

Lazy21,

Your right, I got the gun and bipod used so there is no reason I cant buy used everything else. I just have that itch to shoot. If I can hold off the itch I will definetely be on the lookout for used equipment.

I like that ST10. Any recommendations for the configuration I should be looking for??

Lennyo3034,

Thanks for the advice. I didn't think of that.

Alderleet,

Thank you, what are the benefits of the CDI DBM over the Wyatt's?

Netz,

Thanks for the suggestions. I have read that a one piece base is the way to go but after I started this thread I saw a GAP rifle for sale and it had what looked like two piece bases on it. Started me thinking along those lines.

So to summarize: switch to the light tactical and save the $180. Adjust the trigger myself and save the $132.95. Use the two Piece base I already have and buy only a set of low rings and save approximately $80.

Add that money saved to my scope budget to make $1200.00 and buy an ST10 or a PST 4-16.

Is that about right? Any other suggestions??
 
#9
#10
Re: School the new guy (budget build)

or you could send the whole rifle to one of the smiths on here with the saved money and have everything done up right, send them your stock, action etc and they will blueprint, true, bed, etc everything and then put on the same stock you were planning to and i think you'll be much happier.

there were a couple packages being offered for about 500 bucks on here specifically for SPS's.
 
#11
Re: School the new guy (budget build)

AtownBcat,

I would love to step into a nightforce but with the divorce and other commitments that come with it (support, alimony, rent, utilities etc.) finding a few extra bucks is tough. I guess I could go through the safe and see what has dust on it. I just haven't got to that point yet.

BigJoe,

I tried to search out these $500 dollar deals without much luck. Maybe this thing called search-fu doesn't work for me yet. Could you post up a link or point me in the right direction? I would like to take a look at the option.
 
#12
Re: School the new guy (budget build)

that auction includes rings...you had money in the budget for rings right? It may not be more than 100 off..100 to go from a st10 to a nightforce seems like a no brainer to me...i would eat roman noodles and buy the nightforce..IMO
 
#14
Re: School the new guy (budget build)

AtownBcat,

I am seriously contemplating that very thing. I could do it if I forgo the DBM and stick with the trapdoor. Very tempting.

Anyone have a reason why I shouldn't go that route??
 
#17
Re: School the new guy (budget build)

Well, I have taken a look at the option BigJoe recommends and after thinking about it I am faced with more questions than answers.

The previous owner claims .5 MOA with handloads as it sits. should I mess with it at all? It is already better than I can shoot so would the $500 bucks for truing and tuning be money well spent?? I am leaning towards leaving the rifle as is and get some rounds down range before I make that decision. I have yet to shoot this rifle.
 
#18
Re: School the new guy (budget build)

After a bit more consideration and reading, here is where I sit:

perform trigger adjustment myself

$207.53 B&C Medalist Tactical A2 http://www.stockysstocks.com/servlet/the-110/Bell-Carlson-tactical-700/Detail

Skip the DBM for now and look at that before getting into competition.

Skim bed stock myself with Devcon (already have some)

Re-use existing two piece scope base

~$80.00 set of quality used low 30mm rings

That leaves me with a decision regarding the scope. I can send the rifle to SAC and have the $525.00 tune up package then have $1000.00 to spend on a scope or bag the tune up package and spend $1525.00 on optics such as the NightForce BigJoe suggested.

If it were you writing the check, which way do you go??
 
#19
Re: School the new guy (budget build)

i would have it gone over if it were me, and spend the 1000 bucks on glass. a 1000 dollar scope will get you where you want to be for now. you can always upgrade later. wait for a nice scope on here used, they pop up all the time and go from there. like the guys said deals come up on here frequently on DBM's, scopes, triggers, etc.

the tune up will make sure the gun is where it needs to be regardless of what the previous owner said. and then you'll know if its not shooting right its you not the gun.

i abuse my guns, shoot them way harder then most people, ask the few people on here who have shot with me and my boys. and having a bolt gun especially trued up is the first thing i would do.
 
#20
Re: School the new guy (budget build)

Guns, barrels, triggers, DBMs, etc. come and go. I say spend every penny you can on good glass... ie. Nightforce. In time and as you appropriate more funds, the other stuff will come. A .5 moa shooter is good enough for you to learn the gun and the art of LR shooting. Good glass is a necessity for this.

For exmple, A 3.5-14x will do the job but I recommend over glassing within reason... look towards the 5.5-22x50. This will give you room to grow. And a scope like this will last you a lifetime.

Go for the glass.

After the accuracy drops off, sell the rifle and go complete custom. By this time, you will have had the chance to get your hands on a variety of setups and you will have an idea of exactly what you want. And of course you allready have a piece of quality glass to top it off.

I put 1900 rounds through my stock bolt gun, which still shoots by the way, before I decided on my first custom job.
 
#21
Re: School the new guy (budget build)

Thank you both for your insight. I can easily see the justifications of going either way. BigJoe makes a good point with knowing that its not the rifle to blame for any issues. I think it makes sense to get the smith work done now while I am looking for that sweet deal on glass. I think I will have to unload a few of my safe queens to round up some extra funding and work it that way. maybe even see if I can sell my services
laugh.gif


Any other opinions? I know everyone has at least a few.
 
#22
Re: School the new guy (budget build)

I'd go scope and base and wait for tuning. Most people are shooting worse than their guns are off the bat. If you are concerned about it, get a pal that shoots to fire off a few rounds and he can tell you if it is the rifle or the shooter.
Glass can always be transfered to the next gun or fixed up gun. Use the cash there.
Chad
 
#23
Re: School the new guy (budget build)

Oh and for about the same cash as that stock you can usually find a used PSS stock up for sale. Some don't like them, I don't mind them at all. Have a largish palm swell, but having bigger hands I like it.
Just another FYI and they are usually in the 200 range.
Chad

PS: Might even post up a WTB and see if someone has one.
 
#24
Re: School the new guy (budget build)

I think if your rifle is getting .5 moa, I'd leave it alone.
Do your research on your glass and buy something within your skill level.
Curt
 
#25
Re: School the new guy (budget build)

Ok, last post on this thread then I will let you all get back to the regularly scheduled programming.

My plan is:

$207.53 - Purchase the B&C Medalist Tactical A2

$525.00 - Send stock, and barreled action to SAC for the true and tune package. That takes care of bedding, trigger, action and barrel with a bolt knob to boot.

$100.00 - Approximate total shipping costs

~$80.00 - Quality scope rings

That leaves me with about $1000 for optics. With that I am looking at a few different scopes. I will post pictures of before and after once I get the work done. More importantly I will let you all know how it shoots.

Thank you all for your comments and insight. Also thanks to BigJoe for your thoughts and the info on the SAC package deal.

I might need to track down a hide member or two in the area to show me what the rifle is capable of and get me started off in the right direction.
(most of my pals practice 'ABV - Accuracy By Volume')
 
#26
Re: School the new guy (budget build)

Look up a guy name Later (desert tactical) he is a ELR (extreme long range) guru and knows his shit, they shoot all the time out there in salt lake. Definately get you on your way.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

Alexander Cain
Remington 308 build (a few question(s))
Replies
5
Views
3K
Alexander Cain
Alexander Cain
VoxPatriam
New guy would like some build advice please.
Replies
29
Views
1K
VoxPatriam
VoxPatriam
R
New guy, new rifle.
Replies
13
Views
1K
Ruck
R
Equitum
Update: 1st Rem700 .308 Build Finished - For now
Replies
63
Views
6K
Equitum
Equitum
G17C
Another Budget Build
Replies
7
Views
2K
G17C
G17C
Top Bottom
Back
Home
Forums
Merch
Alerts