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Tactical Buildup

Tulie

Private
Full Member
Minuteman
Jun 14, 2010
45
0
63
New Mexico
Okay, I'm sure this has been discussed but chalk it up to me being lazy and wanting first hand info. I am looking at a tactical rifle. Specs could be as: 100 to 900 yards, 2 mile course, carry everything for the course on your back, shooting steel. I want a bolt action, hopefully the best thing out of the box to start with that I can get then maybe have a smith take care of the upgrades. Detachable magazine fed would be okay but a box mag would work as well. How about a bipod? Which, why, and where to look?

Scope? Maybe up to 15 or 20X? Budget is a concern at this point so maybe an existing Viper or ???? Of course I want a good trigger and a light stock would be super nice so how about stock suggestions? Anything else to consider? I have a good backpack and need to get my fat butt in shape but ??????

All input will be appreciated.

Dan
 
Re: Tactical Buildup

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Tulie</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Okay, I'm sure this has been discussed but chalk it up to me being lazy and wanting first hand info.

</div></div>

Probably not the best way to start a post requesting basic info that has been answered a few hundred times. After four months of browsing and occasional posting you still need answers??? Just sayin...
 
Re: Tactical Buildup

You're not going to have much luck finding a lightweight "tactical" rifle. You will need to choose between a hunting type rig for lightweight or sacrifice a little on the weight and go tactical. search the hide for the rest it's on here a hundred times over
 
Re: Tactical Buildup

Hey Dan. Is this for the shoot at the whittington center? It is alot of fun. I just set up my new rig for that shoot. I would recomend you just grab whatever you have now and come out and give it a try. The course is easy to negotiate and the firing positions are not to far apart. I carried a 15lb gun with no issues but I am a big guy. I did get a nice sling that has a neopreme type pad and it was very nice.
I would suggest a basic rifle in .308, rem 700, savage, win. then spend the money for some good glass that tracks true. I know you posted budget minded so the cheapest scope I would recomend would be the 16x super sniper. I have owned these and for the money I think they are about the best option in that price range. I was very colse to buying a hawke optics scope to try out before I got my USO. I am quite impressed with them for the price but I have not owned one so I cannot say for sure how they hold up but, If I were in the market for a sub $400 scope today I would be giving one of them a try. Most everyone dials for elevation on that course. There is alot of info out there for the .308 and there are alot of guys shooting them so you can copy the dope from some of the shooters there if need be. (assuming similar ammo, barrel legenth ect..) I had to substitute my normal 300WM ammo last minute and had no dope at all. One of the guys was nice enough to go back to his truck and run some numbers thru his phones ballistics program for me when mine were not working out. Everyone was helpful and made it fun for a FNG. A word of warning, I only went to one event and now I went out and bought a .308 rem sps tactical in an aics 2.0 topped with a USO 3-17 tpal SN-3 and have 3 form 1s waiting for approval at the ATF so I can make some cans for my regular bolt guns. I am hoping to attend most if not all of the events next year schedule permiting.
 
Re: Tactical Buildup

5r milspec with SS10X42M
Or sps tactical(with an added HS stock) with SS10X42M
I recomend the Super sniper because it is the only Budget scope I have used. I started with an SPS tactical in a Hs pst25 stock ans a super sniper 10X42M and was very happy with it. It was very heavy with that Stock though, so i would go to somhing more compact. Also savage 10FP is a great out of the box rifle, Just add bell and carlson stock. I have a 10fp in 223 with 24inch barrel glass bedded in a bell and carlson sock and tactical supply trigger. I use a SS10X42m and it constantly shoots a dime at 100 with loads above 55gr. . My rem 700's now use Mark 4 scopes. There are alot of great makes out there, I have listed these because they are what i know and have worked well. and did not cost alot.
Hope this helps.
 
Re: Tactical Buildup

Here it is.
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aics008.jpg
 
Re: Tactical Buildup

Since you said budget is a concern, the easiest answer is the new Savage 10PC with a fluted 5R barrel, a good base, good rings, a Falcon Menace 4-14x, harris HBRM-S bipod, bipod lock and a decent sling.
 
Re: Tactical Buildup

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Tulie</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Okay, I'm sure this has been discussed but chalk it up to me being lazy and wanting first hand info. I am looking at a tactical rifle. Specs could be as: 100 to 900 yards, 2 mile course, carry everything for the course on your back, shooting steel. I want a bolt action, hopefully the best thing out of the box to start with that I can get then maybe have a smith take care of the upgrades. Detachable magazine fed would be okay but a box mag would work as well. How about a bipod? Which, why, and where to look?

Scope? Maybe up to 15 or 20X? Budget is a concern at this point so maybe an existing Viper or ???? Of course I want a good trigger and a light stock would be super nice so how about stock suggestions? Anything else to consider? I have a good backpack and need to get my fat butt in shape but ??????

All input will be appreciated.

Dan

</div></div>

A Tikka T3 in 6.5x55 or 7-08 with a Bushnell 3-12x44FFP
 
Re: Tactical Buildup

Maccrazy2, yeah, that's the course I was thinking about. I've not seen it and didn't know how heavy of a rifle I should think about carrying. I also want to get one set up for some other matches that are local or at least semi local as well. Are you in NM?

Thanks for all the info, that's really what I was hoping to get. Yeah, budget is a concern but I was thinking more of the overall cost and I do agree completely, it's better to get the best glass I can and an out of the box rifle than go with cheap glass. I've got some Viper scopes on a couple of rifles and for the price they are great. I'd really like to go to a NF or a Mark 4 and will eventually but want to get this setup and play a little first. My current rifle for this is a Ruger 77 Varmint in 243 and it has the Viper on it and shoots 105 AMax's pretty well. It sounds like I should just use it for the time being then work on the upgrade down the road.

You know it sort of gets me, this is a forum for people to ask questions even if they've been ask many times before and still some participants have to mouth off and try to slam somebody for asking. If they don't want to answer then don't but there's no reason to respond the way many do. Maybe I searched and maybe I didn't, doesn't matter, it's an open forum so I'm free to ask. Sure reponses are open too but there's just no reason for that type of response. It didn't kill maccrazy2 to just answer and it was very helpful and appreciated.
 
Re: Tactical Buildup

Thanks for all the information everyone. It sort of supports what I was already thinking. Get a Rem 700 or Savage, some good glass with a moderate upper end magnification. Don't get too worried about super light weight but really heavy weights aren't needed and just get out and try it all out.

Good to know the 308 is still getting a lot of use. Steve123 it's interesting you mentioned the 7-08 and I always wondered why I don't see more of those in use since the 7mm bullets have such good BC.

Anyway, thanks again all.
 
Re: Tactical Buildup

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Tulie</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Thanks for all the information everyone. It sort of supports what I was already thinking. Get a Rem 700 or Savage, some good glass with a moderate upper end magnification. Don't get too worried about super light weight but really heavy weights aren't needed and just get out and try it all out.

Good to know the 308 is still getting a lot of use. Steve123 it's interesting you mentioned the 7-08 and I always wondered why I don't see more of those in use since the 7mm bullets have such good BC.

Anyway, thanks again all. </div></div>

I think it's mostly the availability of match factory ammo for 308.I don't like them because they blow in the wind so much.I sold all my other 308's except one,it's a family heirloom.

A friend has a stock T3/6.5x55 with a Super Sniper 10x on it.It is just as accurate as my $2500 custom M700 in 6x47L.He can do pretty much anything I can with his rifle/scope compared.

If your M77/243 shoots less than 1MOA you should be competitive.Some of big winners of the tactical match shooters on the Hide use 243.

Granted a NF is superior to the Bushnell 3-12FFP but I'd take the Bushnell over any other medium priced scope available right now,even a Mark4.When the Vortex PST/FFP is available again I might have to reevaluate though
wink.gif
 
Re: Tactical Buildup

you failed to mention that the Tikka has a buttery smooth action as well as being able to compete with your $2500 rig...

They make an excellant rifle...by the way I currently do not own one...just Rem 700 Sa/LA's
 
Re: Tactical Buildup

Yeah, the 308's do run out of steam when they get out there a little ways. Also, very true, I will be looking hard at a Vortex PST when they do come available. I've got a Viper on my 1000 yard RUM and it works very well especially considering the price. My 2 cents is the Vortex is the best bang for the buck out there right now.

My 243 does shoot better than MOA most of the time although I wish it had a faster twist so I could try some other bullets. I also wish things were easier to change out on the Ruger's like the 700's. Just more availability of all items to upgrade them.
 
Re: Tactical Buildup

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: fdkay</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Since you said budget is a concern, the easiest answer is the new Savage 10PC with a fluted 5R barrel, a good base, good rings, a Falcon Menace 4-14x, harris HBRM-S bipod, bipod lock and a decent sling. </div></div>

this is a great starter package i would probably run a weaver 3-10 mil/mil or bushnellfixed 10x mil/mil for optic but other than that good setup.

if you have the funds the best match ready lightweightish rifle is for sure a sako trg 22 they weigh around 10lbs and have the best of almost everything for under $3000 (can be found used for as little as $2200 if you keep your eye out)
 
Re: Tactical Buildup

I stopped this afternoon and looked at some T3 rifles. They are good feeling and very reasonable on the price. I've seen pictures of the Trg 22 but never picked one up. True too, I have seen some of them even posted on this site that weren't too bad for the good reviews they get.

So, the Harris bipod works well for this use?

On the cartridge side, does a 300 short mag or Win mag really buy much over the 243/308? I know they are faster but unless they have a fast twist the 155's and 168's or even 175's dont' have a very high BC in comparison to some others. A buddy of mine even uses a 223 with a fast twist and 80 grain bullets in some matches out to about 750 yards. That seems like an awfully light setup to me but he's a little recoil conscious. He uses a 6BR for his 1000 yard F class now but started with a 308.
 
Re: Tactical Buildup

Harris bipods are fine.Get the notched leg with swivel HBLM-S.

The only thing you'll really gain with 300WM and 300WSM compared to smaller calibers with similar BC's is energy and recoil.

If you want to go magnum the answer is still the same.Go 7mm.
 
Re: Tactical Buildup

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Tulie</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Maccrazy2, yeah, that's the course I was thinking about. I've not seen it and didn't know how heavy of a rifle I should think about carrying. I also want to get one set up for some other matches that are local or at least semi local as well. Are you in NM?

Thanks for all the info, that's really what I was hoping to get. Yeah, budget is a concern but I was thinking more of the overall cost and I do agree completely, it's better to get the best glass I can and an out of the box rifle than go with cheap glass. I've got some Viper scopes on a couple of rifles and for the price they are great. I'd really like to go to a NF or a Mark 4 and will eventually but want to get this setup and play a little first. My current rifle for this is a Ruger 77 Varmint in 243 and it has the Viper on it and shoots 105 AMax's pretty well. It sounds like I should just use it for the time being then work on the upgrade down the road.

You know it sort of gets me, this is a forum for people to ask questions even if they've been ask many times before and still some participants have to mouth off and try to slam somebody for asking. If they don't want to answer then don't but there's no reason to respond the way many do. Maybe I searched and maybe I didn't, doesn't matter, it's an open forum so I'm free to ask. Sure reponses are open too but there's just no reason for that type of response. It didn't kill maccrazy2 to just answer and it was very helpful and appreciated. </div></div>
No problem. I had several guys give me alot of good info before I went down there the first time. Your .243 will work fine. I have the same gun in stainless. I brought it along incase I had any issues with my 300wm scope. My best advice is to just go with whatever you have now, just work up some good dope from 175-875. Get some elbow pads (I ended up using my hat as I was in short sleeves) a bipod and rear bag. A good comfortable sling and a cheap backpack to carry ammo, binos, water. After the first trip then you will know what you want/need there for gear. I saw alot of diffrent setups there from standard hunting rifles and bare bones gear to setups that cost more than my truck. No matter what you bring to shoot you will have fun.
I am just south of denver (3 hrs from the range)I am planning on trying to make most if not all of them next year schedule permiting. If you need someone to split a room with there let me know as my shooting buddy has new twins and wont be doing much shooting for some time. I will pm you my number. Chris.
 
Re: Tactical Buildup

Thanks again for the info and since I will get serious about this after hunting season I'll start out with the ones I have and then get serious about setting one up for it down the road. I really like the 243's, 6.5's and the 7mm's just because of their bullet BC's and figure eventually I'll have to build something up so more than likely will start that way. I have a couple of decent Zeiss scopes that will start out and eventually get a PST, Mark 4 or NF when the time comes. Thanks again to all who helped out!

Chris, I sent you back a PM and thanks for the info! Maybe you can walk me through that course one of these days!