The First of Many (Rifles)

[GatNasty]

First off, I'm not sure where to put this since it deals with both semi-automatic and bolt-action hardware. If it needs to be moved, please do so with all due haste. This is my first post on the forum.

So I attended one of Sniper's Hide's shoots, and am now addicted to long-distance shooting. Thing is, I now need a rifle up to the task.

I'm torn between several options, and as money begins to roll in funding becomes less and less of an issue. At the moment, it's down to the options between various models.

Since I'm no expert in this area, I figured I'd ask those in the 'know', which is you guys.

The basic premise I'm looking at is an 18-inch heavy-barrel surpressor-ready .308/7.62x51mm.

The range I'm looking to primarily work with is 100-1000 meters. I understand that the caliber might not be the best choice, but it's more economical to shoot that .300 WINMAG or 'big-boy' guns like the .338 LM or .50 BMG. It's strictly a recreational gun.

Anyway, my choices are as follows:

GA Precision's 'Gladius'
So named by 'Lowlight' of this very forum, it fits my overall weapon profile almost to a 'T'. Short, handy, precise. Thing is, it's not cheap (MSRP $3850), and neither are the mags (10 rounders are $89.99)

"AR-10"
I label it as such because there are so many to choose from. The DPMS SASS is the least expensive of the bunch, while Les Baer's Monolithic SWAT rifle seems to be the most precise. I'm open to suggestions here, and I've included this platform in my deliberation because of the relatively inexpensive magazines (SR-25/Magpul etc), and the relatively lower cost of the platform without a great deal of lost precision. It's also a snap to customize.

Custom Rifle:
Option three. I buy a Remington 700 short-action rifle, and send it off to be hacked, milled, lathed, and beaten into a lethal work of art. I've done a lot of my own work before, but I really don't have the time and the equipment to build my own custom bolt-gun anymore. I shot one of GAP's excellent Remington 700-based guns at the aforementioned shoot, and was extremely impressed with its overall quality, not to mention accuracy. If there's another maker out there you people are fond of, let me know.

-Gat

 

[johngfoster]

Re: The First of Many (Rifles)

If you are new to long distance shooting and are just getting started, then I would recommend a bolt gun over a semi-auto. It's just easier to master the fundamentals of shooting with a bolt gun, I think. I would go with the GAP, especially if it fits your needs to a "T". A custom Rem. 700 would be fine if you knew exactly what you wanted, but in the end may cost even more than the GAP. Another consideration would be to get a Rem. 700 "5R milspec" for around $1000, and upgrade it as your skills develop to where the rifle is holding you back. Use the extra money to put good glass on top and then some ammo. A rule of thumb I like to go by is to spend as much on your glass as on the rest of the rifle. My $0.02.

 

[GatNasty]

Re: The First of Many (Rifles)

The scope's already selected, rolling with a fixed 10x Leupold MKIV with the mil-dot reticle. Just need something to put it on.

I do appreciate your input. I was afraid the full-custom gig would run a little higher than a pre-made custom piece.

 

[R.O.U.S.]

Re: The First of Many (Rifles)

I voted for the GAP Gladius. I would definitely go with a rifle with an excellent reputation from GAP. I mean, who <span style="text-decoration: underline">doesn't</span> want a GAP rifle?

Getting the GAP would probably be less complicated than getting a custom Remington on your own.

There are many excellent AR10/.308 ARs, but I think a bolt gun may be better.

That's my .02 cents.

 

[eric long]

Re: The First of Many (Rifles)

Maybe consider the Sako TRG? Under 3000 dollars, and accurate. I shot one the other day, it is nice.

 

[BOL556]

Re: The First of Many (Rifles)

First I voted for a semi auto platform just cause it can be a little cheaper at first. Then thought about it a lil more. A bolt gun would be better like another person had already said. With that in mind and the price range you kinda put out there check out this: http://www.snipershide.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=1597047&nt=25&page=1 hope this helps. Or I may have made your choice a lil harder.

 

[Esselbach]

Re: The First of Many (Rifles)

Choosing a GA Precision bolt action rifle, topped with good optics won't dissapoint you. They also have other models to choose from, or you could go the custom route and have them build your dream rifle using any option you want.

 

[Katahdin]

Re: The First of Many (Rifles)

Gap Gladius would be a fine option, but I would also look into upgrading to their Templar action for a few bucks more.

 

[USACS]

Re: The First of Many (Rifles)

If you are considering a Remington M700 action to upgrade, you need to be aware of how much you want to upgrade it and what the cost will be. To get something that is pretty good quality with good options, you'll likely be spending a minimum of $2500-3000 total. By that time, you're almost into a GAP. Why not spend a few more bucks and get a GAP?

 

[The Lawn Ranger]

Re: The First of Many (Rifles)

Why do you feel you need a short- barreled bolt action? What is wrong with the more typical 24" barrel length?

 

[Luke]

Re: The First of Many (Rifles)

If you have a large/flexible budget there's really no reason not to go with a GAP, AI, DTA, etc...

Assuming you're working from a limited budget I voted for the "Other Custom Rifle" because you should still be able to get a 0.5 MOA gun for a lot less money than a GAP which you can put towards optics, ammunition, etc.

Remington SPS 20" ~$550
McMillan/Manners ~$600
Seekins DBM ~$350
Seekins/Badger scope base/rings ~$300
Sling: ~$75
Harris bipod: ~$100
Barrel thread: ~$100
Bedding: ~$150
Oversized bolt knob: ~$100

This puts you close to $2300 which will leave you $1500 for optics compared to the base price of a Gladius at $3850.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: m14er</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Why do you feel you need a short- barreled bolt action? What is wrong with the more typical 24" barrel length?</div></div>

Presumably because a 24" barrel with a suppressor is freakin' huge....

24" Savage with 9" suppressor: