Re: The word "Budget"...
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Enough Said</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I'm starting to see the word "BUDGET" in here as often as the word "TACTICAL" is seen at the S.H.O.T. Show.
There is no such thing as a budget rifle. There's only the rifle you haven't saved long enough for.
I'm not being judgmental. Please understand that. However, when a person settles for a budget rifle you are compromising simply based upon the thought that you are settling on something you can afford NOW as opposed to something you can afford more of LATER.
It's simple; either you can afford to purchase now with funds available plus credit, or you can wait and afford the best, which may be the same equipment that your mentors on Snipers Hide are using. Now, this hobby, sport, or profession is either that, a hobby, sport, or profession. And there are numerous levels of entry, comfort, operation, and exit. Expensive equipment will not make you an expert in anything, however, compromising can afford you nothing but frustration with the process of becoming proficient.
When I became a sniper, they handed me the best rifle available. Not a budget rifle.
Take it from a fellow just getting back to my roots and take your time. Know your level of entry and level of proficiency. Goals are not necessarily important if you are having fun. But, purchasing inferior product just to show up will not make you a better shot.
Take the time to seek formal EDUCATION and you will get the most out of whatever equipment you utilize.
You don't like budget beer or a budget girlfriend.
Don't accept budget equipment.
Again, not offensive in nature. I've been around a while and have been through gear. I learned to watch and listen to what the guys at my level were using and GO FOR IT.
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Here is my two cents....
The cost of your rifle and scope is considered fixed cost...( which will be the cheapest part of the experience ).
I have encouraged many new shooters to the tactical world of shooting.
Most if not all Have the ability to buy a very good top end rifle and scope from the start. The money to get that rifle is usually sitting in their closet or gun safe.
I had one guys jump up and down about the money I was telling him to spend on a setup. He said I was completely out of my mind. I then went to his house into his man cave...
He had ( this is approximate ) 10-15 different rifles with scopes. All were factory remington's, ruger's, weatherby's etc... with good glass mostly leupold's vary-x III. Many different calibers.
I suggested he sell as many as he needed to to buy a custom made rifle with S&B glass. and choose one caliber. Then go shoot and learn how to shoot it. Pay for training etc... then when you run low on funds for shooting and training sell another rifle in your collection and continue...
Here is a good article about the cost of Longrange shooting
http://demigodllc.com/articles/practical-long-range-rifle-shooting-equipment/ http://demigodllc.com/articles/practical-long-range-rifle-shooting-optics/ http://demigodllc.com/articles/practical-long-range-rifle-shooting-shooting/