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Time to purchase

NEW SHOOTER

Private
Full Member
Minuteman
Nov 6, 2010
94
0
53
Horse Shoe , NC
Hello all ! Looks like I will getting my rifle cash pretty soon. Selling a bike and some parts, supposed to happen this week. It better by God go through. I will have a 3k budget. I am on disability and fixed income so this is huge for me to be able to do this. So I would like to list what I am thinking to make sure I am not overlooking anything or if I am a dumb ass with my choices and need some better direction from the pros. Thanks to all of you who take the time to look at this and give me your input. This site and all of you just rock.

The rifle I will buy is going to be a Remington 5R. Which one-- I'm going back and forth with. In .308 between the 24 in or 20 inch threaded. I'm leaning towards the threaded in case I want to add an attatchment later. I am also thinking about the .300 wm. The 300 will be overkill for the range space available to me but this is a 1 time purchase and I think it would have all the juice I would ever need in the future. I shoot a .308 semi already and have ammo but dont want to regret it later. I know I know--I'm out of my mind--lol

Next my scope-- I am thinking Falcon Menace 5x25x50 or x56 ? Is the x56 just for running with night vision or just better objective???
I was going to buy Badger Ordnance base and rings. I know I would need 30mm rings but not a clue about height? Base do I need a moa cant??

Next my splurge-- I am hot and bothered by AICS 1.5 in OD Green and their Bi Pod.

Thanks for reading this and all your thoughts and advice. You all have been great to me and the other new guys here.
 
Re: Time to purchase

If you plan to shoot it, I'd stick with a straight-up 24" .308 5R. If money is tight, you don't want to be feeding an expensive habit. You can always cut/thread the barrel after your next windfall if you decide you can't live without a suppressor.

I'd forget about the AICS, and put the money into better glass. You've got about a week to take advantage of ordering one of those new Super Sniper scopes for 500 bucks off. I'd give that some serious consideration.

Leupold and Seekins make bases and rings that will work fine without breaking the bank. The money you'd save over Badger would more than pay for a nice Timney trigger, which is a difference you'd actually notice.
 
Re: Time to purchase

I was in your shoes trying to build budget precision rig about a year and a half ago. I started with the 700-5R 24" in.308 with the rear focus Super Sniper 10x non-HD on Luepold rings and base. With some training from Sean Little and 175g FGMM ammo that was all I needed to ring steel at 960. That's where the hook was set...

Then I decided to start tinkering after about 1000 rounds... Timney Trigger, an AICS 1.5 in Black, BO Base, BO Rings, BO FTE Brake, Bolt Lift knob, monpod, Tab sling and rear Bag. Mark Williams did the threading and a few other tweaks on my gun... I highly recommend him (reasonable $, easy to work with, fast and perfect work) and he's in SW VA

There are other things I want to try out so I have a list of stuff I've ordered that I'm currently waiting on: Super Sniper 5-20X HD, AICS Target adjustable butt-pad, agrip skin for the AICS cheek-rest, and an Atlas bipod with AICS spigot. On the training front, I'm doing my first competition in July followed by a John Boyette class on UKD and I'm thinking of heading out to Rifles Only this fall/winter for the 6 day I and II class. I guess it's officially no longer a budget build but I'm at the point where I don't think I'd ever sell this gun no matter what the offer was. I think it's love.

Not suggesting what I did is the way you should go, just wanted to share another experience. I would say keep it as stock as possible and as you shoot 1-2K rounds under some expert tutelage (key!) you'll figure out what works for you and what doesn't. I always look for people who shoot better than me to learn from. There are plenty in NC and I seem to bumping into them at every turn. It has all been a grand designed experiment for me. Plan-do-check-act...repeat
 
Re: Time to purchase

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: dbsinh20</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> I'd forget about the AICS, and put the money into better glass.
</div></div>

TRUTH! (and i own an AICS)
 
Re: Time to purchase

Thanks guys , loud and clear. I looked at the super sniper and it looks to be awesome. Have the code for the 500 off. Still need to know about mounting. Base moa cant and ring heigth.
Also found package deal on gun broker for the rifle,nightforce,and all mounting parts and instal for just under 3k.
 
Re: Time to purchase

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Team-Send-It!!!</div><div class="ubbcode-body">don't buy off gunbroker if you dont' know the seller, i have bought quite a few rifles off there and unless they are new there is always something jacked up with them. </div></div>

The rifle package is brand new from Sportsmans Finest in Austin Texas.
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=235229457
 
Re: Time to purchase

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Oddball-Six</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Note the reserve not met on that auction. I would be VERY amazed if the reserve was anywhere in the area of 3k. </div></div>
I was just thinking of the buy it now option
 
Re: Time to purchase

Looks like $2975 shipped & insured with the NXS 8-32x56. It's from a reliable seller, so I wouldn't worry about that.

Doesn't say the brand of base or "titanium" rings they use. This may be where they're saving a few bucks.

You could buy the SS scope for a little under 1050 (with covers and shipping), the rifle for under 1100 shipped, Leupold Mark 4 rail & rings for $250, a Timney trigger for $140, and a Harris bipod for $100. That's a little over $2600.

You'll still need a bipod, so figure 3075 if you buy the one with the NXS.

Guess it comes down to whether or not you feel the NXS is worth an additional 400 and change. That equals 2 cases (400 rounds) of Federal match ammo, or 1 case and a Williams bottom metal upgrade.

Don't think you would be disappointed either way, but going the SS route would allow you to replace the crappy cast factory parts with some nice upgrades and still have enough left over for some match ammo.
 
Re: Time to purchase

Motorcycle just left ,have my gun cash in hand!!! Off to the gun shop in the morning!!! If someone can help me with the base and ring info, gonna order tonight. Do I need flat base or one with a cant built in?? What heighth rings will I need. F*&ker also let me shoot his 300 win mag. Not at all bad to shoot like I have read. I know ammo is more but I am SOOOOO tempted. Thanks again !!!!!
 
Re: Time to purchase

20MOA base is pretty standard fare for 1k shooting.

I went with 1.125" high BO rings but I had the adjustable AICS stock... you may want to try lower than that maybe 0.85- 1.0"... this is where that personal experimentation for you comes in
 
Re: Time to purchase

Here's a couple of base/rings suggestions...

Try Seekins Precision for a 20 MOA base and rings.

Give 'em a call if you're unsure of ring height.

OR

This Leupold base and rings set will work with a 50mm objective scope. It's what I use, but the base is 15 MOA vs. 20 MOA. Should not be an issue with your SS - they have plenty of elevation adjustment.
 
Re: Time to purchase

Might even look at Savage you get quite a bit of nag for your buck with them. I had a Remington in 7 mm Rem Mag years ago and had to sell it. This time around tried a Savage 16 weather warrior first in 308 and was impressed 1/2 " groups at 100 with junk ammo. Moved up to a couple of Model 12's and they shoot just as good but a bit better. The latest rifle is their New Model 116 Bear Hunter it's a .338 Win Mag 23" barrel SS Has the Accu-stock 2 and their adjustable muzzle break. Thank you God for that break for when you lite that round there is no doubt what happened and thats with it open, closed it knocks my hat off my head LOL. It shoots clover leafs at 300 yds.
 
Re: Time to purchase

I purchased the .308 5R 24" and I'm very happy with it. I only have shot (don't' quote me on this later as I'm not looking at my field book, LOL -) around 1100 pills with it. Its a performer, will easily do MOA and sometimes, when all conditions are good and I'm having a good day, it will do quarter MOA. For me those are what I call FUN! the furthest I've shot it is 700 yards. But mostly do 100, 200 and 300 yards on the shooting range. ONce in a while I go to the longer range.

I did temporary laid it into an AICS 2.0 stock - and loved it. I never bedded it. The original HS Precision stock is back on again and I'm happy with that. (I needed the stock for another rifle). I replaced the trigger with a Jewell trigger. I used a Badger 20MOA picatinney rail and used SWFA mounts and originally an SWFA scope as well.

The rig worked out fine. I've stripped some of the components for another rifle but I'm working on setting it up again, this time with the new SWFA 20x scope from the group buy thing.

Honestly, I could have waited for some of the changes as the rifle is capable of meeting my needs right out of the box.
 
Re: Time to purchase

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: NEW SHOOTER</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Bi pod recommendations please </div></div>

I just put a harris bipod on my R700 24" .308 and did some dry firing from prone on the kitchen floor last night... way WAY better than trying to get a good shooting position using a supported wooden dowel rod under the fore end.

I luckily got mine used for 25$ shipped from a great guy to deal with. (Thanks SH member Poke!)

I'd say keep your eyes peeled on the SH "accessories for sale" forum and grab a harris from someone upgrading to an Atlas!

Congrats on the new rifle, make sure to post some pics up when you get it in hand!
 
Re: Time to purchase

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: NEW SHOOTER</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Bi pod recommendations please </div></div>

I got the notched/swivel version of the Harris last week from Triad Tactical. I like it just fine.
Folks on here seem to give them good reviews for the $$ they cost.
 
Re: Time to purchase

Bipods discussions can raise your blood pressure around here. some are very attached to theirs. I have a small collection of them and find, for the type of shooting I do, they all seem to work fairly well. Don't expect your bipod to do the work for you but instead recognize it for what it is. A tool that aids you do yours.

For shooting prone I like a low bipod. 6-9" is sufficient for me. I like Harris, AICS but others seem to work well also. I like the legs to be lockable. I like to feel it solid. I like notches in the legs to allow me to change quicker and know where it is immediately.

If your starting out and on a budget you might try Harris. You may like it enough that that becomes your permanent bipod or not. But even discount stores sometimes carry something that may work for you without breaking the Bank. As you get out there and see what locals are using, you'll hear what they use and slowly decide. There lots of discussions in the Hide that talk about bipods. Take time and read as many of them as you can, keeping in mind that your own experience is what will matter most.

Even the cheapest bipod can work extremely well in the hands of a good marksman. So don't let the cost of one dictate which one you should have. Use the one that will most likely work for you.

I have one that I'm not sure what brand it is. My local gun shop was selling it in a plain plastic bag (it had been returned put away and later found again and brought out. I saw it, liked it and bought it. It's still on one of my guns. You just never know.
 
Re: Time to purchase

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Radar86</div><div class="ubbcode-body">

Even the cheapest bipod can work extremely well in the hands of a good marksman. So don't let the cost of one dictate which one you should have. Use the one that will most likely work for you. </div></div>

I agree with this about 95%.... I put myself on a budget because I don't like debt but I also don't want something that will break easily.

I bought the Harris after shooting on three no - name bipods (one of which actually broke a spring retention point 3 rounds downrange by the owner after I shot it). To be honest the one that broke was a 50$ bipod bought brand new from Gander Mountain I believe. The fact that he broke a brand new bipod after less than 20 rounds is what led me to buy a good quality used bipod over a cheap new bipod.

That being said, a good marksman can shoot off of almost anything assuming it's solid or can be steadied.

Don't get caught up in a "race with the Jones'" on accessories, you'll find out you have outspent your shooting ability very quickly if you're new to long range shooting.
 
Re: Time to purchase

I have Harris and Atlas bipods. I love the Atlas, but the Harris will do the job. If I had a huge surplus of money I would put Atlas bipods on all my rifles. They are just sturdier, load easier, and level easier on uneven terrain. With your situation fund wise i would recommend the Harris. It will serve you very well.

Josh
 
Re: Time to purchase

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: NEW SHOOTER</div><div class="ubbcode-body">base rings bipod ordered and on the way. Thanks again everyone. Now its just the waiting game and learning to actualy how to shoot well, lol.
Thanks again everyone !!!!!!!!! </div></div>

Which base/rings/bipod did you go with?

As far as shooting well, I'd suggest reading this SH thread and the links referenced , it's a pretty amazing collection of knowledge and will help you get your mind right. I literally spent days reading through the articles/threads/posts before I ever pulled the trigger on my .308.
 
Re: Time to purchase

went with the harris that fw 707 suggested and the badger base and rings that were on the swfa site that were shown as the mounting group for the super sniper scope. 20 moa. yes i have been reading- sooo much to learn from this site.
 
Re: Time to purchase

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: NEW SHOOTER</div><div class="ubbcode-body">went with the harris that fw 707 suggested and the badger base and rings that were on the swfa site that were shown as the mounting group for the super sniper scope. 20 moa. yes i have been reading- sooo much to learn from this site. </div></div>

I've been reading this site for months and every time I go to the range, I find I have more to learn
grin.gif


I have no doubts you'll have a BLAST!

And after buying a few boxes of match grade ammo, you'll be perusing the reloading section I'd bet.... at least that's been my path.... I hope to start reloading this winter to get ready for next summer....
 
Re: Time to purchase

That was my path too. Started with the .308 5R and soon began to read up on reloading and glad I did.

My experience is that factory ammo is fine. It will find the target just fine and can/does MOA fine.

But for consistency sub-MOA I have had to reload. Just my rifles I guess. They prefer handloads.