I am starting out in long range shooting and need help. For starters i need advice on a rifle. I am looking at a remington 700 5R (or R5?). Is this a good rifle to start with or something else.
Trying to get started
- Thread starter geoff.p.hudson
- Start date
Re: Trying to get started
The Rem 700 SS 5R is a good place to start, and finish. designed to "milspec" and basically the same as the Army's M24. Good luck !
The Rem 700 SS 5R is a good place to start, and finish. designed to "milspec" and basically the same as the Army's M24. Good luck !
Re: Trying to get started
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ChosenKarma</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The Rem 700 SS 5R is a good place to start, and finish. designed to "milspec" and basically the same as the Army's M24. Good luck !</div></div>
Please tell me what is the same as an M24 besides the rifling profile.
Wait for it folks
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ChosenKarma</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The Rem 700 SS 5R is a good place to start, and finish. designed to "milspec" and basically the same as the Army's M24. Good luck !</div></div>
Please tell me what is the same as an M24 besides the rifling profile.
Wait for it folks
Re: Trying to get started
The 5R is a fine rifle to start with, but honestly if the benifits of stainless for corosion resistance and the ease of cleaning ( radial rifling is known for less copper fouling) don't have an extra value a SPS or tactical Remmy can be just as good for less outlay of moneies.
Don't forget about the Savages also
Before flames kick up I have a 5R and it can shoot when I get it together.
The 5R is a fine rifle to start with, but honestly if the benifits of stainless for corosion resistance and the ease of cleaning ( radial rifling is known for less copper fouling) don't have an extra value a SPS or tactical Remmy can be just as good for less outlay of moneies.
Don't forget about the Savages also
Before flames kick up I have a 5R and it can shoot when I get it together.
Re: Trying to get started
The Remington 700 Milspec 5R rifle was first introduced as a limited edition rifle back around the turn of the 21st century, and ever since then it has been of keen interest to many shooters. The ability to have a rifle with the same barrel as the M24 SWS used by the US Army, and other nations around the world, but at a fraction of the $6000 price tag of the M24 is a big drawing point. While the milspec is not a standard item in the Remington line, it is still being made when possible and they are still popular. Either way, the barrels are a unique 1:11.2" twist, as found on the M24, and have the 5R rifling which is also unique to the M24
But I didnt realize this was a pissing contest, so to answer the question, its the barrel.. Semper Gumby !
The Remington 700 Milspec 5R rifle was first introduced as a limited edition rifle back around the turn of the 21st century, and ever since then it has been of keen interest to many shooters. The ability to have a rifle with the same barrel as the M24 SWS used by the US Army, and other nations around the world, but at a fraction of the $6000 price tag of the M24 is a big drawing point. While the milspec is not a standard item in the Remington line, it is still being made when possible and they are still popular. Either way, the barrels are a unique 1:11.2" twist, as found on the M24, and have the 5R rifling which is also unique to the M24
But I didnt realize this was a pissing contest, so to answer the question, its the barrel.. Semper Gumby !
Re: Trying to get started
Now for the important stuff after you answer a few questions that is...
What is your budget for the rifle, scope, mount, and rings?
What is your budget for ammunition?
Do you want to reload?
What distances are available to you to practice at?
'Gear' budget?
Just a few thoughts. Oh, and what do you already 'know' about shooting? You a total newb or you been around guns a while?
Now for the important stuff after you answer a few questions that is...
What is your budget for the rifle, scope, mount, and rings?
What is your budget for ammunition?
Do you want to reload?
What distances are available to you to practice at?
'Gear' budget?
Just a few thoughts. Oh, and what do you already 'know' about shooting? You a total newb or you been around guns a while?
Re: Trying to get started
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ChosenKarma</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The Remington 700 Milspec 5R rifle was first introduced as a limited edition rifle back around the turn of the 21st century, and ever since then it has been of keen interest to many shooters. The ability to have a rifle with the same barrel as the M24 SWS used by the US Army, and other nations around the world, but at a fraction of the $6000 price tag of the M24 is a big drawing point. While the milspec is not a standard item in the Remington line, it is still being made when possible and they are still popular. Either way, the barrels are a unique 1:11.2" twist, as found on the M24, and have the 5R rifling which is also unique to the M24
But I didnt realize this was a pissing contest, so to answer the question, its the barrel.. Semper Gumby !</div></div>
Cut and Paste
Good job
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ChosenKarma</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The Remington 700 Milspec 5R rifle was first introduced as a limited edition rifle back around the turn of the 21st century, and ever since then it has been of keen interest to many shooters. The ability to have a rifle with the same barrel as the M24 SWS used by the US Army, and other nations around the world, but at a fraction of the $6000 price tag of the M24 is a big drawing point. While the milspec is not a standard item in the Remington line, it is still being made when possible and they are still popular. Either way, the barrels are a unique 1:11.2" twist, as found on the M24, and have the 5R rifling which is also unique to the M24
But I didnt realize this was a pissing contest, so to answer the question, its the barrel.. Semper Gumby !</div></div>
Cut and Paste
Good job
Re: Trying to get started
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: wirehand</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ChosenKarma</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The Remington 700 Milspec 5R rifle was first introduced as a limited edition rifle back around the turn of the 21st century, and ever since then it has been of keen interest to many shooters. The ability to have a rifle with the same barrel as the M24 SWS used by the US Army, and other nations around the world, but at a fraction of the $6000 price tag of the M24 is a big drawing point. While the milspec is not a standard item in the Remington line, it is still being made when possible and they are still popular. Either way, the barrels are a unique 1:11.2" twist, as found on the M24, and have the 5R rifling which is also unique to the M24
But I didnt realize this was a pissing contest, so to answer the question, its the barrel.. Semper Gumby !</div></div>
Cut and Paste
Good job </div></div>
That's the best you could come up with ? Answer one question oh knowledgeable one... was any of that information incorrect ? (I'll give you a hint, its a 50/50 question, true or false, or you can answer yes or no if its easier for you) If you want, you can IM me so you don't embarrass yourself in front of everyone.
My apologies to everyone else.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: wirehand</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ChosenKarma</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The Remington 700 Milspec 5R rifle was first introduced as a limited edition rifle back around the turn of the 21st century, and ever since then it has been of keen interest to many shooters. The ability to have a rifle with the same barrel as the M24 SWS used by the US Army, and other nations around the world, but at a fraction of the $6000 price tag of the M24 is a big drawing point. While the milspec is not a standard item in the Remington line, it is still being made when possible and they are still popular. Either way, the barrels are a unique 1:11.2" twist, as found on the M24, and have the 5R rifling which is also unique to the M24
But I didnt realize this was a pissing contest, so to answer the question, its the barrel.. Semper Gumby !</div></div>
Cut and Paste
Good job </div></div>
That's the best you could come up with ? Answer one question oh knowledgeable one... was any of that information incorrect ? (I'll give you a hint, its a 50/50 question, true or false, or you can answer yes or no if its easier for you) If you want, you can IM me so you don't embarrass yourself in front of everyone.
My apologies to everyone else.
Re: Trying to get started
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: wirehand</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ChosenKarma</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The Rem 700 SS 5R is a good place to start, and finish. designed to "milspec" and basically the same as the Army's M24. Good luck !</div></div>
Please tell me what is the same as an M24 besides the rifling profile.
Wait for it folks </div></div>
Popcorn anyone?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: wirehand</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ChosenKarma</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The Rem 700 SS 5R is a good place to start, and finish. designed to "milspec" and basically the same as the Army's M24. Good luck !</div></div>
Please tell me what is the same as an M24 besides the rifling profile.
Wait for it folks </div></div>
Popcorn anyone?
Re: Trying to get started
Fight,Fight,Fight LOL
False,The barrels are not the same for the following reasons.
The rifles are made in a different building altogether,and letters from Rem. mil.reps.posted here testify that no parts from either are shared.
How can an M24 contour measured at the shank (1.200) be smaller when the 5R is bigger (1.245) and made after the fact?
My hunch is that sales hype over the M24 barrel has driven these rifles more than the actual accuracy reports.
Reminds me of a story of a junkyard that sold many police interceptor motors from simply having an old police car out front.
Fight,Fight,Fight LOL
False,The barrels are not the same for the following reasons.
The rifles are made in a different building altogether,and letters from Rem. mil.reps.posted here testify that no parts from either are shared.
How can an M24 contour measured at the shank (1.200) be smaller when the 5R is bigger (1.245) and made after the fact?
My hunch is that sales hype over the M24 barrel has driven these rifles more than the actual accuracy reports.
Reminds me of a story of a junkyard that sold many police interceptor motors from simply having an old police car out front.
Re: Trying to get started
Why don't we just sit back and wait to see what the other new kid needs(yeah, you guys are still wet behind the ears here as far as I am concerned so cut the weenie hut junior stuff
)
Why don't we just sit back and wait to see what the other new kid needs(yeah, you guys are still wet behind the ears here as far as I am concerned so cut the weenie hut junior stuff
Re: Trying to get started
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Switchblade</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Now for the important stuff after you answer a few questions that is...
What is your budget for the rifle, scope, mount, and rings?
What is your budget for ammunition?
Do you want to reload?
What distances are available to you to practice at?
'Gear' budget?
Just a few thoughts. Oh, and what do you already 'know' about shooting? You a total newb or you been around guns a while? </div></div>
What he said.
If I had to do it all over again. I would have just bought a used custom stick here off of the hide, most of the time you can find pretty good deals like below. Buy once cry once.
http://www.snipershide.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=1736668#Post1736668
or this.
http://www.snipershide.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=1782080#Post1782080
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Switchblade</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Now for the important stuff after you answer a few questions that is...
What is your budget for the rifle, scope, mount, and rings?
What is your budget for ammunition?
Do you want to reload?
What distances are available to you to practice at?
'Gear' budget?
Just a few thoughts. Oh, and what do you already 'know' about shooting? You a total newb or you been around guns a while? </div></div>
What he said.
If I had to do it all over again. I would have just bought a used custom stick here off of the hide, most of the time you can find pretty good deals like below. Buy once cry once.
http://www.snipershide.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=1736668#Post1736668
or this.
http://www.snipershide.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=1782080#Post1782080
Re: Trying to get started
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Ren</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Switchblade</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Now for the important stuff after you answer a few questions that is...
What is your budget for the rifle, scope, mount, and rings?
What is your budget for ammunition?
Do you want to reload?
What distances are available to you to practice at?
'Gear' budget?
Just a few thoughts. Oh, and what do you already 'know' about shooting? You a total newb or you been around guns a while? </div></div>
What he said.
If I had to do it all over again. I would have just bought a used custom stick here off of the hide, most of the time you can find pretty good deals like below. Buy once cry once.
http://www.snipershide.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=1736668#Post1736668
or this.
http://www.snipershide.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=1782080#Post1782080 </div></div>
That's sound advice. Building a custom rifle from the ground up is gratifying but can take a long time and be expensive.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Ren</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Switchblade</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Now for the important stuff after you answer a few questions that is...
What is your budget for the rifle, scope, mount, and rings?
What is your budget for ammunition?
Do you want to reload?
What distances are available to you to practice at?
'Gear' budget?
Just a few thoughts. Oh, and what do you already 'know' about shooting? You a total newb or you been around guns a while? </div></div>
What he said.
If I had to do it all over again. I would have just bought a used custom stick here off of the hide, most of the time you can find pretty good deals like below. Buy once cry once.
http://www.snipershide.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=1736668#Post1736668
or this.
http://www.snipershide.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=1782080#Post1782080 </div></div>
That's sound advice. Building a custom rifle from the ground up is gratifying but can take a long time and be expensive.
Re: Trying to get started
I am willin to spend about 2-3k. I already reload ammo thats not gonna be an issue but if you have any load suggestions they would be welcome. As far as a place to shoot I can practice at any distance I want.
I am willin to spend about 2-3k. I already reload ammo thats not gonna be an issue but if you have any load suggestions they would be welcome. As far as a place to shoot I can practice at any distance I want.
Re: Trying to get started
In the last couple years all my shooting has taken place at ranges on military bases (USMC). I think that they taught me some good basic stuff, but I dont want just the basics.
In the last couple years all my shooting has taken place at ranges on military bases (USMC). I think that they taught me some good basic stuff, but I dont want just the basics.
Re: Trying to get started
This is to tucker301, I greatly appreciate any advice but one of the things i have have learned in my life is you get what you pay for, so when you say something is gonna be cheap I think its gonna be built cheap. Do you have any other advice about Savage that I wont see online.
This is to tucker301, I greatly appreciate any advice but one of the things i have have learned in my life is you get what you pay for, so when you say something is gonna be cheap I think its gonna be built cheap. Do you have any other advice about Savage that I wont see online.
Re: Trying to get started
for 3,000 dollars you can buy a really nice setup.
Buy the following
Remington 700 SPS Tactical or 700P if you want the longer barrel and better stock
Nightforce 3.5-15x50 or 5.5x22x56
Badger Scope base
Badger Rings
Harris BRMS 6-9 Bipod
Podlock
TAB Gear sling
1000 175SMK's
5 lb jug of varget
1000 Match grade primers
200 or more pieces of Lapua brass.
Thatd be about 2500 bucks in the rifle and about 400 bucks in the reloading components.
Lastly and perhaps most importantly is to buy a membership to the online training forum here.
There goes your 3,000 bucks and you'll have a very nice .308 thatll take you to 1,000 yards.
Oh yah, and finish filling out your profile.
for 3,000 dollars you can buy a really nice setup.
Buy the following
Remington 700 SPS Tactical or 700P if you want the longer barrel and better stock
Nightforce 3.5-15x50 or 5.5x22x56
Badger Scope base
Badger Rings
Harris BRMS 6-9 Bipod
Podlock
TAB Gear sling
1000 175SMK's
5 lb jug of varget
1000 Match grade primers
200 or more pieces of Lapua brass.
Thatd be about 2500 bucks in the rifle and about 400 bucks in the reloading components.
Lastly and perhaps most importantly is to buy a membership to the online training forum here.
There goes your 3,000 bucks and you'll have a very nice .308 thatll take you to 1,000 yards.
Oh yah, and finish filling out your profile.
Re: Trying to get started
rrflyer Thanks for the info im gonna be looking into all my options. Spending that kind of money I dont want to regret it. Also besides being new to long range shooting im also new to forums thanks for the heads up about my profile.
rrflyer Thanks for the info im gonna be looking into all my options. Spending that kind of money I dont want to regret it. Also besides being new to long range shooting im also new to forums thanks for the heads up about my profile.
Re: Trying to get started
The Savage model 10 FCP in a couple different configurations is a great place to start.
http://www.savagearms.com/firearms/models/
The Savage model 10 FCP in a couple different configurations is a great place to start.
http://www.savagearms.com/firearms/models/
Re: Trying to get started
For the money in a ok stock the Remington SPS(20") and PSS(P)(26") are both fine 1/4 - 1/2 MOA rifles from the box. Their stocks are not the best but leave lots of money for a good optics system. I like USO. Call them up and see how much a complete system with a ST-10 is(rings, base, scope). The other scope option is to go with SWFA, call and see what kind of Super Sniper(SWFA Proprietary) kit you can get. Add a Harris bipod(low cost avenue) or a Atlas bipod(higher cost, but well worth the price).
Other noteworthy gun, higher entry price, but very much worthwhile is the Savage 10FCP McMillan. Matter of fact, most of Savages FCP models are under 2k and very worthwhile to a SERIOUS shooter.
LOAD:
for the PSS, my 45.0 Varget/175SMK/Win Case/Match,WLR,M210 primer load works real well. 2700fps and is able to hit consistantly at, or under, 1/2MOA when I do my part.
For the shorter barrel I drop down to 44.5 Varget or 44.0 and shoot for 2600 - 2650 FPS. The actual load all depends on your barrel. Some go a little faster, some a little slower. The best way to go about is of course to load about 5 - 10 of each loading from 44.0 - 45.0(maybe even 45.5) and shoot them to see which your rifle likes the best.
If it were my money and I had nothing that shot farther than 500M in a bolt gun, I would probably get the 20" SPS and a US Optics scope system. If I was in SD a quick trip up the 5 would get me to Buena Park in short order to personally order my scope direct from the factory
For the money in a ok stock the Remington SPS(20") and PSS(P)(26") are both fine 1/4 - 1/2 MOA rifles from the box. Their stocks are not the best but leave lots of money for a good optics system. I like USO. Call them up and see how much a complete system with a ST-10 is(rings, base, scope). The other scope option is to go with SWFA, call and see what kind of Super Sniper(SWFA Proprietary) kit you can get. Add a Harris bipod(low cost avenue) or a Atlas bipod(higher cost, but well worth the price).
Other noteworthy gun, higher entry price, but very much worthwhile is the Savage 10FCP McMillan. Matter of fact, most of Savages FCP models are under 2k and very worthwhile to a SERIOUS shooter.
LOAD:
for the PSS, my 45.0 Varget/175SMK/Win Case/Match,WLR,M210 primer load works real well. 2700fps and is able to hit consistantly at, or under, 1/2MOA when I do my part.
For the shorter barrel I drop down to 44.5 Varget or 44.0 and shoot for 2600 - 2650 FPS. The actual load all depends on your barrel. Some go a little faster, some a little slower. The best way to go about is of course to load about 5 - 10 of each loading from 44.0 - 45.0(maybe even 45.5) and shoot them to see which your rifle likes the best.
If it were my money and I had nothing that shot farther than 500M in a bolt gun, I would probably get the 20" SPS and a US Optics scope system. If I was in SD a quick trip up the 5 would get me to Buena Park in short order to personally order my scope direct from the factory
G
Guest
Guest
Re: Trying to get started
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: geoff88</div><div class="ubbcode-body">This is to tucker301, I greatly appreciate any advice but one of the things i have have learned in my life is you get what you pay for, so when you say something is gonna be cheap I think its gonna be built cheap. Do you have any other advice about Savage that I wont see online. </div></div>
All I can tell you is what my own experiences have been.
I bought a Savage factory varminter for $500 a few years back. Out of the box, it was shooting 1 MOA with factory loads.
Today, the barrel is 2 inches shorter and recrowned, it sports a bedded HS stock, and it's topped with a Leupold VXIII 6.5-20 X 50.
It's easily worth $1700 now, and I've seen guys post groups from their $6,000 plus custom guns here, and I wonder where all of their money went.
If you do your research carefully and methodically, you'll find that Savages shoot, right out of the box, better than any other mass-produced brand you can find.
You'll also find that Savages win.
Savage is built well and it's made so that the owner/novice gunsmith can work on it.
You can buy a factory gun for little cash, or you can even buy just the action and start going custom right off the bat.
Custom triggers, high-end barrels, quality stocks, trued and timed actions, and so on. The thing about the Savage is that you can keep customizing and upgrading the base receiver as you go along.
They say the Pacnor barrels really make them shine, and I may try one one of these days. But for now, I'm quite content with the factory barrel on mine.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: geoff88</div><div class="ubbcode-body">This is to tucker301, I greatly appreciate any advice but one of the things i have have learned in my life is you get what you pay for, so when you say something is gonna be cheap I think its gonna be built cheap. Do you have any other advice about Savage that I wont see online. </div></div>
All I can tell you is what my own experiences have been.
I bought a Savage factory varminter for $500 a few years back. Out of the box, it was shooting 1 MOA with factory loads.
Today, the barrel is 2 inches shorter and recrowned, it sports a bedded HS stock, and it's topped with a Leupold VXIII 6.5-20 X 50.
It's easily worth $1700 now, and I've seen guys post groups from their $6,000 plus custom guns here, and I wonder where all of their money went.
If you do your research carefully and methodically, you'll find that Savages shoot, right out of the box, better than any other mass-produced brand you can find.
You'll also find that Savages win.
Savage is built well and it's made so that the owner/novice gunsmith can work on it.
You can buy a factory gun for little cash, or you can even buy just the action and start going custom right off the bat.
Custom triggers, high-end barrels, quality stocks, trued and timed actions, and so on. The thing about the Savage is that you can keep customizing and upgrading the base receiver as you go along.
They say the Pacnor barrels really make them shine, and I may try one one of these days. But for now, I'm quite content with the factory barrel on mine.
G
Guest
Guest
Re: Trying to get started
Here is a more direct link to what Queequeg was trying to show you.
http://www.savagearms.com/firearms/model/10FP
Here is a more direct link to what Queequeg was trying to show you.
http://www.savagearms.com/firearms/model/10FP
Re: Trying to get started
I agree with most that precedes, but I also really think it may be a bit early to get specialized and spendy.
Most good basic factory rifles with varmint weight and length barrels, chambered in, say, .308, are gonna be adequate to deliver appropriate projectiles out to 1Kyd. Despite a bit of reasonable concern about good equipment beings essential to good performance, the basic varmint rifle these days is likely to be able to outshoot it owner, regardless of the distance.
Until one hones the skills and develops them to an above average level of precision, no amount of additional spending will change the outcome.
I like the Savage varmint offerings, and recommend them for their Accue-Trigger and Accue-Stock features.
It's my honest belief that such a firearm will serve well, up to and beyond the point where its shortcomings become genuinely apparent.
I say beyond, because by about the time the barrel loses its accuracy, it becomes a rather simpler matter than with most other rifles to replace that barrel with a premium version. At that point, the system 'resets' and outcomes are upgraded along with the barrel.
Other component upgrades will have recommended themselves along the way, but the barrel is the first meaningful step I'd suggest, to serve as a proper foundation for the others.
It's also my opinion that far too much shooting is done with the primary firearm, and the wear and tear may not be justified. This is where a .22LR trainer (and wisely, keep it simple and basic) earns its room and keep, by offloading unnecessary W&T from the primary.
Greg
PS Back in 2002, The 'Hide set out to build a bargain match rifle. We obtained three of the very last Savage 10FP's that were factory chambered in .260 Remington. Sharpshooter Supply donated triggers and recoil lugs. McMillan donated A3 and A4 stocks. We took them to the First Spirit of America Match that September, after a very quick load workup. I didn't do as well as the others throughout the week, but finished up on my last day with a 197/200 at the 1000yd line. Very simply, if you want an accurate O/O box rifle, the Savages are at the head of that line, and they're best priced, too.
Despite the occasional nsayers, you've landed in Savage Country, Pard...
I agree with most that precedes, but I also really think it may be a bit early to get specialized and spendy.
Most good basic factory rifles with varmint weight and length barrels, chambered in, say, .308, are gonna be adequate to deliver appropriate projectiles out to 1Kyd. Despite a bit of reasonable concern about good equipment beings essential to good performance, the basic varmint rifle these days is likely to be able to outshoot it owner, regardless of the distance.
Until one hones the skills and develops them to an above average level of precision, no amount of additional spending will change the outcome.
I like the Savage varmint offerings, and recommend them for their Accue-Trigger and Accue-Stock features.
It's my honest belief that such a firearm will serve well, up to and beyond the point where its shortcomings become genuinely apparent.
I say beyond, because by about the time the barrel loses its accuracy, it becomes a rather simpler matter than with most other rifles to replace that barrel with a premium version. At that point, the system 'resets' and outcomes are upgraded along with the barrel.
Other component upgrades will have recommended themselves along the way, but the barrel is the first meaningful step I'd suggest, to serve as a proper foundation for the others.
It's also my opinion that far too much shooting is done with the primary firearm, and the wear and tear may not be justified. This is where a .22LR trainer (and wisely, keep it simple and basic) earns its room and keep, by offloading unnecessary W&T from the primary.
Greg
PS Back in 2002, The 'Hide set out to build a bargain match rifle. We obtained three of the very last Savage 10FP's that were factory chambered in .260 Remington. Sharpshooter Supply donated triggers and recoil lugs. McMillan donated A3 and A4 stocks. We took them to the First Spirit of America Match that September, after a very quick load workup. I didn't do as well as the others throughout the week, but finished up on my last day with a 197/200 at the 1000yd line. Very simply, if you want an accurate O/O box rifle, the Savages are at the head of that line, and they're best priced, too.
Despite the occasional nsayers, you've landed in Savage Country, Pard...
