which rifle for new guy

[jmsvickers]

Hey Fellas long time troller first time poster. I have been looking into getting a long range tactical/practical hunter/shooter I found two riffles on here that fit my budget and interests but have little to no knowledge on them. the first is a GAP 30-06 w Mcmillian htg stock and #3 contour bbl I really like it as its almost a bare bones Vietnam era sniper. The other is a Steyr ssg in an unknown caliber most likely .308 which is good as I have an M1A and Fal but the allure of the 06 is... awesome. so i am at a loss as to which would be better as a tacticool hunter and practical shooter. Also I reload so the cost of ammo is not a factor. thanks for any and all input and be gentle its my first time

 

[Big Cal]

Re: which rifle for new guy

My opinion would be go the steyr their a really accurate rig from what I've seen and when compared to the .30-06 I think .308 is a better cartridge I know people are going to arc up but it's my opinion either way I think they will both be good shooters but I'd go with a .308 over a .30-06

 

[KT35]

Re: which rifle for new guy

I had the pleasure to shoot an SSG 08 the other day at the range and I'm very impressed with it.

Very accurate and comfortable.

KT

 

[jmsvickers]

Re: which rifle for new guy

Ok I've done a lil more research and found out that the SSG has a rear locking bolt i could be wrong but does this style stretch the case or is that just in older SMLE rifles? also its a 69 P II. oh and which would be more rugged/reliable? I know the gap is on a 700 action which is the standard for our military but the SSG is the standard for a few smaller countries (well according to wikipedia).

 

[Big Cal]

Re: which rifle for new guy

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: jmsvickers</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Ok I've done a lil more research and found out that the SSG has a rear locking bolt i could be wrong but does this style stretch the case or is that just in older SMLE rifles? also its a 69 P II. oh and which would be more rugged/reliable? I know the gap is on a 700 action which is the standard for our military but the SSG is the standard for a few smaller countries (well according to wikipedia). </div></div>
The smle usually stretches cases only because the headspace is wrong if the rifle is headspaced correctly problem is solved. So it's not an action problem IMO both rifles are good just pick your preferred caliber

 

[fdkay]

Re: which rifle for new guy

The problem with the steyr is if you ever want to rebarrel.
Very problematic.

 

[KPK]

Re: which rifle for new guy

GAP

 

[thebolt]

Re: which rifle for new guy

<span style="font-family: 'Arial'">They are both nice rifles and either would work. The Steyr ssg has one good point of being in .308. The GAP has a large number of points and I would personally go GAP.</span>

 

[RollinCoal11]

Re: which rifle for new guy

I'd go with the .308. Lots of ammo options

 

[netranger6]

Re: which rifle for new guy

.308, and you can practice a little patience on this board, in doing so, you may find a rig (GAP, Surgeon) that you can get into for a little more.

 

[steve123]

Re: which rifle for new guy

Nothing against either one of those rifles but since they are quite different and it seems you are undecided at this point,you should consider the full spectrum of rifles available in that price range.

For factory rifles in that price range the Euro optics TRG22 in 260 Rem is my #1 first choice.

#2 would be a AIAE in 6.5 cal.

As far as a custom rifle goes,a Surgeon 591 actioned combo picking your high quality stock,trigger,DBM and reputable smith is a no brainer for success.

 

[Remoah]

Re: which rifle for new guy

The best thing you can do is to get behind a gun, feel it, even shoot it if you can. Would you buy a new car just because I recommend it to you on the internet? Nope, you'd go to the dealer and take it for a test drive first.

If you're into reloading already then more 'specialist' cartridges that aren't 30-06 or .308 would be worth looking at. Primarily because they'd have better all-round ballistics and the only limitation most people have with getting into them IS reloading (I don't reload, this was the #1 reason in getting a .308 for me). If you're going and getting GAP to build you a custom rifle, you can get it in whatever calibre you want!

Also, considered AE's and TRG's, both are awesome rifles!

 

[hugo121175]

Re: which rifle for new guy

Here is a good reference as to caliber choice: http://www.snipershide.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=1877441#Post1877441

If you are reloading: I also would choose the 30-06 over a .308win. It is basically the .308 magnum..... You have a plethora of projectiles you can throw from it, and other reloading options. (There are loads of calibers that maybe better, but it all falls on what flavor you like)

If you are not reloading: There aren't many match grade ammo makers that load 30-06, and you'd be better off with a caliber that is cost effective to shoot regularly. (That is unless your veins ooze liquid gold)

If you have the ability go to a high-end rifle store near you, or stop by a match, and ask to feel and/or fit yourself to different stocks it would be good to do. What one person feels as comfortable to shoot isn't necessarily right for you. (Example: I don't like the feel of the A3 stock. Does that mean that it's not a great stock? NO, it just means that my face doesn't ride on the comb the way I think it should.)

If you plan on buying a high-end rifle, make sure you can afford all the extras that you may want for it. The TRG is a super sweet rig, but it's going to cost you serious bucks to by the extras you may want....

JM2C & Food For Thought

Hugo

 

[seanh]

Re: which rifle for new guy

I've owned the ssg's and found the only thing I liked was the way it looked and the trigger. I ended up getting rid of them for 700PSS.

The ssg's I've shot and owned were all consistant MOA shooters but never could find loads that would shoot as well as the 700's. Even the factory loads from my 700's shot better than the ssg's.

I'm not saying the ssg wont shoot, just that the 700's I've had shot better and at less cost.

Personally I'd go with a GAP

 

[jmsvickers]

Re: which rifle for new guy

WOW didn't expect such responses. I am fond of the trg but It appears to be a lil too unwieldy in the environment I intend to use the rifles in. So I am leaning t'ward the SSG as it is still an accurate rifle, plenty good enough for 300 yrds which is probably the farthest I would be comfortable using it to and still has a stock that lends itself to more varied shooting positions rather than just prone or benchrest. Also there aren't any decent boom stick store close to me to be able to test (or grope) them. Thus most of my fire arm purchases are... just kinda "I like that one" style which has thankfully worked out for me so far (knock on wood). However I enjoy ppl making me second guess my self so when I finally do decide its usually with out a shadow of a doubt. I guess what im saying is keep the responses coming!

 

[*greenhorn*]

Re: which rifle for new guy

i have a small question, and it might be an silly one? why not start small with a 700 sps style before dropping serious money on such equipment, with the set ups your talking amount, you need to load development, you need sporting equipment, data books, reloading equipment. you cant take these platforms out and shoot American Eagle through them and be connsistant? lot to lot ballistic can change quickly

 

[Greg Langelius *]

Re: which rifle for new guy

I suggest the Savage 11 Long Range Hunter, available in 6.5 Creedmore, .260 Rem. .308 Win, and .300 WSM. It has the Accue-Trigger and Accue-Stock, both of which I like a lot, along with the Karsten Adjustable Cheekpiece, and Savage Adjustable Muzzle Brake, which can be turned off for situations that might require it. Listing at around $1000, it can usually be had for less from your local dealer.

The rifle is a factory product, with a warrantee, and needs no modifications to be well suited to your needs. The Savage is one of the easier rifles to rebarrel when the need finally arises. You can even have Savage do it for you if you like.

Relatively similar, the 10 Predator Hunter Max I is cheaper, but seems to be limited to the smaller calibers (no 30's), and lacks the brake and cheekpad. I have one chambered in .260 Rem and I like it a lot for precisely the purposes you mention. All up, optics and mounts, it weighs in at about 10lb.

I handload, so the .260 Rem is a desirable option for me. If you don't, the 6.5 CM, .308 Win, and .300WSM are still good choices.

Greg

 

[*greenhorn*]

Re: which rifle for new guy

+1 on savage, to change barrels is relay easy you can do it no gunsmith all you need is spent cartage for safety reasons as a go-no go gauge and a bolt if new bolt face needed and their you go from what i understand, i bought a savage 10 before my 700 but the aftermarket for stocks and such are limited

I had one when i 1st got in to the long range game, but i sold it, i regret that fact because of the switch barrel ability. look at them their quite a nice platform

but my statement of load development is key with a 600 dollar gun and a 3k weapon system, you have to do the most you can to stay consistent so you can engage targets ant distance knowing that your projectile is not a factor in your calculation. all you need to worried about is elements not manics.

 

[jmsvickers]

Re: which rifle for new guy

I looked at the savages but just didn't fall in love (champagne taste on beer budget I guess) I might still end up with one all beit a much more conservative hunting rifle style But for now I have decided on the SSG. I appreciate all of the input guys and look forward to many good posts after all I still gota get glass! and review the new stick.oh and happy birthday ( a lil late) MARINES!

 

[Greg Langelius *]

Re: which rifle for new guy

My LR rifle is/was a factory Savage 10FP .260 that fired a 197/200 at the first Spirit of America Match in 2002 at 1000yd. It has since been upgraded with a McM factory bedded McMillan A3 and a Lothar-Walther 28" barrel. After 9 years as a .260 it is currently getting a barrel swap to a .30BR for FV200 comp.

If you want to spend the money on the SSG, I commend you; but the guns I buy these days are Savages. I have (and have had) Rem 700's, Win Mod 70's, and Rugers MKI and MKII. They are all excellent rifles, but I buy Savage nowadays.

There is nothing flimsy, fluky, or trashy about current Savage production. I have bought 2 new Savages since the beginning of September, and I like the quality they deliver. Their product line contains models that exactly meet my needs with no afterthoughts about modifications. I have no relationship with the company beyond being an average customer.

Greg

 

[itieknots7]

Re: which rifle for new guy

I think 308 would be a better choice as ammo choices are much more plentiful and there is a lot of ballistic data already avaialble.