Budget precision rifle ideas

GA Firing Line

AtlMedic

Not A Doctor
Mar 25, 2015
2,644
1,441
113
Smyrna, GA
Zip code
30082
You are not gonna really get a "custom" gun for $1,200. Nothing wrong with that. I'd look at good factory rifles. My choice would be 6.5 creedmoor for off the shelf match ammo at reasonable price - I pay just over $1 a round for 140 grain ELDM's.

Tikka T3x T or T3X CTR (Georgia Gun Store carries them for just over $900)
Ruger Precision Rifle - if you are going to change anything out on it, go ahead and just get the Gen1. They pretty much just changed aesthetics and added a muzzle brake for $250 more.
Bergara B14 (Georgia company - right in Lawrenceville)

If you want to feel like it is custom, Ruger American Predator in 6.5 and drop it into a stock or chassis of your choosing, but you are getting a better barrel out of the box with one of the above and already in a better quality stock or chassis system.

Lots of folks coming out with precision rifles in 6.5 for around $1k now - Howa (heard nothing but good out of these, but very new to the game), Savage, etc, etc, etc. Lots of choices these days, but the top 3 would be my first choices

I fully understand that $1200 is a very low budget. But I figure any rifle I get will out shoot my skill set and if I ever get to where I can shoot better than the rifle is capable of I can always buy a nice rifle and/or scope.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Rwjeter

ReservoirDawg10

Sniper
Site Supporter
Apr 10, 2016
1,655
1,571
113
Gwinnett
Zip code
30519
I fully understand that $1200 is a very low budget. But I figure any rifle I get will out shoot my skill set and if I ever get to where I can shoot better than the rifle is capable of I can always buy a nice rifle and/or scope.

Wasn't poking at your budget at all. The main thing is to get out and shoot. Get what you can afford and shoot the damn thing!
 
  • Like
Reactions: Rwjeter

AtlMedic

Not A Doctor
Mar 25, 2015
2,644
1,441
113
Smyrna, GA
Zip code
30082
Wasn't poking at your budget at all. The main thing is to get out and shoot. Get what you can afford and shoot the damn thing!
Oh I know you weren't being malicious.

One thing that makes me want to go with a Rem 700 or a Savage is that the amount of aftermarket parts I could slowly upgrade the rifle as my skills needed.
 

cmshoot

Marksman
Jul 12, 2016
1,403
1,710
113
Dallas, GA
Zip code
30132
Keep an eye out for a good deal on a used rifle. Just the other day I saw a Rem700 5R go for around $750. Outstanding deal!

Any factory heavy-barreled Rem700 in .308, 6.5, or .260 will do, including the SPS Varmint and Tactical. They can be had new for under $600. Over time, you can upgrade it with a better stock, trigger, etc.

A Gen1 Vortex Viper PST can be had for a good deal nowadays.
 
  • Like
Reactions: AtlMedic

ReservoirDawg10

Sniper
Site Supporter
Apr 10, 2016
1,655
1,571
113
Gwinnett
Zip code
30519
Oh I know you weren't being malicious.

One thing that makes me want to go with a Rem 700 or a Savage is that the amount of aftermarket parts I could slowly upgrade the rifle as my skills needed.
I love me some 700. Not a fan of Salvages, but that's personal preference. IMG_20170422_122814.jpg
 
  • Like
Reactions: AtlMedic

AtlMedic

Not A Doctor
Mar 25, 2015
2,644
1,441
113
Smyrna, GA
Zip code
30082
Keep an eye out for a good deal on a used rifle. Just the other day I saw a Rem700 5R go for around $750. Outstanding deal!

Any factory heavy-barreled Rem700 in .308, 6.5, or .260 will do, including the SPS Varmint and Tactical. They can be had new for under $600. Over time, you can upgrade it with a better stock, trigger, etc.

A Gen1 Vortex Viper PST can be had for a good deal nowadays.

That's the kinda thing I was thinking. What barrel length should I look for? I know the rem 700 has different lengths in their heavy barrels between models.
 

Wallace

Tracker
Trusted Trader
Mar 26, 2015
828
370
113
Cartersville
Zip code
30145
I really dig that. This is not helping me be patient in saving money for a rifle.

Just so you know what you would be getting into.

AO has the Gen 2 (or did last year) for $1189.

My build as it sits now.

$1189 RPR
$249 Crossfire II (Get a PST if you can afford it)
$60 Team Warne mount (buddy price, I think they are $110-$120 new)
$80 bi-pod

$1,670-ish after tax. Probably closer to $1,900-$2,000 if you get a PST instead of the kind of crappy Crossfire II and go for a higher end mount.

90e7bb168e7d6d2de110f92419971a88.jpg


Ammo is about $1.35 round for the factory good stuff.

Reloading, I have it down to $.61/RD using good components. Just need to find that magical recipe for my barrel to equal or better the results of the factory Hornady ammo mine likes.

18d82305a8fce39a1aaecb5f18c26ad8.jpg
 

ReservoirDawg10

Sniper
Site Supporter
Apr 10, 2016
1,655
1,571
113
Gwinnett
Zip code
30519
If you up going the 700 route and find a deal on a receiver or one barreled with a standard SA round, I have a takeoff flitted LTR barrel that has been threaded I'll give you. Not the easiest route, but if you find an old ADL in 243 or something for $350, could instantly put on a decent 308 barrel.
 
  • Like
Reactions: AtlMedic

ReservoirDawg10

Sniper
Site Supporter
Apr 10, 2016
1,655
1,571
113
Gwinnett
Zip code
30519
If you up going the 700 route and find a deal on a receiver or one barreled with a standard SA round, I have a takeoff flitted LTR barrel that has been threaded I'll give you. Not the easiest route, but if you find an old ADL in 243 or something for $350, could instantly put on a decent 308 barrel.

Throw AO or choice smith $200 - $300 bucks or so and you would have a blueprinted 700 for 600. I kind of like the thought the more I think about it. Take your time learning and saving up for the stock/chassis you want and build off a decent base.
 

cmshoot

Marksman
Jul 12, 2016
1,403
1,710
113
Dallas, GA
Zip code
30132
Are there any major benefits to a longer or shorter barrel aside from velocity difference and physical size of the gun?

Nope, that's it.

Longer barrel = more velocity. That means less elevation to reach long range. Also, the faster the round is (with all other factors being equal), the better it will buck wind.

Shorter barrels are lighter weight (if all else is equal) and more portable.

Everything is a trade-off. 20", give or take, is all you really need with a .308, or most other short action calibers.
 
  • Like
Reactions: AtlMedic

Laufen

Beloved flaming retard
Lifetime Supporter
Mar 23, 2015
7,927
6,129
113
I85
Zip code
30030
Are there any major benefits to a longer or shorter barrel aside from velocity difference and physical size of the gun?
A shorter barrel "may" give you the opportunity for increased accuracy due to the increased stiffness...negligible though.
 
  • Like
Reactions: AtlMedic