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.
Budget precision rifle ideas
- Thread starter AtlMedic
- Start date
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!
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.
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.
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.
I love me some 700. Not a fan of Salvages, but that's personal preference.
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.
I really dig that. This is not helping me be patient in saving money for a rifle.
I was patient for a long time, but then decided to go in. Actually wasn't that bad in cost comparatively to many other custom builds.
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.
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.
Whatever flats your boat. Even a 16" .308 will do 1,000yds.
Both an HK MR762 and a Desert Tech Covert Stealth Recon (the Desert Tech is a bolt action bullpup).
Are there any major benefits to a longer or shorter barrel aside from velocity difference and physical size of the gun?
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.
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.
A shorter barrel "may" give you the opportunity for increased accuracy due to the increased stiffness...negligible though.