The GF wants a rifle... Yeah!

nuckledragger

nuckledragger

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So... My GF finished her course and is getting her RPAL. She really likes the long range precision (we have been shooting before) and wants her own rifle. She does not like the recoil of my 700 bolt action 308. My thinking is a bolt action 223 or a semi auto 308 (preferably so I am not adding a new caliber). We have regular access to an outdoor range with 200yds. We could have occasional access to a range of 200+. The goal would be clays at 200-500yds. I need some help for a set up to look at putting together for her. She likes the heavy barrel, stainless and laminate stock look for asthetics. Let's say around $1500 for rifle and optics, new if necessary or used is better, Harris bipod as an accessory. She wants a better rifle and will make due with cheaper optics for upgrade later. I have been looking around but would really like a more solid direction and maybe 2-3 ideas to really start looking at to purchase. If anyone has an appropriate set up they want to part with please let me know as well. Thanks for any input, I am super happy my girl is into this!
 
Tikka varmint. SS, heavy barrel, fast twist to get out to 500y. Top it with a Nikon or vortex crossfire and you should be close on your budget. I have a 308 and a 223 and really enjoy the 223. Easy to load for, light recoil and it's been very accurate. Good luck
 
just built my wife this!!!

not done yet but its a custom build from the ground up

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There's still something classic about a bolt action. I put a cheapo brake on my Savage 10TR, and I don't even lose sight of the target through a zoomed in scope, it tamed the recoil so much. So that's braking a rifle for her might let her back into the 308-club.
 
sulisa said:
There's still something classic about a bolt action. I put a cheapo brake on my Savage 10TR, and I don't even lose sight of the target through a zoomed in scope, it tamed the recoil so much. So that's braking a rifle for her might let her back into the 308-club.
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She really likes the action of the bolt cycle. Classic, positive but the recoil is too much for a day of shooting even with my cheap muzzle brake. 10 rounds and she is done.
 
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OP...........I too would suggest a 243 or even a 260 in a hvy barrel.......both shoot very well and are capable of 500 mtr target shooting. The 260 might have a slight advantage in the wind, but neither produce enough recoil to bother her. My preference is the 700 Remington and have many of them, and do recommend them very highly for accuracy, strength and limitless accessories and upgrade gadgets.
 
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c-fbmi said:
OP...........I too would suggest a 243 or even a 260 in a hvy barrel.......both shoot very well and are capable of 500 mtr target shooting. The 260 might have a slight advantage in the wind, but neither produce enough recoil to bother her.
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I am pretty sure it was a 243 bolt action she tried at the range one time and she really liked it as far as the recoil and precision. I need to see if I can get cases of 243. That caliber is popping up more. What about a semi auto hunting 308 so we don't have to add calibers?
 
Do you reload? If you do then 243 or 260 would work well. If you don't reload 223 may be a better choice. Lots of cheaper ammo available. In a bolt may get decent accuracy from some if the cheaper brands.

As far as rifle choice go handle a few to see what she likes best. Vanguard s2 are a good rifle. Howa which is the same has a few different options for there rifles.

Good luck
 
I would definitely go for a .223. A HB .223 is more than capable of busting clays at 500m using good ammunition. Low recoil, cheap to feed....Perfect for your GF.
 
ND.........You may also do what my son did with his GFs 308 and load some 125 gn bullets in your 308 to about 2800 fps and have her try that. A nice reduced recoil load until she gets accustomed to the recoil and may want to go for more, later. That way you're staying within your cartridge comfort zone and not adding new expenses and new cartridges. It worked for her and she is now shooting 165 gnrs at full bore and has taken a couple black bears and a grizzly with it.
 
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