Another $1500 budget rifle with optics.($1334.52 spent, first range trip done)

baker42

CGN Regular
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Hey CGN,

So my last budget build was a 300winmag and some people messaged me saying "How is a powder burner a budget?". Also there are very few over the counter match loads that are easy to come buy and you will end up getting into reloading to make it worth while.

So after I picked up a Rem 700 in 308 on here for a deal, and not knowing what to do with it. I decided "Why not do another budget build with optics!"

So my standard budget of $1500 will apply and yes this includes optics. Anything I sell off the rifle will go into the budget, but in the end I must be on or under $1500. Also in the end I want to be able to make minimum 3/5 consecutive hits (5rnd grouping, 3 must hit) on a 12inchX12inch gong or paper at 1000m. I know a lot of people say this is doable, but it actually is getting harder to find the deals out there. Its not going to be a custom, but it will have many features that will make shooting at distance nicer, and more user friendly. I like to prove you don't need high budgets and look cool chassis to get into the long range sport. What is more important is getting out and learning and in this day and age, the less you have to spend, the more likely you are to do and enjoy it!

Anyways,

What I have;

Rifle

Remington 700 Varmint Sendero Stainless Fluted (VSSF). This is an early model in 308. The barrel date indicates 1994 so is also pre X-Mark trigger. Remington did discontinue the 308 model but carried on with other rnds a few more years. The previous owner claims a little more then 600rnds fired. I tend to believe this as most CGN EE sellers always say less then 500 and the rifle looks in decent shape. After giving it a full clean and copper removal (I like to start fresh) I started looking over the rifle. The barrel has some very deep flutes cut into it and run for most of the length. It is a 26inch and if my reading is correct 1-12 twist. The stock in these gen is an HS Precision though I can never tell the obvious differences myself of the HS and B&C in this style. Both have aluminum bedding blocks and are solid stocks in my opinion. Usually these are my go to tuber ware replacement types. The trigger is nice, has the large blade much like the Timney 510 I switch to. There is a little bit of take up, then a light pressure. I don't have a scale to determine exact weight of pull. I never actually concerned myself with the numbers on this rather the consistency and feel.

Optics and Mounts

Don't know yet! I have a Vortex 3-9 on there now, just because I had it lying around. This could be made to work I think but is not what I want. I could go with my tried and true Bushnell 10X if I can find one for the right price. Seems everyone has upped the price do to inflation even if they are 10 year old models. Or I keep looking at the Diamondback Tactical. They seem interesting and might be had for a decent price. I don't know yet, and input would help!

For mounts a picked up a Weaver rail for cheap and a set of Vortex 1inch low rings because that's something my local shop had.

Others

So well I was at the shop I seen they had a Magpul DBM kit. Now I know they are drop in for their Hunter stock but I had seen/heard some people doing some work to make them fit in any other stock. So for the cheap price I picked one up. I figured sense I don't think I want to change the trigger at this time, feels great, then I can use that part of the budget to do something else cool and trendy.
Now when I got home I pulled out my files and tried hard not to use a dermal. Though when I got to tall boy #4 (bud was on sale) and 1.5hrs in I used the dermal, wish I had stayed course with the files for the slow smoother look but I didn't. Still fits, and functions amazingly. Actually to be honest, I found it is smoother then the factory BDL floor plate. I will clean up my dermal work when I bed the rifle though. Some won't even notice what I am talking about, but I do.

The bipod is a Harris UltraLight I picked up used awhile ago for $75, it works so I'll use it.

Anyway lets see if PhotoBucket still works for me;


IMG_20170719_170956_zpsbzjf2qck by DJ Bay, on Flickr



Cost to Date

Rifle = $775.00
BDM = $148.04
Rail/Rings = $91.48
Bipod = $75.00
Scope =$245.00 (was $239.00 have bushnell 10x as of 28/Aug/17)

Total= $1334.52 as of 28/Aug/17 (all prices are total cost shipping and tax included)

All in all this actually feels like a decent, handy rifle at this time. It weights in at 10.2lbs with bipod, optics, sling and 5rnds and is well balanced.

I will keep this updated as much as possible, and will try and add some more pics.

Time to hunt for optics and see what I can come up with.

Cheers
 
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There's was one for 250 shipped in the EE but I was too late.

But for some reason the one thing, and one thing only, that I don't really like buying used is a scope. Even if it looks good you just never know how it was treated, and if something is wrong internally you're in for a headache.

I'm in the process of a similar budget build myself. I recently traded a glock for a 700 AAC, and am piecing it together. Almost done. Taking the value of the Glock into the mix I'm hoping to get under the $2k mark. I want an HS stock for it to replace the hogue, hoping another EE score will get it and then I'll tally up the total.

--

Edit to add, just got an HS stock and a set of Rings, so all my parts should be incoming soon.

Breakdown: I originally paid $750 for a PPQ Navy, traded that for a new G19, added a RYG trigger for 125, and traded it for a 700AAC + 50 bucks... so the rifle cost me $825 by my count.
It had a beat up bolt handle so I sent that off to ATRS for oversize handle install. Also got an ATRS 30moa rail while I was at it... total for rail and handle job after tax + ship = $350
Bushnell 10x40 from amazon: 300 and change after tax and free prime shipping. I love this scope, and have it on my Savage. Best bang for the buck.
Versapod from EE: $100
Weaver rings from EE: $30
HS Precision stock from EE: $275
Black Rose Tac muzzle brake: Free as I used PP funds from a friend that owed me a favor.

Total done-and-done = $1880

Not bad. Can't wait for all the parts to arrive. Without the stock and bolt knob I'd have just made it under 1500.
 
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There's was one for 250 shipped in the EE but I was too late.

But for some reason the one thing, and one thing only, that I don't really like buying used is a scope. Even if it looks good you just never know how it was treated, and if something is wrong internally you're in for a headache.

I'm in the process of a similar budget build myself. I recently traded a glock for a 700 AAC, and am piecing it together. Almost done. Taking the value of the Glock into the mix I'm hoping to get under the $2k mark. I want an HS stock for it to replace the hogue, hoping another EE score will get it and then I'll tally up the total.

--

Edit to add, just got an HS stock and a set of Rings, so all my parts should be incoming soon.

Breakdown: I originally paid $750 for a PPQ Navy, traded that for a new G19, added a RYG trigger for 125, and traded it for a 700AAC + 50 bucks... so the rifle cost me $825 by my count.
It had a beat up bolt handle so I sent that off to ATRS for oversize handle install. Also got an ATRS 30moa rail while I was at it... total for rail and handle job after tax + ship = $350
Bushnell 10x40 from amazon: 300 and change after tax and free prime shipping. I love this scope, and have it on my Savage. Best bang for the buck.
Versapod from EE: $100
Weaver rings from EE: $30
HS Precision stock from EE: $275
Black Rose Tac muzzle brake: Free as I used PP funds from a friend that owed me a favor.

Total done-and-done = $1880

Not bad. Can't wait for all the parts to arrive. Without the stock and bolt knob I'd have just made it under 1500.

Haha well its good thing I was gonna say I was cool with you posting yours here as I see you edited your post already.

So questions to you then, as this could turn into a battle of the budget builds, are you able to compete in the 3/5 1000m challenge as I have laid out?
 
There's was one for 250 shipped in the EE but I was too late.
But for some reason the one thing, and one thing only, that I don't really like buying used is a scope. Even if it looks good you just never know how it was treated, and if something is wrong internally you're in for a headache.

For something like the Bushnell I don't mind buying used. Their no question asked warranty covers any doubt for me. BUT only if its the right price. Such as I see two on here for $275+ and they both say +shipping, well I may as well buy Amazon's brand new one as its coming out at the same price. I know my local CT sells them for $429 and some others in Canada for $399.
 
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Next photo should be the rifle places on something ###y and appealing.... notcha dirty rug ... no one likes a dirty rug.... lol
 
Well first rounds down range. I have to say I was pretty happy with it.

IMG_20170813_104816_hdr by DJ Bay, on Flickr

IMG_20170813_112705_hdr by DJ Bay, on Flickr

Range report;

Time: 10:00-11:39 13/Aug/17
Location: Local Range
Weather:
-Temp: 23C (Local "feels like" 26C)
-Humidity: 50%
-Pressure: 101.4kPa
-Wind: 11kmh Gust 17km 9 o'clock
Ammo:
Winchester 147fmj
-Temp: 28C
-Projectile: 147g fmj
-BC: Factory listed 0.415
-Powder: Factory
-Case: Factory Winchester
-Primer: Factory Winchester
-Velocity: Not Tested
Number of Rnds fired: 70
Distance shot: 100m, 150m

Targets:
Choice Targets

IMG_20170813_122827 by DJ Bay, on Flickr


Here is the best 5rnd I could do today:

IMG_20170813_122854_hdr by DJ Bay, on Flickr

5rnd= 2.100-0.308=1.792
3rnd= 0.780-0.308=0.472


Not sure what happened, the high right ones are the first 2, then the next three were there. Could be me, could be ammo, but going mostly with ME!


After that group I decied to give the Na sayers a group to work with. So here is a 10rnd group;

IMG_20170813_122905_hdr by DJ Bay, on Flickr

10rnd= 3.400-0.308=3.092
8rnd = 2.100-0.308=1.792


Not bad for FMJ. Note the C beside the two lower rnds. I did call these. Both happened after having to change/reload mags and get back into postion. Only having the one 5rnd mag that the Magpul kit came with does, in my mind, defeat the purpose of mags. Must get a few more. If I do I will add them to the total cost.

Comments;

Alright now that that is laid out here is what went down. So didn't have any handloads or factory match, but had a bunch of Winchester 147fmj laying around. So being a great morning, off to the range to shoot. First got the scope dialed in, then started plinking. It shot very will considering. It does seem to like being dirty as the groups kept closing up the more I shot it. After the 10rnd group I went to the 150m and started ringing the head of a metal target to finish off the rest of the ammo I brought.

I love the rifle really. The Magpul mag system functioned flawlessly and not one feed issue. A note though; you can feel a difference closing on an empty chamber vs a rnd, this could be good in a competition setting I would think as you would know fairly quickly that you lost count and not take up the extra time on a nothing shot. I due need more mags though!

Trigger's take up was nice, you could take up slack then feel the spot before continuing with the shot. I do like this for long range as it gives me that last "check" before sending it.

The optics have to change. I don't know if it is because I am spoiled with alot of high end optics but it just isn't giving my the clarity I am looking for. Though it passed a box testish, I would like better ammo to confirm it.

All in all I found myself having more fun with it, then my Blaser R8. Go figure the $1300 was more fun then the $5k rifle!

I did come to a realization, To keep this in the budget world, when I attempt the 1000m test, I will only use over the counter factory match. This is because most people who are on this kind of budget probably don't reload. To this, the first cheap factory non match rnds through this rifle did very well. I like this because it would allow a shooter to learn the fundamentals without loosing confidence or creating a huge whole in their wallet!
 
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So questions to you then, as this could turn into a battle of the budget builds, are you able to compete in the 3/5 1000m challenge as I have laid out?

Yes, but not sure when I'll be able to get out to my spot to do it. I have a gong painted and ready, but with work and kids it's tough to get out to the 1k spot.

I can probably get to my 100m spot soon enough. God knows I'm trying.

I will be loading my own ammo though: once fired federal brass, 168gr A-Max, 43gr IMR-4064, CCI Primers. (I will also load some 178's for going out to 1k). When I get out there I'll play ball and see how mine compares. Until then I'll just remember the good 'ol days when I was shooting every weekend ;)
 
Yes, but not sure when I'll be able to get out to my spot to do it. I have a gong painted and ready, but with work and kids it's tough to get out to the 1k spot.

I can probably get to my 100m spot soon enough. God knows I'm trying.

I will be loading my own ammo though: once fired federal brass, 168gr A-Max, 43gr IMR-4064, CCI Primers. (I will also load some 178's for going out to 1k). When I get out there I'll play ball and see how mine compares. Until then I'll just remember the good 'ol days when I was shooting every weekend ;)

Would you be willing to purchase one box of off the shelf ammo for the 1000m? This would be the true test for both of us. Like I mentioned earlier that would be more "budget realm" for most people and a better apples to apples, well more Red Delicious to Gala kind of comparison!

For my work up I will be using mostly hand loads as well, as I would be financially stupid not to, just for the challenge I will use a couple boxes of off the shelf.
 
Well scope arrived today, and it is great. It is one of the newest styles, and should be considering previous owner mentioned they purchased it one month ago. It came exactly how you would get it brand new.

All the clicks feel good. Easily mounted. Now I will have to get some ammo and head out to the range and feel it out. I have adjusted the original total on my first post to accommodate this.

Sorry no pics right now as I guess people on here don't like me at home pics with my dirty rug.
 
Cool idea. Definitely appeals to me, seeing as I created my own "budget build". Although my rifle ain't so pretty as yours or most people's.

Rifle: R700 5R chambered in .308, Bedded in HS Precision stock > $800

Optic: Leupold Mark 4 M3 3.5-10x40mm > $775

Base: Nightforce steel 20moa base, old style > included in rifle purchase

Rings: Badger Ordnance 30mm USMC SASR rings > $100

Bipod: Harris 6"-9" S-BRM & KMW POD-LOC > $150

Trigger: Timney 510 > included in rifle purchase

Sling: Tactical Intervention Specialists M24 quick cuff sling > $100

Accesories: TACOPS check pad > free

KRG bolt lift > included in rifle purchase

Limbsaver slip-on recoil pad > included in rifle purchase

JSA Tactical barricade rest > included in rifle purchase

Total price: $1925 CAD

https://imgur.com/a/QVorD
 
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That sounds like a nicely put together rig!

And funny I am having a very hard time not making this one look like yours... I have an addiction to Krylon and ususaly change with the season!

I see most people try and keep it under the 2k mark, and I would be right next to you with your optic choice if I raised my budget for sure! Something with a Parallax adjustment would be best. Thats why I usually choose the fixed power scopes for budget wise to take the magnification moving parts out of the Parallax issue.

All in all good job and great finds Das!
 
Actually on optics I often wondered about getting one of the fake Leupolds or S&B for the features and see how close and well they actually stood up. I know the glass may not compare to what they are trying to emulate, but wonder about the other features....
 
Well quick update;

I haven't had too many chances to take the rifle out and zero the 10x yet due to work. Thinking of sitting down and pounding out some reloads and at least get it zeroed up. Though most likely sense hunting season is around the corner, it will go by the wayside until animals are in the freezer.

On another note I think I might be following Jerry at Mystic's Rem 783 build and doing a side by side budget build off of my own. After reading and following some of his build ideas with the 783 I thought it might actually be a good base and competitor to my Remington 700 build.

So after looking around at the prices of some parts and rifles I jumped on a new 783 compact in $308 for $350 shipped. Going to message Jerry about a barrel, EGW base and maybe the drop mag he used and see where I come out at the end.

I will keep you guys posted, kind of like the old faithful and new styles and see what it comes down too. Again final test will be factory ammo only in both!
 
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