First long(actually middle) range rifle?

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sonichanxiao

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Ideally would get a Barrett or AI in the future. But for now, thinking getting a .308 or similarto start with for 2-500 meter target.

Any recommendations?

Did some quick search, thought about Ruger Precision Rifle Gen 2/3 and Tikka T3X TAC-A1. Both are around 2k.
Would spend another 2k on other parts and training to start with. Any thoughts?

Thanks in advance.
 
Long term you are much better off with the Tikka

99 percent likely to be more accurate out of the box.

100 percent smoother to cycle

Lots of aftermarket stocks and accessories for the Tikka

RPR needs a new trigger and barrel and its about as smooth as a gravel road. (at best)

The Tikka is very good out of the box and then upgrade is optional to make it great.

Even an upgraded RPR will garner at best a low level of enthusiasm.

The Tikka is like a decent looking girl in the bar that once you get to know her, also has a good job, shes pleasant, smart, funny and has a nice family and has had 3 boyfriends in her whole life.

The RPR looks great in the bar, but is miserable half the time, cant cook, doesn't work, and is lousy in bed and has at 21 has had 300 boyfriends.
 
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Don't forget you're going to need a good scope and thats easily $2k+.

If it were me, out of the options you listed, I'd go Tikka in 6.5 Creedmoor and skip the 308 altogether. You'll thank me later.
 
Maple57 said:
Long term you are much better off with the Tikka

99 percent likely to be more accurate out of the box.

100 percent smoother to cycle

Lots of aftermarket stocks and accessories for the Tikka

RPR needs a new trigger and barrel and its about as smooth as a gravel road. (at best)

The Tikka is very good out of the box and then upgrade is optional to make it great.

Even an upgraded RPR will garner at best a low level of enthusiasm.

The Tikka is like a decent looking girl in the bar that once you get to know her, also has a good job, shes pleasant, smart, funny and has a nice family and has had 3 boyfriends in her whole life.

The RPR looks great in the bar, but is miserable half the time, cant cook, doesn't work, and is lousy in bed and has at 21 has had 300 boyfriends.
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LMAO. I have a hard time believing that anyone would even compare a Ruger to a Tikka. It is like talking about a Chev Cruze and a Corvette in the same sentence, sure they will both get you there but which one will be more fun, will you appreciate more, will make you feel good and want to use?
 
Bad Bob said:
LMAO. I have a hard time believing that anyone would even compare a Ruger to a Tikka. It is like talking about a Chev Cruze and a Corvette in the same sentence, sure they will both get you there but which one will be more fun, will you appreciate more, will make you feel good and want to use?
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That's why I ask for suggestions, don't see anything else around .
 
sonichanxiao said:
That's why I ask for suggestions, don't see anything else around .
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That is smart, I still do it also and have saved a lot of trouble and $$$ over the years because of it. Buy quality and you will appreciate it, admire it, enjoy it and be happy with it. Buy junk and you will end up selling it at a loss and buying what you really wanted or should have only now it cost you even more $$$.
 
IMO a 2K scope is not needed at all unless you need to burn some cash, or want to do ELR shooting or competitions. Even then, there are lots of 1000-1500 scopes that track well and have accurate hashed reticles. Lots of good stuff in the EE to choose from if you want to save some cash from new as well.
 
Bad Bob said:
That is smart, I still do it also and have saved a lot of trouble and $$$ over the years because of it. Buy quality and you will appreciate it, admire it, enjoy it and be happy with it. Buy junk and you will end up selling it at a loss and buying what you really wanted or should have only now it cost you even more $$$.
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So any other rifle you could recommend to me apart from tikka for that range of budget?
 
Clocked92 said:
Accurate factory ammunition is readily available at very reasonable cost, less recoil than 308, better ballistics than 308 for when you do want to extend shooting further than 500.
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Right, I was thinking about 308 is because it is more common and can use ammo from even semi auto rifle.

But I will take into consideration. Thanks.
 
driller212 said:
IMO a 2K scope is not needed at all unless you need to burn some cash, or want to do ELR shooting or competitions. Even then, there are lots of 1000-1500 scopes that track well and have accurate hashed reticles. Lots of good stuff in the EE to choose from if you want to save some cash from new as well.
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What I mean is 2k for scope, some other parts like bipod or necessary upgrade and basic training. I know for a good scope it can go easily over 4k,but that would be better to mount on a 10k rifle.
 
If you aren't set on a chassis platform take a look at the Bergara HMR. For $1500 or so there is a lot of room left in the budget for glass and ammo.
 
I'd actually suggest going with a 308 because it's not as good as other rounds. You will see a bigger difference on target if you make a bad wind call, etc, and that will make you a better shooter. It's also easy to find ammo for and fairly cheap to shoot (although, 6.5 creed is nearly the same availability). Long barrel life is another big plus if you want to shoot a lot. Hell, you could even get a 223 and enjoy even cheaper, lower recoil shooting with the same philosophy of bad ballistics = good for learning.
 
Get a Tikka, slap it in a KRG Bravo chassis and put a KRG Midas trigger and Insite Heathen brake on it. That would be an awesome starter rifle.

.308 or 6.5 Creedmoor, I could easily suggest either one for different reasons. Hard to argue against a .308 for a first rifle, especially since you plan on getting a different rifle later (which I would recommend in 6 or 6.5). A .308 is more capable than some give it credit for, it will teach you about how to read the wind, and it will exploit any weakness you have in the fundamentals more than a 6.5, making it a better teacher. You have to be more disciplined to shoot a .308 better than a lighter recoiling cartridge.
 
sonichanxiao said:
What I mean is 2k for scope, some other parts like bipod or necessary upgrade and basic training. I know for a good scope it can go easily over 4k,but that would be better to mount on a 10k rifle.
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sorry, I was referring to Clocked92's post.

Lots of good advice here though. Don't cheap out on a bipod, realistically the BRMS Harris is the best all around and is light and quick. Get a chronograph, because you will need to know your velocities at different temperatures once you find a load or ammo you like. Get a used kestrel that can do humidity, temp, and barometric pressure (can get em used for relatively cheap), and a rangefinder. Get data books as well to log your range trips, and data for different conditions. My opinion would be not to waste money on training courses until you are further along. Watch the Sniper 101 series on youtube and most of all just get out there shooting!
 
TheNatural21 said:
I'd actually suggest going with a 308 because it's not as good as other rounds. You will see a bigger difference on target if you make a bad wind call, etc, and that will make you a better shooter. It's also easy to find ammo for and fairly cheap to shoot (although, 6.5 creed is nearly the same availability). Long barrel life is another big plus if you want to shoot a lot. Hell, you could even get a 223 and enjoy even cheaper, lower recoil shooting with the same philosophy of bad ballistics = good for learning.
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You right, maybe I start with .308 to get all the knowledge then move up to other caliber which is not that picky.

Plus 6.5 Creedmoor is kind of pricey than .308 for sure, I just did a quick search, no bulk ammo sale, mainly in small package at average between $1.5-2 each. .308 is about $1 or even less.
 
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