Best long range gun and glass... opinions please

sig.357

sig.357

BANNED
BANNED
BANNED
EE Expired
Rating - 100%
6   0   0
Location
Sudbury Ontario, Canada
I am new to this forum and just getting back into shooting. I would like advice as to your opinion as to the best rifle / cal. / glass for long range shooting if a person was interested in competing. I have a Remington 700 VSS with a Bell & Carlson stock, 220 Swift, Bausch & lamb 14-32 X 40 glass.

I would like to replace this unit with ........ any sugjestions would be apreciated .......
 
Last edited:
It depends on what discipline in which you plan on competing?

If F-Class competition (Long range shooting prone with a scope and bipod/rest) is your ultimate objective, you cannot go wrong with one of the new Savage F-class rifles. If you reload, get the 6BR version, if you don't and don't plan to for a while, get the Savage F/TR rifle in .308 and use good quality ammo.

Both rifles are superior to just about any sporting rifle you can buy for under 3 grand provided you have the right ammo. They are designed to deliver the kind of accuracy you need to win a competition shooting 20 shot strings or more. Again, if F-Class is your destination, remember that one remington 700 is as good (or as mediocre) as the next as are most of the tactcal and law enforcement models in other brands. More money DOES NOT mean more accurate.

As for optics, that too depends on your discipline and your budget. If you want the best and never want to buy another scope, get a Nightforce 12-42X56 BR scope. If that is too much money, then find what compromises you can live with and stick to your budget. I do not reccommend mil-dots for f-class shooting, but that is subjective.
 
Last edited:
I would buy a used target rifle built on a single shot custom action. They can be had in the 1,000 to 2,000 price range. That gives you an action, stock and trigger and maybe a useable barrel.

You did not explain what you mean by "long range". Some people consider 600 yards "long range".

To me it means 800 to 1200 yards.
 
... a new Savage F-class rifle gives him a NEW stock, trigger, a NEW barrel and single-shot action for less than $1500 :)

Unless the caliber choices are not your thing, Savage has stolen the show for entry level target rifles. With a new barrel down the road, there is no reason why that rifle couldn't take on the finest customs, in fact most can already - straight off the shelf!
 
Savage 12 F in 6.5 x 284 with a Loop 8.5 - 25 with the Varmint recticle will do you quite well to a 1000 yards.

In and out of the store on Hwy 11 for around $2300.00 plus the government portion.

The 6 BR is good as well, the 6.5 does better on windier days when reaching out.
 
With respect to F class LR competition, if you are comfortable with the stock and optics, just rebarrel with a 6.5Swede/260Rem or if willing to play with a wildcat, the 260AI/6.5 Mystic. I prefer the 6.5 for F class shooting as the recoil is comfy and the LR ballistics excellent. You can use this at any distance commonly shot (I have shot my Mystic accurately to 2.2km so it has legs).

The 6mm wildcats are superb, have lower recoil, but will get bounced around in the wind a bit more at LR. Shooting costs are the same for either cal.

I would have no issue competing with your Elite 32X. Burris sig rings w/inserts should be enough to shim for 300 to 1000yds competition.

You already have a decent action to work off. A bit more money to tune it up will give you an excellent platform to compete in F class with. The stock can be easily sold off and replaced if you find it doesn't give the consistency desired.

The Swift is NOT a cartridge to use in competition.

If you really want to start from scratch, I would agree with Obtunded. The new Savage in 6BR or 6.5X284 is a superb platform to start with. Around $1200, there is no off the shelf rifle that even comes close.

Now if you want to build a semi custom rifle, you can do so for about the same money and you will get a better barrel. Start with a STevens 200SA. Sell everything off except the action and replace with quality parts. Your action will cost you around $200 net.

Rifle basix 2 trigger ($185), BR quality barrel - a prefit will be less money then a gunsmith fit ($425 to 650), Hi Score follower ($25) and a stock that fits you (Build your own by modifying the factory stock to $600 for a Robertson).

I have put together a variety of rifles for around $1000+. These rifles are 1/4 min capable.

Good luck with your quest.

A different discipline will have different equipment as the better mousetrap so more info will be helpful.
Jerry
 
Wow and thanks to all so far. I guess I should add that since I am new to this and probably won't be competing for a year or so ( I will need to seek out coaching and practise ) I was thinking of using a caliber that is redally available. I have much to learn when it comes to custom ammo and such. I was thinking in the 308 caliber as a good round to start with. The glass will be Night Force 12-42 x 56. I was thinking of using the Savage 12F / tr as the platform. Any thoughts on a Tikka T3 .. a friend has one but it is new to him ..
 
Tikka's are supposed to be quite nice for a factory rifle, but will be much more difficult to get upgraded parts for if you decide to go that route in the future. Personally I'd stick with savage or remington if its something you want to build on.
 
sig.357 said:
The glass will be Night Force 12-42 x 56.
Click to expand...

Good to see that you'll be starting off with some excellent optics; this is where most people decide to save money. However, let me add that a certain reputable source on these boards (who shall remain nameless;) hint: it's one of the dealers) told me that there isn't much in terms of performance increase between 50 and 56mm objective, so that's where you might want to save a bit.

Let us know what you pick! :)
 
Sig, you're away to the races. Your choice is excellent and will allow you to shoot out to 1000 no problem.

I would suggest you just jump in with both feet and sign up for the first ISSF or F-class match you can find. I guarantee you will learn more in that one day of competition than you will from all the BS that guys like me can spread in a place like this. I hope "Tomochan" and Stevebc chime in here. They did exactly that and they did very well; both say they learned tons!

Too bad you're not on the west coast, we'd welcome you with open arms!
 
I would suggest AGAINST the Savage F(TR) simply because the stock design is far from excellent and you will likely change it out in time. The F(O) style is superb.

Also, consider the 223. Very similar ballistics and 1/2 the cost to shoot. Recoil on a 308 is not heavy but can be a hindrance after 20rds. 223, no problem for anyone.

You don't gain or get points for flinching.

I would suggest a 12BVSS (or a 12FV and rebuild the factory stock or restock). A very nice stock style which is almost the same as the F(TR) but you pay about $600 less for the rifle. There is little to be gained by a barrel over 26" using the 223 unless you really want to stoke the case.

There is no tangible difference in accuracy using a single shot vs a mag fed action.

If it fits you, the Choate Varminter is a great prone stock and usually well priced. I feel this stock has greater potential then the F(TR) or varminter style.

Come on out. You want coaching, words of advice, learn from experienced shooters - go shoot at a F class match. I am sure you will get plenty of support. There is no better way to learn then to shoot at a local match. Plus you get to see gear that shooters consider adequate and compare what fits your tastes and budget.

The first thing you will learn is to start reloading. Factory ammo just doesn't cut it and you will unlikely get the best out of your rifle.
Jerry
 
Well the way I figure it I might as well buy good glass first time around. I guess I can always up-grade the gun but hard to modify the glass. I appreciate your sugestion on the 50 - 56 issue and will certainly look into it.
Thanks,
 
I have the Rugger mini 14 ( target version ) with the Leopauld VX-111 4.5-14x50 which I have been using as my starter / practise gun. I also have a Bushmaster Ar so I have plenty of 223. I am in the proses of purchasing the reloading equipment. I used to do quite a bit of it but sold it all 10 years ago when the Gov. got stupid with the registry. I am just getting back into it so I have some experience but a bit behind the times. I shoot all types BP, hand guns etc... but my real interest is distance shooting and plan on attending compitions this comming summer so I have lots to learn .... and thanks for your patience.

I would certainly have no problem going to the coast for a shoot / meet and would enjoy hooking up somewhere next summer with some of you.
 
NF are excellent scopes and their line of reticles is second to none. Most don't apply to target shooting but nice to have a choice.

Quality optics is actually coming DOWN in price with Sightron and Nikon leading the way. Shoot me a PM if interested.

Well, just keep you eye on the competition schedule. There is lots to choose from.

All being well, the longest distance fun shoot in Canada will be in April in Summerland.

Jerry
 
Last edited:
jerry i am kinda new to this thing as well and here lots about the shoots out in bc. i just started shooting this year and the longest is 1200 yards with my 280 rem and 308 ftr, i would love to head out to bc to meet some new folks and learn a little.. where is summerland and how far do you boys shoot?
 
Summerland is 15 mins north of Penticton in the Ok Valley. If you don't like us or the shooting, you can waste your time at over 50 wineries. YUMMMY>

Day one will allow you to shoot to a mile. Further if you want to shoot into the 'BLACK HOLE'.

Day two, you can shoot from 1100yds then to out to.......................... 2700yds.

Most of the main targets are in the 1500 to 2400yds range.

Yes, you can spot your own shots after having a coffee, chatting with friends, even sending a text message.

I like to give those Alberta guys time to figure out where their bullets are landing :)

Jerry
 
Last edited:
Glock4ever said:
Sounds like you are on the right track but if you want the "best" optics try this one on for size:

http://accurateshooter.wordpress.com/2007/12/16/schmidt-bender-12-50x56-scope/

The NF is good but more power is even better!
Click to expand...

Haha, I have a Schmidt PM II (not that model); they have fantastic optics in terms of light collection and are very solidly and precisely made. However, their reticules in the PM II line are designed more for military/tactical/practical purposes, what with all the rangefinding/milling graphics. Target shooters like F-Class will want a simpler and, above all, "finer" reticule, one that will obscure as little of the target as possible. Since S&B's are all 1st focal plane, the reticule's lines only go as low as 0.05 mils wide (any finer, they won't be visible to some people at low magnifications), whereas I believe NF's are even finer, since they are all 2nd focal plane (although 1st is coming out soon, if I'm not mistaken).

This is coming from an S&B owner, so I'm no NF fanboy! Take it for what it's worth :D

p.s. My avatar is what my reticule looks like.
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom