Newcommer thinking about a gun

I don't believe there is a single Winchester rifle I'd describe as a "sniper rifle" of any kind. Remington 700, or any Savage with an accutrigger is much closer to what you're looking for. 308win, is a good caliber, reasonably affordable, good availablity and flat shooting. I assume of course, you're looking for an accurate gun to hit paper (or other inanimate) targets at far distances. Of course the 6mm and 6.5mm calibers are some of the hot ones these days.

Look to spend about $700-800 on your rifle, and if you really want to get the best precision, at least the same on optics. Take the leftover from you $2000, and buy a reloading kit. You can load for yourself, way more accurate, and much cheaper ammo, than you could EVER buy for any price.

Actually Winchester did make a sniper rifle.

I'd look at a Remington 5R in .308 and a Sightron SIII 6.5-20x. That should put you very close to your budget limit. But... if you load that rifle with Federal Gold match 168 or 175 grain you'll have one heck of a nice shooting rig. This will hold you until you learn to reload.
 
See, Newbie....I told you these guys know a lot and are willing to help if asked politely. Like, WOW guys. Great responses. Hell, I even learned something new too!
 
It's been mentioned a few times but it really is the best and first step. Take the required courses to obtain your PAL. Not only will you learn the most important part of firearms, SAFETY, but you will also learn the parts of the firearm, types of firearms, characteristics and types of ammunition, and the lingo to help you ask the right questions and make an informed decision down the road.

Lastly. Don't be offended by people with no patience for noobs. This is a hobby and pastime that needs to expand and grow membership and not chase away people showing interest. You received sage advise about some of the no-no's of lingo, other than that put in the effort to educate yourself and you will find mountains of knowledge on this site.
 
Why so many cals.....

Where do you live?? Why have so many different guns to hunt with (I am only asuming you are in North America, if you are not, disreguard this).

This will add to the thread.

The aught-six was my first centerfire, it was recommended as a "do it all gun" because of the versatility of the cartridge.... primary use was for deer, elk and moose in Alberta.

but then, the sickness got aholt o' me, and I was helpless in it's grasp... I needed moar!

I added a 12 gauge for ducks and geese, because the CO who found me shooting at them with an aught-six didn't care that I was told it was a "do it all" calibre....

(Kidding!)

Next, I wanted a compact gun for pushing bush, and already had a .30 calibre, so wasn't really leaning towards a .30-30. I read up on the utility, longevity and versatility of the 45/70, and bought the Marlin here on CGN.

A guy I used to fish with showed me a neat little Model 24 he used for prairie chickens and rabbits, and so I thought I'd get one of them, too, to take in the truck during big game season, "just in case" I found some yummy chickens.

The .260 Rem I bought for open country shooting. Mulies and Pronghorn.
 
cool.....I asked cause I use 3 different rifles (diferent situations...) and get flak for it sometimes....

You deserve flak for using 3, you need at least 4 :p

300WM, medium-long distance big things
7.62x39 short-medium distance, medium things
22-250 long distance small things
22lr short distance small things

Shotguns as well, but we're talking rifles here. If only I could get an ATT to go hunting, I could add a few more to the equation as well.

Of course a 30-06 COULD replace all but 22lr, but variety is the spice of life.
 
One question scooter ?? where do you live ?..and what is your interest in firearms ? have you ever gone hunting before ??

have you ever shot something in order to eat it ??

do you come from a back ground related to firearms ?? or is all of a sudden cool to do so ??

just a few questions ..just because I happen to have grown up on a trapline in the middle of nowhere and went to town 3 times a year by plane .........soo in short a smoke stick was an integral part of life .....


just keep your priorities straight ....

I happen to use mine for sustenance ..not for fun or boredom .....

I may regret this however I am of this stand point.

Wow... nice post.

As for the OP.... build yourself a nice, heavy barreled, bolt action .22 rimfire. That way you can pretend to be a sniper, and see if it's really that cool, or easy.
If it's your first firearm, buy a nice one, one you can be proud of. If your new to the sport, don't spend $2000 either.... just in case you don't really get into it. Look at a savage, or even a cz.
 
It's been mentioned a few times but it really is the best and first step. Take the required courses to obtain your PAL. Not only will you learn the most important part of firearms, SAFETY, but you will also learn the parts of the firearm, types of firearms, characteristics and types of ammunition, and the lingo to help you ask the right questions and make an informed decision down the road.
Couldn't agree more. When I took the CFSC/CRFSC courses I knew absolutely nothing about firearms. It was one of the most informative week-ends of my life.

Take the course, then come back and you'll have a better idea what questions to ask. You might even change your username to Mr.IKnowaBit
 
One question scooter ?? where do you live ?..and what is your interest in firearms ? have you ever gone hunting before ??

have you ever shot something in order to eat it ??

do you come from a back ground related to firearms ?? or is all of a sudden cool to do so ??

just a few questions ..just because I happen to have grown up on a trapline in the middle of nowhere and went to town 3 times a year by plane .........soo in short a smoke stick was an integral part of life .....


just keep your priorities straight ....

I happen to use mine for sustenance ..not for fun or boredom .....

I may regret this however I am of this stand point.


OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO !?!?? :mad:Some of You people are such an encouragement to a potential New Member to the shooting sports !!! It's a wonder anyone wants to join in the fun ! What's the problem with just communicating common sense answers, instead of trying to impress the Kid with all Your wonderous knowlege & great skills ?? We even have a genuine Dan'l Boone jump in & criticize all who do not go out back & shoot their breakfast dinner & supper each day. :slap: A few of You have lousy people skills !!! I've been a shooter & hunter for 53 years, & I still like to go punch paper as much as anyone out there, & have helped get a lot of new shooters started. :mad:Give the Kid a break, He doesn't need sarcasm, He needs HELP !! You may just end up with someone new joining in the fight:D, & You need all of them You can get !!!


:mad:Troll alert ???? :slap:
 
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