Sniper rifle for under $1000?

[redshooter]

because calling a target rifle a sniper rifle is bad form, brings bad press, and is bad for the sport.

because sometimes getting a strip torn off you can be a great motivator to behave/speak correctly in the future.

Using PC speak when talking about some items should be a sticky. It is a public forum afterall. It may be galling but if we want to continue to enjoy our hobby we have to keep the ignorant masses as happy as we can. I spent an hour and a half last week trying to explain to a friend that a hatchet is more dangerous to her than some moron with a gun. After going over availability, skill required, etc., she replies that some one could hide in the bushes 500 yds away...video games have the great unwashed thinking you can just pick up a rifle and shoot someone in the eye at 1000 m

If anyone calls a precision rifle a sniper rifle around here we should gently correct them...

 

[Matt_dal123]

Using PC speak when talking about some items should be a sticky. It is a public forum afterall. It may be galling but if we want to continue to enjoy our hobby we have to keep the ignorant masses as happy as we can. I spent an hour and a half last week trying to explain to a friend that a hatchet is more dangerous to her than some moron with a gun. After going over availability, skill required, etc., she replies that some one could hide in the bushes 500 yds away...video games have the great unwashed thinking you can just pick up a rifle and shoot someone in the eye at 1000 m

If anyone calls a precision rifle a sniper rifle around here we should gently correct them...

Really? Come on guys. A "sniper" rifle is any rifle platform that can engage targets at a distance. The sniper term is not politically incorrect. Technically hunter is worse of a term for any rifle. It's stating that is used to hunt! Hunting is the skill of killing things! Who cares if it's animals. It's just a term. Snipers use tactical rifles for obvious reasons. If someone refers to them as a sniper rifle because that's what they know it as from seeing them somewhere, then so be it. I don't really understand why people get so pissy. If you were actually a sniper serving then maybe you could be a bit pissy. But why give the guy a hard time.

 

[Avalonthas]

What's a sniper rifle?

 

[redshooter]

But why give the guy a hard time.

Because the end is near.

Note I said gently. I'm not saying a foot in the ass is a proper response. Our right to own firearms is going to go, period. We can try to slow it down or speed it up. The best way to slow it is having reasonable looking people (why I'll never be a spokesman, I look like I just crawled from the woods) using words that bring unthreatining images to mind. An example is what we are discussing here. Precison brings to mind a guy in a lab coat measuring something. Sniper brings to mind a guy dressed like a Storm Trooper peaking over the edge of a roof at best. It is all about language if your talking to someone who has been informed by hollywood and video games.

 

[Yota]

Definatly stick with a .223 or .308 ignore the idea of 300 wm it is not needed for anything out to 600 yards the ammo is alot more expensive

for sure a few bucks more over the long run, plenty of ammo available everywhere for .308

 

[Dooran]

Thanks for all the response, I've been away for a while and haven't had a chance to check this for a while. Yes I've noticed the attitude of a lot of experienced shooters on here is quite poor when it comes to newbies. Since I've started on this forum all I hear about is public image and how to get new young shooters involved, well if you want to get us involved stop acting like an arse, problem solved! lol

I ended up buying a Nightrain 2, ok let's have all the negative comments out right now....... Done?...

I bought it because for $600 brand new it seemed like a hell of a deal and an inexpensive way to learn how to shoot with a scope. I'm still looking for a higher end rifle for the future but I figured this was a good start. There are a lot of people that have never fired this gun that love to say how crappy it is, from the reviews I've read from people that actually own it they all love it.

I'm going to use reloads, my friend and I have a deal, we use a lot of the same rounds so I buy the equipment he does the reloading.

Also I now have 8 guns, and when I say I don't have my PAL they are his until I get it and have them transferred, they stay at his house locked up with all the ammo, the only time I shoot is when I meet him at the range, I don't transport them or store them.

 

[redshooter]

Yes I've noticed the attitude of a lot of experienced shooters on here is quite poor when it comes to newbies. Since I've started on this forum all I hear about is public image and how to get new young shooters involved, well if you want to get us involved stop acting like an arse, problem solved! lol

Yes quite poor. We take the time to reply to questions. We generaly reply honestly. If one member doesn't like a reply of another they will challenge them. Differing opinons tend to inform you better. If you have half a clue you can make better choices by reading the different replies and apply them to your needs.

Your off to a fine start.

 

[Dooran]

Yes, there are a lot that are nice and welcoming but in almost every newbie post I've seen there's at least one experienced guy who feels the need to be a ####.

 

[KDX]

Yes, there are a lot that are nice and welcoming but in almost every newbie post I've seen there's at least one experienced guy who feels the need to be a ####.

Maybe that is because there are a lot of newbies that give gun owners a bad name and the experienced people feel a need to put them in their place rather promptly. Life's tough, wear a helmet. Nobody hates you. Accept the lesson and move on with acquiring knowledge and skill.

 

[BigBeaverBoomStix]

Thanks for all the response, I've been away for a while and haven't had a chance to check this for a while. Yes I've noticed the attitude of a lot of experienced shooters on here is quite poor when it comes to newbies. Since I've started on this forum all I hear about is public image and how to get new young shooters involved, well if you want to get us involved stop acting like an arse, problem solved! lol

I ended up buying a Nightrain 2, ok let's have all the negative comments out right now....... Done?...

I bought it because for $600 brand new it seemed like a hell of a deal and an inexpensive way to learn how to shoot with a scope. I'm still looking for a higher end rifle for the future but I figured this was a good start. There are a lot of people that have never fired this gun that love to say how crappy it is, from the reviews I've read from people that actually own it they all love it.

I'm going to use reloads, my friend and I have a deal, we use a lot of the same rounds so I buy the equipment he does the reloading.

Also I now have 8 guns, and when I say I don't have my PAL they are his until I get it and have them transferred, they stay at his house locked up with all the ammo, the only time I shoot is when I meet him at the range, I don't transport them or store them.

I've been doing the same research, regarding a "precision" rifle. The Mossberg NightTrain hasn't had the best reviews, in fact some I've read have been scathing. I considered buying one too, until I did a little reading.

It reminds me that you get what you pay for. I'm not sure why you didn't get a Savage, given all the advice, from experienced shooters.

I opted to get a Savage Mark II, TR (Tactical Rifle) - sure it's just a dressed up .22lr for $500. But I can afford to shoot, thousands and thousands of rounds for little money, learning the basics to "precision shooting" and then make a more informed decision on the .308 system that I'll graduate to.

Quality .308 ammo is what $2 a round, at least. To set up for reloading is likely to cost close to $1000. Doesn't sound like you'll be able to keep up with that kind of expense.

Anyway, best of luck with the NightTrain, let us know, all the best.

 

[SoBored]

I opted to get a Savage Mark II, TR (Tactical Rifle) - sure it's just a dressed up .22lr for $500. But I can afford to shoot, thousands and thousands of rounds for little money, learning the basics to "precision shooting" and then make a more informed decision on the .308 system that I'll graduate to.

Quality .308 ammo is what $2 a round, at least. To set up for reloading is likely to cost close to $1000. Doesn't sound like you'll be able to keep up with that kind of expense.

Good on you for opting for the 22LR. You'll learn a lot and have tons of fun without breaking the bank.

BTW you can get a reloading setup for about $300-$400 if you go with a Lee Anniversary kit. And you should be able to reload a 308 round with a Sierra Match King bullet for about 60 cents.

 

[BigBeaverBoomStix]

Good on you for opting for the 22LR. You'll learn a lot and have tons of fun without breaking the bank.

BTW you can get a reloading setup for about $300-$400 if you go with a Lee Anniversary kit. And you should be able to reload a 308 round with a Sierra Match King bullet for about 60 cents.

Thanks for the support on my .22lr decision. I'm a total newbie to precision shooting and I'm trying to start out right, so I follow these threads carefully.

I've finally been won over on reloading, every experienced shooter seems to swear by it. So now I have to start researching which system/company is best.

So thanks for the advice.

While I try to economize I always go for value/quality over a bargain. What's a good reloading system/company to go for?

 

[Jesuswon]

Thanks for the support on my .22lr decision. I'm a total newbie to precision shooting and I'm trying to start out right, so I follow these threads carefully.

I've finally been won over on reloading, every experienced shooter seems to swear by it. So now I have to start researching which system/company is best.

So thanks for the advice.

While I try to economize I always go for value/quality over a bargain. What's a good reloading system/company to go for?

just get a Dillon from the getgo! its the rolls royce of reloaders!

 

[Dooran]

I've been doing the same research, regarding a "precision" rifle. The Mossberg NightTrain hasn't had the best reviews, in fact some I've read have been scathing. I considered buying one too, until I did a little reading.

It reminds me that you get what you pay for. I'm not sure why you didn't get a Savage, given all the advice, from experienced shooters.

I opted to get a Savage Mark II, TR (Tactical Rifle) - sure it's just a dressed up .22lr for $500. But I can afford to shoot, thousands and thousands of rounds for little money, learning the basics to "precision shooting" and then make a more informed decision on the .308 system that I'll graduate to.

Quality .308 ammo is what $2 a round, at least. To set up for reloading is likely to cost close to $1000. Doesn't sound like you'll be able to keep up with that kind of expense.

Anyway, best of luck with the NightTrain, let us know, all the best.

I already have a .22 with a scope, I wanted something with more boom. I went with this because for $600 I got a rifle, a 6x24x60 scope, a bi pod and a muzzle break. Would have cost me at least twice as much if I went with a savage or remington. High end ammo is $2 but from what I've read on here you can get some really decent bulk stuff for $0.55-$0.65/rd. If I'm just learning I don't need the high end stuff yet, also my friend is getting into reloading and all the equipment and such is only going to cost him about $400.

 

[BigBeaverBoomStix]

I already have a .22 with a scope, I wanted something with more boom. I went with this because for $600 I got a rifle, a 6x24x60 scope, a bi pod and a muzzle break. Would have cost me at least twice as much if I went with a savage or remington. High end ammo is $2 but from what I've read on here you can get some really decent bulk stuff for $0.55-$0.65/rd. If I'm just learning I don't need the high end stuff yet, also my friend is getting into reloading and all the equipment and such is only going to cost him about $400.

You should pick up The Ultimate Sniper book, by John Plaster, Paladin Press. $60+ well spent.

He dismisses shooting "bulk ammo" as a complete waste of time. Since the quality of the ammo is a key component in a well placed shot, bulk/regular ammo is not even worth training with. You'll be trying to get hits with ammo, that is inconsistent, and what will you be learning as a result?

He also discusses all the elements in selecting ideal bullets, so it will inform you on how to better load your own.

Last point, it's muzzle BRAKE, think of car brakes.

Guys get pretty irritated when we newbies perpetuate that "break" mistake and they're right.

 

[K0na_stinky]

I already have a .22 with a scope, I wanted something with more boom. I went with this because for $600 I got a rifle, a 6x24x60 scope, a bi pod and a muzzle break. Would have cost me at least twice as much if I went with a savage or remington. High end ammo is $2 but from what I've read on here you can get some really decent bulk stuff for $0.55-$0.65/rd. If I'm just learning I don't need the high end stuff yet, also my friend is getting into reloading and all the equipment and such is only going to cost him about $400.

Dude you come on here asking a question. We give the best answers that we can. You say were dinks and you say you know more about “sniper” rifles then us anyways. Why bother coming on here and asking?


A die set will set you back $150 +tax. Then you'll need some bushings, they will set you back $15-20 each. So your around $200 just for a die set. Another $200 for a press and now your up to your $400 reloading kit.

We try our best to save people from spending money on things that will be useless down the road.

A lot of users on this forum have gone threw this and were trying to save you.

Its great that people are getting into this type of shooting. The problem is every one likes going out and shooting stuff really far away. Most people don't like the work that goes into it. At least if you listen to some people they can help speed you along.

I wish you the best of luck and I hope you have fun and decide to get a nicer rifle later on.

I hope my post makes sense.

 

[hometownhero]

What's a sniper rifle?

A rifle with a scope on it. Dont you watch the news??

 

[redshooter]

I've finally been won over on reloading, every experienced shooter seems to swear by it. So now I have to start researching which system/company is best.

You can go cheap and get good results. If your ammo starts holding you back though you'll need to replace the cheap stuff. You can start with a Lee 50th anniversary kit, but I would get a better scale such as an RCBS 5-10 (or similar). A basic die set from RCBS, Redding, or Hornady will be good to start with. As your shooting improves you may want to get more serious about your reloading and upgrade your gear as you see fit. If you want to pick up gear as you go insted of a kit I'd suggest a good solid single stage press like an RCBS Rock Crusher or a Lyman Crusher ll, a decent balance type scale (like I mentioned above), a good dial caliper, and a case trimer (I have a Lyman, it works but to be honest I don't like it much). You'll also need a tumbler to clean your cases, a chamfer tool (inside/outside), and a primer pocket cleaner. My Lyman press came with a priming tool but I'd get proper tool. Any one should do the trick but avoid the lower priced Lee tool. It works but it requires special shell holders and the cheap Lee tools are famous for breaking (two for me). I'd keep it simple to start. A screw up can be very serious so start simple and add complexity as you get more experianced with reloading.

If you ever get up Hwy 11 near Gravenhurst I'd suggest you stop at Ellwood Epps. You can find some used dies there in great shape and at 2/3 to 1/2 the cost of new. I've even seen a good used press there. If you have to drive up that way make sure you time it so you can stop in and dig through the used stuff.

If you CAN afford it get the best stuff you can.

What am I forgetting...

 

[BigBeaverBoomStix]

Thanks for the tips on reloading equipment redshooter, Ellwood Epps is quite the drive for me, but I'd love to get in there some time. Judging from their website they have a huge inventory, new and used. Maybe this summer, all the best.

 

[Dooran]

Dude you come on here asking a question. We give the best answers that we can. You say were dinks and you say you know more about “sniper” rifles then us anyways. Why bother coming on here and asking?


A die set will set you back $150 +tax. Then you'll need some bushings, they will set you back $15-20 each. So your around $200 just for a die set. Another $200 for a press and now your up to your $400 reloading kit.

We try our best to save people from spending money on things that will be useless down the road.

A lot of users on this forum have gone threw this and were trying to save you.

Its great that people are getting into this type of shooting. The problem is every one likes going out and shooting stuff really far away. Most people don't like the work that goes into it. At least if you listen to some people they can help speed you along.

I wish you the best of luck and I hope you have fun and decide to get a nicer rifle later on.

I hope my post makes sense.

I guess I'm not coming accross the way I thought, the majority are helpful and I appreciate the advice, it's hard as a newb to wrap your head around everything. I'm not just referring to this post but there is a certain few that make it tough to be a newb.

In the last few months I've discovered guns and shooting and I'm hooked! I can't wait to go to the range and shoot! I just wish I got started 10 years ago!