1st rifle - what platform to go with

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snakeyes76

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Hi all. I just received my PAL and am getting into the sport.
I've come looking for knowledge and experience.
I don't plan on hunting, just target shooting.
What is a good bang for your buck starter platform to go with?
I've read a lot about the remington 700 sps and some savage 11/111 for example.
I want to do this right the 1st time around and my goal is to slowly build a precision rifle.
Should i buy a standard rifle out upgrade over time, if so which one? Is there also the option of building one up?
Example, buying a barrel, stock, action, trigger, scope, etc separately and if so where is a good place to purchase from?
What is the best calibre? I've read a lot of guys go with the 308. I've also been directed towards a 22-250.
I eventually plan on getting an AR as well. So would a 223 be smart in order to save on ammo (bulk)?
My initial budget is under $1000 to start with upgrades over time.
Any insight is helpful.
 
First rifle should be a 22 to learn the basics and not develop bad habits. The savage bolt guns are affordable and amazingly accurate.

Shoot a thousand rounds out to 100m and then buy a center fire, 223s are easy to shoot all day out to 400-500 and even match grade ammo doesn't break the bank.

6.5/308 would be the next step up from that in both cost/performance/recoil.
 
Buy a Tikka in a 6.5MM cartridge and some reloading gear. Snipershide has a build article on a Tikka T3 and shows what you can do with the platform.

The 22 idea is also a good one, get a CZ 452 American or go with a 455 varmint.
 
Start with a .22 bolt action rifle.

Learn to shoot with it, saving a tonne of money on ammo.

Find some people on the range, talk to them, and they will often ask if you want to try their guns, find what you like, and go that way.
 
You will get many different opinions on this topic. Starting with a 22 is not a bad idea but if you want a centrefire with your budget I would look on the EE for something like a savage fcp-k in 223 with a bushnell fixed 10x scope. Has the accutrigger accustock and muzzle break.
 
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Welcome to the journey... but like any journey, the most important part is to know the destination. Otherwise, all the well meaning directions may not get you where you want to go.

If you are new to "target" shooting, look at all the games and styles and see if there is a gendre that interests you most. Once you know where you want to get to, the parts are easy.

Unfortunately, it is way too easy to get bogged down in the "stuff"...... With most newbies, the problem is not a lack of info (just the opposite), it is a lack of context. It is rarely WHAT is better... it is mostly WHY is it better.

So if you know what target and precision shooting means to you, let us know. The parts will sort itself out in a minute.

Good luck...

Jerry

PS - consider your monthly budget to shoot. Stuff has gotten very pricey and it is pretty sad to have a "hot rod" but not enough to pay for the gas.
 
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