$2500 budjet to get started in precision shooting.

Madmardigan

Madmardigan

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I'm looking to get into percision shooting this spring. I have a Budjet of $2500 to get me a rifle and scope.
All I know is I want it to be .308.
I've been looking into getting a 700, but I notice they get a lot of flak here. So what other rifle should I consider? I've been thinking about buying a M1A NM from a friend for this purpose. But the more I think about what it is I want to do with the rifle, the more I think I should buy a bolt gun. The NM is going to run me a little over $2000. That dosent even include the mount and scope. For the same price I can buy a 700 SPS, trigger upgrade and decent glass for it.
All I want to do is ring a gong at 600+ yards, and maybe one day try to take it out to 1000.
Any suggestions?
 
buy a savage and save your money for glass. Buy a 5-25 or 8-32 scope, Night force, Schmidt and bender, Sightron are all good. After you get a good scope, use your leftover money to buy a gun, If you don't have enough saved up. wait a little bit longer.
 
There are some really good buys on good rifle/scope packages on EE, right in your price range...
FWIW, I shoot a 5r and have shot some crazy crazy groups - that, or a Savage, and a SIII is under $2500
 
I have a savage fcp-sr in 308. I am just working on load development but so far it is promising with 178 amax and 168 smk. The gun is right around $1000 which leaves plenty for a decent scope. FWIW, I also have a remington 700 5R milspec and I enjoy both.
 
Have a look at the tikka ctr and varmint models.

Much nicer action then the savage or rem offerings.

Do a search and youll get a ton of info.
 
Long distance shooting is habit forming! lol
Get a 30 MOA base from the get go. Especially if you commit to the 308 Win cartridge.

Remingtons tend to have long throats and mostly perform better at long range with longer/heavier bullets. (175 SMKs, 178 Accubonds, etc)
IMO, you are right on track with your choice of that bolt gun.
If you are unhappy with it, one can always custom rebarrel it and you're good to go once again.
 
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savage f class, benchrest or ftr rifle, sightron 10-50x60 target dot scope and 20 moa base and your set, if you want a repeater then a T3 varminter or tactical in 308, stick to the heavy barrelled rifles for this task
 
Tactical\repeater - Remington R5 and Sightron Siii with Harris bipod. $2500 Tax Included or near enough. My have a bit left over for a couple of boxes of FGMM 175 g

Single shot - Yodave has given you the answer.
 
In a single shot, it's rarer then hen's teeth but the Wichita 1375 action is a wonderful thing to team up with a Krieger barrel. Add a NF optic (Any really good optic!) with good rings and you are on to something indeed.
Of course you would need about $4500 also. :(
 
Savage - preferably Stevens action or package rifle
Prefit match barrel to your 308 specs
Timney or Rifle basix trigger
Choate or Boyds stocks
Farrell or Burris or Weaver base
Burris or Farrell rings
Oversized bolt knob - precision ground recoil lug

Factory DBM (savage has new 10 rds mags) or CDI DBM with AICS type mags. If going single shot, just install a Hi Score single shot follower.

Sightron optics.

Bolt timing and proper bedding. Handload.

Well under your total budget and more then capable to take on the mega dollar customs if you wish to compete

Let me know...

Jerry
 
I would say for the money you will have a hard time beating a savage. I have a model 10 in 223 and am getting very very good groups so far. Approaching one jagged hole at 100 yards. I don't know how much better you can get with a factory barrel
As far as glass I would recommend a sightron siii I have a 8x32 lrmoa and really like it. Again for the money it's quality isn't far from night force or high end leupold, another brand to look at is vortex... I haven't used one myself but know others who have and like them, I think the glass is a bit better in sightron
A 20-30 Moa base is a good idea, it's always best to just do it right first rather than do things twice
If you have enough left in your budget look for a set of night force rings, I've seen these from time to time on the EE and although not necessary they look like a real nice ring but others are choices certainly avaible for a lesser cost and still good quality. As was mentioned already this type of shooting is addictive.... Have fun!
Red
 
I am going to go a different route on this one..........

You did not mention if you hand load.

Even many of today's "budget" rifles are far more capable than the shooter behind it.

The basics and good habits can be formed on almost any decent rifle.Learning these will benefit you much more than a 3K optic like some are suggesting you do right off the bat.How does a new shooter know exactly what they want and need without experience?

A less expensive setup is much easier to sell when it is time to upgrade than a 8K rifle/glass combo and if you do get deep into the hobby you will be always upgrading anyways.

I think and depending on budget that some of the funds go to ammo and/or components.You can even get a reloading kit and rifle/optics with your budget to learn the whole game.

Hit the EE , always a deal to be had.
 
Savage 10 TR
Sightron S3
ADM moun
EGW rail
Atlas bipod

That was my first budget setup. Serves me well for a few years. All I have now from my original rifle is the ADM mount and Atlas bipod... lol...
 
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I don't reload yet. I will one day, but could be a while. So it'll be all factory loads for now.
Lots of recommendations for Savage. But I think I'm going to go Remingtion. Probably a R5, but I'll likely get a SPS. Just because there's a good chance I'd upgrade the stock anyways.
I'm a little lost on what barrel length to get. I've heard things like, if you don't reload there's no point on going any longer than 20". Any truth to this?
And what twist rate should I get?

I'm also pretty sure I'll be going with a Sightron. I'd like to get Nightforce, but I keep hearing its a little better quality for a lot more money.
I'm unsure of what reticle to get. MOA or MIL? And what magnification? Are certain reticles easier to range your target?
I have probably a million questions about long range shooting, but I don't want to derail this thread too much.
 
Never heard this rule about factory ammo and 20" barrel. I would suggest at least a 24" barrel.
For ranging target you can use any scope with an moa or mil reticle, as long as the nobs are the same (if not you have to do some conversation). If it is a second focal plain you will have to turn your scope to a set spot so the reticle will read properly. If you go with a first focal plane you can range at any zoom. I run a vortex PST and love it. I have the EBR-2C reticle, it is nice and fine and easy to read.
Also a savage fan, try to find an older one.

Ryan
 
I assembled this one for 2500.00...
SSG3000...
Sightron Slll...
Harris bipod... This is a .5 MOA rig with GMM 175 gr factory... JP.
 
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