Beginner Rifle Suggestions

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swimtothemoon

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Ontario, CA
Looking to get into target practice and long range.

Budget is about 1k for everything not including ammo.

So far, liking Weatherby/Howa offerings. Wanting a .223/6.5CM or 308.
 
Rem 700, plenty of aftermarket options to upgrade as you get more experience and funds. But with a 1k budget I think you'll be looking in the used market for pretty much any option if that includes a scope.
 
I agree with looking for something in a Rem 700. Aftermarket is like for a small block Chevy, and many custom rifles are based off the 700 design as well.

Not everyone is looking to buy a rifle and start customizing it though, so maybe that's not what you're looking for.

https://g4cgunstore.com/product/remington-700-adl-6-5-
creedmoor-24-black/

https://g4cgunstore.com/product/remington-700-adl-varmint-308-win-26-black/

These were the only rem 700 rifles I could find new for under 1k. They are basic, bare bones. If I were to choose between these, I'd go with the .308 as it has a heavier profile barrel. It looks like an SPS with even less features.

If you are open to buying used, maybe you'll have more options. For new, most rifles are over 1k. A couple years ago you could get an SPS on sale for 7-800 but I haven't seen that lately.
 
If you’re following a budget I would be looking at ammo costs. The only way to learn and get good is shooting. Start off properly so bad habits don’t start. Read and if possible find someone in your area to help/teach and show you. I’d be looking at 223 unless your a Reloader. Best of luck
 
R700 or Tikka. Both platforms are fully customizable.
Personally I’d recommend a fast twist 223. The ammo cost is less and it’s better for practicing wind drift IMO. Unless you’re shooting past 500yds there is very little advantage to shooting a 6.5.
 
Consider a Rem 783 HB version. These came with a larger bolt knob, rail and fatter contour. All 3 chamberings were offered and with a little bedding, they can shoot sub MOA. Firing pin spring can be crap but an easy swap with a Rem 700 SA spring. Prefits are available and then they can shoot with any custom action.

simple, inexpensive, lots of excellent engineering. Some are asking alot for a used rifles but new rifles are now coming into Canada so used prices should start to soften... or you can get a new rifle for similar money... and maybe these solved the firing pin spring issue?????

I would also lean you to the 223 Rem as a good chambering to start with especially if going factory ammo. in general, varmint ammo is made to be accurate, way less money and no issue reaching 300 with good results.

The 783 twist should be a 9 so will handle most bullets weights to 75gr. My factory barrel shot really nicely. Given the costs of components and lack of LR primers, the 223 Rem is a far easier option when you want to reload with a match barrel.

Fast twist and heavies, out beyond 1000yds is easy.

Jerry
 
swimtothemoon said:
Looking to get into target practice and long range.

Budget is about 1k for everything not including ammo.

So far, liking Weatherby/Howa offerings. Wanting a .223/6.5CM or 308.
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If truly a beginner rifle and you want to learn target practice, why not start with basic 22LR? Way cheaper to shoot and learn. Lots of interest in competition 22 stuff now. I agree that long range has it’s draw (I to want to put my 1000 yard range to use) but not sure trying to start there is ideal.
 
I just bought a Mauser M-18 .308 for my first rifle. For optics I bought a vortex venom 5x25x56. I figured I would start there. Going to shoot it this week for the first time. For sure want a Remington 700 for my next purchase that will be a level up from the Mauser for sure.
 
Not to be Debbie Downer but with only a $1000 budget, precision rifle shooting may not be for you. Pretty much everything is gonna cost more than $1000 these days.
 
Howa is Remington clone. On sale now at various retailers, starting with Prophet River. 223 Rem is the cheapest to shoot. Go for it.
 
BigMasterShrek said:
Sks and a crate of ammo my friend, russain on the ee for 550 or less or a Chinese for 450 or less.
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I’m thinking if he’s looking at long range yourSKS beyond 150 yards is just a prayer, hence the ammo in a crate. I’d be willing to bet at 1000 yards you could fire the entire crate and rarelyif ever hit what you’re aiming at. Great weapon for what theyredesignedbut definitely not a precision long range weapon or even mid range precision weapon. Spraynpray
 
Longstud said:
I’m thinking if he’s looking at long range yourSKS beyond 150 yards is just a prayer, hence the ammo in a crate. I’d be willing to bet at 1000 yards you could fire the entire crate and rarelyif ever hit what you’re aiming at. Great weapon for what theyredesignedbut definitely not a precision long range weapon or even mid range precision weapon. Spraynpray
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Are you suggesting that people should actually READ and COMPREHEND posts they are replying to? Isn't that a bit beyond the pale here? cou:
 
As others have said, a .223 (that Rem 700 posted above would be a good option, just check the barrel twist) with a barrel twist sufficient for 75/77gr bullets is the best way to go to get started, depending on what kind of distance you have access to at your range. For 600 and in, a .223 shooting 75/77gr bullets is great and vastly cheaper to shoot than a 6.5 Creed or .308 (especially if reloading, which you should eventually do). If you only have access to <300 I wouldn't even worry to much about the barrel twist as lighter bullets are fine and you can always re-barrel down the road if you decide to really pursue things.
 
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