How to buy the right gun.

[scottm]

delete since it has already been said (2000 vs 3000)

 

[Haagen_Dazs]

Im in the similar situation as you: I want something nice, but Im still a huge noob.

So I decided to buy:

Savage 12 VLP DBM .223 with 1/7" twist - ~$900 +tax/shipping
Sightron SIII 8-32x56mm FCH (Fine Crosshair) - ~$1100 after $75 rebate, tax + shipping
Farrel 20moa base with Burris signurature ZEE rings - ~$170 + tax/shipping
Chinese (non OEM) Harris bipod - $35

The Savage is special order, currently on week 8 of 10-12 weeks so I have not shot anything yet. SFRC (now more distributors) has the cheapest bulk .223 around: the MFS stuff for like $390/1000 (55gr) and $510/1000 (62gr).

Hope that helps. I'll maybe post something when I get the package together to show how a noob with ####ty MFS ammo can shoot a $2000 rig, but it wont be until after xmas...

 

[Max Owner]

Haagen_Dazs; keep in mind that the rifle may not shoot to its best with the ammo you mention.

But cheap trigger time is always better then pooter time.

 

[frenchyguy]

i just buy one of everything. works for me!

 

[stubblejumper]

Haagen_Dazs; keep in mind that the rifle may not shoot to its best with the ammo you mention.

Exactly,I tried some cheap 55gr in my CZ 527 before my dies arrived,and it averaged 1-1/2" for 5 shots at 100 yards.Every handload that I tested did under 1",with the best averaging 5/8".You won't likely even come close to your guns potential with cheap hardball ammunition,

 

[noneck180]

Tikka

 

[maynard]

I want to learn the art of long distance shooting but I don't want to constantly upgrade guns and optics as i progress so what would you say would be a good start package and how much am I looking at spending. I want to practice for a couple of years before I buy my Accuracy International

So
Rifle?
scope?
rings?----Whats the best I dont want to compromise
Base?---- Whats the best I dont want to compromise

Before you spend a dime on a rifle or scope I suggest looking into the Ontario Rifle Associations Winter program. See www.ontariorifleassociation.org for details.
Or see http://www.canadiangunnutz.com/forum/showthread.php?t=534452

I assume your handle means you are in the GTA?

 

[Obtunded]

If you want to hedge your bets towards a combination that WILL work

Pick KNOWN entities... Bullets, Brass Powders, Barrels and other components that successful shooters use and make work. You can fart around with factory stuff that may or may not perform well (most are adequate but not spectacular)

Here is an example. I just went to make sure my go-to 6BR works in -15

175M (Off my back porch)

6BR - a KNOWN accurate and easy to make work cartridge
Varget Powder - KNOWN to work extremely well in 6BR Norma
Sierra Bullets - KNOWN to be an easy-to-make-work bullet
Krieger Barrel - 'nuff said
Nesika Action - KNOWN to be straight, and tough, and handles high pressure cartridges.
Mick McPhee - if it aint right he won't work on it, or he won't hand it over.

Start with a bullet at the lands, and work up from 30 grains. If you cant find a load in 20 rounds, throw the gun away.

 

[Ian Robertson]

If a fellow does not want to be upgrading then he should just start with the best and we can help out there. As was already stated by Obtunded, AI would be a step down. I must admit that although we supply the best we certainly do not charge the most.

 

[Gunslinger]

I want to learn the art of long distance shooting but I don't want to constantly upgrade guns and optics as i progress so what would you say would be a good start package and how much am I looking at spending. I want to practice for a couple of years before I buy my Accuracy International

So
Rifle?
scope?
rings?----Whats the best I dont want to compromise
Base?---- Whats the best I dont want to compromise

Don't rush. Stick around and listen to the guys who shoot (a lot!). ORA has a LR course over the winter and practice shoots with guns supplied in the summer. Once you shoot a few your plans WILL change. Talk to guys there, they'll be more than willing to help you out and give advice. There's a lot of good advice on here too if you listen to the right folk. DON'T take ANY advice from guys at the gun counter! It sounds like you're willing to spend the money to get something good, don't waste it by rushing out. Slow and steady wins the race.

 

[dizzy]

I would HIGHLY recommend taking obtunded's advice. I bought precision rig(s) then after reading these boards for a few hours and hearing the long range shooters, went out and bought some precision 22's and spent hours shooting at 50 yard targets, what a world of difference it made when I pulled out the precission .223 and then the .308

only 100 -200m at the moment but will slowly start stretching the legs. Don't forget you will need spotting scope, reloading gear and on and on it goes. It will get expensive. Just the way it goes.

 

[Obtunded]

There's a lot of good advice on here too if you listen to the right folk. DON'T take ANY advice from guys at the gun counter! It sounds like you're willing to spend the money to get something good, don't waste it by rushing out. Slow and steady wins the race.

Great advice. Sadly, we have a slimy unscrupulous local vendor in the area that is fond of pimping garbage to unsuspecting new shooters - at outrageous prices.