New gun......need advice on build up

[heavy chevy]

Tired of sitting on the fence I picked up a new Savage 10FP in .223. I was originaly going for the model 10 Precision Carbine in .223 but the deal on the FP was to good to pass up. Have a few "newbie" questions for you oracles.

I generaly shoot out no greater than 500 but would like to try my hand at greater distances.
For optics I have a Leupold 4-12x40 Rifleman that will have to do for now. In the near future I would like to upgrade. What optics/accesories should I be looking into?

Also future dated I would like to add a detachable mag, I know savage sells the parts to upgrade. I know I would have to cut the stock, dificulty level?

Chris.

 

[BeerBaron]

For optics you'll probably want something with target turrets, a decent amount of internal adjustment and possibly an adjustable objective or side-focus. If you post a price-range that you are looking in people will be able to suggest something to fit your needs. Anything from a bushnell elite series, leupold vx3's with the target turrets all the way up to nightforce are popular for this type of application.

Another upgrade to consider will probably be a better stock. The savage plastic stocks aren't that great. Although with a little work (glass bedding, and fill the fore-end with epoxy and an arrow shaft or something to stiffen it) they can certainly be made to work fairly well.

As far as the magazine conversion, can't help you there, though I'm sure someone will have some input.

 

[ahlsy]

Magazine

I hear AI is coming out with a 223 mag. Don't know how big but likely 8 or 10 rounds. They should work with v-bull bottom metal but I haven't confirmed that yet. I'm hoping they do because that's exactly what I want to do with my 10FP in 223. Right after I get rid of the cheesy factory stock.

 

[Ice-Pick]

my advise is spend more time at shorter ranges master the rifle and the reload, at closer distances then move back. A scope with better lenses than the rifleman and larger tube. Pin point precision is done mostly with single shot rifles no need for a mag. what's your hurry unless your shooting targets that move.

 

[Obtunded]

Ice-pick is right on. 500+ in only going to add complexity and contributing factors to accuracy over which you will have very limited control given your equipment. Try it, have fun with it, but understand that it can also lead to unjustified frustration and unattainable expectations.

Get really good at 1-300 and then when you have a handle on that, move out. Target shooting at 500 is not going to be fun with a 14X scope. Your equipment will be excellent for these distances. As a rule of thumb, the bare minimum magnification is 3X for every 100 yards.