Hey everyone, I'm brand new to this website so I hope I posted this in an okay area. so my birthday is coming up (17th) and I have my minors license. My father who has his PAL and ReStricted said he would buy a rifle that I'd be able to use for now and then I would get it once I turn 18 and get my actual PAL. Anyways he said he'd put $200 towards it because we will both be shooting it and as a birthday gift and I'd pay the rest. So I'm trying to figure out what rifle would be the the right one for me. Im not looking for anything to fancy , my price range is about $300 without scope and $1000 with a scope. We already have a norinco MP22 (I believe that's the model it's the Chinese knock off of the p226 ) and a beretta 92fs but as far as rifles go we only have a mossberg 715t and although it's a lot of fun to shoot i found its impossible to get accurate groupings at 150-200 yards (might just be because I'm new to shooting) but I figured it's because the velocity is so low and the bullets so light it's unpredictable over long distance. So I was thinking of going up to a larger caliber for the new rifle (forgot to mention we are not hunters just target shooting) I prefer larger rounds personally I love the kick of the bigger rifles and just the power of them but for target shooting realistically it wouldn't be worth buying something like a 30-06 where it's a dollar every time I shot. So after so research I found my best bet would be a .223 or a .308 for price wise and for the distance I want to shoot (400+ yards). So my question to all you guys are first off am I off to the right start as far as caliber for distance and those being the most resonable priced calibers for long range shooting and secondly which caliber would you recommend (.223/.308 or neither) ?And then obviously what rifles in the $400-$1000 price range have worked the best for you and which should I be looking into ? I prefer bolt action but wouldn't mind semi or lever action. And lastly any suggestions on good scopes for that distance in the $150-$300 range would also be appreciate. Thanks for taking the time to read This ! I appreciate everyone's input !
new to shooting In need of some advice on picking out a long range target rifle
- Thread starter Shawn smith
- Start date
I will assume you already have a 22 rimfire as that is probably the best to learn to shoot with and the cheapest of any caliber out there.
Any 30 cal is expensive to shoot that includes the 308 it's the same as the 30-06. Probably the cheapest center fire to shoot is the 223 ammo can be had as low as 20 bucks for a box of 40. A Savage Axis in 223 sells for under 500 with scope and is a decent firearm. Then there is the Russian SKS in 7.62x39 although not a long range rifle (Similar ballistics as a 30/30) but darn fun to shoot and cheap. You can buy surplus military ammo for approx .20 a round in bulk of 750 or larger quantities a SKS retails for about 250.00 and is great fun to shoot.
Any 30 cal is expensive to shoot that includes the 308 it's the same as the 30-06. Probably the cheapest center fire to shoot is the 223 ammo can be had as low as 20 bucks for a box of 40. A Savage Axis in 223 sells for under 500 with scope and is a decent firearm. Then there is the Russian SKS in 7.62x39 although not a long range rifle (Similar ballistics as a 30/30) but darn fun to shoot and cheap. You can buy surplus military ammo for approx .20 a round in bulk of 750 or larger quantities a SKS retails for about 250.00 and is great fun to shoot.
Hey everyone thanks for all you're inputs I think I will go with a .223 it seems the wisest choice. When I originally was looking up ammo pricing a found barnaul 308 for $289.99 /500rounds so I assumed all .308 was around that price. I soon realized I was very wrong haha. I did find how ever when looking into the sks that great white recommended a mosin Nagant for $189.99 or with an archangel stock for $429.99 does anyone have any experience with these firearms ? I noticed because it was surplus the ammo was pretty cheap but being a new shooter I'm a little cautious of corrosive ammo as I'm not entirely sure what it's effect is on your rifle. Would you guys recommend something like a savage axis .223 or a mosin Nagant to customize ? As far as reloading I am starting to look into it now. Again thanks for all your responses I appreciate all the input and help!
-Shawn
-Shawn
IF (this isn't advice for what to get, just if you are set) you are getting a Mosin and plan on getting a stock, look at this one. It has the stock, and a timney trigger. Used, but at reliable gun in Vancouver - https://www.reliablegun.com/en/used...e-magazine-timney-trigger-very-good-condition
(dunno if this qualifies as advertising, just seen it in their store and it might save him a few bucks)
(dunno if this qualifies as advertising, just seen it in their store and it might save him a few bucks)
I won't comment much on calibre as "long range" is relative and I really have no idea what purposes you might want to use this thing for besides target shooting, and it looks like you have that mostly figured out anyway. But I'll certainly recommend a Remington 783 over any other "new under $500" gun I can think of. I've shot quite a few of them along side the Savage Axis, and they're easily a much better built, more accurate gun. I'd personally take one over a current production 700.
The Ruger American is worth a mention too - I've had good experiences with them. That said, they're generally a little over $500, and don't do anything the 783 won't besides being a bit lighter.
Mosins are lots of fun to shoot, but without putting a big pile of money into them, I've never seen them shoot as well as the guns mentioned above.
The Ruger American is worth a mention too - I've had good experiences with them. That said, they're generally a little over $500, and don't do anything the 783 won't besides being a bit lighter.
Mosins are lots of fun to shoot, but without putting a big pile of money into them, I've never seen them shoot as well as the guns mentioned above.
Just a final update just in case anyone was interested . I was going with the mosin Nagant but at last minute made an impulse by at my local cabelas and purchased the Weatherby Vanguard 2. Haven't gotten it yet as they have to ship it in from another store but really excited as I've heard nothing but good news about this rifle ! Thanks everyone for all your help and advice. One reason I didn't go with the mosin is just the fact it's nearly the same price as the Weatherby with the archangel stock and timney trigger and with shipping and a half decent scope it would be more than the Weatherby yet the Weatherby is more accurate / reliable from what I've heard . Again thanks for all the input ,
Shawn
Shawn
