I am thinking about doing some target shooting and want to buy a centrefire rifle. Obviously a military cartridge like .223 or .308 has advantages, i do not reload, nor consider competing in major events. I might get to shoot coyotes, or I might occasionally hunt a deer if I get a .308. Is there a rifle that would fit the bill? I was considering the Marstar Australian made .308 that is similar to the old .303 Lee Enfield. Anyone here used one? or have any suggestions as to a rifle that might fit my needs? I am not rich, and not a young man either, any advice appreciated.
Recomend A Good Rifle
- Thread starter DATAM
- Start date
that the magic question how much you want to spend?
and some thing else how good are you behind the triger.
For exemple I just buy my first long range riffle or look a like
it's a rem 700 varmint in .308. That gun can shoot far bether then I can.
I personaly concluded that I need a beguining rig to practice a lot and that it was not whort paying the big $ for me.
That just my personal opinion
and some thing else how good are you behind the triger.
For exemple I just buy my first long range riffle or look a like
it's a rem 700 varmint in .308. That gun can shoot far bether then I can. I personaly concluded that I need a beguining rig to practice a lot and that it was not whort paying the big $ for me.
That just my personal opinion
Pick whatever flavour heavy barreled Savage or Remington that fits your budget. Either are likely to shoot as well as the other.
Put the best glass you can afford on it and go shoot.
.223 would the cheaper alternative in the long run.
Put the best glass you can afford on it and go shoot.
.223 would the cheaper alternative in the long run.
The price of ammo is gonna catch up to the price of the rifle pretty quick... No need to have a "starter kit" if he's already got experience shooting - you'll just end up with a rifle you won't use anymore.
What would be smarter is to start off with cheap ammo, then buy more precise as you get better.
As for rifle, if you want something that's light enough to go hunting with but accurate enough for target shooting, look for a rifle with:
- A barrel profile between medium and thick that's fluted for a compromise between weight, rigidity and heat dissipation
- A slim synthetic stock for light weight
- Action trued/accurized
- bedded action & free-floating barrel for accuracy
- A quality hunting scope with a 1" tube for lighter weight
Don't know if a factory rifle like that exists, so you might want to go the custom route. Hope that helps
BigUglyMan
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- New Scotland
Consider something like a Stevens 200 in 308. You can use the money you save to upgrade the stock should you decide to. They're essentially the same as the Savage with the exception of the Accutrigger (and you can buy an aftermarket trigger from Mysticplayer for next to nothing).
I would have suggested one of the target versions but they're really too heavy for most hunting. You could also go with the standard Savage 10FP with the cheap stock but it will still be a tad heavy. My LE2B with the Harris and NXS weighs in right around 14 lbs. That's plenty of rifle to try to hunt with.
If you want a generalist rifle you have to make sacrifices. If you want a specialist rifle you make sacrifices too. Just depends which sacrifices you can live with and which you can't.
I would have suggested one of the target versions but they're really too heavy for most hunting. You could also go with the standard Savage 10FP with the cheap stock but it will still be a tad heavy. My LE2B with the Harris and NXS weighs in right around 14 lbs. That's plenty of rifle to try to hunt with.
If you want a generalist rifle you have to make sacrifices. If you want a specialist rifle you make sacrifices too. Just depends which sacrifices you can live with and which you can't.
- Location
- Virden, MB
Another vote for Stevens 200. If you want down the road you can change out the barrel, stock, trigger anything if you need better performance. Out of the box they are pretty good.
I have a Styer scout in 308, built in bipod, built in weaver rail, extra mag in butt stock, fluted barrel, very accurate rifle and light for hunting, have taken many a dear with it and shoots less than 1 MOA at 100yds.
Blue line activities has one listed at $1799, but with any other rifle you would be spending the same if not more to get it as equipped as it comes out of the box. Any other rifle with the same options will weigh more as well.
Blue line activities has one listed at $1799, but with any other rifle you would be spending the same if not more to get it as equipped as it comes out of the box. Any other rifle with the same options will weigh more as well.
^ Brian, a scout was exactly what I was gonna propose when I chimed in, but I was thinking it might be too expensive since he said he was on a budget... Tack on a decent scope to it and you're getting into the high 2000's.
Pick any factory gun you want they basically all shoot the same. Most guys recommend you buy the same model as they did because that's what they know. Truth is, it's a ford-chevy-dodge thing. I'd suggest 223 for inherent accuracy, low recoil and barrel life.
I'd tend to stick with a model with a good accessory selection. The Aus Arms 308 is a gamble that way.
I'd tend to stick with a model with a good accessory selection. The Aus Arms 308 is a gamble that way.
Yeah, it depends on what he want's, I just hate to see people buy something right away on a budget and not be happy when they could have saved for a little while and got something they are happy with. I'm not saying the OP wouldn't be happy with a stevens, savage, or any other budget minded rifle, I just think people out grow them quickly and sell at a loss.
That is my philosophy, you save money in the long run when you buy quality first
1riot1ranger
CGN Regular
- Location
- Calgary, AB
My recommendation: Rem 700 LTR
That was my first, great rifle
1riot1ranger
CGN Regular
- Location
- Calgary, AB
^^
.308 or .223?
.308 or .223?
I absolutely agree - I believe in "Buy it once, buy it right", which is why I saved and saved and dished out 6 large on my first rifle, still my only one and favourite
I'm not sure if the savage, stevens, remington route would suit his needs which are kida specific. The closest seems to be that scout and maybe an LTR, which make, me want to update the specs he should go with to:
I remember reading how it was found that after about 21.5" or so, the length doesn't make that much of a difference for .308 (I take it he won't use .223 on deer, which he said he wanted to hunt).
