I'm looking to buy my first big rifle, I want it to basicaly shoot the 300-400 range targets at my range and when i want in the fall go shoot some big game, mostly for targets though. I dont really want to go over 1000$ on the rifle. What do you guys think? I've been told a marlin 7 in 308 is pretty good bang for the buck at only 389 but can it shoot those far ranges accurately?
Wanting a target/hunting rifle
- Thread starter stoop14
- Start date
Here is the issue with wanting a gun for both target and hunting.
For hunting you want a light firearm. It's not fun pushing bush with a heavy thing on you.
For the range, you need a heavy barrel gun that can take the abuse of repeated shots without heat dissipation. Generally, these rifles are heavy and not fun to push bush with.
Mystic Precision
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Summerland, BC
If it is still in the EE, there was a Savage 12FV in 22-250 that the owner wanted $450 plus ship. Bed it, tune some handloads and you have a decent paper puncher out to 400yds.
I can offer you a factory Savage 308 or 243 factory sporter barrel for not much $ and you can spin on the barrel yourself. $100 shipped.
Now you have a light weight hunting rifle AND a plinker you have have fun with. All for around $600 as you will also need to get a wrench ($45)
The FV stock will have a large forend but you can also get a take off hunting stock for little money down the road.
Now you can have both jobs covered and can swap back and forth in a few minutes.
One scope too.
Jerry
I can offer you a factory Savage 308 or 243 factory sporter barrel for not much $ and you can spin on the barrel yourself. $100 shipped.
Now you have a light weight hunting rifle AND a plinker you have have fun with. All for around $600 as you will also need to get a wrench ($45)
The FV stock will have a large forend but you can also get a take off hunting stock for little money down the road.
Now you can have both jobs covered and can swap back and forth in a few minutes.
One scope too.
Jerry
Stoop,
You don't want a 22-250 for the large game your specify.
As has been stated, target-type rifles and hunting rifles differ greatly in what makes them ideally suited for their respective purposes, and those attributes tend to be almost opposite to the other in terms of ideal.
If it were me, I'd get a heavy barreled 308 and have fun. I would personally look at a Tikka, but Remington and Savage make perfect rifles for what you want as well. If you DO get a Tikka, consider the 6.5X55 cartridge. Much less punishing recoil-wise than a 308 and exceptional long range performance.
You can save a whack buying used too, and there are many to choose from.
Don't get too wrapped up in brands, they all shoot basically the same.
You don't want a 22-250 for the large game your specify.
As has been stated, target-type rifles and hunting rifles differ greatly in what makes them ideally suited for their respective purposes, and those attributes tend to be almost opposite to the other in terms of ideal.
If it were me, I'd get a heavy barreled 308 and have fun. I would personally look at a Tikka, but Remington and Savage make perfect rifles for what you want as well. If you DO get a Tikka, consider the 6.5X55 cartridge. Much less punishing recoil-wise than a 308 and exceptional long range performance.
You can save a whack buying used too, and there are many to choose from.
Don't get too wrapped up in brands, they all shoot basically the same.
To balance what you want in target, and hunting, I went with a 20 inch varmit profiled remington 308. It is now on its second barrel, but it was originally(and still pretty much) a remington 700 LTR. It is not the ideal hunting rifle because of its weight, and not the idea benchrest rig as its barrel is too short/not heavy enough, but I think it is a really good compromise.
Look for models marketed as varmit, or tactical, and have a 20 inch barrel. These will have a heavy barrel to dissipate heat in long string practice, and stiffen the barrel for better repeatability. These include the 20 inch tikka tactical, the remington SPS tactical, remington LTR, etc.
Like Obtunded said, the 6.5x55 would be an excelent choice. There are not many offerings in it though. Next to it, the 308 is probably what you want.
Look for models marketed as varmit, or tactical, and have a 20 inch barrel. These will have a heavy barrel to dissipate heat in long string practice, and stiffen the barrel for better repeatability. These include the 20 inch tikka tactical, the remington SPS tactical, remington LTR, etc.
Like Obtunded said, the 6.5x55 would be an excelent choice. There are not many offerings in it though. Next to it, the 308 is probably what you want.
I had very similar requirements to yourself and after much research went for a Remington 700 in .308. Best value for money imho. Bought one from Wanstalls on sale for $599 and bought a Busnhell Elite 4200 scope and Harris bipod on the EE and now I am good for 1moa groups.
The .308 continues to be one of the most accurate calibers that is also good for hunting, so is the 30/06, either cal. would work for you. Just go to a few stores and handle some of the brands, you will quickly feel which suites you best. I'd advise whatever model of Rem. 700 that turns your crank. My 700 Varmint rifle in .308 is deadly accurate, but too heavy to carry much.
I am loving my rem 700 sps varmint in .308.
I am well under .75 MOA with factory loads in a factory rifle, and I am not the best shooter.
Getting close to .5MOA at 100yrds with handloads.
308 is more than enough to take 99% of game you will want to shoot at.
I am well under .75 MOA with factory loads in a factory rifle, and I am not the best shooter.
Getting close to .5MOA at 100yrds with handloads.
308 is more than enough to take 99% of game you will want to shoot at.
The VTR has a muzzle compensator which can help to a small degree with recoil, but if you have any designs on cometitive shooting at all, that comensator will be verboten.
The SPS varmint or tactical versions are good rifles, priced well. The 700P and 700 5R are two heavy barreled rifles with higher quality stocks, and more cosmetic refinement (functionally they are identical) but the extra money you'd pay does not translate into more accuracy. That is true with most factory rifles.
