Would I be betterto build my S&W 1500 or buy new as a entry gun.

[elicitone]

I currently have a S&W 1500 which I understand is the same as a Howa 1500. It is chambered in .300WinMag and has less than 40 rounds fired through it. I am looking at trying a little long range shooting as part of three gun and wonder if this would be a good gun to work with?

Just curious if this is a good base rifle to start with. Looking on line was only able to find 1 place with a magwell adapter, so would be about $300 US to add a detachable magazine. It has an old Bushnell Scopechief VI 3-9x40 on it now, have read that although the optic quality on it is sub par by current standards that they will hold POI like champs.

I am curious on the stock. It seems very light and hollow, how do they stand up under the heavier loads like the .300?

I guess what I'm asking is, should I work with it and potentially save some money to buy more ammo, or sell it and put the money towards a Rem 700 or Savage ect...

 

[308BAR]

The availability of parts is better for the rem or savage triggers, stocks etc. a precision barrel could be made or evena prefit could be made for your Smith/Howa action of it uses the nut and floating bolt head system. Personally i would find a donor action of a rem or savage on part available alone as a base to start.

 

[paperslayer]

That cartridge is very poor for your application. far too much recoil, poor barrel life and expensive to feed. Best look at a different gun....my $0.02