Advice For Getting Started

[ninelines]

Hi,

I'm new to this site (I know....just what it needs another newby) and I want to get started building my own rig. I'm sure this has been discussed a billion times but I'd like
to benefit from your experience. I've always been big into
handguns but want to get started with some long range shooting.

My first question is what rifle would be a good "base" to start with? I want to get it in .308 Win. $500 to $1000. Something that isnt too hard to match upgrade parts to....like the way Glocks are.

Thanks for any and all help on this!!!

 

[Beef82]

Re: Advice For Getting Started

This is a common question, asked multiple times a week. Search, first, ask later, you'll find people more likely to respond. It would likely be better suited to a different section of the forum.

By the price may I assume you're looking at bolt actions? The Remington 700 has long been the standard for factory bolt actions, as such there is more stuff availible for it than any other model. They shoot decent, the newer ones have a few minor issues. You can change basically everything but the barrel yourself with a bit set and some punchs. If you want to be able to change barrels yourself, get a savage/stevens known for box stock accuracy, aftermarket doesn't have quite the variety of the 700s.

In you price range you'll find, the Rem 700 SPS-V, SPS-Tac, SPS AAC, Police, and just above it 5R. I suggest the lowest priced of these, add atleast $220 if its an SPS for a stock upgrade, its mandatory. People will claim virtues of the AAC, Police, and 5R, other than stainless, length, and rifling (if you want to shoot 180+gr bullets) they're negligable, sometimes even made up. I don't know savages models.

 

[VKC]

Re: Advice For Getting Started

Remington and Savages are popular. I would also look at the Tikka T3.

 

[DeadNoise]

Re: Advice For Getting Started

my advice, go to ur local shop, handle the ones your interested in, see what fits ya best, grab yourself a descent optic, and shoot the heck out of it. upgrade as you can.

 

[Graham]

Re: Advice For Getting Started

There's no way not to spend money. Buy an AE in .308. It will last you many, many years and you'll spend less in the long run.

 

[Tribe]

Re: Advice For Getting Started

^^^ Heed this advise.

Or better yet.... turn and run now... while there's still hope...

 

[B3dlam]

Re: Advice For Getting Started

Lonewolf has a youtube channel where he is doing a budget build video series which might be worth checking out he basically shows you the base rifle optic everything and talks about why he would recomend particular upgrades. Might be one good place to start looking.

 

[GHatfield]

Re: Advice For Getting Started

Here is the link to LoneWolf's channel. Allot of good info on it!

http://www.youtube.com/user/LoneWolfUSMC

 

[ykrvak]

Re: Advice For Getting Started

Graham and Tribe are giving you sage advice. However, the buy once cry once mantra can't always be followed if finances simply won't allow it. As others have said the Rem 700 is going to give you a zillion options to upgrade to and allow you to build your rifle over time as you progress as a shooter. Again, getting something along the lines of an AE with decent glass will last you a very long time. It will also remove many barriers as you learn. Meaning you won't have questions about being able to trust your equipment, you will basically know something is off with what you are doing. (granted even the best gear can fail) Good luck and I'm very sorry about the hit your wallet is about to take.

 

[The_Hoff]

Re: Advice For Getting Started

if very new to long range shooting get a good 22 trainer to learn on then step up to a center fire precision rifle.

 

[ninelines]

Re: Advice For Getting Started

Thank you very much for the info. Sorry I'm in the wrong section.

 

[citation04]

Re: Advice For Getting Started

you should do a search, especially for a question that you suspect has been asked before (this qualifies) youll get a much better answer anyway. so consider that your hazing.

the standard answer is the 700 for the reasons you listed, however I'm am very happy to see that the Tikka/Savage sticks have also become part of the conversation these days.

I shoot a Tikka T3, its kinda hard to describe the rifle other than to say that I really don't see how I could imagine anything being better somehow. Great ergo GREAT TRIGGER quality made, etc. etc.

The one glaring issue that is ridiculous is that the mags are made of cheap plastic. Why they did that is beyond me.

So my vote will always be tikka, if you want a really great off the shelf bolt gun, the 700 pss was always considered the way to go, althoughugh my info in this area is dated at this point.

 

[NewsShooter]

Re: Advice For Getting Started

I bought a Savage 12LRP in 6.5 creedmoor. Comes with an Ok stock, HS precision, and Savages target trigger which is really nice. Seekins rings, Farrel base and a vortex pst scope. It shoots better than me right now. .308 might have been a better choice but I like the ballistics of the 6.5 better.

 

[coach482]

Re: Advice For Getting Started

With either the Savage 10 or 12(stay away from Edge model) or Remington 700, get it with a heavy barrel.

223 or 308 will be the less expensive ammo.