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4k to spend on new rifle

bigborealaska

bigborealaska

Private
Full Member
Minuteman
Apr 29, 2010
6
0
43
Idaho
#1
Got the green light from the boss aka wife to spend 4k on the rifle of my choice. I don't know if I should dump the 4k into my current rifle a bone stock aac or buy a custom build such as the GAP Crusader, Hrt, Thunder ranch special or a tacops job. I want to stay with .308 or .300wm and I want a bolt action thought i`d state that even though we are in the bolt forum.

I am looking for a rifle that will shoot well at 1k I`m new and learning but this rifle purchase or upgrade will be done right. I want a capable rifle and don`t want to sell a starter rifle for a more advanced rifle in the future.

I posted a similar question in the semi auto forum I was going to go semi but I am too attached to my bolt gun and feel I would benefit more from a bolt gun. I appreciate all the wisdom here at this site and am thankful for any in site you can give me.
 
#2
Re: 4k to spend on new rifle

for 1000 yd 300 winmag will do better than 308
for 4K you could get the stiller action from the group buy, bottom metal inletted into the stock of your choice or asic, several magazines, a case, and with the winmag it would be nice to get 2 barrels set up for your action right away
 
#4
Re: 4k to spend on new rifle

I would get a TRG 22, run a Near base and brake and use the rest of the money for good glass. Dont forget the optics are what will set this rifle apart from the rest at distance. I havent checked prices lately but for 4k you should be able to get into this package with ease. I would recomend the Sako bipod but they are not cheep you can always start off with the Harris, they work very good also. You may also consider looking at used rifles & scopes here there are some nice ones.
 
#5
Re: 4k to spend on new rifle

Get an AI and just be done with it.
cool.gif
 
#6
Re: 4k to spend on new rifle

I would cruise the for sale section on this site, you may be able to pick up a great deal on a custom build or AI. They are always there and you can find one with a pretty low round count.
 
#8
Re: 4k to spend on new rifle

308 from just about any of the site vendors

GAP
APA
Tac Ops
KMW
SAC
black ops precision
LPR
beanland custom
kampfield custom
surgeon rifles


there are a few more but all of the above have taken care of the members here and build AWESOME sticks or go with a AI AE or TRG22

euro optics on here seems to be good to go with TRG"s and i wouldn't go anywhere else but randy at high caliber sales for anything AI

best of luck
 
#9
Re: 4k to spend on new rifle

No one can tell you what your idea of perfection is. YOU have to decide what fits YOU. Any gun from a reputable smith with quality components will be a shooter with the right ammo.

Now if shooting at a grand is what you want to do there are many calibers that have a ballistic advantage over a 308. So of the two you listed 300WM would be the choice. However if you are new to this there is no reason IMO to beat up your shoulder and develop bad habits with the increased recoil of a 300WM.

I would suggest you look at either a 6.5 Creedmore or a 260Rem. Both shoot 6.5mm bullets that will get to 1000 yards without the recoil of the 300WM and be cheaper on ammo.

If there are any tactical matches near you show up and ask to get behind various stocks. The ergonomics are different and no one can tell YOU what fits YOU best. If you like the AICS stock then an AI or AW ect gun may fit the bill. If not them a McMillan, Manners, SENTINEL ect stock may be better suited. From there get a custom action, decide on a caliber which will narrow down the barrel choices such as twist and length (I like Kreiger and Bartlein barrels) and decide on a contour. Next is the trigger and DBM.

This is a personal decision, you can ask for guidance but dont let "us" make the decision with YOUR money. Do plenty of research as to not make a hasty decision. I would rather it take longer to get the end product that fits me perfect than to run out the door and buy something only to swap out the stock, trigger, ect until i found MY match. A fool and his money are soon parted.
 
#10
Re: 4k to spend on new rifle

4000k for a rifle:

I would get the Stiller intergrated rail actin 1080$
Jewell Trigger 200$
Bartlein .299 bore 11.25 twist 308 300$
Manners T5 Mini Chassis 90% carbon 930$
Cerakote 200$
Barrel it 200$
Total 2910$
Scope 1100$ left over
 
#11
Re: 4k to spend on new rifle

I too would look hard at one of the 6.5's. They have similar ballistics to the 300win mag with less recoil than the 308win. If you don't handload or never plan to, I would highly suggest the 6.5 Creedmoor. Hornady is making factory match ammo that won't break the bank.

http://www.ableammo.com/catalog/hornady-rifle-ammunition-81494-creedmoor-amax-rdbx-p-104072.html

Also, does the 4k have to cover the optics as well or do you have quality glass already?
 
#13
Re: 4k to spend on new rifle

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: RMW</div><div class="ubbcode-body">4.1K will get you into a DTA SRS in .308. </div></div>

+1 on the DTA, re-sale on them is incredible, if you don't like it but, I doubt that will happen! I played with one today. I thought the trigger would be the weakness due to the long linkage to the rear of the bolt. I was wrong! It has a great trigger!
 
#14
Re: 4k to spend on new rifle

Is your budget for the rifle only or do you also need good glass to go on it?

I agree with what others have suggested about crawling behind as many rifles as you can before making your purchase. You will quickly figure out what stocks work best for you.

I'm personally a fan of the AI chassis so I would look for a good deal on an AI AE Mk2 or Mk3 in 308 if most of your shooting will be inside of 1000 yards. If you decide to try something different down the road the AI will hold its value well as will custom builds from the more well know smiths like GAP and APA. You might also want to look at the DTA SRS if your budget is exclusive of optics. The option to swap calibers fairly easily on the DTA can save you money down the road assuming you can get used to the ergos of the bullpup layout.

Good luck!
 
#15
Re: 4k to spend on new rifle

i know this will sound strange coming from a savage guy

but i would get an AI MK3 or a Sako TRG 22

both can be had in 260, and do what you want to do
if you can get behind them this would be great as they are very different platforms....as others have said you may not like one

ive got about $3k into my savage...i have done better than others shooting ai and trg's. however, i will never see half of my money back.
 
#17
Re: 4k to spend on new rifle

You should ask yourself how well you like Remington 700s. If you like them, and your current rifle in general, I'd recommend tuning it up a bit, and spending a bunch of money on glass and ammo.

For example, Mark @ SAC has his "SPS Package", which includes a full tuneup including truing, trigger, rechambering, crowning/threading etc etc. Add a nice stock that looks/fits you well, drop on a great scope and you're ready to rock.

Maybe spend some of the stash on ammo, components, or a reloading setup?

Final word: If you don't have your heart SET on a specific rifle, I wouldn't recommend dropping thousands of dollars on one. You'll know the $4k rifle you MUST have when you see it.
 
#18
Re: 4k to spend on new rifle

This is really subjective and up to you. What do you want? You can spend that on an AI, or you can get something from a "custom" builder with a recognized name.

What caliber do you want it to be? Short action/long? I'd want my "sweetest" rifle to be the one I use the most, for me that's going to be my F-TR rig (why I bought a drop dead gorgeous Defiance action for my build) but for you it may be a tactical rig or a hunting rifle or something else.

Personally I don't get into the names that add $500 to $1000 to the build, but that's me, and if nothing else I've been known to do things my way (not always best). Buying something from say, GAP, will nearly guarantee higher resale later.

That said, there are regularly really nice "not starter" rifles that pop up every week in the classifieds for $2000 or less. I just looked, there is a nice looking 260 (actually tempting) for 2K right now, there is a 280AI for $1700 ($900 change the stock and bottom metal if you don't like the B&C/Wyatt thing and put on a McM and a Badger), a 300WSM just sold for $1600. There is also a $3200 GAP 300 WSM and a $3000 AIAE. That's just what is on the front page.

Save the rest for good glass (cause you know you want it)
 
#19
Re: 4k to spend on new rifle

I went with Mark at SAC still waiting on the rifle but I must say his customer service is top of the line. Any questions I have had he has responded very quickly and I have made a change or two since placing the order and he was willing to work with the changes no questions asked. So I say you cant go wrong with a SAC.
 
#20
Re: 4k to spend on new rifle

Hope you have fun hunting for the correct rifle for yourself. While I shoot left handed and it would not work for me, if in your position I would check the for sale page and get the TacOps Echo 51 that is for sale. It is just a tick over your price, but.............

If it would work, you have it now verses what I understand is a long wait. If it did not work out it should be no trouble to sell.

Good luck and happy shooting with whatever you decide.
 
#22
Re: 4k to spend on new rifle

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Sledge Hammer</div><div class="ubbcode-body">4000k for a rifle:

I would get the Stiller intergrated rail actin 1080$
Jewell Trigger 200$
Bartlein .299 bore 11.25 twist 308 300$
Manners T5 Mini Chassis 90% carbon 930$
Cerakote 200$
Barrel it 200$
Total 2910$
Scope 1100$ left over

</div></div> I like this idea those new Stillers are pretty cool. Spend the left over for a new lupy or a good used scope.
 
#24
Re: 4k to spend on new rifle

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: GoingLong</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Buy a GAP you wont be sorry. Anything you can dream of they can build. </div></div>

Red Jacket Firearms motto?
 
#25
Re: 4k to spend on new rifle

I would get:
- Savage 5R: $600
- U.S. Optics SN-3 T-PAL Rifle Scope 35mm Tube 5-25x FFP: $3000
- Harris Bipod: $100
- choice of cheekrest: $20
- TPS rings: $110

Total: $3830
 
#26
Re: 4k to spend on new rifle

Dude, you got a "Kitchen Pass for $4 Grand" ? Awesome!!


Defiantly go for the GA Precision.

Mine threatened me with divorce because I was wanting a Surgeon Scalpel.

IMG_0118.jpg


Of course I got the rifle and I still have my wife. Damn!
 
#28
Re: 4k to spend on new rifle

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: FORECON</div><div class="ubbcode-body">whatever you go with make sure you have the money for the optics to match. No point getting a 4K rifle and putting a low end scope on it. IMHO go with a AI AE. </div></div>


Great point!
 
#29
Re: 4k to spend on new rifle

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: bkster</div><div class="ubbcode-body">i know this will sound strange coming from a savage guy

but i would get an AI MK3 or a Sako TRG 22

both can be had in 260, and do what you want to do
if you can get behind them this would be great as they are very different platforms....as others have said you may not like one
</div></div>

Good advise here.
+1
 
#30
Re: 4k to spend on new rifle

I know a lot of other dudes are telling you this but you can't go wrong with GAP it's just simply a bad ass package and it works. I agree with other post too that high end glass is a must
 
#32
Re: 4k to spend on new rifle

Smiths I would have build me a gun, in this order

1-Mark@ Short Action
2-Mark@ Short Action
4-Mar....well you get the picture
smile.gif


In all seriousness I think you should build and build exactly what you want, choose from Short Action, GAP, UGSW/Black Ops, LA Precision, APA and so on. I would pick who ever gives you the shortest lead time, they are all awesome smiths.
 
#34
Re: 4k to spend on new rifle

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: KIMO</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Get an AI and just be done with it.
cool.gif
</div></div>

+1
 
#35
Re: 4k to spend on new rifle

I was thinking about this again and there a lot of precision gunsmiths that can take a supplied action and make one hell of a rifle for a lot less then if you bought one made from the ground up. I sent my Remington PSS in 308 to Suarez Tactical Rifles (cost me around $700) and for $2600 I has it rebarreled with a 22" Krieger barrel, added a MCM A5 stock, surefire brake, badger M5 bottom metal, and a jewell trigger. Shoots sub-1/2 moa. Going with a 4k budget that would have left $700 left for a scope (save a few hundred more and you could get a really good piece of glass).
 
#37
Re: 4k to spend on new rifle

Everyone is going to tell you to get what they personally have. All of these rifles are great options (except the savage) but the DTA is truly a unique option that allows for more varience in the future. You can get it in 300wm and any 6.5 configuration as well. Its rediculously accurate and the ergonomics are easy to adapt to. They are not one trick ponies!
 
#38
Re: 4k to spend on new rifle



Send the check out to: Mark Gordon (S.A.C.). You won't be disappointed. His attention to detail & customer service is top notch.


Here is a Creedmoor he built for me last yr.

Test3.jpg
 
#39
Re: 4k to spend on new rifle

Its all been said already, buy or build what you want. I would still go with the 260rem or 6.5 creedmore. Less recoil and great ballistics. Optics make or break a rifle and shooter, all else being equal. Enjoy your search, not many things willbe as much fun...

Bill
 
#40
Re: 4k to spend on new rifle

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: UncleBenji</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Everyone is going to tell you to get what they personally have. All of these rifles are great options (except the savage) but the DTA is truly a unique option that allows for more varience in the future. You can get it in 300wm and any 6.5 configuration as well. Its rediculously accurate and the ergonomics are easy to adapt to. They are not one trick ponies! </div></div>

The DTA rifles are great. I really like being able to have multiple guns in one package. Also, when the next latest and greatest cartridge comes out you can easily convert the DTA to shoot it. Plus, from what I have seen they hold their value really well (not that most of us treat our firearms as investments).
 
#43
Re: 4k to spend on new rifle

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: BigBoreAlaska</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
Got the green light from the boss aka wife to spend 4k on the rifle of my choice. I don't know if I should dump the 4k into my current rifle a bone stock aac or buy a custom build such as the GAP Crusader, Hrt, Thunder ranch special or a tacops job. I want to stay with .308 or .300wm and I want a bolt action thought i`d state that even though we are in the bolt forum.

I am looking for a rifle that will shoot well at 1k I`m new and learning but this rifle purchase or upgrade will be done right. I want a capable rifle and don`t want to sell a starter rifle for a more advanced rifle in the future.

I posted a similar question in the semi auto forum I was going to go semi but I am too attached to my bolt gun and feel I would benefit more from a bolt gun. I appreciate all the wisdom here at this site and am thankful for any in site you can give me. </div></div>

Out of those two options, it would depend what you want to do with it.

If you just want to shoot and work on fundamentals, maybe a match or two, and some hunting I'd go with the .308. Can't go wrong with it and ammo is everywhere.

If it were me, I'd build a 6.5 (I actually just did, 6.5 Creedmoor )
 
#44
Re: 4k to spend on new rifle

Contact Louisanaprecisionrifles.com. If you are not 100 percent convinced the 300 win. Mag. Is what you want. Ask about a 7mm in one of the short mag. platforms. Have your 300 built with center feed magazine. Have a 7 mm barrel made complete with choice of contour , head spaced and ready to install while you are having the rifle built. The 7mm with VLD projectiles will produce very similar trajectory as the 338 lapua. Thus you can have the best of two calibers. And still have change to spend on other goodies.
 
#45
Re: 4k to spend on new rifle

I have 308 and 260 TRG 22s. Get the TRG in 260 Rem. Really pleasant to shoot and very accurate. There is a reason the 6.5s are so popular. I shot a group at 880 yards yesterday that you could cover with your hand. I am able to hang with my buddy shooting a 7mm Rem Mag with a LOT LESS recoil. He had a headache at the end of the day. I couldn't even tell that I had fired a weapon!
 
#46
Re: 4k to spend on new rifle

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: UncleBenji</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Everyone is going to tell you to get what they personally have. All of these rifles are great options (except the savage) but the DTA is truly a unique option that allows for more varience in the future. You can get it in 300wm and any 6.5 configuration as well. Its rediculously accurate and the ergonomics are easy to adapt to. They are not one trick ponies! </div></div>

Couldn't agree more with this statement. Look hard at the DTA, I just purchased one and my last rifle was an AI AE MKII.
 
#47
Re: 4k to spend on new rifle

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Guy Montag</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Instant gratification if you can't stand the wait.

308 GAP Crusader Ready to Ship

There you go, little over $4k and you're good to go, make the call to GAP and be done with it.

</div></div>

You beat me to it.

I even like the color!
 
#48
Re: 4k to spend on new rifle

All the rifles these guys listed are great and you cant go wrong with any of them.

Personally If I had only $4000 to spend and wanted a bolt gun I would probably get a Remington 700 5R Milspec 308 ($1000). Throw a ($2290) NightForce F1 Scope w/ MLR2.0 reticle on it and get yourself an Atlas Bipod ($220) and still have about $500 left over for ammo, Pelican Case, Spotting scope etc...

I seen you also mentioned semi-auto rifle. If you where to go that route I would get the same setup but on a LMT 308 MWS 16in Chrome Lined barrel. Thats actually the route I went and its unbelievable.
 
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