I am just getting started in tactical shooting and have about $600 to spend on a rifle. My local Wal Mart has Remington 770 and 700 models in various calibers along with a Savage (I am not sure of the model). All the guns I looked at had scopes. The Remington rifles were $450-500 and the Savage was $400. Can I get some suggestions from you more experienced marksmen on which rifle/caliber to start with?
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Best Rifle for $600 ?
- Thread starter Sniper Nurse
- Start date
Re: Best Rifle for $600 ?
Howa 1500 would be my first choice in the price range. IT is upgradable and they are under priced.
Howa 1500 would be my first choice in the price range. IT is upgradable and they are under priced.
Re: Best Rifle for $600 ?
Try to find a 700 SPS tactical which run just under $600. The cheap plastic stock remington's Wal Mart sells will leave you needing to upgrade the stock right off the bat.
Try to find a 700 SPS tactical which run just under $600. The cheap plastic stock remington's Wal Mart sells will leave you needing to upgrade the stock right off the bat.
Re: Best Rifle for $600 ?
You probably wont find it at Walmart but i would also look at the Tikka T3. They come with cold hammer forged free floated barrel, nice trigger and have shown to be easily sub-MOA. They can be had for about $500-550.
You probably wont find it at Walmart but i would also look at the Tikka T3. They come with cold hammer forged free floated barrel, nice trigger and have shown to be easily sub-MOA. They can be had for about $500-550.
Re: Best Rifle for $600 ?
http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/cPath/36_62/products_id/78507
Or:
http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/manufacturers_id/73/products_id/57452
and add this barrel:
http://www.lothar-walther.de/339.php
If you stick with the sporter barrels they will serve you well but you need to be patient with follow up shots. You can't shoot very fast. However if you go with the stevens and add the walther barrel you will be set and you should shoot 3/4-1/2 MOA. To get the most out of either savage they are going to need new stocks.
Here is a video of me hitting at 500 with the stevens in the above link in stock form:
http://www.facebook.com/merritt.roseberry?v=app_2392950137#!/video/video.php?v=272549532273
The rifle in my sig is a Stevens with a B&C Stock and it's still got the stock barrel until I can save up enough for the barrel I gave you the link to.
Good luck,
Merritt
SGT USMC vet.
http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/cPath/36_62/products_id/78507
Or:
http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/manufacturers_id/73/products_id/57452
and add this barrel:
http://www.lothar-walther.de/339.php
If you stick with the sporter barrels they will serve you well but you need to be patient with follow up shots. You can't shoot very fast. However if you go with the stevens and add the walther barrel you will be set and you should shoot 3/4-1/2 MOA. To get the most out of either savage they are going to need new stocks.
Here is a video of me hitting at 500 with the stevens in the above link in stock form:
http://www.facebook.com/merritt.roseberry?v=app_2392950137#!/video/video.php?v=272549532273
The rifle in my sig is a Stevens with a B&C Stock and it's still got the stock barrel until I can save up enough for the barrel I gave you the link to.
Good luck,
Merritt
SGT USMC vet.
Re: Best Rifle for $600 ?
The 600.00 area takes me to the Savage 01063 308,
it can be had around that price
check it out its a nice one.
The 600.00 area takes me to the Savage 01063 308,
it can be had around that price
check it out its a nice one.
Re: Best Rifle for $600 ?
I am a beginner but I notice there is a preference for the .308 caliber. Is there any particular reason? When I have looked at the ballistic charts, the .300 win mag stands out as having the most punch and small distance drop.
I am a beginner but I notice there is a preference for the .308 caliber. Is there any particular reason? When I have looked at the ballistic charts, the .300 win mag stands out as having the most punch and small distance drop.
Re: Best Rifle for $600 ?
hay this is the right place for ALL kinds of info
hold on somebody will type out a 2 or 3 hunderd page opinion for you
a nother STARTING place can be with a .22lr
again I like the savage TRR or TR in .22
its all based on each persons opinion
hay this is the right place for ALL kinds of info
hold on somebody will type out a 2 or 3 hunderd page opinion for you
a nother STARTING place can be with a .22lr
again I like the savage TRR or TR in .22
its all based on each persons opinion
Re: Best Rifle for $600 ?
Thanks, but I already have a .22 and a 7.62, looking for something for distance shooting 250-500 yards
Thanks, but I already have a .22 and a 7.62, looking for something for distance shooting 250-500 yards
Re: Best Rifle for $600 ?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: CDiPrecision</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Howa 1500 would be my first choice in the price range. IT is upgradable and they are under priced. </div></div>
+ 10 for this rifle. Just got my bottom metal from Jeff for my Howa build. Take a look at Roedale Precision and read what Pete has to say on Howa rifles.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: CDiPrecision</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Howa 1500 would be my first choice in the price range. IT is upgradable and they are under priced. </div></div>
+ 10 for this rifle. Just got my bottom metal from Jeff for my Howa build. Take a look at Roedale Precision and read what Pete has to say on Howa rifles.
Re: Best Rifle for $600 ?
if your gonna have to restock it, spend just a little more on the 10fcp in a choate tactical from savage. i hear cabela's is having a sale on them for $699 in certain areas. maybe your store could order one from another store??
if your gonna have to restock it, spend just a little more on the 10fcp in a choate tactical from savage. i hear cabela's is having a sale on them for $699 in certain areas. maybe your store could order one from another store??
Re: Best Rifle for $600 ?
Everyone says to start with a 308 for multiple reasons. If you do not handload it has the most options for match grade ammo. It so many people run it that you can find information on anything you want as far as ballistics tables, ect. It's cheaper and easier on your shoulder to shoot all day than the 300WM. There are many 308 only competitions also. I would have already gone to the 7mm-08 if it wasn't for the 308 only competitions.
As for the ranges you're talking about the 308 doesn't even start to run out of gas until 800yds and you can still shoot out to 1000yds.
Good luck,
Merritt
SGT USMC vet.
Everyone says to start with a 308 for multiple reasons. If you do not handload it has the most options for match grade ammo. It so many people run it that you can find information on anything you want as far as ballistics tables, ect. It's cheaper and easier on your shoulder to shoot all day than the 300WM. There are many 308 only competitions also. I would have already gone to the 7mm-08 if it wasn't for the 308 only competitions.
As for the ranges you're talking about the 308 doesn't even start to run out of gas until 800yds and you can still shoot out to 1000yds.
Good luck,
Merritt
SGT USMC vet.
Re: Best Rifle for $600 ?
I agree with what AXEMAN said. Get the better stock as you will want it later if you dont think you will now. Another option is the Remington 700SPS, see if you can handle one of these as they have a hogue stock that not everyone likes.
I agree with what AXEMAN said. Get the better stock as you will want it later if you dont think you will now. Another option is the Remington 700SPS, see if you can handle one of these as they have a hogue stock that not everyone likes.
Re: Best Rifle for $600 ?
<span style="text-decoration: line-through">I'd check out this deal online. Personally, I don't know the guy, but it seems like a pretty good bargain for a complete package <span style="font-style: italic"><span style="font-weight: bold">including ammo</span></span>.</span>
Too many <span style="color: #FF0000"><span style="font-weight: bold">Red Flags</span></span> on this online deal! Would NOT recommend attempting to buy from this seller!
Sorry about that.
<span style="text-decoration: line-through">I'd check out this deal online. Personally, I don't know the guy, but it seems like a pretty good bargain for a complete package <span style="font-style: italic"><span style="font-weight: bold">including ammo</span></span>.</span>
Too many <span style="color: #FF0000"><span style="font-weight: bold">Red Flags</span></span> on this online deal! Would NOT recommend attempting to buy from this seller!
Sorry about that.
Re: Best Rifle for $600 ?
770's are junk and to be honest I'd take a Savage over a 700. 700's cost more than Savage first off; and then you'll have to dump another couple hundred into it just to get it as accurate as a Savage is out of the box.
Like someone else suggested a Tikka is another option.
770's are junk and to be honest I'd take a Savage over a 700. 700's cost more than Savage first off; and then you'll have to dump another couple hundred into it just to get it as accurate as a Savage is out of the box.
Like someone else suggested a Tikka is another option.
Re: Best Rifle for $600 ?
the 770 is remmy bottom of the line rifle. go on and mark it off your list.
my local walmart can special order the remmy 700 varmints for 529 plus tax. check into that in your area.
i always try to support my local gun shops heck my neighbor owns one and a buddy runs another; neither can even meet that price so i paid a little more but you gotta do what you gotta do to get what you want.
the 770 is remmy bottom of the line rifle. go on and mark it off your list.
my local walmart can special order the remmy 700 varmints for 529 plus tax. check into that in your area.
i always try to support my local gun shops heck my neighbor owns one and a buddy runs another; neither can even meet that price so i paid a little more but you gotta do what you gotta do to get what you want.
Re: Best Rifle for $600 ?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Tenyearsgone28</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I'd take a Savage over a 700...</div></div>
+1 AMEN on that!!
I have owned Remington, Winchester, Howa, Marlin, FN, and now Savage. Hands down, I will take the Savage. I am getting a new unfired Stevens for $250 shipped to my FFL. Leaves me some room to play with accessories as well.
DK
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Tenyearsgone28</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I'd take a Savage over a 700...</div></div>
+1 AMEN on that!!
I have owned Remington, Winchester, Howa, Marlin, FN, and now Savage. Hands down, I will take the Savage. I am getting a new unfired Stevens for $250 shipped to my FFL. Leaves me some room to play with accessories as well.
DK
Re: Best Rifle for $600 ?
also i know you have a set price limit, but there are some great buys on stuff here in the classifieds. there is/was (still not clear if its still available) 10FCP-HS with a 4200 bushnell and a bipod for sale in the trade area for $950. thats a nice stock, a $500ish scope, rings and base and a bipod for $350 over what you want to spend. there may be remmys too, i just dont know enough about them to know which to look for.
also i know you have a set price limit, but there are some great buys on stuff here in the classifieds. there is/was (still not clear if its still available) 10FCP-HS with a 4200 bushnell and a bipod for sale in the trade area for $950. thats a nice stock, a $500ish scope, rings and base and a bipod for $350 over what you want to spend. there may be remmys too, i just dont know enough about them to know which to look for.
Re: Best Rifle for $600 ?
+1 Savage
You said "tactical" shooting so .223 would be fine to 500 yards or more with match ammo. If you don't want to load your own, Black Hills makes some good match stuff for a good price especially the blue reloaded boxes.
+1 Savage
You said "tactical" shooting so .223 would be fine to 500 yards or more with match ammo. If you don't want to load your own, Black Hills makes some good match stuff for a good price especially the blue reloaded boxes.
Re: Best Rifle for $600 ?
Hey Sniper nurse would it be wrong to ask you to show us a pic of you in a Nurse's uniform holding a gun
PLEASE disregard this if your a male Nurse
Hey Sniper nurse would it be wrong to ask you to show us a pic of you in a Nurse's uniform holding a gun
Re: Best Rifle for $600 ?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: mwroseberry</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
As for the ranges you're talking about the 308 doesn't even start to run out of gas until 800yds and you can still shoot out to 1000yds.
</div></div>
We shoot out to 1200 at our range all the time so it's capable of a lot.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: mwroseberry</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
As for the ranges you're talking about the 308 doesn't even start to run out of gas until 800yds and you can still shoot out to 1000yds.
</div></div>
We shoot out to 1200 at our range all the time so it's capable of a lot.
Re: Best Rifle for $600 ?
Stevens 4+1, Model 18703 in .308 cal. Seems like a lot of bang for the buck. what would be the first logical upgrade on this gun?
Stevens 4+1, Model 18703 in .308 cal. Seems like a lot of bang for the buck. what would be the first logical upgrade on this gun?
Re: Best Rifle for $600 ?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Sniper Nurse</div><div class="ubbcode-body">what would be the first logical upgrade on this gun? </div></div>
For me and mine... it is going to be a trigger. Most change the stock and barrel along with the trigger.
I am leaving all of mine in place, but cutting the barrel back to 20". I am not building mine for shooting groups, but for banging steel and hunting. I am sure that I will end up putting the steel rod in the forearm for stiffening purposes.
DK
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Sniper Nurse</div><div class="ubbcode-body">what would be the first logical upgrade on this gun? </div></div>
For me and mine... it is going to be a trigger. Most change the stock and barrel along with the trigger.
I am leaving all of mine in place, but cutting the barrel back to 20". I am not building mine for shooting groups, but for banging steel and hunting. I am sure that I will end up putting the steel rod in the forearm for stiffening purposes.
DK
Re: Best Rifle for $600 ?
look at this rifle & scope, its the one i mentioned above
http://www.snipershide.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=1707290#Post1707290
look at this rifle & scope, its the one i mentioned above
http://www.snipershide.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=1707290#Post1707290
Re: Best Rifle for $600 ?
Get a used Remington 700 or Savage check pawn shops, newspapers or the internet. The last rifle I bought was a Remington LTR .223 for less than $500.00. I like to look for deals. Don't be like a Bass and strike the first shinny thing you see.
Nervous
Get a used Remington 700 or Savage check pawn shops, newspapers or the internet. The last rifle I bought was a Remington LTR .223 for less than $500.00. I like to look for deals. Don't be like a Bass and strike the first shinny thing you see.
Nervous
Re: Best Rifle for $600 ?
Absolutely, I am a deal shopper. While there area lot of deals out there, I am intent on keeping within my budget.....thanks for your help
Absolutely, I am a deal shopper. While there area lot of deals out there, I am intent on keeping within my budget.....thanks for your help
Re: Best Rifle for $600 ?
you also have to take into account how much you will spend on glass, tripod and other kit. i know you have a budget, but a rifle thats got all the stuff, while it may be over your set budget, has everything you beed to shoot as soon as you get it. after i bought my rifle, i spent money on a scope, bipod and other stuff. make sure to take that into account when you look at a used complete rifle "package" like the one i posted. plus its got a better than most stock. im not trying to get you to buy it, im just saying after looking back, i would have jumped on that package. i paid $900 for that rifle only.
you also have to take into account how much you will spend on glass, tripod and other kit. i know you have a budget, but a rifle thats got all the stuff, while it may be over your set budget, has everything you beed to shoot as soon as you get it. after i bought my rifle, i spent money on a scope, bipod and other stuff. make sure to take that into account when you look at a used complete rifle "package" like the one i posted. plus its got a better than most stock. im not trying to get you to buy it, im just saying after looking back, i would have jumped on that package. i paid $900 for that rifle only.
Re: Best Rifle for $600 ?
I know what you are saying. I have figured that down the line I am going to spend more. I have a nice Bushnell scope already. I guess for me part of getting into this sport is building the gun to what I like once I start shooting, but your points are well taken. This is a great site and I have appreciated all the information from those of you who have spent so much time in your research.
I know what you are saying. I have figured that down the line I am going to spend more. I have a nice Bushnell scope already. I guess for me part of getting into this sport is building the gun to what I like once I start shooting, but your points are well taken. This is a great site and I have appreciated all the information from those of you who have spent so much time in your research.
Re: Best Rifle for $600 ?
if i had to start over, i would have spend the money on a nightforce or a premier scope and then worried about a rifle afterwards. as it is now though, i did decent on my build. i sold the stock barrel unfired and bought a shillen select match. did the install myself and the barrel ended up costing $100 after selling the factory tube. i bought a EGW 20oa base, spotted a ferrel for sale and sold the EGW and bought the ferrel. it was listed at $75 and i got $40 from the EGW so it was a deal. the only really expensive thing will be sending the receiver to get a time and tune and thats only $125. overall i am happy and ready to shoot it finally. im glad i could do the work myself so i feel what you are saying. i hate people working on my 4x4 too.
if i had to start over, i would have spend the money on a nightforce or a premier scope and then worried about a rifle afterwards. as it is now though, i did decent on my build. i sold the stock barrel unfired and bought a shillen select match. did the install myself and the barrel ended up costing $100 after selling the factory tube. i bought a EGW 20oa base, spotted a ferrel for sale and sold the EGW and bought the ferrel. it was listed at $75 and i got $40 from the EGW so it was a deal. the only really expensive thing will be sending the receiver to get a time and tune and thats only $125. overall i am happy and ready to shoot it finally. im glad i could do the work myself so i feel what you are saying. i hate people working on my 4x4 too.
Re: Best Rifle for $600 ?
I suggest getting the Stevens listed in the post above. Then getting the following reloading equipment:
http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct/?productNumber=423081
http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct/?productNumber=148525
http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct/?productNumber=448813
http://www.midwayusa.com/viewproduct/?pr...edium=reloading
http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct/?productNumber=317787
This is the same reloading equipment I'm running. Once you put together your upfront cost (which with the rifle and equipment will be at or under your $600 budget) it will save you big bucks in the long run. For instance before I was paying between $27-50.00 per box of match grade ammo. Now I pay $12.00 per box with better quality ammo that I make up myself. I don't know how much looking into reloading you've done but each barrel no matter the make likes a certain receipe of round. Some like Hornady some like siera. Some like a certain grain of a certain powder. You can make a very in-expensive barrel do GREAT things if you find the load it likes. And once you do you will be pissing guys off with rigs that cost 10x more than yours. It's so much fun when you do it too
... So if you do the math you can get the Stevens and the reloading equipment listed and save yourself alot of money in the long run and save up for all the parts you want on your dream gun and install them as you go.
Also you can take fiberglass body filler and fill the forearm of your stevens to get you by for a bit. Just don't use a bipod with your factory stevens stock as your stock will flex and touch the stock and won't shoot well when that happens. Use an old backpack with a pillow or get yourself some cheap shooting bags from wally world. I'm about to put the fiberglass in my brothers stevens he got in 7mm-08. When I do I will send you a how to PM if you'd like.
Good luck,
Merritt
I suggest getting the Stevens listed in the post above. Then getting the following reloading equipment:
http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct/?productNumber=423081
http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct/?productNumber=148525
http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct/?productNumber=448813
http://www.midwayusa.com/viewproduct/?pr...edium=reloading
http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct/?productNumber=317787
This is the same reloading equipment I'm running. Once you put together your upfront cost (which with the rifle and equipment will be at or under your $600 budget) it will save you big bucks in the long run. For instance before I was paying between $27-50.00 per box of match grade ammo. Now I pay $12.00 per box with better quality ammo that I make up myself. I don't know how much looking into reloading you've done but each barrel no matter the make likes a certain receipe of round. Some like Hornady some like siera. Some like a certain grain of a certain powder. You can make a very in-expensive barrel do GREAT things if you find the load it likes. And once you do you will be pissing guys off with rigs that cost 10x more than yours. It's so much fun when you do it too
Also you can take fiberglass body filler and fill the forearm of your stevens to get you by for a bit. Just don't use a bipod with your factory stevens stock as your stock will flex and touch the stock and won't shoot well when that happens. Use an old backpack with a pillow or get yourself some cheap shooting bags from wally world. I'm about to put the fiberglass in my brothers stevens he got in 7mm-08. When I do I will send you a how to PM if you'd like.
Good luck,
Merritt
Re: Best Rifle for $600 ?
some guys are also hogging out a channel in the forearm and bondo-ing in a short section of aluminum angle, shaped like an "L" in there for added stiffness. there is a youtube on it somewhere
some guys are also hogging out a channel in the forearm and bondo-ing in a short section of aluminum angle, shaped like an "L" in there for added stiffness. there is a youtube on it somewhere
Re: Best Rifle for $600 ?
So what is "hogging out a channel"? Are you referring to stiffening the stock? Bondo the forearm
So what is "hogging out a channel"? Are you referring to stiffening the stock? Bondo the forearm
Re: Best Rifle for $600 ?
sorry, its a term meaning digging it out or making a deeper channel. removing all the material in the stocks channel so that you can lay in epoxy or bondo, then the aluminum, then more bondo or epoxy once that has cured. the ones ive seen arent solid, but rather "webbed" with little almost honeycomb structure than needs removed to the angle is below the actual barrel channel. i cant find the right combo of words to find it on youtube, but there is a video there of a guy doing it
sorry, its a term meaning digging it out or making a deeper channel. removing all the material in the stocks channel so that you can lay in epoxy or bondo, then the aluminum, then more bondo or epoxy once that has cured. the ones ive seen arent solid, but rather "webbed" with little almost honeycomb structure than needs removed to the angle is below the actual barrel channel. i cant find the right combo of words to find it on youtube, but there is a video there of a guy doing it
Re: Best Rifle for $600 ?
Are you referring to the area under the barrel, towards the end/front of the gun?
Are you referring to the area under the barrel, towards the end/front of the gun?
Re: Best Rifle for $600 ?
+1 Savage
I own a few and they are good guns. I love the Accutrugger! My local gun dealer can get a 11FXP3 with scope for around $450.
+1 Savage
I own a few and they are good guns. I love the Accutrugger! My local gun dealer can get a 11FXP3 with scope for around $450.
Re: Best Rifle for $600 ?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Sniper Nurse</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Are you referring to the area under the barrel, towards the end/front of the gun? </div></div>
Yes you dremel out some of the webbing in the front of the forearm then you insert the L channel and fiberglass it in-place. As I stated before I'm going to attempt something very similar with my brother's 7mm-08. Maybe I'll post up some how to pics.
Nurse PM me anytime if you ever want help with anything I'll be glad to help. If it wasn't for the guys on this forum and locally I'd be still struggling with what to buy to get me started.
Thanks,
Merritt
SGT USMC vet.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Sniper Nurse</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Are you referring to the area under the barrel, towards the end/front of the gun? </div></div>
Yes you dremel out some of the webbing in the front of the forearm then you insert the L channel and fiberglass it in-place. As I stated before I'm going to attempt something very similar with my brother's 7mm-08. Maybe I'll post up some how to pics.
Nurse PM me anytime if you ever want help with anything I'll be glad to help. If it wasn't for the guys on this forum and locally I'd be still struggling with what to buy to get me started.
Thanks,
Merritt
SGT USMC vet.
Re: Best Rifle for $600 ?
same here. always glad to share the few things i know about savage and get another one in someones hands. i have links for stuff, lots of stuff so let me know what you need or if your looking for something or someone to do some work. i have links to savage only guys and plenty of info on stuff
same here. always glad to share the few things i know about savage and get another one in someones hands. i have links for stuff, lots of stuff so let me know what you need or if your looking for something or someone to do some work. i have links to savage only guys and plenty of info on stuff
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