Entry Level Precision Rifles

[greenbeenie95]

Hey guys, new to the forum here and fairly new to long range shooting to begin with. Can someone here with some experience help me out with choosing my first precision rifle? I am on a fairly Low budget which is around $500 - $600 for the rifle itself and $200 - $400 for some nice Glass Optics. This rifle will be used for practice 90% of the time and Hunting 10% of the time.

I do have a few requirements or preferences should I say:
- Heavy Threaded Barrel
- 18inch-24inches Barrel Length
- Leupold Optics
- 7.62×51mm NATO .308

Rifle Considerations:
- Remington 700 SPS Tactical AAC-SD
- ABA - American Built Arms Company Howa Precision 308
- Howa M1500 Compact Varmint Heavy Fluted Barrel


Thanks In advance.

 

[spaniel]

Why a threaded barrel? Do you already own a suppressor? If not, I'd cut those plans and lump that budget into the rifle budget.
You're not going to get much rifle for $500-600. This is a lower end factory rifle range. That said, you can get a nice Savage or Tikka which will easily shoot sub-MOA groups. Last year I bought a very cheap Remington 700 223 during the Gander closeout, shot sub .5 MOA with handloads. It was a donor and I felt guilty pulling the barrel under 100 rounds.

Your scopeo budget is really inadequate for anything precision. Forget anything you plan on turning turrets. You can get an OK hunting scope in that range but not much more.

 

[jram]

My recommendations would be to consider other calibers such as 6.5 creedmoor. And also that you open yourself up to other brands of scopes. The two “must have” features to look out for in a scope are a reticle in the first focal plane and turrets that match the reticle (mil reticle = mil turrets or moa reticle = moa turrets). I would really recommend a mil based scope, it will speed your learning curve. Also, a zero stop is really nice. If you save a little longer you can start to find VERY capable used scopes from Bushnell, Burris, and vortex starting at $550 - $600.

Don’t forget to budget for quality rings and scope base which would be over $200

 

[greenbeenie95]

Why a threaded barrel? Do you already own a suppressor? If not, I'd cut those plans and lump that budget into the rifle budget.
You're not going to get much rifle for $500-600. This is a lower end factory rifle range. That said, you can get a nice Savage or Tikka which will easily shoot sub-MOA groups. Last year I bought a very cheap Remington 700 223 during the Gander closeout, shot sub .5 MOA with handloads. It was a donor and I felt guilty pulling the barrel under 100 rounds.

Your scopeo budget is really inadequate for anything precision. Forget anything you plan on turning turrets. You can get an OK hunting scope in that range but not much more.

No i do not currently own a suppressor but it's a must for me because I know I will end up buying one sooner or later, so I thought Id purchase a rifle with threaded barrel so that it will be suppressor ready for when do make my future suppressor purchase.

I don't want to to sound like a fool but I have little knowledge with the terminology you guys are using so I'll try my best, smh lol. As far as I understand MOA "Minute of Angle" is just in other words your measured shooting groupings for example you stated .5 MOA, I comprehend that as .5 inch groupings. If I'm wrong please correct me. Im a newbie

Thanks for the info regarding Optics, I aware I was in OK range of Scopes, I was under the impression that Id be ok out to about 600-800yards, guess I was wrong, Thanks again for the correction.

 

[greenbeenie95]

My recommendations would be to consider other calibers such as 6.5 creedmoor. And also that you open yourself up to other brands of scopes. The two “must have” features to look out for in a scope are a reticle in the first focal plane and turrets that match the reticle (mil reticle = mil turrets or moa reticle = moa turrets). I would really recommend a mil based scope, it will speed your learning curve. Also, a zero stop is really nice. If you save a little longer you can start to find VERY capable used scopes from Bushnell, Burris, and vortex starting at $550 - $600.

Don’t forget to budget for quality rings and scope base which would be over $200

The reason I preferred the .308 round over 6.5 Creedmoor or 300WM was because the cost of ammo and how readily used /common the .308 was over the others. Im not Glass Blind, the reason I stated Leupold Optics was because I was recommended that by a friend of mine in the military but not by any means am I strictly limited to Leupold Optics. once again Im totally a novice when it comes to this "long range shooting" thing.

BTW I have no idea what a "zero stop" is.

 

[greenbeenie95]

This is what I had in mind........now I thought if he could do this with something like a Savage Axis then Id could do the same with something like Remington 700 or other any entry level rifle models.

 

[ArmedGinger]

I would agree on the 6.5 Creedmoor for a good starting caliber into precision. First time out shooting a brand new rifle in the caliber I put 5 shots into a dime at 250 yards and was more than pleased. Cost wise, at least around here, is the same as .308 although like you said, not as common.

If you want to go cheap then I'd stay away from the Axis. They can be accurate enough but with the junk triggers and their flimsy stocks you have to do work with them to get them to shoot how you'd like. Every Axis we sell generally comes back to our shop to get the triggers worked on and then eventually come back for a Boyds or some other stock.

A Remington 700 in my humble opinion is a decent rifle although I am not a fan of the new ones. We ended up having a couple of their "Long Range" models come back due to their chambers being so rough that the new owners couldn't eject their brass without the help of a hammer to open the bolt. A little polishing and they were all good to go except one which we informed the owner he should send it back for warranty work as we couldn't even begin to polish out the problem in that chamber.

So far though that is the only new Remington 700 rifles where we have seen trouble with. I would look into maybe one of the Remington 5R Gen II models (not sure what the going price for one is where you are at).

 

[stello1001]

Ruger american predator or a Howa 1500 will be your best bet on a budget friendly rifle that can still manage to be relatively precise!

 

[Codiekfx400]

https://www.natchezss.com/weaver-gr...pe-3-10x40mm-mil-dot-reticle-matte-black.html You need a 223 if your on that tight of a budget. https://www.cdnnsports.com/rugerr-precision-rifle-556-hybrid-mb-gen-2.html#.W-kDuYpMGhA
And a case of this https://www.midwayusa.com/product/7...chking-hollow-point-box-of-240-12-boxes-of-20

 

[Codiekfx400]

For your 10% hunting if the 223 won’t get the job done buy a tc compass for $210 after rebate. https://www.kygunco.com/Product/View?ItemNo=123292

 

[stello1001]

https://www.natchezss.com/weaver-gr...pe-3-10x40mm-mil-dot-reticle-matte-black.html You need a 223 if your on that tight of a budget. https://www.cdnnsports.com/rugerr-precision-rifle-556-hybrid-mb-gen-2.html#.W-kDuYpMGhA
And a case of this https://www.midwayusa.com/product/7...chking-hollow-point-box-of-240-12-boxes-of-20

I was really really thinking about that scope for this budget situation...

 

[greenbeenie95]

I would agree on the 6.5 Creedmoor for a good starting caliber into precision. First time out shooting a brand new rifle in the caliber I put 5 shots into a dime at 250 yards and was more than pleased. Cost wise, at least around here, is the same as .308 although like you said, not as common.

If you want to go cheap then I'd stay away from the Axis. They can be accurate enough but with the junk triggers and their flimsy stocks you have to do work with them to get them to shoot how you'd like. Every Axis we sell generally comes back to our shop to get the triggers worked on and then eventually come back for a Boyds or some other stock.

A Remington 700 in my humble opinion is a decent rifle although I am not a fan of the new ones. We ended up having a couple of their "Long Range" models come back due to their chambers being so rough that the new owners couldn't eject their brass without the help of a hammer to open the bolt. A little polishing and they were all good to go except one which we informed the owner he should send it back for warranty work as we couldn't even begin to polish out the problem in that chamber.

So far though that is the only new Remington 700 rifles where we have seen trouble with. I would look into maybe one of the Remington 5R Gen II models (not sure what the going price for one is where you are at).

Remington 5R Gen II is beautiful but with my tight budget I don't think I'll have enough for a decent Optic. How do you feel about Remingtons SPS AAC-SD Tactical model?

 

[ArmedGinger]

Remington 5R Gen II is beautiful but with my tight budget I don't think I'll have enough for a decent Optic. How do you feel about Remingtons SPS AAC-SD Tactical model?

More than enough to start with. It's a good choice.

 

[greenbeenie95]

https://www.natchezss.com/weaver-gr...pe-3-10x40mm-mil-dot-reticle-matte-black.html You need a 223 if your on that tight of a budget. https://www.cdnnsports.com/rugerr-precision-rifle-556-hybrid-mb-gen-2.html#.W-kDuYpMGhA
And a case of this https://www.midwayusa.com/product/7...chking-hollow-point-box-of-240-12-boxes-of-20

good recommendation but for the distance I want to work my way up too which is around (600-800yd) don't you think that's kind of pushing the .223 capabilities?

Now for the Optics, Thanks a great deal. I think this would be a ideal choice.

 

[greenbeenie95]

More than enough to start with. It's a good choice.

Thanks my guy, Thats the one Im leaning towards so far, but I'm still open to suggestions. Ill continue to do a little more research before my final decision.

 

[Codiekfx400]

If you have access to a friend who will teach you to hand load a 75 or 80 gr eld bullet 600-800 yards is maximum range with that Ruger precision rifles 20” barrel. But really 600-800 yards is max on a $500 308 factory rifle. If you have to shoot factory ammo 600-800 yards in 223 yes is a long ways.

 

[Codiekfx400]

If your heart is set on a 308 https://www.cdnnsports.com/rugerr-precision-rifle-308-hybrid-mb.html#.W-kMWopMGhA

 

[greenbeenie95]

Thanks again Codiefx400 for the optic recommendation. What I love about the Weaver is the 10x400mm magnification, and very well priced, but what I dislike about the weaver is limited range bars.

I prefer the horus scope reticle type for faster and more accurate follow up shots.

 

[ArmedGinger]

What I love about the Weaver is the 10x400mm magnification

Might have a problem mounting that on a gun haha

 

[greenbeenie95]

If your heart is set on a 308 https://www.cdnnsports.com/rugerr-precision-rifle-308-hybrid-mb.html#.W-kMWopMGhA

Thats A Niceeeeeee Rifle, My local Gun store has one that I fall in love with every time I see it on the wall. I handled it before and surprisedly it was a lot lighter than I expected..Store Clerk told me that my main focus should be Optics when it comes to a rifle like such.

 

[greenbeenie95]

Might have a problem mounting that on a gun haha

you know what I mean, I told ya I'm a greenhorn. I like the 3-10x magnification and 40mm objective diameter, more than enough for the 600-800yd distance I thought.

 

[Tx_Aggie]

For a scope, maybe take a look at SWFA. Their fixed 10 power scopes have a reputation for being bomb-proof and for reliable and accurate adjustments. The side focus is on sale right now for $340:

https://www.swfa.com/swfa-ss-10x42m-tactical-30mm-riflescope-3.html

If you want to spend a little more the 3-15 FFP is on sale for $595:

https://www.swfa.com/swfa-ss-3-15x42-tactical-rifle-scope-3.html

For a rifle you should be able to find that Remington 700 SPS AAC 20" for around $600 or a little more online if you look around.

Another option for an entry level rifle might be a Ruger American Predator. Ruger sells an 18" 308 and a 22" 6.5 Creedmoor, both with threaded barrels and in models that take AI style detachable mags (they come with a 3 rounder). They generally sell for under $450 online, which would give you more money to put towards the scope. The Ruger also comes with a picatinny scope base, something you have to purchase separately for the Remington.

 

[stello1001]

I kinda regret selling mine...

 

[AverageGrunt]

Honestly just save a little more. It’s suprising how much 1500 bucks will give you rather than 600. It’s winter time anyway lol and never buy stuff when you’re just going to keep wanting better as far as glass. Buy once cry once and just being patient will pay off

 

[greenbeenie95]

Buy once cry once and just being patient will pay off

Sound Advice, I was thinking of upping my range anyways after hearing a few replies from people with more experience than myself. I found a fairly expensive rifle around $850, its the Bergara B-14 HMR. Read some good reviews and great bang for its buck it seems.

 

[AverageGrunt]

Great rifle. I would try to hunt down a scheels edition it comes with a 24” barrel and different color stock. I have a hmr Pro on the way and can’t wait.

 

[jram]

Good looking rifle, but if you can’t raise your budget on a scope too I think you would be happier with the Remington you mentioned above and putting those extra dollars towards the scope.

 

[greenbeenie95]

Great rifle. I would try to hunt down a scheels edition it comes with a 24” barrel and different color stock. I have a hmr Pro on the way and can’t wait.

Thanks my guy, I found the Scheels edition for $25 bucks more online, which isn't a problem at all, I actually prefer the 24in over the 20in barrel. The stock color doesn't bother me, as I plan to spray paint my own camo pattern anyways.

Good looking rifle, but if you can’t raise your budget on a scope too I think you would be happier with the Remington you mentioned above and putting those extra dollars towards the scope.

Ill think about it....... So far I really liked the SWFA that Tx_Aggie referenced.

 

[Codiekfx400]

Don’t forget about a good used rifle. A lot of 308 rifles being sold lately for reasonable money.

 

[greenbeenie95]

Remington 700 SPS AAC-SD w/ SWFA SS 3-15 about $1250

or

Bergara B-14 HMR Scheels Edition w/ SWFA SS 10X42M about $1300.

 

[ubettcha]

Savage 10 T at cabelas will be 559 and most likely have a $100 rebate black friday sale. I'd stick with the 308 for this reason. You will learn more about the wind if you have to correct for it more often. There is no doubt a 6.5 will be easier to shoot in the wind at a lower level of recoil. A good brake I'm a beast fan myself, and good shooting form will make it much more pleasant. Once you have it all figured out. you can then take that savage order a prefit barrel from northland shooting supply or others and change it to what ever cartridge you want all by your self. Stocks and chassis's are more than available every day. It will shoot and fit your budget. My 6.5 model 10 with just a viper cheek rest would shoot 3/4" groups at 300 yds. This with a 147 eld BC .696 2855fps. At 700 It would have to be nasty to hold off a 2moa target. A 308 doesn't provide these advantages but it taught me how to be able to shoot those sub 1" groups at 300yds. It taught me how to be able to see that switch in the wind down range. It also has us training manuals to read that will help you get up to speed without asking a question. Not that it's a bad idea to ask.
Glass repeatable turrets in your price range. I agree with the swfa stuff Again Black friday sales have deals with the extras like sunshades and rings or bubble levels thrown in at a better price than above.
Good luck and enjoy your journey. You improve at your own pace. Don't compare yourself to others, compare yourself to what you think your capable of to your results. That will be the driving force in your improvement doing this!!

 

[greenbeenie95]

Thanks again everyone, A lot of great replies that were very informative and helped a great deal. As of Now I'm really leaning towards purchasing the Remington 700 SS 5R Stainless 24" after seeing one today at local gun show . What I love about this Rifle is he special 5R Milspec barrel which I plan to coat with a black oxide kit IF purchased. Im pretty much going with the SWFA as well for my optic, totaling me out to about $1200 as of right now, which isn't too shabby. Thanks again for your informative replies, feel free to share more

 

[stello1001]

Thanks again everyone, A lot of great replies that were very informative and helped a great deal. As of Now I'm really leaning towards purchasing the Remington 700 SS 5R Stainless 24" after seeing one today at local gun show . What I love about this Rifle is he special 5R Milspec barrel which I plan to coat with a black oxide kit IF purchased. Im pretty much going with the SWFA as well for my optic, totaling me out to about $1200 as of right now, which isn't too shabby. Thanks again for your informative replies, feel free to share more

I'd really love to steer you away from that r700 and into a Howa. I don't own or shoot one, but my brother in law has one and my Howa just feel so much better. As far as accuracy goes, I'm not so sure if his is as good as mine because he shoots Fusion ammo through it since hunts. If he would put match ammo idk if it'll keep up but my Howa is pretty good and accurate, also more smooth when operating the bolt. At the end of the day, if you still like and want that 700, I'm sure it'll work good for you! Good luck on your decision!

 

[greenbeenie95]

I'd really love to steer you away from that r700 and into a Howa. I don't own or shoot one, but my brother in law has one and my Howa just feel so much better. As far as accuracy goes, I'm not so sure if his is as good as mine because he shoots Fusion ammo through it since hunts. If he would put match ammo idk if it'll keep up but my Howa is pretty good and accurate, also more smooth when operating the bolt. At the end of the day, if you still like and want that 700, I'm sure it'll work good for you! Good luck on your decision!

As far as accuracy goes, I always believed it more the shooter than the rifle but hey thats just my opinion, Ive shot neither so I have no dog in this fight, I'm all ears... Savage, Tikka, Howa, Ruger Predator, and Remington are all great recommendations that I greatly appreciate. We've pretty much narrowed down some decent Glass for my first beginners precision rifle build, Which is the SWFA SS 10x42M Tactical. As far as Rifle goes all were pretty much in the same price range but Im pretty sure I can't go wrong with none of the rifles you guys recommended. I guess at the end of the day it's going to come down to personal preference, which I'm still debating on but leaning towards the Remington 700 Stainless 5R. It will also work as a better platform for a M40 build in future if I plan to go that route, who knows.

 

[shoobe01]

Lotta good advice here. First I tend to say:

1. wait

Hope I am not being a jerk, but if not conversant in things like moa vs mil, or what an angular measure means on targets at various ranges, start by understanding all that, and you'll make smarter choices. I say start shooting whatever you have for maximum accuracy, even if it's just an RDS-equipped AR, or an iron sighted lever gun. It's all ballistics, and you on the trigger, getting consistent, reading wind, making range cards, etc. Start a logbook to get used to that.


As to more specifics: I am actually still on my "entry level" rifle. I found a deal around 15 years ago at the LGS on a PSS (Remington 700 variant) and shot it for years as is, with a fixed 10x Bushnell Elite (from the factory outlet here in town, for like $110!) to perfectly satisfactory effect. I shot it to 600 just fine, and in most of that configuration to 900.

But over time I have done things to make it easier to use. And now it's got: a replacement trigger, a slightly customized chassis, a 4-16x Steiner up top, an NV rail and sometimes wears a clipon, an anti-cant indicator, probably more I forget. I own a Kestrel, an LRF, and a couple bunnybags, and those may have helped my shooting more than most of the rifle changes. When my suppressor gets out of jail, I am getting the barrel chopped to 20" and threaded.


I was just today handling some rifles, and the entry Bergaras are very nice. Were I to buy today, especially on that budget, I might get one. You could get a bipod and the cheapest scope that will do, and shoot it (or the Tikkas, or many of the Remingtons, or an RPR, or...) Then, slowly upgrade. With much deliberation.

I am still .308 but largely out of inertia, and also because the local range tops out at 300. So I like shooting to 900, but have done it like twice (and Snipergeddon is cancelled, so not gonna do it next weekend!) so, that is good enough for my time. If I had regular access to over 700 yard ranges, I'd have rebarreled or added a 6.5 to the stable in the last 18 months or so. I am not sure I can in good conscience suggest a .308 as a starting point for someone today.

 

[greenbeenie95]

I found this to be some pretty impressive shooting, He is Shooting the Remington 700 5R (308 Win) from 200 y to 1,100 y with an SWFA SS 10x42mm, AND making Impact.

 

[fdkay]

There are several options available to you, but consider much of the advice you have been given.
The .308 is a fine cartridge, but is outclassed by an untold number of other options. What is does have going for it, is availability of ammunition. everyone that makes ammo, makes match loads for the .308.
You would be very hard pressed to find a better entry level rifle than the Howa 1500.
https://www.hinterlandoutfitters.com/howa-308win-cerakote-multi-p-80751.html

You will need a robust sope with repeatable adjustments. For entry level, the SWFA 12X would suit you nicely (don't go above 12X on a fixed power scope).

I would really recommend a 6.5 creedmoor, but the .308 will work.
I would explore upgrading the stock to a KRG Bravo and upgrading the scope before spending the money on a suppressor.

 

[greenbeenie95]

There are several options available to you, but consider much of the advice you have been given.
The .308 is a fine cartridge, but is outclassed by an untold number of other options. What is does have going for it, is availability of ammunition. everyone that makes ammo, makes match loads for the .308.
You would be very hard pressed to find a better entry level rifle than the Howa 1500.
https://www.hinterlandoutfitters.com/howa-308win-cerakote-multi-p-80751.html

You will need a robust sope with repeatable adjustments. For entry level, the SWFA 12X would suit you nicely (don't go above 12X on a fixed power scope).

I would really recommend a 6.5 creedmoor, but the .308 will work.
I would explore upgrading the stock to a KRG Bravo and upgrading the scope before spending the money on a suppressor.

How does The Howa 1500 compare to their ABA Precision models ? They can be found fairly around the same price range. I also found that most of their ABA precision models come chambered in 6.5 creed but has the .308 option as well.

 

[fdkay]

How does The Howa 1500 compare to their ABA Precision models ? They can be found fairly around the same price range. I also found that most of their ABA precision models come chambered in 6.5 creed but has the .308 option as well.

Don't know, never seen one, but here is a smoking deal on one, the barrel is 26", you could eventually cut it back to 24" and re-thread it.
The only downside is the 0 MOA rail

https://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog...es/Other+Rifles/ABA+HOWA+PRECISION+6.5CRED+26

 

[Eoddave27]

For one of my first rifles I bought a Remington 700 SPS in 6.5creedmoor with a threaded barrel. I got the rifle and put a Burris XTR ii 5-20 on it that I got a fantastic deal on. Over time as I could afford it I upgraded parts. The first things were a muzzle brake and a Triggertech trigger which I paid about $150 for total. After that I added a Grayboe renegade stock with a DBM. Without the scope I have a total of about $1200 in the rifle. I also upgraded the scope and moved the Burris to another rifle. I had considered saving and buying a more expensive rifle but I got a lot of enjoyment shooting that rifle during the months I would have been waiting. The Bergara is a really nice rifle and I considered it but after handling one I just didn’t like care for the stock and knew I would replace it. I had considered a 700 5r but the ones I saw didn’t have threaded barrels and I knew I would have to factor in an extra $100 to have it threaded.

 

[greenbeenie95]

I had considered a 700 5r but the ones I saw didn’t have threaded barrels and I knew I would have to factor in an extra $100 to have it threaded.

The only 5R’s that came with fluted barrel are the Gen II ones I believe, which also included upgraded black cerakoted stainless steel.

The Gen I 5r comes with the 5r rifled heavy barrel & Stainless steel.

Im still leaning towards the Remington 700 because I like the fact that the barrel is cold hammer forged and features the 5R rifling unlike the others.

 

[greenbeenie95]

Gen II

Gen I

 

[TonyTheTiger]

Im still leaning towards the Remington 700 because I like the fact that the barrel is cold hammer forged and features the 5R rifling unlike the others.

Once you've been shooting a while and you've burnt up a few barrels you'll realize none of that stuff matters.
Seriously.

 

[300grpills]

Hey guys, new to the forum here and fairly new to long range shooting to begin with. Can someone here with some experience help me out with choosing my first precision rifle? I am on a fairly Low budget which is around $500 - $600 for the rifle itself and $200 - $400 for some nice Glass Optics. This rifle will be used for practice 90% of the time and Hunting 10% of the time.

I do have a few requirements or preferences should I say:
- Heavy Threaded Barrel
- 18inch-24inches Barrel Length
- Leupold Optics
- 7.62×51mm NATO .308

Rifle Considerations:
- Remington 700 SPS Tactical AAC-SD
- ABA - American Built Arms Company Howa Precision 308
- Howa M1500 Compact Varmint Heavy Fluted Barrel


Thanks In advance.

In that budget range for glass hands down best optic I've ever found was a millett 5-25. Not positive on part number but I know they are right at 400 and I dial adjustments on mine regularly. Definitely not the greatest optic on earth but at 400 bucks you will be hard pressed to find much better

 

[Eoddave27]

The only 5R’s that came with fluted barrel are the Gen II ones I believe, which also included upgraded black cerakoted stainless steel.

The Gen I 5r comes with the 5r rifled heavy barrel & Stainless steel.

Im still leaning towards the Remington 700 because I like the fact that the barrel is cold hammer forged and features the 5R rifling unlike the others.

I didn’t want a fluted barrel. I wanted a threaded barrel for muzzle brakes and suppressors. None of the 5r’s I saw had a threaded barrel. There may be some that come that way from the factory but I wasn’t finding them at the time I bought.

 

[Eoddave27]

Another good option for an optic if you haven’t already looked at it is the Athlon Argos BTR. It is a nice optic for the money. I actually have a friend who shoots PRS matches with one mounted on a Savage 10BA stealth. He has been using the scope for two seasons now and it hasn’t failed him yet. We have had some pretty nasty conditions as at some of the matches and I have seen a few much more expensive scopes go down. If you do buy an Athlon be sure to give Doug at Camera Land a call. He really takes care of the members here and I’m guessing he will be able to save you a few bucks.

 

[aard3]

1.) I agree with everyone that says "buy once, cry once"... If you stay with this, you will quickly want to upgrade. I'd try to stretch a little and go for a Begara or Ruger RPR

2.) That said, everyone has budgets:

Remington 700 SPS - Threaded, etc.
Savage 110 Tactical 6.5CM... Threaded, 6.5CM, DBM, etc. All for ~550

3.) Optics:
Vortex Diamondback Tactical
Athlon
SWFA

 

[honuswagner]

Have you considered going rimfire for your first rifle? I know it's not exactly "long range" but it can be a great way to develop fundamentals, and you can get good gear for the right price.

 

[300grpills]

Have you considered going rimfire for your first rifle? I know it's not exactly "long range" but it can be a great way to develop fundamentals, and you can get good gear for the right price.

This x2

 

[greenbeenie95]

I agree with everyone that says "buy once, cry once"... If you stay with this, you will quickly want to upgrade.

Well after a few days of contemplating, Now this makes the most sense to me! For someone like myself who is planning on becoming a very proficient long range shooter because of my enthusiasm and eagerness to learn the platform and fundamentals, not to mention we have a few acres in the backyard to work with for daily practice.

Now with that being said, You guys recommended some great entry level rifles and optic suggestions that I greatly appreciate. I mean literally from reading you guys replies for last 3 days, You've shared a lot of knowledge and raised a bunch of questions in my mind, that has me second guessing my final decision.

Id be a millionaire if I got $1 for every time I've heard this saying...."Buy Once, Cry Once" which had made it stick with me. I know its a FACT that I want to compete in long range shooting competitions in the future once I am more familiar with shooting, But hey " You gotta Crawl before ya Walk" with that being said I know I will be putting in longgg hours on the farm.