Entry level sniper rifle

[drozovs]

I am going to start by apologizing as I am positive that this post already exists somewhere... however, I am so "green" to this that I dont even know what search terms I need in order to find what I am looking for. With that out of the way, here goes!

I recently was taken to the range and am pretty sure am totally hooked on long distance shooting. My friend had a SAKO though as an entry level shooter and even more importantly an entry level employee... I dont think I can afford the SAKO... That said I was curious if I could get some advice.

I know I want to shoot .308 calibre, I just enjoyed the feel of it. I am thinking of getting a Remington 700, Luepold scope, and possibly a Harris bi-pod.

With that though I have no idea on the specifics. I do know I want to change out the stock ASAP to preferably a folding one so transport is easier, but again, no idea on who to go with.

Any ideas or even links to other posts here would be incredibly appreciated! Thank you in advance!

 

[Mike]

Re: Entry level sniper rifle

First, Welcome aboard. There is a ton of information here you will find extremely useful.

Second, drop the "sniper" moniker unless you are military or LEO. "Precision Rifle" may be more accurate for your application.

Finally, there is no right or wrong, it all depends on your budget. The best advice would be to start reading, then read some more, and when you finally think you've read enough, read again. Then ask the questions.

Good Luck

 

[wnroscoe]

Re: Entry level sniper rifle

Remington 5r milspec, NF Ultra Rings & 20 moa Base, 30mm main tube scope with adjustable turrets. Bipod, rear bag, ammo....bang away.

It's a <span style="color: #CC0000"><span style="text-decoration: underline">"PRECISION LONG RANGE RIFLE"</span></span>

 

[Cesiumsponge]

Re: Entry level sniper rifle

Budget? If you can buy a rifle with the stock you want, you'd save yourself the trouble of buying a new rifle only to chuck out a perfectly good part. A .308 is definitely a sensible place to start. There is no point going with a magnum caliber if you don't have a local range long enough, and it's kind of silly burning .338LM at 300 yards. You might even consider a precision .22LR in parallel with a .308 or as a first venture. I routinely shoot .22lr at 200 yards and I've seen folks here go to 300 and beyond. It's not "tons cheaper" if you're using decent match ammo but you can shoot it all day in extreme comfort even in comparison to .308.

Here is a thread on aftermarket chassis systems, many with folding options, but that is a lot of dime to drop on an immediate part swap when you're still not quite certain on what you want or need. http://www.snipershide.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=3440292&page=1

I personally snooped around SH for a year or two reading before I even decided to sign up or post. There is a lot of good information on here. The search engine just sucks so most people will direct you to a Google version that crawls SH. That is available here: http://www.google.com/cse/home?cx=010955838166721108978%3Aqcbx5qqy10o

I would also suggest hitting some of the sticky threads on the top of the various subforums. They tend to address general and basic information most beginners might have.

There tends to be two distinct schools of thoughts on purchasing stuff. One school suggests going basic and upgrading as you go along. You start basic and spend the money on training and trigger time. You learn what you like and don't like and choose your upgrade path as you evolve. You upgrade as you outgrow gear. It's easier to ease into and usually you'll know pretty quickly if you like precision shooting or not early on before you've invested a ton of money. The philosophy is you grow with your gear and you're not taking a big investment at any given time.

The other is "buy once, cry once" where you skip all the progressive levels of upgrading and go to the final boss. The latter is risky if you're not certain you're going to stick with it because it's a large initial investment, but it can save you cash in the long run. It also potentially harms you in that a big purchase tends to cut back on trigger time while you recuperate from big purchases, unless you're well-off enough that a big purchase won't adversely affect your trigger time or training. The philosophy is that your gear is "maxed out" so any error is human error and not hardware, but you pay for it up front.

 

[ranger1183]

Re: Entry level sniper rifle

Remington 700 LTR with a 20 MOA rail, Burris XTR 1" rings and a Bushnell 3200 10x40mm MIL/MIL scope (scope available at www.MidwayUSA.com). This is a rock solid "starter rifle" recipe. And, If you fall out of love with shooting, all these components are popular enough to re-sell quickly.

 

[drozovs]

Re: Entry level sniper rifle

First, thank you for the advice!

Second, Long Range Precision Rifle, check, wont happen again.

I will keep reading up and if anyone else has any ideas please feel free to post. Looks like I have a lot, though, fun reading ahead.

Thanks again!

 

[LoneWolfUSMC]

Re: Entry level sniper rifle

Some reading for you:

http://8541tactical.com/budget%20precision%20article.php

If you are more of a "visual guy" here is the video version:

http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLABEFDD83DF9BA2A4

 

[Shredder58]

Re: Entry level sniper rifle

Sir,

Welcome to the SH! This site is truely a great resource for Long Range shooting info, so if you have an interest in this field, you are in the right place.

1. As someone already said...read, read,read, then go back and read some more.
2. Most everyone has an opinion and is willing to share theirs with you. Just remember, don't be talked into something unless you have examined all the facts and made your own determination regarding what works best for YOU!
3. Only YOU will have to live with the results of the decisions you make regarding what to drop your money on.
4. Go back and read #1 above. Then make sure you read at least 10x the volume of material that you post on this site (more like read at least 100x more than you post).
5. Become an expert with the SEARCH function on this site to look for answers to your questions before you post. Most likely, the questions you would like to ask have already been asked and answered at least 10x already. NOTE: If you forget this rule, someone is likely to be helpful and remind you!
6. Learn to walk before you try to run. It hurts less and will save you some money!
7. Remember, it's about the journey, not about the destination...

Best of luck and have fun!

 

[STR]

Re: Entry level sniper rifle

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: wnroscoe</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Remington 5r milspec, NF Ultra Rings & 20 moa Base, 30mm main tube scope with adjustable turrets. Bipod, rear bag, ammo....bang away.

It's a <span style="color: #CC0000"><span style="text-decoration: underline">"PRECISION LONG RANGE RIFLE"</span></span> </div></div>

This is solid advice/suggestion from one of the most respected smith on this site, or anywhere for that matter. If you change your mind about the whole shooting thing, you can sell this set up quick. If the bug really bites you, then this will only be the first of a few rifles. Best of luck, and welcome.

 

[sentry1]

Re: Entry level sniper rifle

Ditto what Lonewolf said. I was in the same boat as you a few months ago, and found his 8541 Tactical site. Now I just do whatever he says.

Seriously though, from a beginner's perspective, his site and videos were very helpful, and I haven't regretted it yet.

As for progressive upgrading vs. big bang purchase, you won't lose a lot of money on buying a stock rifle with the so-so stock. That stock and bottom metal is only worth about $100 anyways. I think you should go middle-of-the-road on the scope though. No need to buy a $3500 S&B, but don't get a Barska off Amazon for $200 either. Buy a quality scope that you've had your hands on.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: LoneWolfUSMC</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Some reading for you:

http://8541tactical.com/budget%20precision%20article.php

If you are more of a "visual guy" here is the video version:

http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLABEFDD83DF9BA2A4 </div></div>

 

[JSF]

Re: Entry level sniper rifle

You might also look at the Vortex pst for your scope. Good scope with a lot of features at a decent price. You can't their customer service either.

We need a budget to give you sound advice.

 

[yz45067]

Re: Entry level sniper rifle

Remington model 700 sps varmint .308 -$590
Leupold mark 4 3.5-10x50mm mil dot reticle optic $1000-1100
Leupold mark 4 base and rings $250
Harris 6-9 bipold $90
Good sling blackhawk, ect. $45-90
Drag bag that doubles as shooting mat $270 (don't cheap out on that for your rifle and body's sake.)
Federal/black hills 168 gr hpbt match grade ammo 30-45 per 20/box

This combo is a great start and shoots very well to 800 meters. Practice make perfect. Be able to shoot as well as your rifle can! Breathe, beat and squeeze! Have fun and great shooting!

 

[Cascade Precision]

Re: Entry level sniper rifle

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: LoneWolfUSMC</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Some reading for you:

http://8541tactical.com/budget%20precision%20article.php

If you are more of a "visual guy" here is the video version:

http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLABEFDD83DF9BA2A4 </div></div>

^^^^This FTW. Can not go wrong at all.

 

[NewsShooter]

Re: Entry level sniper rifle

I was in the same boat as you a few months ago. I went with a Savage 12 LRP in 6.5 Creedmoor, Vortex PST 6-24 with a Farrel base and Seekins rings. It is a great shooter. It comes with the target trigger, it's light, about 2 lbs, and crisp. But it is a Savage and you won't have as many options like you would with a Remington action.

 

[turbo54]

Re: Entry level sniper rifle

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: NewsShooter</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I was in the same boat as you a few months ago. I went with a Savage 12 LRP in 6.5 Creedmoor, Vortex PST 6-24 with a Farrel base and Seekins rings. It is a great shooter. It comes with the target trigger, it's light, about 2 lbs, and crisp. But it is a Savage and you won't have as many options like you would with a Remington action. </div></div>

That's a sweet first rifle, or even second rifle.

I'd choose that 100 times over before I'd get a Rem700 SPS and a Leupold.

 

[JB02]

Re: Entry level sniper rifle

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: wnroscoe</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Remington 5r milspec, NF Ultra Rings & 20 moa Base, 30mm main tube scope with adjustable turrets. Bipod, rear bag, ammo....bang away.

It's a <span style="color: #CC0000"><span style="text-decoration: underline">"PRECISION LONG RANGE RIFLE"</span></span></div></div>

This is good. Let me offer some additional suggestions:
- Spring for a Timney trigger, as it's easy to install and has the best bang for your buck in reducing shooter error.
- Don't cheap on glass and put a $200 scope on a $1000 rifle. For ~ $400, you can get a mildot 4-16X42 SF Nikon monarch, a good value: http://alfaweapons.com/scopes-c-2.html?page=4&sort=2a&filter_id=163
- Nightforce and seekins rings are nice, but for entry level a set of burris signature zee rings will work just fine and require no lapping.
- If you buy the 20" 5R, I believe it comes pre threaded so you can fit a muzzle brake on later if you so desire.
- You can make 2-3 rear bags with doll fill, shoe goo, parachord, and a few socks.

 

[DCR]

Re: Entry level sniper rifle

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: LoneWolfUSMC</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Some reading for you:

http://8541tactical.com/budget%20precision%20article.php

If you are more of a "visual guy" here is the video version:

http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLABEFDD83DF9BA2A4 </div></div>

This is what I did. It's working out great so far!