First rifle

T

Thorsthighs

Private
Minuteman
Dec 9, 2018
88
11
#1
Im new to long range rifles but i want to shoot and learn more. Id like to start on the low end of things for now till i get more experienced.
Like the look of those Cadex rifles but out of my price rance atm.
Could i get some ideas of rifles in the $1500 range?
 
#2
If you’re looking for a bolt gun you should move this over to that forum.
That being said, the Tikka CTR in 6.5 is a solid bet and will come in well under your budget which will allow you to buy better glass for it. For a couple hundred more your could get the Tikka TAC A1 and have a fully adjustable chassis rifle with a 2 stage trigger. The Tikka are regarded as some the finest factory rifles and are highly upgradable to allow the rifle to fluorescent with you.
 
#3
Oh the cadex is a bolt isnt it. I want my first rifle to be semi-auto. I do want to learn the nuts and bolts of whatever rifle i get so as to eventually built one up.
Ill look at the Tikka line-up. Thank you Strike33
 
#5
Both the Seekins and JP are out of your budget (especially the JP) but if you save for the Seekins you’ll have an exceptional rifle that really isn’t too far away price wise. You can certainly buy some large frame ARs for less but they won’t be as consistent as the Seekins.
The other option is to start with a small frame AR in 6.5 Grendel or 224 V. Those both can extend your ranges beyond 1,000 and be less expensive than a large frame and offer readily available uppers in any number or chamberings.
 
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#7
Bcm4 upper-$125
Lmt defender stripped lower-$149
BCM Lpk ~$100
BCM receiver extension kit-$60
LaRue MBT trigger~$89
ALG 15” mlok hand guard and wrench ~$170
Sionics BCG-$145
Kreiger Direct 20” dcm profile 223wylde barrel~$440
Rifle length gas tube~$20
Lopro gas block-$50
A2 flash hider-$10
BCM gunfighter charging handle~$60
Magpul acs stock~$80


Roughly $1498

That’s a precision AR15 under $1500 lol
 
#8
I don’t think a home built AR is necessarily considered a precision gun however, those are some quality components and if assembled correctly should give some good results. I think we’re assuming in wants a large frame as he started talking about Cadex rifles.
 
#10
I built that rifle with the components listed except the hand guard and trigger. I used a Geissele SSA-E and Geissele handguard. It will shoot on par with any factory 223/5.56 precision option you can buy.
 
#11
I wasn’t trying to say it wouldn’t shoot, actual I said it probably would. But I don’t think an experienced shooter or someone who is taking their first shot a rifle should be steered in the direction of building their own and expecting it to be a precision rifle. If there an experienced assembler who can put it together than that’s a little different but from the OP it sounds like he could use some help.
 
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#13
I see where you’re coming from and can understand your point. No offense taken.

On the other hand, building your own gives you more of an understanding of the platform. If you build it correctly and use good components good results can be expected with good ammo and good shooting fundamentals.
 
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#14
Lol you guys seem to know your stuff, im open to the idea of bolts but im left handed and not sure if that is a big deal using a righty style bolt action.
I read on here left handed rifles are difficult to come by unless you got money to burn.
Im up for semi or bolt really, i have access to my parents 180 acre farm and just want to shoot lol
 
#16
With $1500 you can build a good large frame AR. It’s been a couple weeks since I looked up the parts for this build so prices may vary. Lol, poor mans MWS.

https://www.americandefensemanufacturing.com/view/product/1232/? $305

https://www.armorally.com/shop/toolcraft-6-5-creedmoor-bolt-carrier-group-black-nitride/ $139
Or
https://www.armorally.com/shop/toolcraft-6-5-creedmoor-bolt-carrier-group-black-nitride/ $179 dual ejector

https://www.aeroprecisionusa.com/m5-308-lower-parts-kit $74

https://www.aeroprecisionusa.com/m5-308-carbine-buffer-kit $64

https://www.aeroprecisionusa.com/750-lo-pro-gas-block $29

https://faxonfirearms.com/ar-gas-tube-rifle-length/ $17

https://www.aeroprecisionusa.com/ar308-charging-handle $29


https://www.jsesurplus.com/MEGAMEGALITHICMTS-400V5QUADRAILRIFLED/CBYMFG.aspx $463

https://www.jsesurplus.com/MegaArmsMaten308StrippedLower308-0550-HA.aspx $218

Add the Larue trigger for $89

If anyone finds fault with the build list, feel free to chime in.
 
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#17
Jsp556 said:
With $1500 you can build a good large frame AR. It’s been a couple weeks since I looked up the parts for this build so prices may vary. Lol, poor mans MWS.

https://www.americandefensemanufacturing.com/view/product/1232/? $305

https://www.armorally.com/shop/toolcraft-6-5-creedmoor-bolt-carrier-group-black-nitride/ $139
Or
https://www.armorally.com/shop/toolcraft-6-5-creedmoor-bolt-carrier-group-black-nitride/ $179 dual ejector

https://www.aeroprecisionusa.com/m5-308-lower-parts-kit $74

https://www.aeroprecisionusa.com/m5-308-carbine-buffer-kit $64

https://www.aeroprecisionusa.com/750-lo-pro-gas-block $29

https://faxonfirearms.com/ar-gas-tube-rifle-length/ $17

https://www.aeroprecisionusa.com/ar308-charging-handle $29


https://www.jsesurplus.com/MEGAMEGALITHICMTS-400V5QUADRAILRIFLED/CBYMFG.aspx $463

https://www.jsesurplus.com/MegaArmsMaten308StrippedLower308-0550-HA.aspx $218

Add the Larue trigger for $89

If anyone finds fault with the build list, feel free to chime in.
Click to expand...

Gotta have an adjustable gas block on big AR's IMO, that's about it. Could save some money with a Faxon barrel too. Otherwise, solid.
 
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#18
For the price difference, I’d go with the Criterion barrel. They’re lapped before meloniting. A rifle gas 16” barrel should be on the softer shooting side. That’s why I skipped the agb. Well, that and his budget constraints.
 
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#20
@Thorsthighs , what’s your background in shooting? I noticed you said you were new to long range, but I was wondering about your experience/familiarity in general simply to be able to give a better response to your question. Is this something that you’ve had some experience with and are wanting to take the next step and buy a rifle, or are you brand new to shooting? Do you happen to have any friends that shoot, so that you could try out some different guns before you buy anything?

My dad and I are both left handed. He’s left-eye dominant, so he shoots left handed, and I’m right-eye dominant, so I shoot right handed. Do you know which eye is your dominant one? If it’s your right eye, you might save yourself some difficulties and start off by shooting right handed. I’m as proud as any other lefty, so I don’t say that lightly, but it’s worth considering. Having said all of that, my dad doesn’t care for shooting semi-auto rifles as much as bolt actions or Ruger No. 1’s because those don’t send brass flying across his face.

I know there isn’t a recommendation in there, but this might give everyone a better idea of how to offer the best advice.

*edit* I forgot to ask, what kind of distance do you have in mind when you say long range?
 
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#22
jljr23 said:
Second the M&P 10. Works out of the box and gets you out to 800 with heavier bullets. I'm a lefty as well.
Click to expand...


My gun club opens up the rifle range to public for deer opener sight in on weekends as a fund raiser. I do the range officer thing for a couple of days and a dude had an MP10 with a camo pattern-he got it at Cabelas IIRC and that particular pattern wasn't selling so they were blowing them out at under $1000. It was a very smooth shooting rig and he shot really well with it. He was just there to shoot and he shot 1moa at 100 and 200yds with it. I was impressed.
 
#23
I've had mine for a few years, taken a few deer and an elk. It averages 1 MOA with good factory loads. I've never gotten around to making any reloads for it.

I run mine now with just an trijicon ACOG 3.5x and love it.
 
#24
I'd highly recommend purchasing your only/first rifle vs. building it. Especially a large frame. Unless you know what you're doing you can fuck more up than you can fix. There are some decent rifles for a first rifle that won't break the bank. You'll get the warranty and not have to fuck with a system that doesn't work. You're probably not looking for a sub-MOA guarantee with your first rifle either.

M&P10, DPMS, Armalite (I'd probably go Armalite of those three). If you can save a bit more you can get a bit more rifle but don't forget optics. A shit rifle with a good scope is better than a good rifle with a shit scope most of the time. No reason why you can't satisfy both decently.

But an LMT M4 in 5.56 can be had for less than $1500 and the ammo will be cheaper. You can get a lot more small frame for the same price as a large frame.
 
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#25
Coffee_and_Pipes said:
@Thorsthighs , what’s your background in shooting? I noticed you said you were new to long range, but I was wondering about your experience/familiarity in general simply to be able to give a better response to your question. Is this something that you’ve had some experience with and are wanting to take the next step and buy a rifle, or are you brand new to shooting? Do you happen to have any friends that shoot, so that you could try out some different guns before you buy anything?

My dad and I are both left handed. He’s left-eye dominant, so he shoots left handed, and I’m right-eye dominant, so I shoot right handed. Do you know which eye is your dominant one? If it’s your right eye, you might save yourself some difficulties and start off by shooting right handed. I’m as proud as any other lefty, so I don’t say that lightly, but it’s worth considering. Having said all of that, my dad doesn’t care for shooting semi-auto rifles as much as bolt actions or Ruger No. 1’s because those don’t send brass flying across his face.

I know there isn’t a recommendation in there, but this might give everyone a better idea of how to offer the best advice.

*edit* I forgot to ask, what kind of distance do you have in mind when you say long range?
Click to expand...
All i have shot are a .22 rifle and 12guage shotguns, so you can say completely new to range shooting. Im also left eye dominant.
 
#28
So after all this work to find you a semi auto you go with the Tikka that was first suggested! It’s actually a very good choice, as gas guns take a bit more discipline to shoot to their full potential.
You’re making a great choice and the Tikka will serve you very well.
 
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#31
For a starter, I like a complete rifle, and the one I like most for the mission is the Stag 16 Varminter. I have pair of its nearly identical predecessor, the Stag Model 6 Super Varminter. The Mueller 8-32x44 Target Scope is a less expensive, but pretty full featured LR scope. Nikon Mount. Right at/about the budgeted number; prices for the rifle should be lower from an established gun store.

I have several of the rifles and scopes, have had some of them in operation for up to a decade; and I will probably buy more. I have shot them in 600yd F T/R. For longer distances, get a 6.5; the 223/5.56 will shoot well enough beyond 600yd, but the 6.5 will do it better. The 224V is looking interesting, but I'd hold off for another year or two while they get it finally sorted out.

As for building; I did it so I could better understand the process. I ended up with a good rifle, but it's a Franken-AR that only its creator could truly love. The urge is out of my system now, and I'll be sticking to factory made products from here on.

I have a really good pair of Precision Lowers (a pair of 2-Stage Stag 6 Lowers for the two shooters in the house), and a total of five Uppers; the two 24" Stag 6 Uppers, and some more specialized 16" Uppers (Franken-AR, CMMG Bull Wasp 16, AR Stoner Lightweight). All but one are 5.56 chambered, the last is a Wylde.

Greg

PS, also available in left hand.
 
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#32
strike33 said:
So after all this work to find you a semi auto you go with the Tikka that was first suggested! It’s actually a very good choice, as gas guns take a bit more discipline to shoot to their full potential.
You’re making a great choice and the Tikka will serve you very well.
Click to expand...
Thats kinda what i was starting to get, ill start with a bolt and work my way into building up a customized m1a or something
 
#33
There’s a lot of research to be had with gas guns, just continue with that as well. Speaking from someone who has a very custom M1a, unless you just want one, stick with an AR platform. I have Fulton Armory M21 because I’ve always admired the M21 and found one for an incredible deal. But the AR offers more accuracy, more modularity and more custom features for a lot less money. If you happen to be around mid Missouri I’d let you drive some of my custom guns to get a feel for the different varieties.
 
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#34
strike33 said:
There’s a lot of research to be had with gas guns, just continue with that as well. Speaking from someone who has a very custom M1a, unless you just want one, stick with an AR platform. I have Fulton Armory M21 because I’ve always admired the M21 and found one for an incredible deal. But the AR offers more accuracy, more modularity and more custom features for a lot less money. If you happen to be around mid Missouri I’d let you drive some of my custom guns to get a feel for the different varieties.
Click to expand...
Do you own many ARs?
 
#35
I've change some optics out, but there's a 223 Wylde that I built, a 5.56 Larue, and a compete Larue 6.5 grendel
28200C8D-9C68-4CB8-A533-16B504124B9A.jpeg
 
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#36
Those look awesome! My favorite is the bottom one. Is that the complete Larue, like the colors and the size.
I have always steered away from ARs and not really sure why, but if i can eventually built something similar to those i wouldnt complain.
Does it require alot of tools?
 
#37
Not at all, a few punches, vise, torque wrench and whatever barrel but wrench is required for your handguard setup. Most handguards that use a proprietary barrel but will come with the tool. I built my first one on my living room floor and kitchen table. Shoots amazing but it cost WAY over what a factory gun would be
 
#39
As far as AR vs Boltgun is concerned, I see no "vs".

My own approach is to have one of each for most chamberings, to strive for very similar barrel configurations between the semi and bolt, and to see if a 'generic" common load can work in each pair.

For the 223, I got that far. I have no 308 semi, and the 30-'06 is a Garand and an Axis II with a much nicer aftermarket stock. The 260 may get a semi, but I'm probably going to have to buy and rebarrel a 6.5CM to do that (likely a Stag, maybe a PA-10).

I have a 9mm PC Carbine that shares mags with my handgun, and there won't be a bolt gun for that chambering.

Greg
 
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#40
Thorsthighs said:
Thats kinda what i was starting to get, ill start with a bolt and work my way into building up a customized m1a or something
Click to expand...

Great choice, it or the CTR and dropping it in a chassis of your choice if you choose to later is a great choice for a lefty! I have some tikka hunting rifles and love how smooth the action is, as well as the stock trigger. I see tikka has added the 6.5 creedmoor to their varmint line this year as well, but it’ll probably be a bit of a wait for them to be in stock.

A bergara hmr or tikka ctr is on my wishlist but no funds for it at the moment... when you’re ready to add an AR, check out the Stag-10 which comes in L hand configuration.

Finally, why 308 and not 6.5 creedmoor? In a precision rifle, 308 doesnt have any advantages IMO. 6.5 creedmoor was the most common cartridge for Hornady last year, Christiansen arms and others so it’s everywhere. For precision ammo, they are the same price. Ammo cost, availability, cheap plinking ammo, and potentially better performance for hunting used to be the advantages for 308, but most those don’t hold anymore or aren’t relevant for a precision rifle.

You really can’t go wrong with either, but these days I hunt with a 30-06 or 7mm mag but love my new creedmoor I bought for distance shooting and would happily hunt anything smaller than an elk with it too.

Enjoy the new rifle!
 
#41
700-223 said:
Great choice, it or the CTR and dropping it in a chassis of your choice if you choose to later is a great choice for a lefty! I have some tikka hunting rifles and love how smooth the action is, as well as the stock trigger. I see tikka has added the 6.5 creedmoor to their varmint line this year as well, but it’ll probably be a bit of a wait for them to be in stock.

...

Finally, why 308 and not 6.5 creedmoor? In a precision rifle, 308 doesnt have any advantages IMO....
Click to expand...
There's nothing particularly wrong with the CTR or a Tikka varmint model, unless you are sure you want a chassis. Some don't like Tikka composite stocks - for cosmetics and sometimes even for functionality. There's lots of choices if you want a chassis or different stock.

308 is probably still more widely available. 308 ballistics will be more challenging than 6.5 Creedmoor, once you get far enough to call it long range.
 
#42
perttime said:
There's nothing particularly wrong with the CTR or a Tikka varmint model, unless you are sure you want a chassis. Some don't like Tikka composite stocks - for cosmetics and sometimes even for functionality. There's lots of choices if you want a chassis or different stock.

Yah, the tikka stocks are ok, but if you know you like the chassis the TAC-A1 is a good choice. A CTR gives you the option of using the chassis you want, and getting one with AICS compatible bottom magazines if you prefer. No wrong choices with the Tikka's we're discussing, especially for a first rifle.

308 is probably still more widely available. 308 ballistics will be more challenging than 6.5 Creedmoor, once you get far enough to call it long range.
Click to expand...

I used to have a 308, and considered going that way with my Stag-10 that I had built last month. Looking around here in Alberta though, 6.5 is so widely available to not matter and I was surprised that the price is essentially the same for reasonable FMJ/BT ammo like Hornady Gunner or for match ammo. Its flying off the shelves these days and seems to be available everywhere. While the ballistics advantage probably isn't that significant inside 400-600 yards, the 6.5 CM has less recoil too. Unless you plan to shoot surplus/bulk ammo, 308 doesn't have any advantages for me for this type of rifle. Easier to shoot more accurately at close and long range IMO.
 
#43
Everybody has preferences and circumstances, so the choice of caliber will reflect that. 6.5 CM does make sense in many ways. I still think that when I buy my next rifle it will be a 308 - unless I go really out of the box and get a custom single shot in 7.62x53R.... :cool:
 
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#44
700-223 said:
Great choice, it or the CTR and dropping it in a chassis of your choice if you choose to later is a great choice for a lefty! I have some tikka hunting rifles and love how smooth the action is, as well as the stock trigger. I see tikka has added the 6.5 creedmoor to their varmint line this year as well, but it’ll probably be a bit of a wait for them to be in stock.

A bergara hmr or tikka ctr is on my wishlist but no funds for it at the moment... when you’re ready to add an AR, check out the Stag-10 which comes in L hand configuration.

Finally, why 308 and not 6.5 creedmoor? In a precision rifle, 308 doesnt have any advantages IMO. 6.5 creedmoor was the most common cartridge for Hornady last year, Christiansen arms and others so it’s everywhere. For precision ammo, they are the same price. Ammo cost, availability, cheap plinking ammo, and potentially better performance for hunting used to be the advantages for 308, but most those don’t hold anymore or aren’t relevant for a precision rifle.

You really can’t go wrong with either, but these days I hunt with a 30-06 or 7mm mag but love my new creedmoor I bought for distance shooting and would happily hunt anything smaller than an elk with it too.

Enjoy the new rifle!
Click to expand...
Im glad you asked about 308 vs 6.5, i was trying to find a thread debating the two. Figured bigger is better. Wanted something with more recoil too. But cheaper and more accurate is better.
 
#48
perttime said:
There's nothing particularly wrong with the CTR or a Tikka varmint model, unless you are sure you want a chassis. Some don't like Tikka composite stocks - for cosmetics and sometimes even for functionality. There's lots of choices if you want a chassis or different stock.

308 is probably still more widely available. 308 ballistics will be more challenging than 6.5 Creedmoor, once you get far enough to call it long range.
Click to expand...


It's the Lord's caliber so of course it is :D

Seriously though-I'm buying 308 from the 80's still sealed in ammo cans for great prices.
 
#49
6.5 creed vs 308?
Balistically 6.5>308
If you’re planning on shooting the shit out of it, barrel life is a consideration. 308>6.5
Even buying a top notch equipment, everything is a compromise.
 
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