Most cost effective way to obtain an for sure accurate rifle.

[Randoman5]

I'm in the market for my first precision rifle, and because of budget constraints I've been in the market for quite a while. Consequently I've considered lots and lots of options. What I'm interested in is long range target shooting. I don't have any interest in hunting. I'm a young man who spends 6-8 hours working out every week and so weight and recoil aren't huge concerns.

I'm particularly interested in shooting competitions at Thunder Valley Precision in Central Ohio and possibly taking part in some of the PSR matches if I can get to them.

I would like to buy a rifle I'm sure is accurate so I can spend as little time as possible working on my equipment and as much time as possible learning to shoot.

I've considered the Remington 700 varmint, Savage 12 LRP, Tikka T3, DPMS LR line, as well as things like a used Sako TRG or the Custom group buy which seems like the cheapest way to get into a solid custom rifle that I've seen.

The purpose of this post is to see if I've missed any options and solicit opinions on what other members thing would be the best way to go.

I'm also curious about opinions on caliber selection. Ideally I think I'd go with the 6.5 creedmoor as it seems to offer the best combination of price and capabilities but I'm also seriously considering going with .308 which I realize would not be competitive in matches, but at this stage of the game seems like it might be a better choice because of it's longer barrel life, easier availability of match ammo and because there are many more rifles to buy chambered in that round than others. In addition I've seen it suggested that starting off with this caliber will force me to become better at reading wind.

For the time being I'll be using my Midway special Vortex Viper HS 5-15. It tracks well and was a great value.

So, what do you think?

BTW sorry for the grammer error in the title. It won't let me edit it.

 

[strike33]

Define your budget...what max range, 600, 1000? There are so many options you need to give us a little more

 

[KUSA]

The standard route for a lot of folks is to get the Remington of course in 308. They typically shoot very well with hand loads and you can do about what you want with it later such as getting a different barrel, trued action, different stock, ect.

Sent from my Galaxy S3 using Tapatalk 2

 

[Randoman5]

My budget is flexible. If for this summer probably around $1000 including stock. I'd like to get something this summer but if I can't find what I'm looking for at that price I might be inclined to save up. I know I could just purchase a 700 and a Bell and Carlson, but I'm concerned about getting a lemon. The question I asked is meant to be an open ended one.

 

[KUSA]

The chances of getting a lemon are low. If you did however it would only take a trip to GA Precision to fix it and then you would have a tack driver.

Sent from my Galaxy S3 using Tapatalk 2.

 

[timjoebobbradley]

buy a Tikka. problem solved.

 

[Randoman5]

buy a Tikka. problem solved.

If I could find a T3 Varmint they would. The T3 sporter and tactical are both 1500 bucks and come with stocks I'm not crazy about.

 

[jhr1986]

Rem 700 5r isn't far from $1k new, usually right under if you buy used.

I'm in the same boat as you though, been saving for quite some time for my first long range precision rifle. I chose .308, and if you don't reload that is the best option. I take the buy once, cry once philosophy - I ordered an FN SPR about a week ago and will be topping it with a bushnell ers or xrs. Not on par price wise with the customs but not budget either, and I know I'll have what I really want.

edit: Figured I should add, I ordered my SPR from Mike @ Tactical Coordination - I had him add a Badger bolt knob and trigger work and the price came in under $1500 with shipping, give it some thought.

 

[Hunter24]

I have been considering putting my rem 700 ltr 308 on the market. It has cdi bottom metal and hs precision stock. Tuned trigger. Egw 20 moa base, and swfa 10x. I'm still on the fence though. Great shooting guns if you can find one. Perfect starter long range budget setup for sure.

 

[JB02]

I think that the best value is RW Snyder's budget option. A barreled action is $1400, then you drop it into a stock of your choice for extra cost. For bare bones, you should be able to get an HS precision inletted with CDI or Stocky's Stealth M5 bottom metal for ~ $500. Don't forget optics.

The other option is a Rem700 5R.

 

[Quarter Horse]

It's my week to be an FN fanboy. Check the recent posts on this forum about the FN SPR. A new A1 will be in about the $1600.00 range. Add rings and a scope and your ready to go.

 

[2brothers641]

Savage LRP 6.5 CM gets my vote. I have owned two and have been around five others. All shoot lights out. My second one I had bedded and a Badger FTE brake installed. 1" 300 yard group were not uncommon. Not sure many customs could do any better. The 6.5 CM it self is just flat ass accurate.

 

[BoilerUP]

+1 to the Savage LRP in 6.5 Creedmoor.

They are reportedly now coming with the PST114 stock instead of the Varmint stock.

 

[JB02]

+1 to the Savage LRP in 6.5 Creedmoor.

They are reportedly now coming with the PST114 stock instead of the Varmint stock.

Yeah, this is a good option too if you can find one.

 

[565fitter]

why not buy whatever base gun you want say you like remingtons. go get you a 700 varmint shoot it this summer and over the winter start adding parts. my first ar-15 build took over a year to build but I bought what I could afford then added a part whenever I could, in the meantime I had a gun to get out with and practice. now its a pretty high shelf gun and I know it inside and out.

 

[srt-4_uk]

Yeah, this is a good option too if you can find one.

I just got my 12LRP from Grabagun for $900 and it had the PST114 stock.

 

[pawprint2]

Easy, go to the for sale section on this board, buy any of the rifles that are: like new, just been sitting in my safe, took it on a trade, hate to part with it, but my great aunt need surgery, raising money for a new "build" (I'll be announcing the specifics soon), almost never shot it much, just enough to prove it is a 1/4MOA smoke pole, etc. You can't go wrong, be sure to check the "good guys list", you'll be set.

 

[Dave]

I'll second (or is it fifth?) the Savage LRP suggestion. I recently picked up a used one in 6.5CM, and every 5 shot group I've put through it has been sub-MOA from 100-300 yards so far, with some in the 1/2 MOA range. This is with factory ammo and ME shooting it (I'm as mediocre a shooter as they come). It is heavy, but needs nothing and is ready to rock for a great price.

 

[Red_SC]

Buy used, ask for several targets. If it's local, you can usually shoot it yourself to make sure you're getting what you want. Most of what I buy anymore is used from someone I know or reasonably believe I can trust, I save money and get a proven firearm.

 

[mikeltee]

If you want a for sure accurate rifle then you need to find a used one if you are on a budget. The cheap out of the box rifles are hit or miss as far as perfection is concerned. I've read more negative posts than posts of rifles that shoot 1/2 MOA out of the box.

 

[Armiger]

Great thread... picked up some further thoughts from you all on a first rifle.

 

[earthquake]

Easy, go to the for sale section on this board, buy any of the rifles that are: like new, just been sitting in my safe, took it on a trade, hate to part with it, but my great aunt need surgery, raising money for a new "build" (I'll be announcing the specifics soon), almost never shot it much, just enough to prove it is a 1/4MOA smoke pole, etc. You can't go wrong, be sure to check the "good guys list", you'll be set.

That's funny right there!