Re: Need opinions on first rifle Have it narrowed down
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Wilkinkc</div><div class="ubbcode-body">For a first rifle which of the following would be your selection & why! This will be my first long range rifle and want to make a smart choice. Any and all input is appreciated.
ALL IN .308
- Remington 700 5R
- Remington 700 SPS Tactical AAC-SD
- Remington 700 SPS Police (LTR)
- Remington 700 XCR Tactical LR
Non Remington in consideration is a:
- FN SPR (I know its a lot more but comes with a nice stock etc to begin with)
I plan on modding which ever rifle I end up with so keep that in mind.
A few questions I'm not really finding answers to are as follows. I hate being "that guy" but believe me I've done some research and still have these questions.
1. What are some of the better sites to order from as far as Stocks, Mounts, optics Etc. (May EE the Optics depending what is available at the time)
2. I'm guessing different mounts are for different scope lengths?
3. Can I flute the barrel on a Acc-sd since it is threaded?
4. What does fluting the barrel do & should I on a 20'' barrel?
5. Would a barrel break be a waste of money on a 20'' barrel? Can this be done if it is fluted? A break is for to reduce kick correct?
6. I see a lot of actions that have wavey lines in them (bolt), what is this and what does it do?
7. What is bedding and what does it do?
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Here are the questions answered in order, but you will find the snipershide search engine a VERY useful tool. I use it almost every day. You will find this website to be full of information that isnt just a bunch of jackasses rambling. This is one of the few forums that exist that the guys have real world experience and dont just go for what the marketing execs from the companies tell them to go for.
Search. Read. Learn. Repeat.
1.For general shooting supplies, look to some of the 'hide vendors. Midwayusa.com, SWFA.com for optics, brownells, etc. There are tons of vendors, all very supportive of the members here.
2.Scope mounts consist of (for what you are looking for) a single piece base, picatinny type rings that fit your scope tube size (30m, 34mm, 1 inch, etc.), and the hardware to mount it correctly. Head over to the optics section and read the stickies they have posted. Will answer just about anything you need to know.
3. Technically, you can flute just about any barrel. The issue is not "can" you but "why" you flute it. Typically, most people if they are going to pay to have their barrel removed from the action and the gunsmith rechamber it, they upgrade to a custom barrel. Then the choice is yours if you want to flute it. For now, worry about shooting and spend that money on ammo and optics.
4.There are arguments that fluting the barrel can help cool the barrel because of the added surface area. Most do it for the cosmetic effect. I will agree, it looks very nice on some of the rifles. BUT NOT NECESSARY
5. I believe what you are asking about is a muzzle BRAKE. A muzzle break is a great option down the road for some of the larger magnum calibers, but not necessary for a .308. The .308 is a very solid, yet mild round. Starting off with a break will most likely nurture bad technique when shooting. Learn to be stable behind the rifle, learn proper form. Best thing you can do.
6. Again, this is called fluting on the bolt. Some people say is offers dirt a place to move to when the bolt is cycled if it is in dusty or sandy conditions. Most people like the look, and dont really think about the functionality of it, because honestly there isnt a whole lot. And again, i think it looks pretty nice on rifles as well. You can have your bolt fluted, but its a very inefficient way to spend funds, especially when starting off.
7. Bedding is the process of creating a solid and trued "bed" for the action to sit in, with the main goal of reducing all (in a perfect world) stress on the action. After reading on here for a while, you will soon learn how the smallest variances or tiny discrepancies in any part size or pressure on the action can have VERY big effects. This is done for performance and can be done in the garage with a little know how and patience. Read up in the stickies posted in the gunsmithing section of the 'hide.
Right now, your best option is to acquire a remington 700 with a heavy barrel contour from the factory. All of the rifles you listed will adequately get you started in shooting. Some will come with more bells and whistles than others, but in the beginning, you most likely wont need them. I know i started off with a remington 700 ADL (dicks sporting goods special for $359.99) and it has suited me well. Also keep in mind that money not spent on getting the most badass factory remington, can buy tons of ammo and a nice optics package (scope, rings, bases, etc).
This is just my two cents, but you get what you asked for.
Hope this helps you in your endeavor to begin precision shooting, and please do not take any of this as me being an ass. BUT, members here are a lot more receptive to people who are willing to take the time and learn for themselves and then ask the hard questions. In no way am I an expert, but feel free to PM me if you have any questions.
Goodluck,
T. McGinnis
