Hello guys,..names Jeb im new here. I have recently developed a strong interest in rifles after going shooting with a couple work friends. I have decided this is something I want to get into and am here to read an learn. What are some opinions on a good starting rifle? Im considering a Remington 700 maybe. Looking to spend no more then $1300 tops for a starter rifle.
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Re: New here
Read first and then read again. When you think you have a clue, stop and read some more. Then you can start to ask questions.
Read first and then read again. When you think you have a clue, stop and read some more. Then you can start to ask questions.
Re: New here
Is this rifle only, or rifle + optics?
Rifle only is easy, there are numerous platforms that fit the bill.
Rifle + optics for 1300 is more difficult.
Many will point you to the SPS varmint + upgrades.
This is not a bad way to go, but after all is said and done, you will be near the cost of a 700P.
Rem Varmint about 550
B&C stock about 230
new trigger about 125
Total is over 900. A new trigger is not an absolute must, but you will most likely want a replacement.
The 700P, on the other hand, comes in a very good stock that does not need replaced, it also has a very good trigger (40X) that likewise does not need replaced.
Cost is about 870.
Another option is several of the Howa heavy barrel rifles. In particular, the varmint model with a 26 inch barrel.
They go for about 530 + a B&C stock for about 230 = 760. No need to replace the trigger as the factory one is excellent.
Savage makes several very good precision rifles in .308, take your pick, they will all shoot better than you. I just don't care for the feel of the action (I own a savage, it shoots VERY well indeed)
You also need to understand that you begin to dump money into other areas.
A decent, entry level scope base is made by Weaver, it costs about 40 bucks (very reasonable). Bases can go north of 100 very quickly. The Burris XTR rings are decent, they are about 60 a pair. Rings also go north of 100 very quickly.
The best budget scope on the market (considering price) is probably the bushnell elite tactical 10X mil/mil. Usually available for about 219. From there, prices escalate quickly when you look for quality, good reticle, accurate adjustments etc... My IOR 3-18x42 is considered by many to be an entry level tactical scope, it cost over 1500 dollars.
Is this rifle only, or rifle + optics?
Rifle only is easy, there are numerous platforms that fit the bill.
Rifle + optics for 1300 is more difficult.
Many will point you to the SPS varmint + upgrades.
This is not a bad way to go, but after all is said and done, you will be near the cost of a 700P.
Rem Varmint about 550
B&C stock about 230
new trigger about 125
Total is over 900. A new trigger is not an absolute must, but you will most likely want a replacement.
The 700P, on the other hand, comes in a very good stock that does not need replaced, it also has a very good trigger (40X) that likewise does not need replaced.
Cost is about 870.
Another option is several of the Howa heavy barrel rifles. In particular, the varmint model with a 26 inch barrel.
They go for about 530 + a B&C stock for about 230 = 760. No need to replace the trigger as the factory one is excellent.
Savage makes several very good precision rifles in .308, take your pick, they will all shoot better than you. I just don't care for the feel of the action (I own a savage, it shoots VERY well indeed)
You also need to understand that you begin to dump money into other areas.
A decent, entry level scope base is made by Weaver, it costs about 40 bucks (very reasonable). Bases can go north of 100 very quickly. The Burris XTR rings are decent, they are about 60 a pair. Rings also go north of 100 very quickly.
The best budget scope on the market (considering price) is probably the bushnell elite tactical 10X mil/mil. Usually available for about 219. From there, prices escalate quickly when you look for quality, good reticle, accurate adjustments etc... My IOR 3-18x42 is considered by many to be an entry level tactical scope, it cost over 1500 dollars.
Re: New here
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: fdkay</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Is this rifle only, or rifle + optics?
Rifle only is easy, there are numerous platforms that fit the bill.
Rifle + optics for 1300 is more difficult.
Many will point you to the SPS varmint + upgrades.
This is not a bad way to go, but after all is said and done, you will be near the cost of a 700P.
Rem Varmint about 550
B&C stock about 230
new trigger about 125
Total is over 900. A new trigger is not an absolute must, but you will most likely want a replacement.
The 700P, on the other hand, comes in a very good stock that does not need replaced, it also has a very good trigger (40X) that likewise does not need replaced.
Cost is about 870.
Another option is several of the Howa heavy barrel rifles. In particular, the varmint model with a 26 inch barrel.
They go for about 530 + a B&C stock for about 230 = 760. No need to replace the trigger as the factory one is excellent.
Savage makes several very good precision rifles in .308, take your pick, they will all shoot better than you. I just don't care for the feel of the action (I own a savage, it shoots VERY well indeed)
You also need to understand that you begin to dump money into other areas.
A decent, entry level scope base is made by Weaver, it costs about 40 bucks (very reasonable). Bases can go north of 100 very quickly. The Burris XTR rings are decent, they are about 60 a pair. Rings also go north of 100 very quickly.
The best budget scope on the market (considering price) is probably the bushnell elite tactical 10X mil/mil. Usually available for about 219. From there, prices escalate quickly when you look for quality, good reticle, accurate adjustments etc... My IOR 3-18x42 is considered by many to be an entry level tactical scope, it cost over 1500 dollars. </div></div>
Just for a rifle at the moment. I'll be looking into optics next month. Yea i had looked into savage as an option as well. The rem 700p is looking good.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: fdkay</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Is this rifle only, or rifle + optics?
Rifle only is easy, there are numerous platforms that fit the bill.
Rifle + optics for 1300 is more difficult.
Many will point you to the SPS varmint + upgrades.
This is not a bad way to go, but after all is said and done, you will be near the cost of a 700P.
Rem Varmint about 550
B&C stock about 230
new trigger about 125
Total is over 900. A new trigger is not an absolute must, but you will most likely want a replacement.
The 700P, on the other hand, comes in a very good stock that does not need replaced, it also has a very good trigger (40X) that likewise does not need replaced.
Cost is about 870.
Another option is several of the Howa heavy barrel rifles. In particular, the varmint model with a 26 inch barrel.
They go for about 530 + a B&C stock for about 230 = 760. No need to replace the trigger as the factory one is excellent.
Savage makes several very good precision rifles in .308, take your pick, they will all shoot better than you. I just don't care for the feel of the action (I own a savage, it shoots VERY well indeed)
You also need to understand that you begin to dump money into other areas.
A decent, entry level scope base is made by Weaver, it costs about 40 bucks (very reasonable). Bases can go north of 100 very quickly. The Burris XTR rings are decent, they are about 60 a pair. Rings also go north of 100 very quickly.
The best budget scope on the market (considering price) is probably the bushnell elite tactical 10X mil/mil. Usually available for about 219. From there, prices escalate quickly when you look for quality, good reticle, accurate adjustments etc... My IOR 3-18x42 is considered by many to be an entry level tactical scope, it cost over 1500 dollars. </div></div>
Just for a rifle at the moment. I'll be looking into optics next month. Yea i had looked into savage as an option as well. The rem 700p is looking good.
Re: New here
I would suggest save up & buy the best optics, rifle you can afford otherwise you be upgrading shortly you'll be upgrading. A rem. 700 action can be turned into a custom gun later. The father you want to stretch out the better the optics & trigger will be appreciated.
I would suggest save up & buy the best optics, rifle you can afford otherwise you be upgrading shortly you'll be upgrading. A rem. 700 action can be turned into a custom gun later. The father you want to stretch out the better the optics & trigger will be appreciated.
Re: New here
I went with the 700P. It is a good shooter, shoots way better than I do at the moment.
I went with the 700P. It is a good shooter, shoots way better than I do at the moment.
Re: New here
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: KHill</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I would suggest save up & buy the best optics, rifle you can afford otherwise you be upgrading shortly you'll be upgrading. A rem. 700 action can be turned into a custom gun later. The father you want to stretch out the better the optics & trigger will be appreciated. </div></div>
Nice ill have about 1500 for a scope in august. Right now im just reading info on the form about shooting technique and sand bagging.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: KHill</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I would suggest save up & buy the best optics, rifle you can afford otherwise you be upgrading shortly you'll be upgrading. A rem. 700 action can be turned into a custom gun later. The father you want to stretch out the better the optics & trigger will be appreciated. </div></div>
Nice ill have about 1500 for a scope in august. Right now im just reading info on the form about shooting technique and sand bagging.
Re: New here
We built two Savage rifles for our matches last winter. Started with a new model 11 action and 28" Shilen Select Match barrel in 260 from Northland, heavy recoil lug, CDI bottom metal, ACIS mag, Farrells 30moa mount, Seekins rings, H-S Precision Pro Series stock and a Ross Brake for under the amount you are wanting to spend and it'll shoot right with the high dollar guns at our 1000 yard matches.
Maybe not a full custom but a gun you'll not need to upgrade to be very competitive and we built it completely by ourselves on the kitchen table. Well, my buddy had the go-no-go guages and we did that on his kitchen table. Know you mentioned Remington but this is something to think about anyway, kinda fun to be able to say you did it yourself and not have to wait on a Smith to build it for you.
Topstrap
We built two Savage rifles for our matches last winter. Started with a new model 11 action and 28" Shilen Select Match barrel in 260 from Northland, heavy recoil lug, CDI bottom metal, ACIS mag, Farrells 30moa mount, Seekins rings, H-S Precision Pro Series stock and a Ross Brake for under the amount you are wanting to spend and it'll shoot right with the high dollar guns at our 1000 yard matches.
Maybe not a full custom but a gun you'll not need to upgrade to be very competitive and we built it completely by ourselves on the kitchen table. Well, my buddy had the go-no-go guages and we did that on his kitchen table. Know you mentioned Remington but this is something to think about anyway, kinda fun to be able to say you did it yourself and not have to wait on a Smith to build it for you.
Topstrap
Re: New here
What are your plans with this rifle? Will it be for hunting or just punching paper or steel?
Since your just starting out I would go with a caliber rifle that is cheaper to shoot. I would also say you should go to your local gun store and hold as many rifles as you can to see which brand/one fits YOU the best.
Savage and Remmy's are the top two picks. Nice thing about Savage's is if you want to change your caliber you can swap barrels at home. I think about the only accessory they don't sell for a Rem 700 is air freshener!
Remember trigger time is more important then the price tag on your rifle!
I will agree with getting the best glass you can afford.
What are your plans with this rifle? Will it be for hunting or just punching paper or steel?
Since your just starting out I would go with a caliber rifle that is cheaper to shoot. I would also say you should go to your local gun store and hold as many rifles as you can to see which brand/one fits YOU the best.
Savage and Remmy's are the top two picks. Nice thing about Savage's is if you want to change your caliber you can swap barrels at home. I think about the only accessory they don't sell for a Rem 700 is air freshener!
Remember trigger time is more important then the price tag on your rifle!
I will agree with getting the best glass you can afford.
Re: New here
Savage 10 FP-SR would make for a nice starter. Heavy barrel...threaded for suppressor/brake....adjustable Accutrigger (better than remingtons Xmark)
Savage 10 FP-SR would make for a nice starter. Heavy barrel...threaded for suppressor/brake....adjustable Accutrigger (better than remingtons Xmark)
Re: New here
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: dmpowder</div><div class="ubbcode-body">What are your plans with this rifle? Will it be for hunting or just punching paper or steel?
Since your just starting out I would go with a caliber rifle that is cheaper to shoot. I would also say you should go to your local gun store and hold as many rifles as you can to see which brand/one fits YOU the best.
Savage and Remmy's are the top two picks. Nice thing about Savage's is if you want to change your caliber you can swap barrels at home. I think about the only accessory they don't sell for a Rem 700 is air freshener!
Remember trigger time is more important then the price tag on your rifle!
I will agree with getting the best glass you can afford. </div></div>
Both hunting and shooting. I plan to go deer hunting with it this season for sure.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: dmpowder</div><div class="ubbcode-body">What are your plans with this rifle? Will it be for hunting or just punching paper or steel?
Since your just starting out I would go with a caliber rifle that is cheaper to shoot. I would also say you should go to your local gun store and hold as many rifles as you can to see which brand/one fits YOU the best.
Savage and Remmy's are the top two picks. Nice thing about Savage's is if you want to change your caliber you can swap barrels at home. I think about the only accessory they don't sell for a Rem 700 is air freshener!
Remember trigger time is more important then the price tag on your rifle!
I will agree with getting the best glass you can afford. </div></div>
Both hunting and shooting. I plan to go deer hunting with it this season for sure.
Re: New here
Welcome to the HIDE! Just make sure you know how to utilize the search engine... most questions have been asked numerous times and answers can be found with the search engine on the right...For rifle and optics for 1300 I would be looking at the Rem 700 AAC-SD in .308 which leaves you good $ for a decent scope
Welcome to the HIDE! Just make sure you know how to utilize the search engine... most questions have been asked numerous times and answers can be found with the search engine on the right...For rifle and optics for 1300 I would be looking at the Rem 700 AAC-SD in .308 which leaves you good $ for a decent scope
Re: New here
You didn't mention what caliber you are interested in. If you don't already know, the .308 was mentioned because there is a large selection of quality ammo to choose from, thus a very popular round.
You didn't mention what caliber you are interested in. If you don't already know, the .308 was mentioned because there is a large selection of quality ammo to choose from, thus a very popular round.
Re: New here
join a Gun Club w. rifle range, and start to see,to try,to ask,to see again_ before buyin'anything _
join a Gun Club w. rifle range, and start to see,to try,to ask,to see again_ before buyin'anything _
Re: New here
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Mike</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Read first and then read again. When you think you have a clue, stop and read some more. Then you can start to ask questions. </div></div>
+1
Don't rush into to it.
If you really get into the long range addiction you can waste a lot of money trying to get what you want.
If I had to do it all over again, I wouldn't have bought the 700 (not that they aren't great, I have two that are) but because like most I want to keep it simple and have good resell, while still keeping the price reasonable. The 700 will require some tuning and if you don't have the action already a custom action can end up being the same or less after customization.
I'd buy a Stiller Action and have a custom barrel thrown on it with a Timney trigger.
Because I reload I'd go with .260 Rem but if I didn't I'd go with either .308 or better yet 6.5 Creedmor as the ammo price for match ammo is similar but the 6.5 has better ballistics then the .308.
I'd then grab a used stock off this forum that was within my budget and then place an order for a McMillan or Manners. It will take 4 months for the stock and you don't pay till it ships. Once my stock was close to being ready I'd sell the current one to off set the price for the Manners or McMillan.
There are other routes and cheaper options then I have suggested which is why like Mike, I say read, read, and read some more but this is how I would have done it if I started over.
Scopes are the same get something within your budget that you won't lose much on if you want to upgrade. Scopes in my opinion lose less value then rifles. Grab something like a Super Sniper fixed power for the $300 value, $500 to $1000 Vortex PST Viper, $1000.00 to $1500, Bushnell HDMR or Super Sniper HD, used Night Force, $1500 and up Night Force, USO, S&B, are some great options.
Just throwing these idea's out there. They are not the end all answers, just some suggestions for you to look in to.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Mike</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Read first and then read again. When you think you have a clue, stop and read some more. Then you can start to ask questions. </div></div>
+1
Don't rush into to it.
If you really get into the long range addiction you can waste a lot of money trying to get what you want.
If I had to do it all over again, I wouldn't have bought the 700 (not that they aren't great, I have two that are) but because like most I want to keep it simple and have good resell, while still keeping the price reasonable. The 700 will require some tuning and if you don't have the action already a custom action can end up being the same or less after customization.
I'd buy a Stiller Action and have a custom barrel thrown on it with a Timney trigger.
Because I reload I'd go with .260 Rem but if I didn't I'd go with either .308 or better yet 6.5 Creedmor as the ammo price for match ammo is similar but the 6.5 has better ballistics then the .308.
I'd then grab a used stock off this forum that was within my budget and then place an order for a McMillan or Manners. It will take 4 months for the stock and you don't pay till it ships. Once my stock was close to being ready I'd sell the current one to off set the price for the Manners or McMillan.
There are other routes and cheaper options then I have suggested which is why like Mike, I say read, read, and read some more but this is how I would have done it if I started over.
Scopes are the same get something within your budget that you won't lose much on if you want to upgrade. Scopes in my opinion lose less value then rifles. Grab something like a Super Sniper fixed power for the $300 value, $500 to $1000 Vortex PST Viper, $1000.00 to $1500, Bushnell HDMR or Super Sniper HD, used Night Force, $1500 and up Night Force, USO, S&B, are some great options.
Just throwing these idea's out there. They are not the end all answers, just some suggestions for you to look in to.
Re: New here
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 39-Ret</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I went with the 700P. It is a good shooter, shoots way better than I do at the moment. </div></div>
For your first LR stick this is a great one to break your teeth on. And as another post says, you can always use the action for a better build later. Also agree with putting money into optics. A 300 Win Mag 700P will run you about $950. Stick a NF on that bad-boy and you'll be good to go!
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 39-Ret</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I went with the 700P. It is a good shooter, shoots way better than I do at the moment. </div></div>
For your first LR stick this is a great one to break your teeth on. And as another post says, you can always use the action for a better build later. Also agree with putting money into optics. A 300 Win Mag 700P will run you about $950. Stick a NF on that bad-boy and you'll be good to go!
Re: New here
Agreed with SigsauerP229 in looking into a 6 or 6.5 over a .308 and get into reloading.
I would not go for the 300WM as it will be expensive to learn on and the recoil is not something you wanna be shooting on all day.
Since your only going for deer you don't need a long range hammer. A 243 or 260,6.5 Creedmoor will get you out to 1000 pretty easy and you will be able to shoot them all day and not be hurting the next day. All 3 are plenty for deer and not sure on how big your deer are in TX but I can't see them being to large.
Again look into getting setup in reloading and you will be better off.
Agreed with SigsauerP229 in looking into a 6 or 6.5 over a .308 and get into reloading.
I would not go for the 300WM as it will be expensive to learn on and the recoil is not something you wanna be shooting on all day.
Since your only going for deer you don't need a long range hammer. A 243 or 260,6.5 Creedmoor will get you out to 1000 pretty easy and you will be able to shoot them all day and not be hurting the next day. All 3 are plenty for deer and not sure on how big your deer are in TX but I can't see them being to large.
Again look into getting setup in reloading and you will be better off.
Re: New here
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Inzaneriderz</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Welcome to the HIDE! Just make sure you know how to utilize the search engine... most questions have been asked numerous times and answers can be found with the search engine on the right...For rifle and optics for 1300 I would be looking at the Rem 700 AAC-SD in .308 which leaves you good $ for a decent scope
</div></div>
I apologize on the redundant thread,..got caught reading proper shooting ect in the stickies above. More then likely im going to go with .308 being its my first LR. Im transitioning from ar 15's as I have built several custom. I want to etch my skill on something new.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Inzaneriderz</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Welcome to the HIDE! Just make sure you know how to utilize the search engine... most questions have been asked numerous times and answers can be found with the search engine on the right...For rifle and optics for 1300 I would be looking at the Rem 700 AAC-SD in .308 which leaves you good $ for a decent scope
</div></div>
I apologize on the redundant thread,..got caught reading proper shooting ect in the stickies above. More then likely im going to go with .308 being its my first LR. Im transitioning from ar 15's as I have built several custom. I want to etch my skill on something new.
Re: New here
1300 is a great price to throw out there, but brother if your like the other 99% of guys on here, 1300 will QUICKLY grow into more like 3300 haha. On a serious note a great setup imho is something like the rem 700 sps and the best glass you could afford to mount to it. don't let anyone tell you that a good old out of the box rifle can't shoot like a dream and be a great tool to learn and grow with.
1300 is a great price to throw out there, but brother if your like the other 99% of guys on here, 1300 will QUICKLY grow into more like 3300 haha. On a serious note a great setup imho is something like the rem 700 sps and the best glass you could afford to mount to it. don't let anyone tell you that a good old out of the box rifle can't shoot like a dream and be a great tool to learn and grow with.
Re: New here
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Duffy1298</div><div class="ubbcode-body">1300 is a great price to throw out there, but brother if your like the other 99% of guys on here, 1300 will QUICKLY grow into more like 3300 haha. On a serious note a great setup imho is something like the rem 700 sps and the best glass you could afford to mount to it. don't let anyone tell you that a good old out of the box rifle can't shoot like a dream and be a great tool to learn and grow with. </div></div>
Yea the fun part on picking out the glass i want will be next. Ill be happy with the rem 700 for a good while as it will definitely out shoot me lol.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Duffy1298</div><div class="ubbcode-body">1300 is a great price to throw out there, but brother if your like the other 99% of guys on here, 1300 will QUICKLY grow into more like 3300 haha. On a serious note a great setup imho is something like the rem 700 sps and the best glass you could afford to mount to it. don't let anyone tell you that a good old out of the box rifle can't shoot like a dream and be a great tool to learn and grow with. </div></div>
Yea the fun part on picking out the glass i want will be next. Ill be happy with the rem 700 for a good while as it will definitely out shoot me lol.
Re: New here
There is a nearly brand new Bushnell with rings for sale here for only $1200 shipped. Something to consider.
There is a nearly brand new Bushnell with rings for sale here for only $1200 shipped. Something to consider.
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