I am not picking on ya man, in fact you're one of the few folks on INGO that I actually do respect.
But in this particular instance you really put a lot of emphasis on scope over rifle w/regards on where to fiscally cut corners w/regards to long-range shooting.
That I simply cannot agree with.
Granted that used to be the case when only the most expensive scopes were actually clear at long-distances but these days technology has really brought the mid-tier quality scopes up to useable levels.
Repeatability is important no doubt, but even $200 dollar Millet's or Nikon's hold their zero seemingly forever these days.
In fact I'd be hard pressed to say that Leapold will ever see another dollar from me unless I get a really good deal on one or something.
The SWFA SS are a nice scope for the money
I think we are just on differant pages. The origonal post did not say he was trying to build it for as cheap as possible, nor did he specify exactly what style of long range shooting he was going to do.
w/ limited information its understandable the each person w/ experience in the field will make reccomendations bases on their own personal experience.
I think everyone will agree that a quality scope is neccessary. but there is also a point of diminishing return. to me for what i do, that mark is around 800 bucks. a vortex pst for 800 offers everything i look for and is is one of the cheaper scopes that offer an MOA reticle and front focal plane ability.
i do not have experience w/ every nikon, bushnell out there, but i have had my hands on alof of optics in the 800 dollar plus range and can make reccomendations off of that.
the reason i put more emphesis on scope over rifle is because most out of the box heavy barreled rifles these days are mighty capabable of incredible accuracy. you dont have to spend a TON to get an accurate rifle. but alot of people think they should spend the big bucks on the rifle and skimp on the scope. i have been on the range before w/ someone shooting a 3k dollar rifle w/ a nikon prostaff. how do you think he was when it came time to switch from the 800 yard targets to the 900 yard targets?
w/out more detailed information its hard to make specific reccomendations outside of the types of distance shooting we each do individually.
Actually, the OP never mentioned a scope. He merely asked for advice on a good starter gun and caliber.
He may want to shoot irons.
Actually, the OP never mentioned a scope. He merely asked for advice on a good starter gun and caliber.
He may want to shoot irons.
remingtons are nice, but dont count savages out, my savage will outshoot many custom remmys.
if you are going to cut corners the rifle is the first corner to cut. the optics is the second place to try and save money, and ammo is the last.
Any idea what type of competition?I actually have a Leupold Mark IV 4-14 sitting in a LaRue mount that I plan to put on the rifle. I apologize for being vague in my OP. Being new at long range shooting, I am not overly familiar with the different types of shooting options. This rifle will be for target, and possibly in the future, competition shooting.
Meh, almost every semi-respectable optics manufacturer manufactures their glass in high-tech factories these days, granted I am specifically referring to mid-tier brands like Bushnell, Nikon, Swfa, Millet etc, not el'cheapo's like Barska, NcStar, Simmons, BSA, etc.
Any idea what type of competition?
A Rem 700 in .308 then.To be honest, no. I was hoping to pick something up that would be pretty versatile.
A Rem 700 in .308 then.
Thank you for all of your help. After doing some research, I believe I am going to search for a Remington 700 PPS in 308. With all the talk on optics for the platform, do you guys believe the Leupold Mark IV 4-14 will work well?
He already has one.i believe there are much better optics for much less money.
Out of curiosity, What kind of LRS and where do you plan on practicing and shooting? One other thing is, if you are ever planning on 1000yd stuff, don't shoot yourself in the foot and rule out the 6.5's. Not the x284 as it is a barrel burner, but the 260 rem., 6.5 Lapua and 6.5 Creedmore. They are great cal's. and the latter two can be had commercially and are very accurate. The ballistic coefficient is far higher than 30 cal. and it is still a great hunting round if you need it to be. Plus if you are planning on the "Big K", A .308 drifts almost twice the distance as the 6.5 at similar velocity's. BTW, These can be chambered in a Savage and will shoot .25 min. easily. Not taking anything away from the 700. It is the most accurate rifle I own but cost $2600 and a Savage will do it for half that or less.