Picking a long range rifle or the AR-7

[Excalibur]

I know these 2 things are completely different, but I want to get something before the year is out, so asking you guys here. What's a good "long range" rifle for just target shooting. I don't plan on going hunting with it. Just occasionally taking it to the range, get a descent scope or even buy one with one already attached and having fun at the range for cheap. Cheap as in not break the bank. I've seen rifles from Remington 700s ranging to 500 bucks. So that's a price I can live with or cheaper with Savages. So any suggestions?

Or the Henry AR-7 Survival rifle. I saw a few videos on it and it seemed like a neat rifle that just packs away. Any comments on it? Pros and cons? Or should I get something like the Ruger 10/22 take down as my sorta extra backpack gun to just keep around?

 

[spencer rifle]

Ruger American in .308 - inexpensive but with features of a more expensive rifle. Some packages come with a good scope.

AR7 is a blast - just make sure you get high velocity ammo, or something it likes. The new Henrys are much better than the older Survival Arms or Charter Arms models. It is a lot lighter and smaller than a 10/22 takedown, but mag capacity is more limited, and no possibility of a threaded barrel. It does float, though.

 

[sheltowee]

I like my savage axis heavy barrel in 223.

 

[Hawkeye7br]

When you ask "long range rifle" what do you consider long range? For some folks, the answer is out to 200 yards, for others it starts at 200 and goes up from there. What distance do you intend to shoot?

 

[Mgderf]

^ This.
I suggest you look into the Howa 1500 Sporter.
Available in quite an array of calibers, and is a nice starter "long range" rifle, though I don't think you'll find a lot of after market upgrades offered.
I have one in .204 Ruger that I like quite a bit.

 

[sheltowee]

I like the 223 round for cost. It's economical and can shoot fairly long distance. I hit steel at 325 yards with my axis.

 

[TacticalFun]

Get a howa 1500 predator with bull barrel in .308. Comes with nikko sterling target master. I shoot quarter sized groups at 400 yards with mine. EDIT

 

[NyleRN]

Get a howa 1500 predator with bull barrel in .308. Comes with nikko sterling target master. I shoot quarter sized groups at 500 yards with mine.

Uh, I need pics of that please.

 

[phylodog]

Get a howa 1500 predator with bull barrel in .308. Comes with nikko sterling target master. I shoot quarter sized groups at 500 yards with mine.

Yeah, I'd edit that

 

[Kirk Freeman]

Well, if it a matter of expense, I am reading fantastic things about the Ruger Predator in 6.5CM.

More here: Budget $350 Mile Gun: Ruger American Predator 6.5CM - The Firearm Blog

 

[NyleRN]

How about the howa short action in 6.5 Grendel

 

[dtkw]

what is an AR-7? I google it and it nothing look like an AR

 

[roscott]

Seems legit...

 

[NyleRN]

^^

 

[DoggyDaddy]

what is an AR-7? I google it and it nothing look like an AR

It's a little survival .22.

 

[TKDMaster10]

Im not a fan of the AR7. 10/22 takedowns are awesome. Another good option for a backpack gun would be a Keltec Sub2000.

 

[spencer rifle]

They each have their pros and cons.
AR7 - light, floats, small, not a single shot, relatively easy to work on. Finicky about ammo, 8 to 10 shot max (aftermarket 15-rounders are problematic, since welding is not precise and the feed ramp is part of the mag and requires precision), stock not all that strong, not so accurate at long distances, won't take a scope and still pack up.

10/22 - accurate, lots of aftermarket, threaded barrel possible, nice backpack, very sturdy, not as picky about ammo, can take a scope and still pack if you choose carefully. Also heavier and bulkier than the AR7, doesn't float.

Sub 2000 - higher power cartridge, variety of mags possible, folds up small, some aftermarket. Still heavier and bulkier than the AR7 and the ammo weighs more, strange sights, difficult cheek weld, can't fold up with a scope attached.

 

[Doug]

I'd recommend a Marlin Papoose over the AR-7. With barrel mounted sights, it should be more accurate than the AR-7 with the rear sight on the receiver and the front sight on the removable barrel.

 

[Bigtanker]

Get a howa 1500 predator with bull barrel in .308. Comes with nikko sterling target master. I shoot quarter sized groups at 500 yards with mine.

 

[undeRGRound]

Get the "long range" rifle, and a takedown later, IMO