Hello everyone. I am interested in starting long distance shooting (I do not know much about “long distance shooting”, but I am referring from 100 yards and out). I have been looking around and trying to decide on a good rifle to start out with. I am not a hunter (not yet at least), so the rifle would be used for target shooting and self-defense in a SHTF scenario were longer shots would be required (just in case). I have been looking at rifles chambered in 30-06 and .308 because those seem to be very popular rifle calibers. I do not know very much about other rifle calibers or the pros and cons of each caliber. I am on a bit of a budget so I don’t have the money to buy a $2000 rifle, but yet I don’t want to buy a cheep rifle that shoots badly. So I was hoping some of you could give your opinions on a good rifle that does not cost a lot and also your opinions on a good caliber. Thanks.
Advise on first rifle.....
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Depends on how far you want to shoot. Will this do double duty as a hunter?
.223 would be good out to 4-500 yards for target shooting, but keep it under 100 for deer hunting. .308 is, probably the most popular target caliber, other than 22LR. As for brand, stick with Savage or Remington.
.223 would be good out to 4-500 yards for target shooting, but keep it under 100 for deer hunting. .308 is, probably the most popular target caliber, other than 22LR. As for brand, stick with Savage or Remington.
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try a .243 or a .243 wssm.... the .243 would be cheaper tho... me and my dad have one of each if you'd like to try one. if you're wanting it for shtf i'd get an semi-auto but thats just me... good luck and happy hunting!
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You are dialing up a tall order and will receive a variety of opinions ... as you can see from the above post. There are many good rifle manufactures and make out there. Decide on what your "Primary" purpose for the rifle will be (I think you said target shooting) and focus on that priority. When taking to some of the F-Class shooters, 100yrds is not classified as long range -- these guys usually do not shoot less than 600yrds.
Some things to consider:
1. How far will you normally shoot (rifle type - target or sporting and caliber);
2. How much will you normally shoot (barrel life - caliber)
3. Budget
4. Optics - what type and budget
5. What feels good to you -- what do you have confidence in?
6. Will you reload for it (availability and cost of components?)
Some things to consider:
1. How far will you normally shoot (rifle type - target or sporting and caliber);
2. How much will you normally shoot (barrel life - caliber)
3. Budget
4. Optics - what type and budget
5. What feels good to you -- what do you have confidence in?
6. Will you reload for it (availability and cost of components?)
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544 Posts
308 with a 1-10 twist to shoot the heaiver bullets
284 winchester would be my first choice
284 winchester would be my first choice
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There are some good ones in classified section here. MstrophyHunter one would be a grand start.
308 is what I'd get.
308 is what I'd get.
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never had any dealings with a .308 but i'm just now getting into competitions... from what has been said i'd have to say .308jbpmidas said:
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As has been said I'd stick with savage or Remington! Have a savage in 7mag and it's a tack driver out of the box with just a cheaper Nikon scope. I'm like you though I'm not much of a hunter. I bought it for one black bear hunt, and aside from occasional range use and cleaning it sits in the safe. I don't reload so quality factory ammo is too expensive to shoot a rifle for fun on a regular basis.
When it comes to the caliber selection definitely take price availability into account if you don't reload. It's like with handguns...you don't want to buy a revolver in .45LC if neither you, nor your budget isn't equipped for anything above 9mm
When it comes to the caliber selection definitely take price availability into account if you don't reload. It's like with handguns...you don't want to buy a revolver in .45LC if neither you, nor your budget isn't equipped for anything above 9mm
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I'm going to have to agree than the 308 Win. would be the best caliber choice for what you're looking for. It's a very versatile round. You can load for everything from prairie dogs to elk. It's also been tried and true for two legged varmints. The Savage bolt guns will also offer you great value and accuracy for the money.
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How about 7mm-08 or .280 Remington?
7mm-08 is just a .308 case necked down to 7mm. Very common, will kill anything in this part of the US, doesn't kick much, and has AT LEAST the accuracy potential of the .308
.280 Remington is much the same, but is a .30-'06 case necked down to 7mm. Has about 95% the same ballistics as the much-vaunted 7mm Rem. Mag., doesn't kick as hard as '06, generally better accuracy than '06, and is getting more and more common (not really UNcommon right now).
Both are damned good rounds.
As far as rifle brands go, I like Ruger. Truest to the original Mauser action of any standard production rifle on the market that doesn't cost over a grand. Remington is having that safety issue that they're still dealing with, and I never much cared for the push-feed action anyhow. Too easy to get excited and short-stroke the bolt and close your bolt back on an empty chamber and go "click".
7mm-08 is just a .308 case necked down to 7mm. Very common, will kill anything in this part of the US, doesn't kick much, and has AT LEAST the accuracy potential of the .308
.280 Remington is much the same, but is a .30-'06 case necked down to 7mm. Has about 95% the same ballistics as the much-vaunted 7mm Rem. Mag., doesn't kick as hard as '06, generally better accuracy than '06, and is getting more and more common (not really UNcommon right now).
Both are damned good rounds.
As far as rifle brands go, I like Ruger. Truest to the original Mauser action of any standard production rifle on the market that doesn't cost over a grand. Remington is having that safety issue that they're still dealing with, and I never much cared for the push-feed action anyhow. Too easy to get excited and short-stroke the bolt and close your bolt back on an empty chamber and go "click".
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I'm looking at a Stevens 200 in .308...Savage action, glass bedded stock, free floated barrel, trigger can be adjusted to 4 lbs or under, and all for under 3 bills. Hard to beat.
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This is very good advise for several reasons.mgeoffriau said:
1. You don't seem very experienced and this rifle will probably shoot better than you can.
2. Availability of ammo both cheap ammo and match ammo.
3. If you ever decide you want something more you already have a great action to start with, and the barrel nut is easy to add different barrel to.
4. You are only in for 300 bucks so you have plently left over for a good scope. Don't skimp on this part, spend atleast 400 on your scope and you want have to upgrade for a while. I would reccommend a Vortex Viper(SWFA.com) or Nitrex(on sale at Natchezshootersupply). These two have great customer service and are every bit as good as Nikon or Leupold, plus have adjustable turrets.
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