I beleive in life you get what you pay for.
Can the $500 rifle still stay within a 1/4" of the high end guns at 300 or 600 yds, how about 1,000 yds? Can the $500 non-hardened rifle do it in all weather conditions, all the time, under harsh field/combat conditions, or just from a benchrest?
Surprisingly, Yes.
If they could, the would all cost $500…
I hope people don’t event attempt to compare the AIAW to a Savage…there is no comparison.
FWIW, I’m a proud owner of a Savage 110LA, GAP “exotic” M700, and I DO NOT won an AI…but I want one.
Guys, the Thread title is: “BEST BOLT GUN” and he specified a 2K price range.
Please don’t shit on the thread with “rednecks in Georgia shoot eggs at 500 with Savages” talk…or “I heard this is the best”. Stick to personal experiences with rifles.
He wants advice on the best gun he can get for 2K.
Does your 2K include the scope too? If so that really narrows your choice.
See if your wife will let you add the scope later (good scope is at least $1,200-1,400).
Assuming the $2k does not include the scope, I would look into a R700 P.S.S. / L.T.R. for around $850 / $950, then send it to G.A.P. and have it worked; re-crown the muzzle, trigger job, bedding, B.O. one piece scope base, B.O. one piece steel trigger guard, polish the feed ramp, torque set all screws, re-paint the barrel channel, etc. You are still well under $2K.
Disclaimer: I do have personal experience with all four of the brands I previously suggested. Now, back to your regularly scheduled programming.
That’s almost exactly what I was thinking. Except maybe shoot it 100-300 times before you send it to some one, just to make sure you can shoot almost as well as the weapon.
Remington 700P, will shoot under or at 1MOA- even a re-crown can get you 1/4 MOA better. Bedding is nice, if you can afford it get a stock with aluminum pillar bedding in it already- you will have a lot less settling.
Dave:
I have found that most shooters can not shoot to the fullest extent of a quality weapon system capability.
The A.I. A.W. is about ~$5,500 without the scope? That is a lot of cabbage;). It is a great S.W.S. and I especially like the side folding stock.:eek:
I hear ya, I would just hate to see the guy spend money on upgrades if he can’t shoot well to begin with. Training should be in order.
Yes, I had GAP build my gun around the AICS, the side folding design makes the packages so much smaller…it’s the shiite.- my gun is on the first page of the Precision Bolt Gun Pic Thread if anyone wants to check it out.
It was just over 5K with the scope and 3 mags.
(Leupold to be replace by Nightforce soon).
Price does not include the scope
2K Price does not include optic. Now I have shot these guns before but not on a consistent basis that being said I am probably not very good. I have been researching with my local gun shop and they tell me that they can not get me any of the FN SPR’s or the Law enforcement remingtons. They have a Savage 10 FCP w/McMillan stock new for 1,000… Is that a deal? Will G.A.P work on Savages? Another question I had is it better to have a magazine or floor plate? I will post later if I have any other questions… Thank You
I agree, training needs to be figured into the mix somewhere. We almost overlooked that.:eek:
George works on anything.
Rich
How would those Remington LE suggestions compare to the Remington 700 5R MilSpec? And forgive me as a bolt-gun noob, but who is G.A.P. and what is their website?
GA Precision Rifles.
I have no direct experience with the 5R. From what I understand, it should be the same thing, but with a better barrel. If the difference in price was not to much for you, I would get it. Does it come with an H.S. precision stock?
I think the 5R does have an HS stock. Here’s a review, from 2005, but still useful:
http://www.snipercountry.com/InReviews/Rem_M700_StainlessSpecial5RMilspec.asp
5R, I believe, is just harder which may equal stiffer barrel (by a fraction) and longer barrel life.
I love my GAP Rifle. It’s worth every penny. The reason people spend $3,800+ on the rifle alone is because the accuracy and craftsmanship are guaranteed.
Remington stock rifles will shoot MOA or better, but they can not give you a real guarantee as it’s a production rifle.
I researched rifles for 6-8 months before I put my order in with George at GAP, he built it exactly how I wanted and I have no regrets.
It will depend on how serious someone wants to be. Precision rifles require more “overhead” or peripheral spending than most rifles. From ammo, scopes, cleaning equipment, ect. all has to be higher end to get the most out of your weapon.
If you have 2K to spend on the rifle only then go for a Rem 700 5R mil. No need to get a GAP or AI rifle for your first bolt gun. That will happen later. Get good Steel rings and base along with a good optic. S&B, Nightforce, or Leupold. Do the break-in. Get some training. Then get a high end gun like a GAP or AI. It’s a lot better to be impressed with a low end gun that shoots better than you had expected, than being disapointed with a high end gun because your not getting the results that you think you should get for the money you have invested. Just me, it’s your decision.
Guys - Most of the posts in this thread are in line with the OP’s question about tactical bolt guns, but a few are starting to drift. Let’s keep the responses in line with the original question. Thanks.
ETA - The guys who have mentioned training are spot on. Regardless of what type of weapon you’re getting - bolt gun, carbine, battle rifle, handgun, shotgun - training makes the difference between someone who can operate effectively with a gun, and someone who just owns some guns. Get good training - you’ll never regret it, and you’ll always be on the lookout for more…