I’ve been wanting to get into shooting .308 bolt guns, and I was wondering if any one could recommend me a starting setup. I’m wanting to shoot primarily from 500m-700m. There are of course top tier ARs, what would you guys consider to be top tier bolt guns? I haven’t decided on optics yet…I figured settling on a rifle is the first step. Thanks.
sniper central has pretty nice packages:
http://www.snipercentral.com/scriflepackagedetails.phtml?packageid=2
Depending on budget, there are alot of options. lf l were to go buy a basic factory rifle today l would get a tikka varmint. For a top of the line factory rifle Sako trg is as good as it gets- the trg is also approaching custom build $ wise. When you start talking custum builds the skys the limit.
For just shooting out to 700yds basically any decent rifle will do. This is hard to do without knowing your budget.
Especially when getting into this - read a ton. The stuff here, SH, DGLLC, and then start googling around. There are some pretty okay threads depending how much money you’re looking to drop, and depending on how far off the deep end you go you’ll also be looking at learning a ton about glass and reloading.
If you are just starting out I would recommend a 700 SS 5R, but if you want to go whole hog AE/AW/AX.
^This. ForTehNguyen beat me to it. Also consider Mel’s entry level Howa: http://www.snipercentral.com/scriflepackagedetails.phtml?packageid=1
For about the same money as you would have had to spend putting it all together yourself, Mel will build it, sight it in and ship it to your FFL in a case. In hindsight, I wish I had gone this route.
My own setup:
Remington 700P
Barrel cut to 20", recrowned and threaded
Smith Vortex Flash Suppressor as thread protector
McMillan A5 Stock with Integral Adjustable Cheek Piece
CDI Precision Gunworks Detachable Magazine Bottom Metal
Accuracy International AICS Magazines
Harris Bipod, 6" to 9"
Badger Bolt Knob
Badger 20 moa base
Badger Rings
Vortex Viper PST 4-16X50 FFP mil/mil
For those short distances, you don’t need a top tier bolt gun. Shit… we shoot those with SBRs and ACOGs some times.
But if you’re looking to go “top tier” anyway… I’ll answer on orkan’s behalf…
Get a Surgeon Action and have a smith order you a Krieger barrel. Start looking at stocks and glass. Expect to be at $8k-$10k when all is said and done.
FWIW… I wouldn’t cut my teeth on an expensive rifle. I’m glad to be learning on a factory REM 700 with a few mods.
Thanks guys. I’m getting my reloading equipment setup for the summer. Right now I’m just spending a lot of time researching and learning all I can about reloading before I start getting equipment. I think I’ll go with one of those package deals as a starter. I’m just debating between the Remington and the Howa. Are there any advantages to either one over the other?
Those are just Mel’s 2 options. I’d like to see him add Savage to his offerings.
Most people end up with either Remington or Savage, mostly Remington, not that that makes it right for any one person. If you are a do-it-yourselfer I recommend looking at either the Remington SPS Tactical ACC-SD or the Savage Model 10 Precision Carbine as an entry level bolt gun:
http://www.remington.com/products/firearms/centerfire/model-700/model-700-sps-tactical-aac-sd.aspx
http://www.savagearms.com/firearms/model/10PRECISIONCARBINE
Add a scope base, rings and a scope and you are ready to go shooting. You can also start changing things like stocks and triggers after you have shot it a while.
There are typically more aftermarket options for Remingtons, but options for Savages are starting to close the gap.
Before you jump, I suggest doing a lot of reading on both Sniper Central and Sniper’s Hide. The Hide tends to be more active.
Also consider buying a used setup to start until you are sure precision shooting is what you want to do. Check out the equipment exchanges here and at SC and SH.
ETA: Will also throw the FN PBR into the mix for consideration: http://www.snipercentral.com/pbr.htm
orkan isn’t around to point out the issues with Savage guns…
But I assume this guy doesn’t offer them for the same reasons.
I think it is more a question of a small shop only being able to do a limited amount of models.
In his review of same he acknowledges its shortcomings but says it should at least be considered:
http://www.snipercentral.com/sav10pc.phtml
ETA: OP, the Remington v Savage thing sometimes gets a little like Remington v Mossberg shotguns or Chevy v Ford - everybody thinks what they have is the best, LOL. You need to read, look, definately try each one you are considering if you can, and make up your own mind. That said, I am shooting a R700P.
orkan would have to chime in on the specifics. I don’t want to post out of my lane since I don’t own a centerfire Savage… but the Savages are basically el cheapo guns.
I mean… I have a Savage rimfire and it’s fine and all… but orkan layed out the real world problems he’s had with Savage rifles.
I’ve seen bad remington stuff at my smith’s shop… so… I’m not talking QC… more along the lines of weaker design overall.
The savage and rem thing is mainly a feel thing only real difference is headspacing on the savage is done on a barrel nut vs an indexed shoulder on a rem. Makes swapping a savage barrel a diy project a rem will need a smith. Big plus to people who like to work on their own rifles.
l have a 7-08 built off a savage action the bolt feels kinda sloppy and loose compared to my rem7. That would be the only difference any new shooter would ever be able to tell, most rems feel solid and smooth when you work the bolt, most savages feel kinda sloppy and loose. They both perform pretty good out of the box. Base stock models of both brands will need new stocks and triggers.
Honestly though tikka and sakos are better than both for factory offerings.
:stop: go to snipershide.com and read read read read read. everyone has a opinion some are better then others.
I think that’s bad advice SH is a bunch of ass clowns
That is true for most forums including, on occasion, here too. You have to read around them!! Besides, Big Joe is there.