[Finch]

I would like to get an entry level long range rifle, but am unsure of what to get. I'm not a hunter, so this would be for pure fun. One thing I am unsure about is the caliber. I want something that is readily available, but the gun needs to be below the $500 mark. Any suggestions?

[mete]

You have to define "long range" .Savage is a good choice for accurate though not fancy rifles at reasonable cost.For 500 yds 223 is ok but for 1000 yds a 308 should be chosen.

[vmfrantz]

I agree with mete. For less than 500.00 you would almost have to go with a savage. Maybe one in the 12 series would get you close to the price. That or look around used. I just found one a grandpa bought for a grandson when he was born. He is now 12 and the dad told grandpa he couldnt have it because the 06 was to much gun. Used one deer season and I got it for just under 300.00.

[USSR]

...the gun needs to be below the $500 mark.

Finch,

You've pretty much eliminated everything except a cheap Savage. If you can bump up what you're willing to pay about $150, you can move up into a Remington 700P. You might also want to also consider a used rifle.

Don

[Finch]

Ok, well I am willing to pay more, but I see many bolt actions at the sub $500 price, 710's, Savages, Etc that I figured I could get into longer ranges for cheap. Not looking for huge ranges, I'll put it at 500 yards.

[nico]

I'd look for a used savage 12 or 10FP. You can probably get a new 12 or 10FP with the standard synthetic stock, but based on what I've read, you'll probably want to replace the stock with something better. If you can find a good condition 10FP with the McMillan or HS Precision stock for under $500, I'd get it. I wouldn't waste my money on a 710.

If you increase your price range a little, a 700P would be a great choice right out of the box.

For long range shooting, you'll also want a decent scope. I've heard very mixed things about Super Sniper scopes. Some say they're a good value while others say they're crap. $300 for the Super Sniper seems to be a minimum for a good long range scope.

If you search the forums at snipershide.com, you should be able to find answers to just about any question you'll have.

[hps1]

Savage FP10 will get you out to 500 yards quite satisfactorily but with scope will run a bit more than $500 and don't worry about the tupperware stocks hurting accuracy. Not a work of art, but quite serviceable right out of the box; my .223 shoots in the .2's @ 100 yds just as it came from Savage.

The FP10 is available in either .223 or .308 and have the excellent new accutrigger.

Regards,
hps

[plexreticle]

Savage is no slouch for accuracy. They are well worth the price and will save you mone to put on a decent scope.

[Finch]

So I searched around and looked at some reviews and I have decided that this is something I like - http://www.savagearms.com/11fxp3.htm

What do you think of this package? Probably looking to get it for .308

[carnaby]

I bought that exact rifle in .300 win mag. Good rifle. I bought mine for hunting and target shooting. Sold it because I wanted the wood stock. My sister and her husband go the 12FP strictly for target work and put a Nikon Prostaf 3-9x40 on it. I got that scope for my rifle too, as the one that comes with the savage is about $30... a little cheap. OK for an entry hunting rifle, but nothing special.

I'd bump up to the 12FP for long range target work. The barrel on the savage package gun is very thin to make it light for hunting, and it heats up fast at the range.

[ocabj]

FP10 is a bore oil.

10FP is a Savage rifle model.

[quatin]

I would seriously suggest a bull barrel. I was in the same situation as you about 3 weeks ago. I bought a Savage 12FVSS in .223 and it takes about 15 shots (waiting 1 minute between shots) before the barrel gets hot enough to be uncomfortable to touch (Indoor range with A/C). I don't know exactly when the point is where you should stop shooting, but I stop when the barrel burns to touch, especially since I have a synthetic stock (takes about 30 shots). This leads to me waiting for cool off half the time at the range, hence why I am buying another rifle so soon to rotate. Heat buildup would be much quicker if you got a .308 and a sporter barrel. I saw a Savage 12FV (bull barrel) in .223 with rings,base and a 3x9 scope at Sports Authority for $489. I've not seen a .308 version of the Savage 12 retailed anywhere near me, but I'd imagine they would be the same price.

Perhaps I am paranoid with the heat thing, but I asked before on THR and people just said to wait 1 minute between shots and not to shoot more than 1 box (assuming box of 50) per range session.

[Rem700SD]

I'd give this decision a good 6 months of thought and savings. I'll agree with all the previous post's rifle choices, especially on looking for used bargains. A.308 bbl can take several thousand rds before it wears out, and suprisingly few people put that many rounds through a gun.
The $500 or so for the rifle will get you started, then there's the scope, ammo cost, which is about $0.80 per shot for match..etc.

Good shooting, and best of luck on your decision.