New target rifle

[The Beast]

I am starting to get into some more serious target shooting, and I am trying to decide on what to get. I am pretty sure that I am going to get a .308, but other caliber recommendations are welcome. I do not want to spend over 800 dollars, so nothing really expensive.

These are the rifles I am looking at (but I'm open to other suggestions within budget) :

Remington 700 SPS varmint
http://remington.com/products/firearms/centerfire/model-700/model-700-sps-varmint.aspx

CZ 550 varmint
http://www.cz-usa.com/products/view/cz-550-varmint/

Savage 10 FCP-K
http://www.savagearms.com/firearms/model/10FCPK

Ruger M77 mkii target
http://ruger.com/products/m77MarkIITarget/models.html

 

[CB900F]

The Beast;

I'd sure add the Tikka Varmint to that list. Though I've gotta admit the single-set trigger is a real bonus on the CZ. If you didn't know it, Tikkas are made in the same plant, on the same machinery, by the same people, as Sakos. The downside is that they're owned by Beretta these days. A strong customer satisfation warranty program in not on Beretta's agenda from my experience.

900F

 

[Geno]

Winchetser M70 Stealth is going for $899. They're quite accurate.

Geno

 

[The_Armed_Therapist]

The .308 is a little overrated for target shooting, at least at longer distances. I'd recommend smaller (7mm mag, 7-08, .270, etc.) or larger (.30-06, .300 mag, .338 mag). The only two real benefits I see with the .308 is if you have other rifles in .308 already, and because it's more available/cheaper; though, the latter reason has lost some weight recently.

It'll certainly work, though!

 

[mastiffhound]

I don't know about the others but the Savage and Remington. The good thing about Savage is the relative ease that you can change barrels and calibers. You need a barrel nut wrench, go and no go gauges, and a good vice.

You can also change the bolt face fairly easy. I just did this on a Savage 110 from the 60's or 70's. It took 10 to 15 minutes to swap the barrel, that's it. I didn't have to replace the bolt face though, I went from .30-06 to .308 Win because of recoil sensitivity. Replacing the barrel on a Remington is almost a gunsmith only type of thing from what I was told. At the very least buy American so the guys at the factory can keep their jobs!

 

[C-grunt]

My target rifle started out as a SPS Varmint. Very accurate. The stock on it is horrendously bad though. I was able to pick up a nice Bell and Carlson for a really good price though. Then I got some bottom metal from a LTR locally. Total without optics I have about 850 into the rifle.

 

[allaroundhunter]

My long range rifle started as a Remington SPS-V. If I had to go through it again I would not choose it. To get it to shoot well I had to upgrade the stock because the factory one that came on the rifle is a piece of junk. I have about $950 into mine without scope and rings, but it does shoot well.

If I was in your position I would go with the Savage FCP-K. As far as caliber, well the .308 is a bit much for just target shooting. However, if you don't hand load then it has the most factory match ammunition available of most any caliber. Now that I hand load, my next long range rig will most definitely be a 6mm or 6.5mm (.243" or .264").

 

[hughie]

I have a Ruger VT in 6.5 Creedmoor and my best 3 shot groups with Hornady 120 A-max is .25 @ 100 and .55 @ 200yrds. Very underated rifle. Cost me $750.00

 

[The Beast]

Thanks for all the responses. It sounds like all of the rifles would serve my purpose. On another note, where do you think the best place to buy any of these rifles would be?

 

[allaroundhunter]

I see the Remington and Savage at most every bass pro or Cabelas that I have been in. Have never looked for the others though.

 

[nastynatesfish]

Remington or savage. I'd pick the savage of the two. I'd think more of available ammo or components as to make of rifle first. I would pick something in 7mm or 6.5. Here anyway those are the billets I can find readily. I've got 2 7-08s, a 7mag and a 260 rem

 

[nastynatesfish]

260 rem

7-08

 

[gotigers]

Nice looking stuff. I am new at long distance stuff. I bought a Rem 700 5R 24" in .308. I agree with the others, for past 800 plus yards there are better cartridges. I like the 7-08 above. I read good stuff about that.

As i said, i like my 5r, I got a great deal on it from a friend or i would have went with the Savage 10 FCP-K. For a good quality ready to shoot rifle, it is hard to beat the value. Plus it is much easier to change barrels if you want to upgrade to a better cartridge later.

 

[Hummer70]

You didn't tell us what kind of target shooting you are planning on starting?

Some require stripper clip feed capability or detachable mag that holds five or more rounds.

F class can be fired with those recommended.

 

[The Beast]

Nothing serious, just a rifle for the range. I picked those rifles because of the long heavy barrels.

 

[redneck2]

MY S-I-L has a Savage in 6BR. Exceptionally accurate, zero recoil (it's heavy), and easy on barrels. With the right bullets it will get to 1k yards. If I were in your position, that's what I'd most likely get.

I"ve got a couple of CZ's with set triggers that are super accurate.

If you get something with a crap trigger/stock you're gonna have an uphill battle from the start. I personally can't see spending north of $800 on a rifle, then taking off a brand new stock and putting another $250-400 into it if you don't have to.

 

[YZ]

Shoulder and at least dry fire your prospects. Weight, balance, trigger quality, bolt action, safety, iron sights - you have to see for yourself. Don't go by Internet vote.