Accurate Target Rifle?

[prid93]

Hey all,
I'm looking to get a rifle solely for the purpose of shooting at the range and being as accurate as possible (the ak just isnt quite accurate enough for me ). I have no caliber preference...but my biggest issue is $$. I cant really spend more than $500 on this, so almost all larger caliber high end rifles are out.
Any input is welcome.

 

[CoRoMo]

Why does it need to be as accurate as possible?

 

[gunzee]

A used Savage 110c bolt action is all you'll find in centerfire. In .22lr, many good used target rifles can be had for your kind of money. Even .22 MATCH ammo is very expensive, so if you can't afford the gun, how can you afford the ammo?

 

[CoRoMo]

A used Savage 110c bolt action is all you'll find in centerfire.

This statement is incorrect. The 110c is not the only center-fire rifle in existence. You can find countless other center-fire rifles, new and used.

 

[Mags]

If buying new in that price range I would reccomend a Howa 1500 in the caliber of your choice. And for even less dough I would reccomend the Savage Edge or a nice used rifle.

 

[prid93]

I would just like a rifle that i know i will be able to put shots in a small grouping with.

Coromo: in dealing with finances, i have kept a certain amount to the side for ammo.

Mags: A friend of mine also recommended the Howa, and someone in another thread had pointed it out as a fairly inexpensive but accurate rifle so I'm glad to have more reassurance in that fact.

 

[latebychoice]

I've heard good things about the Savage Edge (or Axis) series. It might not have the accuracy or the reputation of the Rem 700 but it comes in at about $600 cheaper.

 

[joed]

If I wanted an accurate factory rifle I'd go to Savage. Their guns are inexpensive and shoot very well right from the box. Second choice would be Remington.

 

[redneck2]

In your price range there most likely are no brands that are significantly better than another. Luck of the draw.

FWIW..I have a good friend that just bought a (barely) used Savage in .223 for $325 with a scope. The .223 would be maybe the cheapest caliber to shoot in centerfire.

 

[p5200]

My local Walmart sells the Savage Edge for a mere $268.00 which I thought was a real bargain! not sure what calibers though.

 

[Jon_Snow]

If money is a concern, it's hard to go wrong with a good .22. My personal recommendation would be a Savage Mark II. Mine shoots better than I do, so I know any flyer is my fault and I can see how changes in my technique affect group size. Despite what gunzee says, match .22 ammo is still MUCH cheaper than centerfire ammo.

 

[Furncliff]

In .22LR ,,,, Cz 452.

They run from ~$300-450 depending on model. Beautiful wood on many of them. And a very solid action. To get something more accurate you would spend a lot more. .50in groups at 50 yards are an every day thing. They are ammo sensitive (as all rimfires are).

In center fire.. Swiss K31



They run from ~200-350 depending on condition. Nifty straight pull bolt. The swiss 7.5 is very similar to our .308, and as center fire ammo goes it's not too expensive. These have a reputation for being very well made and very accurate.

Allan's Armory.com sells them.

 

[prid93]

thanks for all the input...so far i'm leaning towards either a savadge edge (axis) or mark II .22. Both seem very reasonably priced. Bit more research to do before a decision.

 

[HOOfan_1]

If you want a cheaper gun and a little more range than a .22LR you can go with the .17 HMR. CZ452 or Savage 93R17 are still good choices. Not sure why Savage changed the name of the Edge to Axis

 

[GJgo]

I'd spend your $500 on a Savage w/ accutrigger or a Tikka chambered in 223, then save up to get a good scope later. (A heavy barrel is better for range only work.) Best for the money maybe a Bushnell or a Super Sniper 10x. Either of these would be a really nice package on a budget, in an inexpensive & accurate caliber to shoot. It appears that you have the ability to budget & save, so don't "cheap out" now.

 

[Smokey Joe]

Target work...

demands precision. Agree with G J go:

It appears that you have the ability to budget & save, so don't "cheap out" now.

Buy the best you can afford. As the man said, "Buy once, cry once."

In centerfire it'd be hard to beat a Savage with Accutrigger and Accustock, if you can find a used one for the $$. Heavy bbl stays stable better than thin bbl. If Accustock is out of the picture, get the Accutrigger--it is NICE.

In rimfire, I think I'd start with a used Ruger 10/22. It's not the most inherently accurate .22 out there, but retro parts for it abound, and you can thus buy a high-grade target weapon piecemeal. There are target triggers, heavy bbls, and target stocks for the 10/22.

I've seen a heavily modified 10/22 make < 1" groups at 100 yd, in practiced hands, benchrested. That, I would call accurate.

 

[Bill B.]

Better stick with a .22 LR rather than a centerfire due to the cost of ammo. I would say a CZ 452 in the flavor of your choice since they make so many models. Savage .243's pretty much outshoot about everything else but cost more than $500.00 & ammo is getting outrageous!

 

[deadeye1122]

T/C Venture, Marlin XS/XL,Stevens 200 in the smaller calibers. All have good reviews. Under 400.00 for the T/C ( my favorite). Low 300.00 for the marlins/stevens.

 

[velocette]

.22 LR target rifle.
I suggest checking out, through the CMP, the Kimber 82g .22 LR rifles: http://www.thecmp.org/22targetsurplus.htm
The rifles are superbly accurate and very reasonably priced.
They come with excellent high level aperture sights and are grooved for an RF scope mount, fully adjustable trigger, free floated bull barrel etc.
You will start out far ahead of most other target rifles and at a far lower price for entry.

Here's mine after stock modifications the sights are original:


Roger

 

[Erik M]

I've heard good things about the Savage Edge (or Axis) series. It might not have the accuracy or the reputation of the Rem 700 but it comes in at about $600 cheaper.

I don't believe I have ever heard negative things about the inaccuracy of Savage Barrels. I haven't seen these for sale at my local WalMart but I know BUD's has them in stock. I think one in .223 flavor is going to be a self bought stocking stuffer this season.

 

[deadeye1122]

Velocette, Is that a CMP rusty or a GOVT unused? I've heard/read that the Rusty's are as clean as the unused. BTW excellent job on the stock and finish. deadeye

 

[Swami]

The Savage 93r17 series are about the most accurate platforms I've personally ever shot. Last time at the range, my father-in-law literally proved it to be a "tack driver" as he shot the staples holding the target to the target holder at 100 yards! They are supreme range toys.

 

[velocette]

Deadeye1122
The Kimber was a new one. but three members of my club have rustys & for the most part you cannot tell the difference. Thanks for the compliment.

Roger

 

[Pete D.]

Buy a .22. Lots of good choices. Tremendous selection of ammo.
I do like that Kimber target gun.
There is a great deal of satisfaction in being able to shoot tiny groups at 100 yards with a .22...and you don't need a scope (or a bench) to do it, just a sling and a mat.

Why does it need to be as accurate as possible?

I found that to be an unusual question. Why would a shooter NOT want any firearm to be as accurate as possible? Accuracy is rewarding. Better accuracy more so.
Pete

 

[PT1911]

I recommend a heavy barrel .22 Lr target rifle.. something along the lines of a Kimber 82 if you can find one... EVERYONE should own a .22 target rifle.