Best rifle for me?

[scythefwd]

Uncle Mike,
I won't say the average, or even the good shooters can hit at 800y with a 308 consistently... but there are some talented shooters out there. You are right in that aspect. The world record for a group is what... >3.6 inches from a beast of a shooting machine? I understand that the rifle that shot that isn't a regular rifle but it isn't the round that is limited out that far... it's the rifle and the shooter.

There are some amazing groups out to 1k for the competitions. Sub 11 inch groups are not unheard of from prone shooters with very good rifles. I wouldn't hunt that far, but 500y shots with a 308 on whitetail is doable (if the shooter is up to it). Not sure I would take that shot on an elk though.

 

[Uncle Mike]

True, true... the .308 will make it to 700y, hell, we had to qualify at 1ky with it.
But to say your enduro type multi purpose hunting weekend sniper rifle will do the 700y waltz is a bit...

What happens is that, a new shooter trys this long range stuff with his hunting type rifle and quickly becomes dismayed with the results.

Tucker CAN accurately shoot to 700y, and beyond, but he will require range specific equipment, along with a great amount of practice.

Yes, the .308 will shoot, and quite accurately, to 1000y, but there is a LOT that must go into that equation to get those results.

Tucker... you can do it... practice!

 

[TuckerNielson]

Let me say that the only thing I plan on shooting at 700 yards is paper. Currently that is mearly a dream.
I was not raised in a gun culture... we never went hunting, my father never owned a gun. So I've discovered the sport relatively late in life. I enjoy being at the range immensely. Like golf, I believe that being a good marksman requires good instruction (which I'm getting) because early bad habbits are hard to break.
The purpose of this thread was to find a single rifle that fit all of my needs/desires. It looks like that may not be as good of an idea as I previously thought. a couple or several guns will probably make me more happy.

Thanks for everyone's input.

Tucker

 

[Maverick223]

I personally missed a bleach jug size target at 400 yards with a .22 LR.

Big shocker there......that is a heck of a shot out of a .22lr.

I agree with you, find a gun you like (doesn't have to cost $4k), put a nice scope on it...then buy more as needed/desired. Good luck and happy shooting, Mav.

 

[Uncle Mike]

Now that's pretty simple math... Mav.

 

[t165]

I would advise visiting a local gun shop or, maybe better, a large national chain like Gander Mountain. You can take the rifles off the rack and look and feel them...put them to your shoulder and inspect the fit and finish. I had absolutely no desire for a Tikka until I did just that...I bought a Tikka T3 lite in 243. I also had no use for the CZ 527 until I actually handled one...I bought one in 22 Hornet. I did not like the way the magazine was not flush fitted but after handling the rifle it was not bad at all. And there are rifles I was interested in but after handling them I decided not to purchase them. At a Gander Mountain you do not have to have a salesperson present to handle the rifles...at least not in the Terre Haute, Indiana store.

 

[dullh]

I passed on a Remington 700 Buckmaster because I had a gut feeling I would regret it. I instead ended up spending a little more on the rifle I really wanted... a Browning X-Bolt Hunter in 7mm-08. My budget was limited, too, so with that in mind I say this - spend a little more to get the rifle you really want - that way you won't regret your expenditure, regardless of price. I ain't saying drop a "large" on a custom piece but get what your gut says you should have...

 

[Maverick223]

Welcome to THR Dullh!..and you have a nice gun...I like Brownings.

 

[Coyote_Hunter_]

Tucker –

First, there is no “best” rifle – they all have their pluses and minuses.

When I was your age( 1982) I bought my first centerfire, a Ruger M77. I still have it, it still shoots great ,and someday I will pass if off to a nephew or son-in-law. Hopefully not for another 20 years or so, though.

These days I have a number of Rugers, a couple Remingtons and a Savage. I am also in the process of building a custom trifle on an Interarms Mark X Mauser action. They will ALL go to someone else someday.

Do you handload? If not, your options are more limited in terms of cartridge selection. My Interarms Mark X will become a 6.5mm-06AI. With top loads and the right bullets it will keep up with my 7mm Rem Mag at 800 and 900 yards, but with much less recoil. I chose the cartridge specifically for target work out to 1000 yards and occasionally out to 1500.

 

[dullh]

Thanks for the greeting Maverick I have been lurking about finally decided to join! I too am in NC!

 

[Redneck with a 40]

Wow, no Remington 700 recommendations? Based on how my Remmy 700 SPS shoot's, I'm a big fan of the 700's.

 

[Maverick223]

I too am in NC!

Glad to have you, even if you are from the hills.

 

[Maverick223]

Wow, no Remington 700 recommendations?

Not here, I thought he wanted a good gun.

 

[Redneck with a 40]

Maverick, I shot a 5/8" group today, with my 700, at 200 yards, bipod, no rear support. I'll put it up against any other rifle out there, in the same class.

See my thread in this forum.

 

[Maverick223]

I shot a 5/8" group today, with my 700, at 200 yards, bipod, no rear support.

They can be accurate, but the finish is not all that great IMHO. I feel that it is a good tactical rifle that I would not want to pass on to my grandchildren (due to the finish and fitment).

 

[coyotehitman]

Do yourself a favor and handle a Sako after you have considered and handled everything else on your list.

 

[Pat4x4]

try one of these.. Brake to help on recoil and shoots great with the accustock..
Pictured 10fcp-k in 308.. and also the sps tactical in 308.. But darn.. neither one costs anywhere near 4000.. They both have shot sub .5" moa with federal GMM