First centerfire rifle

[Tarendol]

Hello everyone,

This kind of question has been asked before, but I thought I would give you my specific situation and see what advice I get. Since learning about firearms through this forum, I have purchased

.22 Ruger pistol (love it, though it jams a lot... actually good for a new shooter like me because it teaches me to deal with it).

.45 Ruger pistol (love it, and I have never had any problems at all, the ammo cost sucks though ).

.22 CZ 452 Training, upgraded with Ghost Ring sights (I also have a trigger kit but haven't installed it yet). This is an awesome rifle.

So, you can see I am just still beginning. Out of all my firearms I like the rifle the most, and I have been thinking of getting a centerfire rifle. Initially I wanted an AR or AK, but the more I consider it the more I want something like a bolt action (or possibly lever action). I would really like to start practicing fundamentals with a rifle scope, and also start shooting at ranges beyond what my .22 can accurately hit. I don't hunt, but it would be nice to get something that could be used for that purpose or SHTF. Money is a big issue, and I would greatly prefer to buy something below $500. I hope that is enough information! Thank you!

 

[Art Eatman]

Dunno, but I've always "been into" bolt-actions. I've owned most everything else, and have other types, but when I'm serious about hitting, out comes a bolt.

I put a scope on my first bolt-action, and that was back when I could still do well with iron sights. Scopes allow more precision. When hunting, they sure make it safer for other folks in early morning or late evening, 'cause you can tell whether it's Bambi or your hunting buddy.

Centerfire rifles and pistols both call for reloading--which makes the cost of shooting that .45 Colt a lot less.

I have never seen a reason not to try used stuff, whether guns or reloading equipment. I've bought or traded into a bunch of guns and stuff through the years, and I've never had any particular problem.

For a centerfire rifle, probably the cheapest ammo "over the counter" is .223 and .308.

I'd guess that from a money standpoint, a good-used Savage in .308, with almost any fixed-power scope of 4X magnification will serve you well in getting started. You can always save up and trade up at some later date.

FWIW, Art

 

[Terrierman]

What Art said, only don't restrict yourself to looking for a used Savage. Remington, Ruger, Winchester, CZ, Tikka, Weatherby, Browning, whatever you find that you like the looks and feel and has a decent bore will very very likely be highly satisfactory. .308 if you plan to hunt, .223 if you only ever want to punch paper. Either is a fine doomsday round.

 

[SASS#23149]

Food for thought on rifles and scopes

IMHO a cheap rifle with a good scope bets the heck out of a good rifle with a cheap scope.

 

[cmb3366]

your on the right track looking into bolt action rifles. Semi's have their place, but a bolt action will get you into good habits. As for what would be a good gun, I suggest that you look into the Remington 700 SPS, they are very accurate, well built, and economical. They also have a great, easily adjustable trigger. As far as a chambering, If you plan to get into reloading (you should, You'll make more accurate, far less expensive ammo.) the 6.8Rem SPC would be a very good choice, good accuracy, reasonable range, very low recoil, and acceptable energy levels should you decide to try hunting.