General Newbie Questions

[GoatLovin]

Hello ladies and gents, after lurking on the forums for a week or two, I decided it's time to join in on the conversation. I do have a few questions, but first, a little about myself.

My name is Mike, and I turned 21 in January. I live in everyones favorite state, California. I work retail while going to school for a degree in criminal justice, although my choice on a degree changes weekly. :banghead: For my 21st birthday, I got to go to Florida and see the 50th Daytona 500, which was absolutely amazing to see in person. I've now saved some money to buy myself a late birthday gift... my first (paid for by me) firearm.

At first I thought I would buy a handgun. I was leaning towards a 1911, then was swayed towards a polymer being that it would be my first gun. I took California's joke of a handgun test and passed with a 100%. I'm still trying to figure out why I paid $.50 for the study guide. Anyhow, I've changed my mind, and decided a rifle would better suite my "needs."

I'm in the market a rifle costing ~$500, and I'm looking for advice on what I should look for, both in terms of features and brands. I'm leaning towards a .223 caliber rifle, but I'm open to something as large as a .308, however I'm attracted to the price of .223 ammo.

I'd like the rifle to be accurate, out to 400 to 500 yards, tops. Obviously I won't be setting records with a $500 rifle, but I don't want a POS, either. So far I've been looking mostly at the Remi 700 SPS, Savage Stevens, Savage 11F Hunter with and without scope, Tikka T3 Lite and Weatherby Vanguard.

Are the scopes that come premounted on the guns terrible? The rifle I end up with will be mostly used to punching wholes in paper from a supported or prone position. Any guidance is greatly appreciated!

PS - I have searched. Just wanted my own thread.

 

[aliveisalive]

I have a cz 527 in .223 and absolutley love it. I got the varmit model in the HS precision stock which goes for ~750+ online, but the cz 527 american is around ~500 i believe. I'd check out an american if you can in person, they are beautiful guns.

 

[Thernlund]

Savage and Ruger would be a good start I think.

Welcome to THR!


-T.

 

[Vaarok]

C'mon to the dark side and get a Mosin to start, it's only a nibble from your war chest, in case you decide you want to pursue a whatever rifle afterwards.

 

[Strongbad]

An SPS Varmint or SPS Tactical would be right in your price range. The CZ Varmints would be a tad more expensive, but have different features... like a single set trigger etc.

For 400-500 yards unless you're handloading, I'd go with the 308. The availability of factory ammo in 223 with heavy target bullets that are going to be the best performers at long range, is limited.

 

[aliveisalive]

As Vaarok said a mosin would also be a great rifle. I sure love my :tup:

 

[Brian Dale]

You have the opportunity to become the person who'll always be able to say,

"The first firearm that I ever bought was an M1 from the CMP."

Here's the link.


They even have great deals on ammo for M1s at this link.

You're welcome.

...and Welcome to The High Road.

Edited to add: it's always a good idea to save up another hundred or two and get a good quality, used .22 as well.

 

[rangerruck]

a howa or savage package rifle , will be a good start. both are very good actions, strong, whole, forged pieces, bood bbls. the scopes, though not great , will get you a start, and will let you learn on how to properly use a scope in the first place. I would have no probs recommending either of these.
Now then, 223 ammo gets expensive , once you get rounds that are over 62 grains. And it is those rounds, that will get you out to 500 or 600 yds, consistently, though you can deff practice , and do it with the 62 grainers.
I like any milsurp ammo, that can reach out, so you may even wanna look at the 6.5 swede, which can be found at gunshows for the same price as milsurp 308.
A very good rifle , that can handle heavier 223 ammo, is the cz kevlar varmint.
though I have the cz 527 in 223, it is a very short bbl, and the bbl twist is 1/12.
This maxes you out at about 60 grains, and may not shoot 62's for you very well. I can struggle with mine, and keep it under an inch at 100 yds, but it is work to do it.

 

[Funderb]

Mosin nagant is a good place to get started, cali legal, if it's a 91/30. I'm not sure how they feel about those m44 bayos.

it's a little bigger than 308 in feel, but all in all, fun stuff. for about 500, get a finn, you will be blown away by the precision grouping of the rifle.

 

[qajaq59]

If you're serious about the 500 yards, I'd say a .308 and some hand loaded ammo.

 

[RTFM]

Welcome to The High Road, but how are we suppose to take you serious with a name like GoatLovin?

 

[Thernlund]

Goat might stand for "Greatest Of All Time".




-T.

 

[GoatLovin]

Or Gas, Oil and Tires. I drive a GTO, hence the name.

Anyhow, thanks for the suggestions guys. Maybe I should back my requirements down to 300 to 400 yards to stay within my budget. I think I'll be out to handle the rifles tomorrow.

 

[mindwip]

GoatLovin- are you sure you will get the most out of a rifle? I only ask becuase i live in Southern CA and there are not many places to shoot a rifle close to where i live. Noticing where you are it might be the same.There are plenty of indoor ranges but they only allow "pistol" rifles-.22 .38, 357 ect. No .223 or .308

For me i get most of my shooting done at night after night school i head to my indoor range and shoot off 30-100 rounds before they close. And its super close so i go a lot.

Having said that forget everything but a M1 Garand. Heres why $500 is perfect for one from CMP i have 3 and they are great. They are shipped to your door! They are increasing in value like mad. 2-5 years down the road when CMP runs out and you want one you will cry when you see that now you have to pay $1500 for one in worse condition then a CMP field grade.

Another reason M1 Garand is CA friendly it does not have an evil pistol stock, hi cap mags, its wood not "black" so you do not have to nuder your rifle like you would for other rifles. And who can watch Band of Brothers and not want one. Last but not least Ammo is cheap! for rifle ammo from CMP cant be beat and it comes preloaded in clips for you!


ps the first rifle i bought was a M1 Garand second was the Carbine third was a .22. If you are worried about recoil dont be! M1s are sweet to shoot, the only time i put on my recoil pad is if i am having a long range session as after 60-80 rounds my shoulder gets a little tender(i dont get to shoot it often so i have not gotten used to it yet) . After the recoil pad is on it really reduces the recoil by a good 50%-70% and i could shoot all week after that.

If you are really looking for a boltaction for prone then Savage all the way with you budget. Its what i am buying to learn long distance shooting.

 

[mindwip]

Oh yes I can't sepll ethier.
That shuold be GIRLY MAN
srory.

haha sorry could not help it but you spelled sorry and spell wrong try again!


All in good fun!

 

[Brian Dale]

Reading that makes my eyes hurt, USAnumberONE. This brings up another point: looking at the clean, elegant lines of one's own M1 Garand is soothing and healing to the eyes (and probably to the soul).

I think that I read that in a scientific journal somewhere.

 

[qajaq59]

Sew wot R ewe tryeing too saye?
R ewe kalling mea ah bad spellrer?

And people wonder why I don't want to take loading recipes off the web. Half of us can't spell and the rest of us can't type.

 

[coda323]

goat, where are you able to shoot in the sac region?