Help me decide...

[vagunmonkey]

I'm looking to try my hand at some longer range shooting (2-500yds). I need to decide if it's for me, and what to start with. I'm thinking of either adding a 308 Bull barrel to my H&R Handi Rifle ($185) or purchasing a Savage Axis in 308 ($400) as an entry point. The trigger on my H&R is fantastic and the price is right. The Savage would be my first bolt action other then a couple of Mosins...

What do you think?

 

[RugerOldArmy]

I'd suggest you look at the Savage Model 12(s) or the Savage Target series. It will be worth it. I haven't seen one that wasn't at lease a half MOA gun.

The Handi's loosen up. I can't speak to the Axis, but I'd wager heavily on a heavy barreled 10, 12, or Target series being more accurate than the Axis.

Buy once, cry once...especially for 500 yards.

 

[RugerOldArmy]

Here is that build. Now it is a 6mm BR Norma, with a Pac-Nor barrel, rifle basix trigger, aftermarket stock, and Weaver t-series scope.

Easily a 1/4 MOA in 6mm BR. The stock barrel was likely a tad under a 1/2 MOA.

You can start out stock with a Savage 12 or target series, and customize it over time.



This one is a right-bolt, left port target action.

 

[redbullitt]

Why not do some shooting with your break action rifle? FWIW I think that would be the best way to go. My Encore is no target rifle, but it will hold under 1.5 MOA. 500 yard practical rifle hits are very doable. Just jump right in with a familiar rifle and THEN go from there if it seems like something you want to go further with.

Here is what I would do... Shoot the rifle you have right now, and consider starting to hand load. Get in some practice and experience, then move to another rifle if your current one starts holding you back. The very best thing you can do with ANY rifle is load ammunition that it likes.

Consider a Savage model 10. Every one I have gotten to mess with was an excellent rifle.

That axis is a decent rifle as well, but I believe the barrel setup is different than the model 10 and 12. I would not consider it a target rifle. I am also not so sure about the aftermarket support on the axis.

 

[Bezoar]

Savage is great. Even the "horrid axis" can get moa or less out of the box. Look at online reviews in those "sniper forums". its considered the poor mans prairie dog sniper for a reason.

And the savage lineup itself is great aftermarket part follow up. Its not too hard to swap barrels out at home, provided it uses the same case family as what the gun original came with.
Meaning, if you buy a savage in .308, and want to switch the barrel out at home you can only swap in a new barrel chambered in say .243 because it keeps that .308 bolt head.

 

[RugerOldArmy]

You can also swap bolt heads. The rifle pictured in my post, started out a .223 Rem, and with a drop-in barrel and bolt head swap, is now a 6mm BR Norma.

I did it in my garage, with a barrel wrench, some Go & No-Go gauges, and a bolt head. If you've done it before, you can swap barrels (and bolt heads) in about an hour. There are videos and info on the internet.

I'm a big fan of the Savage 10/12/Target series. You can make a poor man's BR rifle pretty easily. I've won some local matches with the 6mm BR, against Harts/Pandas/BATs shooting 6mm PPC(s).

The OP can start with a stock 10/12/Target gun, and customize from there.
.

 

[Mrcharlesclark]

What about a mossberg patriot 270 or 308