Need help in new rifle choice

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jcollins1007

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Guys, I am selling two mediocre rifles, a guitar, and am saving up a bunch of money so I can get one really good rifle. The problem with free markets, though, is that they provide too many choices (not really a problem, I know). So here is what I've whittled it down to:

1. Savage 116 - Stainless bolt action known for their accuracy

2. An AR of some sort - possibly a Sabre defence SPR, since they are built in my neck of the woods

3. A Springer or Fulton M14 - I've always wanted one.

Now, there are a plethora of reasons why I would want each one. Some things to consider:

1. I have a rifle capable of taking deer up to 300 yds, which is probably the longest shot I'll see in Middle Tennessee anyway

2. I have access to 22LRs for varmint work, so I don't NEED a varmint gun

3. I reload, so caliber and ammunition choices are not a limitation

4. I want this to be a versatile gun, but one that is fun to shoot, and can practice with a lot in the off season so I can get better at marksmanship

I know this is the best place for opinions on guns, so I let y'all have the floor!
 
I'd get the Savage 16 in 223 or 22-250 instead of the long action 116......& a nice 300-500 dollar scope. Then you'd have a better varmint gun.
 
What are you going to be using your long gun for? I assume it will be for bench rest or target shooting. Savage is a good choice of gun. Make sure you get the accutrigger model. Don't overlook the Tikka rifles either though if you want a quality bolt action.
 
It won't be just for varmints or targets. It's going to be a do-all. I will probably hunt deer with it, but if I get a 223 AR I can use my 30-30 for deer. Again, I'm ready to spend some money, as I will have saved up around $2000, so price isn't really an issue. Weight isn't either, as I'm still a sturdy young man. I carried a full-sized Mosin Nagant through a mile of thickets, so I'm not concerned about weight.

Some things I'm concerned about:

1. Accuracy. I know the Savage wins big here, but the AR and M1A are close seconds.
2. Dependability. A bolt won't break, and the M1A is a piston. Plus, I was issued an M4 in the Air Force so I know how to take care of one of those.
3. Ability to mount optics. All three are good.
4. Iron sights. Savage loses here, because they do not offer an accustock model with irons, and I prefer aperture sights anyways. Unless someone knows how to mount adjustable peeps on a Savage.
5. Caliber options. I want something that's available, procurable, and prolific, and prefer that it's cheap to reload, as I plan on target practice alot with these.
 
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It's going to be a do-all. I will probably hunt deer with it
Click to expand...

Choose a 243 or 7mm-08 then, same rifle, the Savage 16.

Iron sights. Savage loses here, because they do not offer an accustock model with irons
Click to expand...

This is a very easy fix & its often a deal-breaker when it really shouldn't be. A Williams rear peep and a front sight installation is all it takes.
 
remington r-25 (ar-10) in 7-08 seems to be a great fit, here.

7-08 is a versatile chambering, the r-25 is varminter-accurate, and the 7-08 is big game capable.
 
not sure how you can have a functional ar-platform without a gas block?

at any rate, gas block or not, i still think the r-25 in 7-08 should get a close look by you. they are a good rifle, and mine came w/ a fair 2-stage trigger on it.

good luck!
 
If you want irons but don't like the fact the Savages don't have them you might consider a red dot. They have faster acquisition (proven, but by a small margin) and can bolt right to your scope mounts. You can get them in 0, 1 and 2X for a good price.

I would also second an AR10. But I am wary of the Remingtons as I heard the last couple of years they have started making their own receivers instead of having Stag (I think that was the company) make them and don't have as good a reputation any more. But that was coming from my local gun store, going by returns.
 
Sounds like a AR chambered for 6.5Grendel or 6.8SPC might be what you are looking for. A long range, lightweight, deer capable, carbine with a multitude of parts and accessories available for it. Alternatively you could choose an AR-10 (like the R-25) in a chambering like .260Rem. or 7mm-08Rem., but it is significantly heavier, more costly, and offers less parts/accessories which are mostly manufacturer specific.

:)
 
Maverick, I have looked at the Stag Arms Model 7 Hunter in 6.8 SPC. Some questions for you all:

1. How accurate is it?
2. Is it a Heavy Barrel model?
3. What is the reputation of Stag?
4. How do traditional match-grade carry handle type irons work on them?

Thanks guys, this is a lot of help, and a lot of fun.
 
ARs are not my specialty, so I will let others answer your questions, the only thing that I have to add is not to limit yourself to one brand of AR.

:)
 
All I know about the Rem. R-25 is it is basically a rebadged, cammo'd DPMS. They tend to exhibit good accuracy from all accounts.

:)
 
^ LOL, not tryin' to pick on you but the correct phrase is "hear, hear"...hear as in to listen. ;)
 
I'd say a good AR. Try multi-position shooting vs. just bench. You'll have a great, relatively inexpensive, time with the AR.
Al
 
ill put my vote on either the stag 7 or the r25, i have had both, both are very accurate and capable of sub moa with good ammo. i sold my stag 7 due to lack of ammo in my area, and hug on to my r25 (308) for almost a year before i traded for a dpms 308lr. i would recomend any of the above to anyone with a big +1 for the r25 in 308
 
Get a Savage and a bunch of barrels in all the calibers you want. Barrel swap's are literally a 15 minute task.
 
Load up all $2000 and go get a P90... :) Might not give you the 300 yard range, but you've got the 30-30 for that, right?
 
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