Need help on SHTF rifle

[splitturkey]

Hello everyone,

I have been going back and forth on building a rifle system for SHTF and my main two ideas are as follows:

1: a SPR inspired 5.56 with an 18" heavy barrel, no spec. lower or uppers yet, but I want this rifle to shoot sub MOA with reloads. I will be building this as a weapon system capable of tactical accuracy out to 500 yds.

2. A bolt action 7.62 NATO, capable of 1,000 yds with hand loads, I would prefer a barrel no more than 22" and to be either bull barrelled or heavy barrelled.

3. Both these weapon choices must not exceed $1,100 WITHOUT GLASS and be ultra reliable in the field. The $1,100 budget does not include bipods or slings either. Just the weapon system.

4. The main purpose of this rifle is to provide better range than my 3 buddies can provide. (Standard Colt Ar15, Remington 870, 22LR) and capable of engaging targets in rural conditions, (woodlands, fields possibly urban)

5. I have never shot 7.62 NATO out of a weapon system other than a 240B, and I have shot 5.56 out to 400 meters.

6. I am proficient with M4/M16 variants but have limited experience with bolt guns.

Have at it gentlemen and ladies. Any questions just post and let me know

 

[Inebriated]

THR doesn't really "do" SHTF discussions. That said, it sounds like you want a long range setup, but don't have long range training.

My best advice would be to take a portion of that budget, and attend a precision rifle or long range class. Learn things like wind, mirage, range estimation, reasoning behind gear selection, etc. I guarantee you that without some training, you won't be hitting targets at 1000 yards with any realistic frequency, and .308, while more than capable of physically getting to 1000 yards, is not going to carry terribly useful terminal ballistics with it. Think something in between a 9mm and a .40 S&W at the muzzle. If you truly want a practical 1000 yard rifle, magnums are really the best choice.

And for your 500 yard rifle, I would still be looking at a .308 for the same reason... terminal ballistics. Again, 5.56 can get there no problem, but .308 is going to have much more useful ballistics at 500 yards.

If I were you, I'd be looking at a good class to help decide what exactly you want, while learning the skills to use it, but I'd also be looking at a good bolt gun that can do both roles (500 and 1000). If your fundamentals are solid, jumping straight into a magnum shouldn't be too hard.

 

[C-grunt]

I'd go with the SPR as it would have ammo and magazine compatibility with your Colt. However getting a GOOD SPR for under 1100 is gonna take some work. Easiest way to save money is to buy and build a stripped lower and then buy the upper complete. I'd look hard at BCM.

Also I'd look had at a Recce setup. It's the predecessor to the SPR. Basically the same rifle but with a 16 inch barrel instead of a 18 inch. Ballistics between the two are very close until you get to really long range, like past 600 meters.

M262 is a proven long range performer in 5.56. While it doesn't have the punch that a 7.62/308 does at range it still effective. Plus in a SHTF situation if I have to engage at 500 meters I don't care if the bad guy drops dead right there or sits and bleeds for a bit. A center of mass shot is going to take him out of the fight and in a SHTF situation that's all I need to E and E.

 

[chris in va]

Really?

 

[H&Hhunter]

Negatory on SHTF threads.