Putting together a tactical rifle -- some questions

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Ought Six

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I have been wanting a tactical rifle for a long time. The cost has kept me from going forward in the past, but now I think I can do it. I still need to keep the cost as low as possible, but I still want a quality, accurate, rugged rifle.

I have looked around, and it seems the Savage Model 10 FP Law Enforcement is about the best bang for the buck around. A 10 FP LE in .308 is my starting point. The stock Accu-Trigger is supposed to be excellent. I am wondering if I can order just a barreled action, or if I have to order one with the factory stock? They seem to run a little over $700 with the regular stock.

So far as tactical stocks, I like the McMillian A5. The 10 FP LE from the factory with that stock is around $1200, which is pretty pricey. On the other end, the Choate Ultimate Sniper and Ultimate Varminter are cheap, but excessively heavy. What I am liking at the moment is the Bell & Carlson Tactical Medalist A2 synthetic ($210-235, depending on finish) and the Sharp Shooter's Supply Tactical Varmint laminate ($300). I like the adjustable cheek piece on the SSS laminate stock, but fear that it will be really heavy. Also, the SSS charges you extra for options; the adjustable cheek piece ($50), the accessory rail ($30), and a butt hook in the stock ($25). They also offer a high-cap nine round magazine kit that is extremely tempting for $75. That stuff adds up! So I am torn on what stock to get.

As for a scope, the Bushnell 4200 Elite 3-12x44mm illuminated reticle Mil-Dot is looking like the best compromise between price and quality. Everyone says it compares extremely favorably with the far more expensive Leupold Mk.4, and it is only $640 with free shipping from OpticsPlanet.com. The Rainguard anti-fogging technology will be useful in the wet weather we have up here in the Pacific northwest.

For a bipod, I prefer the VersaPod to the Harris. I think it is sturdier, and I like the 'ski' type feet. The VersaPod Model 72 is $94.

For a sling, I have not a clue what to get.

The other accessories; shooting pad, case, spotting scope, drag bag, and whatnot; I am not even thinking about that junk at the moment. I will get the rifle first, and add that sort of stuff later.

So this is where I am so far. I have made some tentative decisions, but I am certainly open to advice and suggestions. It appears that I am looking at spending over $1500 minimum, but I think closer to $2000 is more realistic, which is not a happy thought for me. But I do not see how I could get a really decent tactical rifle spending a lot less. What do you guys think?
 
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If you are set on Savage and don't want to spend a ton of money get the Precision Carbine. Also, you could go to Sniper Central and look into the two budget set ups they have.
 
I'm in the same boat. I'd love to build a cool sniper style rig for long distance shooting, but finances are tight. They now have a model that has the Accu-Stock and a muzzle break. I have been looking at Millett scopes. I've read some pretty good reviews of their tactical scopes. They are not too expensive either. I think I may get one to put on my Savage 11 243 so I can play with it. That will at least get me experienced with using a mil dot scope.
 
Wow! Nice package. I was only looking at the Savage because of the price. The Remington 700 package at Sniper Central looks pretty sweet.
 
Look at the Sniper Central rifles closely! Read about all that is done to these rifles for the $1175 you'll part with!

Basically a 700SPS-T dropped into an aftermarket stock, with a pretty paint job! For that kind of cash...WOW! You know what they say...there is one born everyday!

You could do all that high tech smithin' yourself on a rainy day and save a ton of coin!

A TacOps bolt knob job will cost you $50-$60 bucks almost anywhere, and barrel porting is a joke, for that cash, you could get a brake installed!

Get the Savage 10FCP-McMillan or the 10FCP-HS Precision or if they are too much for your purse, look at the Savage 12FVSS, scrap the stock and drop the barreled action in a Bell and Carlson medalist...your set!
 
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