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?
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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