Rifle build Qs...

[rfroese]

I am about to start a rifle build. I want an awesome long range gun. I am going to be buying this rifle from my work so my options are somewhat limited. I will be building this piece by piece as my budget only allows for about $750 right now for the gun and scope. Of course I get this stuff at a healthy discount so really my budget, as long as I stick to buying stuff from work, is more like $1200.

I can do either;
REM700 in any caliber
Tikka T3 in 270, 30-06
Weatherby Vanguard any caliber
Savage Trophy Hunter 111 in 7mm, 30-06 and 270

For the scope, I am set on a Vortex Viper PST. Not sure yet which model but it will most likely be the 6-24X50.

Mounts and Rings;
Not sure yet. Preferably something from Vortex but that is not set.

What do you guys think? I really am interested in possibly turning this into a 6.5 creedmoor but that is a ways into the future. I would like to start with a REM700 in 308 but it needs a lot more work than a Tikka T3. I plan on using this gun to hunt mule deer in the mean time and slowly over the next year I want to build it into a custom gun with a match barrel, new stock, and whatever else needed. Essentially, I may only keep the action of this rifle but it has to be serviceable right now as well.

 

[TurtlePhish]

Build? 700 has the most aftermarket support.

 

[rfroese]

I get that. Honestly, I like the 700 but it seems as though the 700 needs more work out of the box then the other rifles. My dad has a 700 in .270 and it's a nice gun but I don't like the trigger. Also, his is an older BDL. They shoot better than the new ones.

 

[TurtlePhish]

Probably does need more work to start with, but that work can take it farther than you can take one of the other rifles.

 

[jim243]

The T3 or Savage in 30-06. No need to replace the bolt face they are the same as the 308. Of the two the T3 might be a nice action, but the Savage will be better to work on, you can change the barrel, stock and anything else by your self. Also Savage is dead accurate right out of the box, I am not saying the T-3 isn't.

You will need to get the one YOU like the best.
Jim


This is from a Savage 110 in 270, 100 yards 5 shot group, 130 grain Hornady SST's

 

[Shadow 7D]

Why not an AR, you can get a 6.5 or 6.8 and it's got so much support it's almost like lego's

 

[rfroese]

Why not an AR, you can get a 6.5 or 6.8 and it's got so much support it's almost like lego's

I already have two ARs. Not really wanting to start another one right now.

 

[NeuseRvrRat]

friends don't let friends buy Freedom Group

 

[Mobuck]

Are you planning to do this "build"yourself or just buy parts for someone else to assemble? The Savage design is much more home gunsmithing friendly than any of the others. Barrel swap- no problem. Need a different bolt head-no problem. Swap magazine length/width-usually no problem. Trigger and stock options- no problem.

 

[rfroese]

I would like to do as much by myself as possible. I have been told multiple times that savage is easiest in terms of customizing...

 

[MtnCreek]

The Savage design is much more home gunsmithing friendly than any of the others.

+1 If it's a home build, Savage is the way to go!

 

[7.62x51NATO]

What is your definition of "long range"? For some people it is 500 yards, for others 1000, and some people think long range is 1 mile+.

 

[rfroese]

I would like to be able to make a kill in the 600-700 yard range. While sitting on a bench, I would like to be able to reach out to 1000. I've stretched out my one of my ARs to 500 on coyotes but I want a bigger caliber bolt action I can hunt mule deer with.

 

[7.62x51NATO]

There are tons of calibers that can do bench shooting to 1000, but if you really want to get a kill shot on an animal such as a mule deer you're not only going to have to practice A LOT (that is a shot most hunters wouldn't ever take) but you also need good ballistics and downrange energy. A .308 or 30-06 would be good for your needs. If you really want to step it up you can get a .300 win mag if you aren't recoil sensitive and can afford to shoot it. Just my .02$ though. I'm sure someone will be along to prove me wrong.