I know there are a few threads on this topic, I'm reading through them right now, but I wanted to start a new one since they are mostly a year old or more. I'm in step one of research for my first long range bolt gun. By "long range" i'm talking 5-600 yds. I know this isn't going to be a 1K yard rifle, although if I could get a couple hits on a 48" steel from 1K that would be sweet. A custom setup just isn't in my budget. I'm looking at the "budget" entry level rifles from several makers with no clear-cut favorites. The only rifle I've shot in this category is a friends Rem700 in .308.
I'm leaning towards the .308 but haven't ruled out all others. I plan this to be a range gun, coyote gun, and if laws change a deer gun.
Some that i've been looking at so far: Obviously the Remington 700 would be at the top of my list, however this is out of the price range right now. I wouldn't have $ for scope, rings, ammo etc.
Remington 783, Savage Axis II with accutrigger, Ruger American predator, Mossberg ATR night train, Mossberg MVP
Can anyone give me pros and cons? I'll be going to a few shops/stores this weekend to handle some of them for myself.
Another major question I have is how important to accuracy is a heavy barrel vs the lighter contour barrels? I like the look and feel of the heavy barrels but most of these entry level rifles don't offer them.
Scopes are a whole new topic, I'll worry about the rifle first.
I'm leaning towards the .308 but haven't ruled out all others. I plan this to be a range gun, coyote gun, and if laws change a deer gun.
Some that i've been looking at so far: Obviously the Remington 700 would be at the top of my list, however this is out of the price range right now. I wouldn't have $ for scope, rings, ammo etc.
Remington 783, Savage Axis II with accutrigger, Ruger American predator, Mossberg ATR night train, Mossberg MVP
Can anyone give me pros and cons? I'll be going to a few shops/stores this weekend to handle some of them for myself.
Another major question I have is how important to accuracy is a heavy barrel vs the lighter contour barrels? I like the look and feel of the heavy barrels but most of these entry level rifles don't offer them.
Scopes are a whole new topic, I'll worry about the rifle first.