AR Platform VS Bolt Action

[Nevernoluck2]

I've read many great responses on this topic so I will just put in a little info from one of the OP comments, you said you are looking to spend $1000 for complete gun/optic setup, so with that being in my mind I would lean towards a Stevens rifle for the action and build from there. Action $300 providing you get right boldface for the round you choose, $200 barrel, $200 stock, leaves you $300 for a decent mid priced Nikon or Redfield scope or whatever flavor you like.

You could also find a used Savage or Remington or CZ or Tikka or Howa that would also do the ranges you're after. Really there are many options out there but a few select manufactures like the Savage/Stevens or even the Marlin X guns are easily configured to other calibers by the average mechanically inclined guy.

Caliber wise their is so many selections to get to those ranges accurately it really depends on you, don't count out the good old 243 either.

Bottom line one I don't have the answer for you just some opinions as well but in the end find what makes you happy, handle as many guns at stores as you can and decide which one is already how you want it or which one is cheap and you want to modify and go from there, myself I like to modify all my guns without having to pay a gunsmith.

 

[Justin727]

I am definately sticking with a NATO round, 7.62x51 most likely for availability and cost. As for the rifle, I am going to shoot some of my buddies and handle as many others as I can before making a purchase. I am in no hurry to buy / build this rifle so I plan on taking my time and doing it right from the beggining.

 

[silentvoice71]

Remington 700 if you were closer id invite you over. The 700 platform will yield you with the best results. They also have limitless upgrades. I have a sps tactical AAC. It has all sorts of stuff

 

[avboiler11]

The 700 platform will yield you with the best results.

Explain, please.

 

[Nevernoluck2]

Explain, please.

+1

 

[silentvoice71]

For the distance he wants to shoot and his budget he can get a 700 and some decent vortex viper glass and be happy as a clam. If its gonne be your first time out to 800m go with a bolt gun over semi. Save some $$ on ammo. Ammo is all over the place easy to find. To be honest look into building a SPR. May be a little out of budget but it uses .556 and with 77gr black hills 600yrd shots are doable.

 

[42769vette]

I agree with the going with a bolt action be it a 700, or savage. With a 1000 dollar budget that doesnt leave room for a precision AR, and Optics. Im not saying a AR can not be accurate, Im saying for 1000 bucks it cant be done in the AR platform.

 

[silentvoice71]

On an ar a precision platform is gonna be over budget. If you had a budget of 1500 maybe a little more you could build one. Ps 427 up there is the man on vortex optics. You give him a budget and he will let ya know the best bet for your hard earned $$

 

[silentvoice71]

Remington 700 84203 SPS Tactical AAC SD 308 New : Bolt Action Rifles at GunBroker.com


Boom. Brand new shipping and transfer fee call it 700. You have 300 left over. 175gr rounds will fly outta that sucker like a laser. Also threaded barrel for a can later on in life!

 

[avboiler11]

Another 308 option...

Savage 10 P-SR 308 18-inch HVY THR Black Online Gun Store

 

[silentvoice71]

Id be all over that savage like white on rice

 

[DRob]

Lots of range time means lots of money no matter what you shoot. My experience also tells me that taking the least expensive route with 5.56 or 7.62x51 commercial ammo does not equate with the kind of accuracy I want. If you are stuck on those calibers, give up the metric mindset and either reload or shoot commercial match ammo in .223 or .308. The real bottom line is entirely dependent upon your definition of accuracy. If you're happy with 2" groups at 100 yards, you have many options. If you want 1/2" at 100, you need decent equipment, decent ammo, and lots of practice. Either way, it's gonna' be fun.

 

[silentvoice71]

Ya i second reloading and DRob is right reloading your rounds and commercial is the difference between moa and sub moa.

 

[Nevernoluck2]

Hard not to buy that Savage

 

[flashpuppy]

I'd find a used Savage with an Accu-Trigger, high round count and low price tag. Call up Jim at NSS and get a nice Criterion barrel chambered in .308Win. Find a decent piece of glass from SWFA and buy some good rings. You'll have yourself a bad-to-the-bone rifle there.

I have, and love, a 6.5CM. I would NOT recommend it for a newbie to long range shooting. It's cheating. If you can accurately and repeatably put that 308 where you want it to be at a long distance, then you can actually shoot. Using the 6.5 is like hitting from the ladies tee. 308 will require you to actually learn how to shoot.

 

[avboiler11]

I have, and love, a 6.5CM. I would NOT recommend it for a newbie to long range shooting. It's cheating. If you can accurately and repeatably put that 308 where you want it to be at a long distance, then you can actually shoot. Using the 6.5 is like hitting from the ladies tee. 308 will require you to actually learn how to shoot.

I don't understand this line of reasoning.

A better golf analogy would be teeing off a Par 5 using a driving iron (308) instead of a Callaway FT-5 (6.5 Creed).

 

[flashpuppy]

I'm forced to agree with you. I'm not a golfer.

 

[Guitargallegos]

Sorry quick question, what is Moa and sub Moa?

 

[avboiler11]

Sorry quick question, what is Moa and sub Moa?

MOA = minute of angle, about 1.047" per 100 yards.

So if your rifle averages about one-inch groups at 100yd, it has MOA accuracy. If it averages 0.75" groups at 100 yards, it has sub-MOA accuracy. Same deal when you extend the range - at 1000 yard a 8" group is sub-MOA.

 

[Justin727]

I came across this. Why does this seem so cheap?Savage AXIS .308 Win 22" barrel 4 Rnds Stainless - $269.99 + S/H | Slickguns