My first rifle

[leadistasty]

I have just gotten access to a 1000 yard range and am trying to pick a first rifle. I know there are tons of options, so the goal is to stay under 1100 on the rifle itself. After a lot of reading I'm fairly certain that a .308 will probably suit me best as far as caliber is concerned. I'd like to be able to shoot for a few hrs at the range, and would love to be able to go hunting with this rifle too. I think I have whittled my list down to the following.

Savage 10FP-SR
Savage 111 LRH
Savage 11 LRH
Remington XCR (because it's available in 308, even though the sendero seems better. I've read 308 > 7mm if you aren't hand loading, which I'm not)

While I hate the look of the savage stock, my online research has lead me to think they are my best option for a first rifle. I'm really unsure as to whether I should go for the 10FPSR or the LRH, and whether I am better off with the short action 11 LRH, or the long action 111 LRH.

As far as optics are concerned, I have seen good reviews on the falcon menace 4.5-14-44 and the zeiss conquest 4.5-16-50.

I know there is a lot of knowledge to be had, and I'd appreciate some guidance. All said and done, I'd like to have a versatile rifle with a total cost under 2000.00. Advice on any other components I'd need would also be much appreciated.

 

[MudRunner2005]

I have just gotten access to a 1000 yard range and am trying to pick a first rifle. I know there are tons of options, so the goal is to stay under 1100 on the rifle itself. After a lot of reading I'm fairly certain that a .308 will probably suit me best as far as caliber is concerned. I'd like to be able to shoot for a few hrs at the range, and would love to be able to go hunting with this rifle too. I think I have whittled my list down to the following.

Savage 10FP-SR
Savage 111 LRH
Savage 11 LRH
Remington XCR (because it's available in 308, even though the sendero seems better. I've read 308 > 7mm if you aren't hand loading, which I'm not)

While I hate the look of the savage stock, my online research has lead me to think they are my best option for a first rifle. I'm really unsure as to whether I should go for the 10FPSR or the LRH, and whether I am better off with the short action 11 LRH, or the long action 111 LRH.

As far as optics are concerned, I have seen good reviews on the falcon menace 4.5-14-44 and the zeiss conquest 4.5-16-50.

I know there is a lot of knowledge to be had, and I'd appreciate some guidance. All said and done, I'd like to have a versatile rifle with a total cost under 2000.00. Advice on any other components I'd need would also be much appreciated.

For $2K, I would go with a Rem 700 VLS, SPS Tactical, 700 Varmint SF, or SPS Varmint. Put a Zeiss Conquest 6.5-20x50 on top, with an EGW base, and TPS TSR rings. And shoot Hornady Match 168 HPBT ammo. That should be a nice setup for under $2K.

That would even leave you money in there to have the reciever and barrel trued, lugs and barrel hand-lapped, action bedded, trigger worked, and barrel floated, by a good smith, in which case you should be shooting lights-out for right at $2K for your setup with smith work.

 

[roninflag]

having shot to 1000 yards i would not pick a 308 , neither would i choose a savage ( except maybe a model12 f-class) .

 

[MudRunner2005]

I agree with Ronin.....I don't think I'd hunt with a .308 out to 1K.....But 750 and under, sure. For killing paper and rodents @ 1000 the .308 will be ok.

The 7Mag is a great one for 1K hunting. 7mmSTW is one of the best. Especially if you can find some factory loaded ammo with Berger 168 VLD's for either one. It won't be cheap, but it will be accurate at that distance.

Handloading is probably the single-best thing I've ever done for my shooting. I can mix & match bullets and powder combos to see what works best in my rifle. Plus, it's so much cheaper.

 

[roninflag]

the OP does not say where he is. besides targets is he going to hunt walabees or moose?? since he does not reload then i say 300 win mag. in a 700 5-r, pss , sendero ............ xcr?

 

[leadistasty]

I'm in northern Virginia. I'll be shooting at the 1000yard range most of the time. I've never been hunting, so I'd like to have a good time shooting paper, but if given the opportunity to go hunting, don't want to be cursing that my rifle isn't good for the job. I'm guessing that in the north east, you probably don't really even have much opportunity to hunt at 1000 yards.

 

[MudRunner2005]

Around here we don't have many places either.....But I know a few spots shooting hill-to-hill where you can exceed the 1K mark, and powerlines you could shoot for 1.5-2 miles.

I like Ronin's suggestion for you. Remington 700 5R .300 WinMag, but those will run you around $1,300 for just the rifle. You could add a Konus M30 8.5-32x52, EGW base, and TPS TSR rings, and still be under your mark, and have a 1K capable gun. The scope is not the best thing, but will work fine.

 

[Red hunter]

The rifles you are coin flipping over are all good choices. If you have a chance too shoot any of them it will help you decide. The differences in the Savages models between the 10 and 11 LRH are basically the stocks and the 111 is a long action. Meaning that the calibers are for the longer cases like the 300 win mag and such. The Savages are easily upgradeable without the need of going to a gun smith. Barrel changes to different calibers can be done at home with a few tools and a little knowledge. The Remington is also a fine choice but requires a smith to do most mods on. I own both brands and they both have plusses and misses. I think the 308win caliber is a fine choice for target shooting and hunting. Every caliber has it's limits and it will take you many hours of range time to go beyond the limits of the 308. Range time equalls dollars and starting out you want to maximise both. So going with a caliber that will cost you $60 plus per box is not wise unless you have hit the lottery recently. Even in these times of shortages there is plenty of 308 ammo around. None of my rifles go to shows to win best of looks so I use a tool that works for the job. A 308 will take any North American game animal inside of 500 yards is easy on the wallet and a joy to shoot. Buy your choice and enjoy. After shooting for a while you will know what needs to be upgraded for your use.

 

[roninflag]

lead- lot of good gunsmiths and shooters in va. . having shot competition to 1000 yards. in az the wind is challenging. for me shooting a 6.5-284 that was 18 pounds is hard. the 308 would be harder. for target shooting heavier is better if 12lb is good 14 better and 18lb real good. for hunting- a t-3 lite is a nice carry gun but not as good of a target gun. the rem vssf, vs and 5-r are in between in weight. to just get started i would get a 700 varmint from dicks with a 4-12 and start reloading.