Your expertise is needed helping a new guy decide on rifle

[Newguywi]

Hey guys, very new here. I have done a boatload of reading on here and other places. I'm wanting to buy my first long range rifle. Starting out I will be shooting paper, then possibly coyotes, white tail, maybe wolves with this rifle. I am wanting to work my way up to sub moa groups at 1000 yards with this rifle. I am 95% set on .308 caliber because of the affordability of the ammo, but if you guys have other suggestions feel free to drop them in. What I would like to do is start off buying a factory rifle, good optics, rings, rail and bipod, start shooting, then start changing stuff out, barrel, trigger, stock etc. I have chosen three rifles that I think I want and am leaning strongly towards. No matter which rifle it will be synthetic stock, bluer barrel

First option: savage 110. I like the feel, the safety, and have read a lot as far as value for my money. I do not like the accutrigger and will be wanting to replace that ASAP. Does a Accutrigger have value? What I don't like is the center trigger, it just bothers me, however I have never fired one. I like that there is a lot of aftermarket options and seems there is a lot of good reviews. I love the made in America, but have a kubota, so not a complete hang up.

Second option: Remington 700. I like the feel of it like what I have read. Dislike the safety, really seems to be in a horrible place. I like the fact that it is also a highly customizable rifle. This was my top choice until I read some reviews about people who had issues with warranty. Perhaps this is a problem with all brands, perhaps when I put aftermarket accessories on any rifle I'll have this issue.

Third option: how a 1500 target master. Held one last week and wow, it was amazing. Loved the stock, the trigger the everything. What I don't like is it's hard to upgrade them. So along with this option would be building a rifle, overtime, in a caliber I could hunt large game at 1000+ yards. Hold up on this is I'm 26, married, two kids under 4 and the wife will be popping the third out in January, and she seems to think we have better stuff to spend money on, I know right, women lol, (no offense meant women of LRH, very sarcastically said).

I want to reload, I want to learn how to do gunsmithing, I want to learn how to shoot extreme long ranges with extreme accuracy. I know it will take time. Thanks a lot guys and gals, your knowledge will be appreciated. One last thing, I will be fully open to a used rifle, and will spend more on optics. I have set a rough price limit at $1500 for the complete setup, stock rifle, optics, rings, rail, bipod. Thanks again.

Edit: I will be looking for a rifle over the next month or two and if not found by then I'll buy a new one

 

[winmag]

Weatherby Vanguard & Howa 1500 are the same action, but the Wby Vanguard is half the price. Stocks swap out etc. The Vanguard S2 is a great rifle, with a good adjustable trigger for the $, & it'll getcha started just fine.

Also shop Craigslist or LRH Classifides for used Leupold glass. You can send most models in to Leupold Custom Shop for new or customized reticle, & or turrets WAY CHEAPER than buying a new scope. Warranty is still forever, just like it always is, no matter who purchased it new or used.

That aught to get you slinging lead, & have some left over for the start of your reloading equipment.

Mine are 7, 5, & 2 in December. I know full we'll $$ is always tight, & doesn't grow on trees. Especially around Christmas, & with mamma being ready to pop.
Wait till tax time to buy if it helps keep the peace with mamma. Sometimes works for me anyway

 

[bogger01]

i think you have a good choice of caliber.easy on the wallet,accurate ect.my vote is for the savage.it is a good platform to start with and build off of.also,it will be cheaper to build on in the future as you can do the barrel swap yourself.the accutrigger isn't that bad,it will work until you replace it.i like the timney but the rifle basixs triggers are nice as well.just throw a decent scope and mounting system on whatever you get.also you will find that handloading will improve just about anything with attention to detail on your loads plus you will be able to shoot more and that is key.hope this helpsgun)

 

[Greyfox]

I think the Savage will give you the best shot at the kind of out of the box accuracy you are looking for, as well as value for you dollar. I have a few, and they are all shooters giving .5 MOA or better. I agree with the prior post that the Accutrigger is not bad, probably one of the better factory triggers. I'd try it out before you place it.

 

[Newguywi]

Thanks a lot for the replys guys. Been a busy few days with the holiday, haven't had time to respond. I have read a lot on the accutrigger and it won't be a top priority to get changed out. Top priority will be optics but to tell you the truth I haven't decided on optics yet, I will start researching them more in depth when I get the rifle.

The savage was/is definitely where I am leaning. Do you guys have any recommendations on model? How about barrel length and twist? Would I be better off with not worrying about the barrel and just switching it out or will the right factory barrel shoot better than I can? Thanks again guys

 

[Greyfox]

The model really depends on your needs. For the longer range shooting without going crazy weight wise, I like the LRH. Mine has a great barrel as do a couple of buddies of mine. My 6.5x284 can hit softball sized rocks at 1000 yards(if I do my part).

 

[bogger01]

what will your budget be for the rifle alone not counting optics ect?

 

[Newguywi]

I was really thinking around $750-$800 for just the rifle. Less would be great but don't think its probable to spend less and get quality.

 

[Newguywi]

Oh, weight isn't a concern for me guys, if I decide to hunt and carry, I will get a different rifle or suck it up. Accuracy is my concern. Thanks guys.

 

[bogger01]

in that price range i would try to find a savage model 12.i've had several in a bvss and loved them.also the savage long range hunter would be a good choice.you could also look around and find one already built.

 

[Newguywi]

Yeah I have been looking at the long range hunter, will a 26" barrel add accuracy or does a .308 not need a 26" barrel to effectively burn the powder? What rifling should I be looking for?

 

[Greyfox]

Yeah I have been looking at the long range hunter, will a 26" barrel add accuracy or does a .308 not need a 26" barrel to effectively burn the powder? What rifling should I be looking for?

The LRH actually has a 24" barrel less the brake. The 308 doesn't need a 26" to burn the powder you might see a 30 FPS difference in velocity. My 6.5x 284 chronographs the same velocity as my 26" Cooper. The larger case capacity rounds benefit moe from the longer tubes.

 

[Newguywi]

I stand corrected, thanks. The three models I'm looking at are the LRH, the 11/111 FCNS and FHNS. Do you know the differences between these three models? Thanks a lot guys, I sure appreciate your help, I hate just talking to guys selling them

 

[Greyfox]

I stand corrected, thanks. The three models I'm looking at are the LRH, the 11/111 FCNS and FHNS. Do you know the differences between these three models? Thanks a lot guys, I sure appreciate your help, I hate just talking to guys selling them

He FCNS has a detachable box mag the FH has a hinged floor plate. Both have lighter weight 22" barrels, and plastic non accustock stocks. The LRH has a heavier 24" barrel with brake and accu stock, also hinged floor plate and adjustable Kardsten cheek piece. For long range work I'd go for the LRH.