Help me pick a rifle

[Rated21R]

So I have 1500 bucks to spend on a bolt gun. I have looked at Remington, Savage, FNH, and few others. I will be picking up and optic at a later time so no need to worry about that right now. Suggestions on what direction I should go for the rifle? Thanks.

[d90king]

I have both a FN TSR XP and a 700P. I actually prefer the FN but I think that's in part because I have always been a fan of the 70 action and I prefer the 20" vs the 26" on my 700P. I found the trigger to be just a bit nicer out of the box also. The FN also comes standard with a 20 moa rail from the factory and a box mag system.

The downside for the FN is that there are fewer aftermarket parts etc for them...

The 700's are a very well vetted platform and are a nice rifle at the price point and it seems EVERYBODY works on and builds off of them...

Both rifles are capable of .5 accuracy if I do my job... I have seen a little more variance in accuracy across the board on the Remmy than I have seen with the FN but I have also had fewer FN's to put into the analysis.

You might also want to look at Savage and SAKO as I have seen some very good performance from those rifles also.

I am running .308's, what caliber were you considering?

Also should be noted that I am by no means an expert in the bolt arena. I am doing everything in my power to make Jim Smiths class next week to really learn a bit more...

[lethal dose]

Personally, I love savage's and cz'z offerings. Take some time and browse cz's site... they have some amazing bolt guns. As for savage, they are the standard in all around value- from craftsmanship to durability to accuracy.

[FromMyColdDeadHand]

I'm in a similar boat and I have been looking at the Remington 700 ACC-SD. 1x10 twist 20 inch threaded barrel, and if you traded away the stock for an AICS, Manners, or other; you'd be close to your price. Seems like a nice set up for a tactical/competition rifle. Lots of posts about it here and at snipershide.

[Rated21R]

Kind of comparing between Remington SPS Tactical, Savage 10FP, FN TSR XP or things along that line. I have been on all the forums doing research just so much to read.

[IrishDevil]

I think the Remington 700 LTR is one of the best values going. I see alot of people trade off the stock, but it really boils down to preference. One day mine will see a trigger job and some better glass. I just don't shoot it enough to really justify spending any money on it at the moment. With a 1500 budget you could get the rifle, trigger job, base/rings, and still have some money leftover.

[jpipes]

$1500 on a bolt gun can you get you plenty, if you savvy buying used items, or keep your eyes peeled for deals.

I'm $1500 into another custom 223ai, sans glass and rings:


$275 - 700 sps on clearance
$275 - McMillan Sako style stock of the proper inlet, via the McMillan specials page
Free - 700 trigger (Came with rifle)
$90 - Badger M4 steel bottom metal, used (standard bottom metal would work fine)
$75 - Low Profile 20moa pic rail
$285 - Brux 8 twist


Throw in truing action and bushing of FP hole, pillar bedding, and chambering, and my total bill is $1550-ish.

If you are like most (myself included), and have the "want it now" disease, roll with an FN SPR, 700 LTR or similar, top it with good glass, and shoot the heck out of it. Upgrade to a McMillan or Manners at your convenience.

[1_click_off]

I am going to go at this a little different than most. I would go get your glass first. I wish I had done this. I bought a M99 and then skimped on the glass I really wanted and now I am having a hard time justifiying getting the better optics. You will never (well maybe never) have buyers remorse for getting a great scope. Even if you do start getting a little feel of it, all it will take is you pulling the rifle out and looking through the cross hairs. I didn't by anymeans get some junk to look through, but it's not what I want.

[carbinero]

I'd find a barreled 700 action for under $500 and spend the balance here:

http://mannersstocks.com/mcs-dbm.html

http://mannersstocks.com/ServicesPriceList.html

[Jim D]

Kind of comparing between Remington SPS Tactical, Savage 10FP, FN TSR XP or things along that line. I have been on all the forums doing research just so much to read.

My 10FP in .223 shoots Hornady TAP Black Box 55gr into .5" at 100 yards, easily. I shot something like a .4" yesterday, I just haven't gotten out the dial calipers yet...but it's a damn small group.

The 10FP is a great shooter, but you will not have as wide a selection of accessories as with the 700.

If you get really any of the above, plan on replacing the stock and magazine system out of the gate. For the Remington you'll probably want a different bolt handle, for the Savage you'll probably want a "lift kit" and a different bolt handle (DIY).

I've got about $1200 into my rifle before glass (10FP, B&C 2997 stock, CDI magazine system {not shown}, Stockade bolt handle and lift kit).

http://i720.photobucket.com/albums/ww204/synergy303/IMG_0611.jpg

Both my Remington and Savage left me unimpressed with attention to detail, but both shot really straight. (Remington had finish issues, Savage had magazine feeding issues). Both were tight shooting guns out of the box.

They are all luck of the draw with regards to how well they shoot. I went with Savage after I got tired of dealing with Remington's customer service run-around.

For $1500, I'd look at the 10FCP McMillian that Savage puts out. That'll leave some money for the bolt upgrades, a bipod, and a mag system that runs off of AICS mags.
http://savagearms.com/firearms/model/10FCP-McMILLAN
http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/products_id/43534

[Rated21R]

Thanks for all the great info.

[Rated21R]

I think I am going to go with an SPS Tactical, a B&C Medalist stock, a CDI DBM (or Seekins), Seekins rings, Seekins base and some nice glass up top. Then just shoot the crap out of it.

[carbinero]

Good choices.

[chasetopher]

x2 on the SPS tactical.

Definitely needs a stock upgrade the factory stock flexes so much when its warm out the fore end can touch the barrel when resting/bipod.

I haven't upgraded the stock yet and have a couple 1/2" groups at 100 yards.


Can't argue that for a bolt gun <$600.

[pappy86]

<a href="http://s629.photobucket.com/albums/uu16/soumigirl/?action=view&current=204.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i629.photobucket.com/albums/uu16/soumigirl/204.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>The Savage Precision Carbine .308 in this photo shoots 5 shot groups into .400 to .500 groups with 130 barnes TTTSX or 175gr SMK bullets. It was shortened to 14.5 inch and brake installed for my daughter. I have been very impressed with it. The .223 is not as accurate but does shoot sub moa with certain loads. The .308 has over 500rds through it and has been trouble free, for less then 1000.00 bucks for scope and rifle.