Choosing a first bolt action

[andy t]

I am considering getting my first precision bolt action. Based on what I read on this board and in "Ultimate Sniper" I am thinking of either getting a Savage 10FP with choate stock or a Remington 700 series.
I am thinking 0.308 caliber.
However, I was at a local store today, when I saw a FN Patrol rifle in 0.308, like new condition, with Leupold Vari X 3.5-10 X 50 for $1180. Does this look like a
good deal?

What would be a good choice for beginner?
Of the three choices, is one superior to another, or is it like picking between a Ford and a Chevy?

Thanks,

Andrew

[Striker5]

That sounds like a good deal on the FN.

My bolt gun is a Rem 700 LTR. If you get one, check to make sure the holes for the scope mount screws are centered.

I like my rifle, but part of me wishes I had just stuck w/ my KISS Wal-Mart 700 ADL 30-06. It was lighter and you can do some good work with a solid rifle and a really good scope.

It depends on what you want to do with it.

[adobewalls]

The 10FP is a sound choice, but if you can get the FN all the better. A word on Choate stocks, some like them, some don't. They seem to work well off a bench, but they can be a bit less convenient if your a run and gun sort.

[Mac679]

I'd go with a 700. It's a good base rifle to learn, and as you progress you can customize it to what you want-making the rifle grow with you.

[Peacekeeper1408]

I vote for a Remington 700 PSS for a basic entry level rifle. If you look around, you can probably find one for $700-$800.

[Boomer10]

Here's my 2 cents...

I started out with a Savage 10FP that I bought from my father. That gun is capable of shooting much better groups than I am. It's a 20" bull barrel in the original stock. I've thought of replacing the stock due to the amount that it flexes, but I haven't found any stock that I'm completely sold on (this includes Choate).

In the last year I bought a Rem. 700P but have not shot it yet since I haven't bought a scope for it yet (having other priorities sometimes suck ).

Overall, I am highly impressed with my Savage 10FP and plan on keeping it for quite a while. I would also recommend them to anyone looking for a good quality rifle. Yes, there are other manufacturers out there that make better rifles, but for the price of a Savage they can't be beat for an entry level shooter.

[madryan]

If you like to tinker with stuff and have the money to play buy a 700. If you want to buy something that shoots really well right out of the box and never mess with it then get a savage with the stock you want.

[Zak Smith]

http://demigodllc.com/articles/pract...ing-equipment/

[Glockster35]

I'm going to give the Savage Arms 10Fp one more plug. For the price, it cannot be beat, mine shoots way better than I do.

For the cost of the FN (I assume without scope), you can probably get the Savage, a nice scope, bipod and a replacement stock!

I have been happy with mine for the last 7 years or so!

[andy t]

Thanks to all for your replies.
Glockster, the price is for the rifle, with the scope and rings, which makes it an attractive package.
I also tried Savage 10FP LE2B in McMillan stock and really like it. The price for it is $800 for a brand new.
Is McMillan considered to be a much better stock than FN's Hogue stock?

Thanks.