Help me spend my ITR

**ColdDeadHands** · 10-19-11, 13:35

If my Income Tax Refund is the same next year as it was this year I will have about $3000 to spend on guns out of it (yes it's a little early to make plans but when the $$$ becomes available I want to be sure what to buy with it). I've been itching to get a nice bolt gun for a few years now so I think it might be time to get one.

Here is what I've come up so far, feel free to criticize but please state your reasons.

Savage 10FCP LE 308 w/ HS Stock ~$900
Seekins Base & Rings $220
SWFA SS HD 5-20x50 Scope $1000
Harris 9-12 Bipod $115
Total: $2235

That leaves me with around $800 for a class and some ammo.

I should state that I have as good as 0 experience with bolt guns or long range shooting but I'm interested in acquiring that skill but on the other hand I'm not sure how much practical use the rifle would get (which I'm afraid of after spending $2200). The area I live in has thickly wooded areas and the furthest line of sight is maybe 200 yards which is when I look down the road. I guess in the back of my head I would like to be prepared if shtf. So I guess another question is; Do I really need a bolt gun or would a SPR AR15 more practical?

**orkan** · 10-19-11, 13:57

200yds?

Get a good accurate AR. Unless you want a bolt gun. My bolt guns get the most use these days. I just like them better.

... but for 200yd shooting, its tough to deny the usefulness of an AR. I don't know what kind of SHTF situation you are talking about... but if you are intending to ward off a zombie invasion then an AR would be much better than a bolt 308 at those distances.

**NUTT** · 10-19-11, 13:57

Personally, I'd ditch the Savage for a Remington 700 Police or 5R Milspec. My preference for tactical precision rifles is Remington or Rem based custom. You can get the 700P for about $920 or the 5R for $1,000. Both come with HS kevlar stocks and will shoot amazingly well out of the box (sub 1/2 MOA).

Also, the SS 5-20 is an excellent choice but is going to run you $1,500. They were $1,000 on a Snipershide Group Buy when they came out. That deal is long gone and I'm happy to say I bought mine then.

**orkan** · 10-19-11, 13:59

Ditch the super sniper idea.

Go with vortex PST FFP from liberty optics instead.

**austinN4** · 10-19-11, 14:09

Originally Posted by orkan

Ditch the super sniper idea.Go with vortex PST FFP from liberty optics instead.

I second this, especially given the price difference.

**FromMyColdDeadHand** · 10-19-11, 17:47

Used gear on SnipersHide is how I fill my gunsafe. Lots of great glass and guns over there. You just have to watch it the FS forum, which is half the fun. Most of the stuf over there is hardly used.

I'd like to know more about the Viper PST scopes. I saw a review over there that said teh 4-16 was not as sharp as the 5-25 (?) version. So many options in FFP tactical scopes now. From a $300 Falcon to a $3000+ S&B. I think the steal right now are Used Premier 3-15 Mil-dot scopes. Newer versions with DT & MTC knobs are common over there for about $2000, way off the new price. I picked one up and love it. You can bludgeon someone with it if teh zombies use up all your ammo.

If extreme long range is not going to be an issue, may I sugggest a Remington ACC 308 rifle with the threaded 18inch barrel? A bit less than the 5R versions and maybe better for what you want to do. Lots of add ons and gear for Remington actions.

**orkan** · 10-19-11, 17:56

Originally Posted by FromMyColdDeadHand

I think the steal right now are Used Premier 3-15 Mil-dot scopes. Newer versions with DT & MTC knobs are common over there for about $2000, way off the new price.

Wow... looks like premier's socialist price maintenance scheme is really working for them.

A single vortex review is hardly conclusive. I have both 4-16 and 6-24 models, and both are equally clear.

**deadly0311** · 10-19-11, 22:03

I would ditch the Savage, mainly because I am not a huge fan of the Accu-Trigger or the barrel nut system, and they just look plain ugly

The SWFA is a great scope and I would keep it and rock it. If you do plan on getting a Remington, I suggest the 700 SPS Tactical. Ditch the stock and get an HS Precision.

Personally I would also go with the 6-9 Harris over the 9-12.

This setup should be good for a long long time and shoot pretty well. The SPS Tactical is almost identical to the LTR, minus the stock, finish, and fluting on the barrel.