New to long range bolt guns

**Microalign** · 01-10-12, 22:34

I've been wanting to get into shooting .308 bolt guns, and I was wondering if any one could recommend me a starting setup. I'm wanting to shoot primarily from 500m-700m. There are of course top tier ARs, what would you guys consider to be top tier bolt guns? I haven't decided on optics yet.....I figured settling on a rifle is the first step. Thanks.

**ForTehNguyen** · 01-10-12, 22:46

sniper central has pretty nice packages:
http://www.snipercentral.com/scrifle...ml?packageid=2

**anthony1** · 01-11-12, 01:04

Depending on budget, there are alot of options. lf l were to go buy a basic factory rifle today l would get a tikka varmint. For a top of the line factory rifle Sako trg is as good as it gets- the trg is also approaching custom build $ wise. When you start talking custum builds the skys the limit.

For just shooting out to 700yds basically any decent rifle will do. This is hard to do without knowing your budget.

**TehLlama** · 01-11-12, 01:11

Especially when getting into this - read a ton. The stuff here, SH, DGLLC, and then start googling around. There are some pretty okay threads depending how much money you're looking to drop, and depending on how far off the deep end you go you'll also be looking at learning a ton about glass and reloading.

**GMZ** · 01-11-12, 02:05

If you are just starting out I would recommend a 700 SS 5R, but if you want to go whole hog AE/AW/AX.

**austinN4** · 01-11-12, 07:18

Originally Posted by ForTehNguyen

sniper central has pretty nice packages:
http://www.snipercentral.com/scrifle...ml?packageid=2

^This. ForTehNguyen beat me to it. Also consider Mel's entry level Howa: http://www.snipercentral.com/scrifle...ml?packageid=1

For about the same money as you would have had to spend putting it all together yourself, Mel will build it, sight it in and ship it to your FFL in a case. In hindsight, I wish I had gone this route.

My own setup:
Remington 700P
Barrel cut to 20", recrowned and threaded
Smith Vortex Flash Suppressor as thread protector
McMillan A5 Stock with Integral Adjustable Cheek Piece
CDI Precision Gunworks Detachable Magazine Bottom Metal
Accuracy International AICS Magazines
Harris Bipod, 6" to 9"
Badger Bolt Knob
Badger 20 moa base
Badger Rings
Vortex Viper PST 4-16X50 FFP mil/mil

**markm** · 01-11-12, 08:29

Originally Posted by Microalign

There are of course top tier ARs, what would you guys consider to be top tier bolt guns?

For those short distances, you don't need a top tier bolt gun. Shit... we shoot those with SBRs and ACOGs some times.

But if you're looking to go "top tier" anyway.... I'll answer on orkan's behalf...

Get a Surgeon Action and have a smith order you a Krieger barrel. Start looking at stocks and glass. Expect to be at $8k-$10k when all is said and done.

FWIW... I wouldn't cut my teeth on an expensive rifle. I'm glad to be learning on a factory REM 700 with a few mods.

**Microalign** · 01-11-12, 10:48

Thanks guys. I'm getting my reloading equipment setup for the summer. Right now I'm just spending a lot of time researching and learning all I can about reloading before I start getting equipment. I think I'll go with one of those package deals as a starter. I'm just debating between the Remington and the Howa. Are there any advantages to either one over the other?

**austinN4** · 01-11-12, 14:56

Originally Posted by Microalign

I think I'll go with one of those package deals as a starter. I'm just debating between the Remington and the Howa. Are there any advantages to either one over the other?

Those are just Mel's 2 options. I'd like to see him add Savage to his offerings.

Most people end up with either Remington or Savage, mostly Remington, not that that makes it right for any one person. If you are a do-it-yourselfer I recommend looking at either the Remington SPS Tactical ACC-SD or the Savage Model 10 Precision Carbine as an entry level bolt gun:

http://www.remington.com/products/fi...al-aac-sd.aspx

http://www.savagearms.com/firearms/m...ECISIONCARBINE

Add a scope base, rings and a scope and you are ready to go shooting. You can also start changing things like stocks and triggers after you have shot it a while.

There are typically more aftermarket options for Remingtons, but options for Savages are starting to close the gap.

Before you jump, I suggest doing a lot of reading on both Sniper Central and Sniper's Hide. The Hide tends to be more active.

Also consider buying a used setup to start until you are sure precision shooting is what you want to do. Check out the equipment exchanges here and at SC and SH.

ETA: Will also throw the FN PBR into the mix for consideration: http://www.snipercentral.com/pbr.htm