An accurate rifle that wont break the bank?i have had little experience with firearms but on the occasion i have gone out with friends I've shot well and I'm looking to invest in a good rifle for target shooting. I'm really looking to shoot anywhere from 300 to 500 meters. the guns look or style isn't a concern really. my price range stops... | |
Excellent Question, thanks for asking. I always enjoy answering this question. There is no right or worng answer. there are so many variations and possibilites.
First of all 300 to 500 meters is no short poke! You need a good rifle, great trigger, good ammo and a really good scope. If you read my other answers, I am a big supporter of really taking an investment approach to firearms rather than a cost approach. This rifle will last you the rest of your life. It will provide countless hours of wholesome enjoyment. Maybe even be passed to a young shooter someday. So, get good gear! I have never regretted over spending. I have regretted skimping. All of this said, never be irresponsible, don't spend your rent or grocery money on a rifle or scope!
Great guns can be new or used. I never pass up a good used firearm.
For your purpose I suggest:
Remington 700's Senderos are great varmint guns. A bit heavy if you plan on carrying it for deer hunting.
Browning A-bolts (May stretch your budget)
Savage Model 10 with accu trigger
Perhaps a used Winchester or Weatherby even..dream big.
Caliber - .22-250 is a great flat shooting round. Great on small game up to coyote .308 has great performance and a multitude of options. Good for deer. (Personally I love .270 WIN. But never shoot that far)
Scopes - Large objectives, reasonable magnification (Don't go overboard) Nikons, Leopolds, or Bushnells can be economical. Go for Swarovski or Zeiss when you are ready to upgrade. You will not be disappointed.
Last bit of advice, if you want really reliable and tight groups at 500 meters, consider getting into handloading. You will enjoy it immensely and be rewarded at the range. It made a huge difference for me.
Thanks for reading my opinion. Best regards and good luck.
Agree, take a look at Savage, I had a early model 10 that shot real well, but the stock was flimsy. There are aftermarket stocks that you can swap out, maybe the newer models have better stocks. Savage is vastly underrated in my opinion too. They are good rifles for the price. Also the Remington model 700 is good but will be real close to your price limit. A good scope is where you need to put the majority of your investment. And practice, practice, practice.
A Savage Model 10, from most accounts, would be a good choice. Within your price range, this may even leave you enough for a good scope. The .308 Winchester caliber would likely be the best choice for long-range shooting on a budget, and it's also useful for deer hunting if you should decide to pursue that activity.
The most accurate rifle I own (for that range) is my scope sighted, Howa 1500 in 22-250. It is a heavy barreled rifle with a thumb hole stock. It is designed for varmint hunting. Ground Hogs fear me. . .
I picked the rifle up at a pawn shop for $600. Sometimes you can find some nice bargains on the used gun rack.
i used to work in a gun shop in san francisco and you can def get a rifle for a lot cheaper than $700. look around and google guns and ammo shops. talk to the guy behind the counter who will no doubt be an expert in guns and hunting equipment and he will steer you the right way. good luck, and be careful. guns are powerful and dangerous.
Savage Model 110 or Model 10 depending if you want a long action or short action.
* Remington, Savage, or Mossberg will do what you want it to do if you do your part.* Or buy a good used one and save even more $$$.* A new rifle does not shoot any better than a good used one.*~~
