Long range, bolt action recommendations vanity (Oh! the humanity)

Vanity | December 23,2013 | N/A

[BerserkPatriot]

Given that guns are like any other tool, you need various types of guns to do different functions. One of these would have to be bolt action for long range shooting – hunting etc. I’ve seen many a vanity on sport utility rifles, concealed carry and home defense but don’t recall one this type of shooting situation. Mostly looking at the Remington model 700 series – specifically the SPS tactical family for various reasons. This family of model 700s has a 20” barrel and threaded muzzle. The budget is in the $700 range and I’m looking to get something in a fairly common chambering - .308 mostly. I’m seeing that model as a middle of the road type – hopefully accurate enough to do the job, but not so expensive to break the bank.

Any general recommendations on the subject?

Recommendations on that specific model and chambering?

Is it up to the task?

Thoughts on optics.

[TheRhinelander]

.243’s have the best accuracy over long range, or so I’m told.

[The Cajun]

Always considered a Mosin Nagant to be a double ugly rifle, but at $129................

[JW1949]

Remington 700 ADL in .270 cal or 7mm Mag.... Unertl 4X12 variable all weather scope....I’ve shot accurately out to 1000 meters with the Mag.

[Las Vegas Ron]

.243’s have the best accuracy over long range, or so I’m told.

The best:

[SkyDancer]

Dad bought a Remington 700 series .300winmag. That’s long range. The SEALS use a version of it for their sniper rifle.

[Disambiguator]

The Ruger Gunsite Scout is an option, but it might be a bit over your budget. It's the SUV of bolt actions, and chambered in .308 Winchester.

Here is some background on the rifle (Jeff Quinn's Gunblast article).

[Okieshooter]

In my experiance Savage rifles with AccuTrigger will shoot with anything dollar for dollar out of the box. I have not only owned many guns I have helped many hunters sight in their guns at the gun club.

[Las Vegas Ron]

In most cases 4 legged prey – white tails etc., but getting ready for any potential 2 legged predators.

As several have already recommended, .308 is good all around.

Now to decide the make....decisions, decisions!!

[suijuris]

If you are looking for an off the shelf tack driver in that price range or just a bit more then the only answer is Savage. Absolutely the most accurate off the shelf guns and trigger set up available.

My Savage .223 can routinely do same hole at 100 yards and 1in. at 200. I don't even consider a prairie dog shot at less than 300 yards. I am no marksman. Just a guy who bought a good gun and found a good scope and the right ammo to match the rifle.

Several of my friends have Savage in various calibers and they are all of similar quality and capabilities.

Unless I was going for a custom rifle I would not consider anything but Savage.

[Las Vegas Ron]

Oops, btw, that is a Sako .243. Simply a work of art!!

[JoeProBono]

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder

[Las Vegas Ron]

I’d give my left you know what to have the Savage 22-250.

SWEEEEEET!!

[Dalberg-Acton]

FREE Remington 2009 Catalogs and Ballistics Sheet

[barmag25]

Remington 700 in .308 for a deer rifle is good. If you just like shooting long range go for the .300 win mag

[Lurker]

For a rifle that is every bit as good as the Remington but a LOT less money, check out the Savage Model 11 series. I’ll stack the out of the box trigger on the Savage up against a custom job on the 700 any day.

[Starstruck]

And $600 worth of bullets.

Ooh about 3000 rounds at Cheaper Than Dirt. I bought 440 there two weeks ago at $90.

[doorgunner69]

Sweet looking rifle.. Kind of had my eye on a .308 5R when one comes up for sale anywhere nearby.

[BerserkPatriot]

That is the Quandary.

[shibumi]

".243’s have the best accuracy over long range, or so I’m told."

I have a Mossberg ATR100 in .243. It was my favorite rifle - until I got a pair of Mosin-Nagant 91-30s.

They are both extremely accurate, the Mosin having quite a bit more range and punch.

With your budget of $700 you could buy both rifles and scope them.

[The Cajun]

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder

A yup on that, I'm the same way about lever guns, LOL.

In fact, I don't own a bolt action, just levers and semi-autos.
Oh, if you leave out the old Benjamin.