Looking for the perfect first rifle

Strakele · 11-03-2007, 03:05 PM

Hey guys,

I'm new to the forum, and it looks like a great place with a lot of experienced people who can help me out.

I have been into shooting for years now. I shoot rifles with friends who have them, and rent different pistols at a local range. I'm on the precision rifle team in my school's ROTC and can shoot a perfect 100 in the prone position.
I'm now looking to buy my own rifle.

At first I was considering the good old Remington 700 series, but I know there are a lot of other good rifles out there that I just don't know as much about. I've been doing a lot of reading up on different guns and calibers, and there's a huge array of choices. I'm looking for a rifle that:

-Has a black synthetic stock
-Can shoot less than 1 inch group at 100 yards
-Can easily mount a scope, bipod, and preferably a sling too, but first two are most important
-Uses easy to find and fairly inexpensive ammo
-Has a good and/or adjustable trigger
-Isn't ungodly heavy or way too light

This rifle will be used primarily for target shooting at 100-200 yards, but I want it to be capable of doing much more, and the ability to take down small-medium game should my friends and I decide to go hunting.

I don't want to spend much more than $500 on the rifle itself. What are your recommendations as far as gun manufacturer and model, as well as what caliber?

Thanks for the help.

lefty o · 11-03-2007, 09:21 PM

following your guidelines, the remington 700 SPS varmint in .308 win would make a decent choice.

gunney_m · 11-03-2007, 09:24 PM

Welcome to G&G, sorry I cant help u, Im a handgunner.

ArkansasHunter · 11-03-2007, 09:45 PM

Also look at the Ruger hawkeye...Hammer forged barrel, target trigger, steel hinged floor plate BLK,SYN. stock and mutted stainless steel barrell. Maused type claw extractor boltaction and comes with scope rings.

toolman · 11-04-2007, 01:58 AM

I'd suggest a Savage, Howa, or Weatherby Vanguard in .243, 7mm-08, or .308. If ammo cost is a big concern and you aren't planning on hunting anything larger than a coyote or small deer (if legal), you can opt for a .223. I also like the Tikka T3's.

Bravo · 11-04-2007, 01:14 AM

Can't go wrong with a Remington 700 in .308. Check out the SPS Varmint series.

aris_unlimited · 11-04-2007, 01:18 AM

I agree with the sps lol. But then again I have one so I am biased.

Mine cost about $700 altogether and that was with tax, scope (nikon 4-10X), scope mounts, sling. I got the bi-pod later.

I will try and get a pic of it up here in a little bit to see if that is what you are going for.

tbonecpk · 11-04-2007, 02:30 AM

yeah I would say the 700. great action, not to mention lots of aftermarket parts and McMillain makes a realy perty stock for it lol.

PrivateSnuffy · 11-04-2007, 03:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lefty o

following your guidelines, the remington 700 SPS varmint in .308 win would make a decent choice.

look at my picture, thats my gun except in 30-06. Another one to consider is 25-06 for its ballistics. its a great gun, and is pretty light.

billy · 11-04-2007, 03:54 AM

savage 10-fp .308

right around $500

lefty o · 11-04-2007, 12:12 PM

billy's suggestion is also good, but im no fan of the craputrigger, and savages plastic stock is not the greatest. the remingtons plastic stock is a much sturdier design.

BANDIDO · 11-04-2007, 12:17 PM

Check the SAIGAs in .308 Win (8 rnd mag) or in 7.62x39 (10 rnd mag). I believe you'll like them.

Strakele · 11-04-2007, 07:20 PM

Thanks for all the replies guys.

I've been doing a lot of research and have found a few things.

I've seen many great reviews on the Savage 10FP series, and that's sounding like it may be my best bet.

The Tikka T3 series also has many favorable reviews but is a bit more than I wanted to spend.

Remington's 700 SPS varmint also looks good. Only complaints I've read have to do with the stock. How does the stock compare to the Savage 10FP stock?

The Rugers are a little more expensive and don't have a second sling swivel for the bipod.

I've read nothing but good about the Savage accu-trigger. What do you not like about it lefty?

Any other recommendations? Thanks a lot for the help guys.

Strakele · 11-05-2007, 08:37 AM

Hey guys thanks for all the replies.

Seems I'm mostly between the Savage 10FP and Remington 700 SPS Varmint.

From what I've read they're both great shooters in the same price range. I've read good things about the accu-trigger on the Savage. What do you not like about them lefty? According to a review the trigger on the 700 SPS is different from many other 700's and not quite as good. How do the triggers on the two guns compare?

Also the main complaint from all the reviews generally has to do with the stocks on the rifles. Which rifle has a better stock? I don't really want to spend a lot of extra money on a new stock that will better my group by 1/4". Also, I found a Savage with a Bell & Carlson stock. How are they?

Thanks for your help.

(Sorry if another post appears somewhat similar to this one. I posted a reply yesterday evening and it still has not appeared, so I'm posting this to make sure it works.)

ArkansasHunter · 11-05-2007, 10:15 AM

Strakele I got out my 2007 Remington catalog to look and see if there was a 3 1/2 slug shotgun shells the other day.

I've been looking at it, mainly the model 700 rifles. They may have been around for a while, but you know how do you perfect perfection ?
Out of all the rifles on the market today none of them look as authoritive as the model 700.
And they have a model suited for your needs. I mentioned the Ruger HawkEye because it's new and an improvement over there previous models.
I bought a HawkEye and I'm fixing to go shoot and sight it in,,,I'm hopeing it's ever bit as good as a model 700.
YEP I'm haveing 2nd thoughts, should I have bought a Remington. we'll see.
If you were to look at the pictures of the many model 700 rifles and then look at others I'd almost bet you'd be drawn back to the model 700's
There proven, there accurate and they look like a rifle should look !!!
I may be tradeing a Ruger off for one in a little while...A.H

leroy · 11-05-2007, 04:57 PM

TIKKA TIKKA TIKKA!!!!!!! I just bought a t3 lite in 270 an its a dream 2 shoot!!!!!iv shot less than a box of bullets and already killed a crow an 2 deer. it has a syntetic stock an its doesnt really kick at all!!!! it only cost 450 bucks.

Strakele · 11-09-2007, 08:49 AM

Thanks for the input guys. I think I'm going for the Savage. I found a lightly used one for a great price.

PelletHead · 11-10-2007, 11:28 AM

Look into a Savage Model 111FCXP3 . Suggested retail $499.00 w/o accutrigger. They come in 270 Winchester, 30-06 Spfld, 7MM Rem Mag, and 300 Win Mag. It comes with a 3-9x40 scope that's bore sighted and a sling. I own one of these in 30-06 Sprfld and love it. You can get cheap ammo or go for the good stuff. Many diff brands with many diff bullet combos. Dollar for dollar a very good gun imo.

Strakele · 11-10-2007, 11:54 PM

Alright I'm pretty much sold on Savage. But there's so many models. What's the difference between all the different series? They have the 110/10FP LE series, 11 series, 12 series... what's the difference?

lefty o · 11-11-2007, 12:16 AM

the 10/11/12's are short action rifles. the 110/111/112 are long action.

11-03-2007, 03:05 PM	#1
Strakele Registered User Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 6	Looking for the perfect first rifle Hey guys, I'm new to the forum, and it looks like a great place with a lot of experienced people who can help me out. I have been into shooting for years now. I shoot rifles with friends who have them, and rent different pistols at a local range. I'm on the precision rifle team in my school's ROTC and can shoot a perfect 100 in the prone position. I'm now looking to buy my own rifle. At first I was considering the good old Remington 700 series, but I know there are a lot of other good rifles out there that I just don't know as much about. I've been doing a lot of reading up on different guns and calibers, and there's a huge array of choices. I'm looking for a rifle that: -Has a black synthetic stock -Can shoot less than 1 inch group at 100 yards -Can easily mount a scope, bipod, and preferably a sling too, but first two are most important -Uses easy to find and fairly inexpensive ammo -Has a good and/or adjustable trigger -Isn't ungodly heavy or way too light This rifle will be used primarily for target shooting at 100-200 yards, but I want it to be capable of doing much more, and the ability to take down small-medium game should my friends and I decide to go hunting. I don't want to spend much more than $500 on the rifle itself. What are your recommendations as far as gun manufacturer and model, as well as what caliber? Thanks for the help.

11-04-2007, 01:58 AM	#5
toolman Mr. Fixit Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: abilene,tx Posts: 5,853 Blog Entries: 24	I'd suggest a Savage, Howa, or Weatherby Vanguard in .243, 7mm-08, or .308. If ammo cost is a big concern and you aren't planning on hunting anything larger than a coyote or small deer (if legal), you can opt for a .223. I also like the Tikka T3's. __________________ cosmoline is an aphrodisiac!

11-04-2007, 01:18 AM	#7
aris_unlimited Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Payson, UT Posts: 82	I agree with the sps lol. But then again I have one so I am biased. Mine cost about $700 altogether and that was with tax, scope (nikon 4-10X), scope mounts, sling. I got the bi-pod later. I will try and get a pic of it up here in a little bit to see if that is what you are going for. __________________ "Strength is not in numbers, it's in singular determination." Life Member NRA Life Member NAHC

11-04-2007, 02:30 AM	#8
tbonecpk Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: San Diego Cal Posts: 1,590 Blog Entries: 2	yeah I would say the 700. great action, not to mention lots of aftermarket parts and McMillain makes a realy perty stock for it lol. __________________ "Speak softly but carry a big stick" -Teddy Roosevelt

11-04-2007, 03:54 AM	#10
billy spiritual counselor Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: a secret lab on the shores of lake titicaca Posts: 14,313 Images: 9 Blog Entries: 154	savage 10-fp .308 right around $500 __________________ "I would never die for my beliefs because what if I'm wrong?"- Bertrand Russell

11-03-2007, 09:21 PM	#2
lefty o Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: mn Posts: 5,109	following your guidelines, the remington 700 SPS varmint in .308 win would make a decent choice.

11-03-2007, 09:24 PM	#3
gunney_m Banned Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Muskogee,Ok Posts: 1,931	Welcome to G&G, sorry I cant help u, Im a handgunner.

11-03-2007, 09:45 PM	#4
ArkansasHunter Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: South Arkansas Posts: 10,994	Also look at the Ruger hawkeye...Hammer forged barrel, target trigger, steel hinged floor plate BLK,SYN. stock and mutted stainless steel barrell. Maused type claw extractor boltaction and comes with scope rings.

11-04-2007, 01:14 AM	#6
Bravo Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Maine, USA Posts: 2,020	Can't go wrong with a Remington 700 in .308. Check out the SPS Varmint series.

11-04-2007, 12:12 PM	#11
lefty o Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: mn Posts: 5,109	billy's suggestion is also good, but im no fan of the craputrigger, and savages plastic stock is not the greatest. the remingtons plastic stock is a much sturdier design.

11-04-2007, 12:17 PM	#12
BANDIDO Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: GREECE Posts: 42	Check the SAIGAs in .308 Win (8 rnd mag) or in 7.62x39 (10 rnd mag). I believe you'll like them.

11-04-2007, 07:20 PM	#13
Strakele Registered User Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 6	Thanks for all the replies guys. I've been doing a lot of research and have found a few things. I've seen many great reviews on the Savage 10FP series, and that's sounding like it may be my best bet. The Tikka T3 series also has many favorable reviews but is a bit more than I wanted to spend. Remington's 700 SPS varmint also looks good. Only complaints I've read have to do with the stock. How does the stock compare to the Savage 10FP stock? The Rugers are a little more expensive and don't have a second sling swivel for the bipod. I've read nothing but good about the Savage accu-trigger. What do you not like about it lefty? Any other recommendations? Thanks a lot for the help guys.

11-05-2007, 08:37 AM	#14
Strakele Registered User Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 6	Hey guys thanks for all the replies. Seems I'm mostly between the Savage 10FP and Remington 700 SPS Varmint. From what I've read they're both great shooters in the same price range. I've read good things about the accu-trigger on the Savage. What do you not like about them lefty? According to a review the trigger on the 700 SPS is different from many other 700's and not quite as good. How do the triggers on the two guns compare? Also the main complaint from all the reviews generally has to do with the stocks on the rifles. Which rifle has a better stock? I don't really want to spend a lot of extra money on a new stock that will better my group by 1/4". Also, I found a Savage with a Bell & Carlson stock. How are they? Thanks for your help. (Sorry if another post appears somewhat similar to this one. I posted a reply yesterday evening and it still has not appeared, so I'm posting this to make sure it works.)

11-05-2007, 10:15 AM	#15
ArkansasHunter Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: South Arkansas Posts: 10,994	Strakele I got out my 2007 Remington catalog to look and see if there was a 3 1/2 slug shotgun shells the other day. I've been looking at it, mainly the model 700 rifles. They may have been around for a while, but you know how do you perfect perfection ? Out of all the rifles on the market today none of them look as authoritive as the model 700. And they have a model suited for your needs. I mentioned the Ruger HawkEye because it's new and an improvement over there previous models. I bought a HawkEye and I'm fixing to go shoot and sight it in,,,I'm hopeing it's ever bit as good as a model 700. YEP I'm haveing 2nd thoughts, should I have bought a Remington. we'll see. If you were to look at the pictures of the many model 700 rifles and then look at others I'd almost bet you'd be drawn back to the model 700's There proven, there accurate and they look like a rifle should look !!! I may be tradeing a Ruger off for one in a little while...A.H

11-05-2007, 04:57 PM	#16
leroy Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: SE IoWa Posts: 96	TIKKA TIKKA TIKKA!!!!!!! I just bought a t3 lite in 270 an its a dream 2 shoot!!!!!iv shot less than a box of bullets and already killed a crow an 2 deer. it has a syntetic stock an its doesnt really kick at all!!!! it only cost 450 bucks. Last edited by leroy; 11-05-2007 at 05:02 PM.

11-09-2007, 08:49 AM	#17
Strakele Registered User Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 6	Thanks for the input guys. I think I'm going for the Savage. I found a lightly used one for a great price.

11-10-2007, 11:28 AM	#18
PelletHead Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 34	Look into a Savage Model 111FCXP3 . Suggested retail $499.00 w/o accutrigger. They come in 270 Winchester, 30-06 Spfld, 7MM Rem Mag, and 300 Win Mag. It comes with a 3-9x40 scope that's bore sighted and a sling. I own one of these in 30-06 Sprfld and love it. You can get cheap ammo or go for the good stuff. Many diff brands with many diff bullet combos. Dollar for dollar a very good gun imo.

11-10-2007, 11:54 PM	#19
Strakele Registered User Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 6	Alright I'm pretty much sold on Savage. But there's so many models. What's the difference between all the different series? They have the 110/10FP LE series, 11 series, 12 series... what's the difference?

11-11-2007, 12:16 AM	#20
lefty o Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: mn Posts: 5,109	the 10/11/12's are short action rifles. the 110/111/112 are long action.