Looking for a beginner BR Rifle

[cbhester]

I'm new to bench rest shooting but have had intentions of getting into it for several years now. I first got interested a few years ago after purchasing a Ruger M77 220 Swift and shooting from 100, 200 and 300 yards from my stomach. After seeing how accurate it was and I could be I have wanted to start shooting more from a bench and look into buying a more suitable BR rifle.

I am now to the point where I have taken the initiative to get started by purchasing my first BR rifle. My wife has gone back to school and won't be out for another year and a half so my price range is somewhat limited. I have been doing some research and found that I will not be able to custom build a high quailty rifle until she is finished with school. Between now and then I am interested in purchasing something to kind of get my feet wet. I am thinking of a 6mmBR in the Savage, either Bench Rest or F Class model and considering the dual port heavy barrel varmint rifle with the accu-stock as well. My price range in around $1,200 and I would like to find something that is a good compromise between accuracy and price that I can shoot for a while until I can afford better. I will be shooting mostly for fun at first, but will consider getting into some actual matches at a near by range after I get some more experience. I will be shooting under between 100-300 yards and possibly up to 500 for now (want to go to 1,000 in the future)

I would appreciate any info and ideas on other possible first gun options. I do handload so ammo should not be a problem. Thanks alot.

 

[brxbrad]

Here is a place to start......
These are great entry guns for the sport. Inexpensive to own and shoot. Very Accurate to 600 yds and can be used out to 1000.
http://www.gunsamerica.com/987960616/Guns-For-Sale/Gun-Auctions/Rifles/Savage-Rifles/Accutrigger-Models/Savage_12_F_Class_Precision_Target_Rifle_6_Norma_B.htm
This listing is only a sample. If you look around, I'm sure you'll find one in your price range.

Good Luck

 

[potatoe]

Is your price range including optics?

 

[Cort]

For an "inexpensive" start to bench rest, I would look at a used bench rest rifle. If you cannot find one in your price range, then I would consider buying a Savage target action and an after-market pre-fit barrel in a 14 twist. I am recommending a 14 twist because 60 -70 grain flat base bullets are the norm at 100 yard bench rest. Those bullets perform better in a 13 or 14 twist barrel. Jim North at Northland Shooters Supply is a good source for most Savage parts although I don't know if he stocks 6 BR barrels in 14 twist.. A reasonable option is http://forum.accurateshooter.com/index.php/topic,3779877.0.html. Using a stock and action from that post with a barrel and scope will put you over budget but I think it will be close. I have limited experience with Savage factory barrels but the experience was not positive. I know Savage's tend to shoot well in F-class but you don't see them in bench rest.

I would probably start with a 6 BR with Lapua brass and then migrate to whatever cartridge you choose after you get some experience. The 6 PPC is the traditional king of bench rest but forming the brass and all the stuff to make competitive loads adds to your costs. The 6 BR can be shot in a no-turn neck configuration so you won't need all the extra equipment to prep your brass that commonly goes on in the bench rest game. You can sort of grow into the extra equipment to prep your brass over time.

I am sorry for your new addiction ;-)

Cort

 

[cbhester]

Thanks for all the advice it well go to good use, my budget does not include optics, i have a 20x 44mm nikon monarch on my swift that ill be taking off to use with my new rifle (this ahould be suitable right?)

 

[butchlambert]

Something that may interest you.

This is a sleeved Remington with a cone bolt and .062 firing pin. It has a Canjar 2 oz. trigger and McMillan stock. It is a .262 neck 6mmppc.

$1000+ shipping in hardcase.

Butch

 

[normmatzen]

JMAO is on the right track.

I started with a Savage precision target action, got a pre-fit bull barrel and bought a suitable used bench rest stock. My optics was a used Sightron 6-24 scope.
With the Savage, I was able to do all the assembly myself including the piller and skim bedding. Plenty of info on 6mmBR to do this.

I got a 1 in 8 barrel as I shoot 600 and 1000 yd bench rest. In the process of burning out the first 243 WIN barrel, I have shot in many club events and a couple nationals and didn't finish last!

Now, I am having a 6BRX barrel chambered and will be ready to join the guys that have been out-shooting me with 6BRs!

That is why I recommend starting with a 6BR, competitive and good on barrel life.

 

[LRPV]

I have not handled one of these rifles. Do they not come from the factory with pillars?
Jason

 

[260Ravage]

+1 on the factory Savage model 12 Benchrest. I picked up mine as used. It's chambered in the 6BR, 8 twist.I fiddled with this load and that, then i stumbled across what it likes. I compete with PPCs at 100 & 200 yards. It does very well at 300 & 600,competing with custom guns. The gun comes from factory with pillars. I have not even bedded the action,,,it's not to be messed with.

 

[markr]

The rifle that Butch Lambert posted pics of will be a good shooter and a good buy.
Mark

 

[dksac2]

Whatever you do get, get a Savage, you will shoot out barrels in time, Savage if far easier to replace and much cheaper labor wise and, they shoot.
You want it set up by a smith who really knows Savage rifles, even FP length can have a sizable effect on accuracy. They are great rifles and Savage has been getting better all the time. No long ago they upgraded all equipment and the number on the tang is to keep track of every operation on every machine.
This way they know exactly how many parts have been made with each cutter so it can be changed out as well as other uses.
They have been making major strides while others have been falling behind.
They even include my gunsmith in round table meetings via phone with the CEO, engineers, Producton Mgrs etc. They want opinions from outside as well as inside on how to further improve their rifles and they listen.
That is something new for a rifle company to do, listen to an outside person, I've never seen that done by any gun manufacturer. This is why Savage is kicking rear end on the others.
My Best, John K

 

[morpheus]

Check your PM...

 

[guidom]

the savage model 12 f-class is right in your price range. and you can't go wrong with one.

 

[Nodak7mm]

The rifle that Butch Lambert posted pics of will be a good shooter and a good buy.
Mark

Yep + 10! Looks like turn key offered by a good shooter.

Rod

 

[LesWard]

Butch,
PM sent

Les

 

[LesWard]

That rifle sold yet?

Aloha Les