Need help selecting a good Bench/ F CLass type gun

[kmartin]

I live in ND and want a gun for shooting off the bench (99% of its use) and for a local league that I believe is similar to F class (we only have a 600 Yard berm but a 1000 yard one is in the works).

There are no real matches in this area so a "Class defined gun" isn't important as I will likely not be traveling for competition.
I can spend about $1500 for the rifle.
I am a moderately skilled shooter but my expertise is primarily in 1000 yard hunter class shooting (off the ground) with a 50 BMG and unknown range "stump shooting" with 223 rifles in the badlands with friends.

I have considered a used 40X in 308 or a Cooper but the Remingtons are hard to come by and the Cooper reviews and style seem better suited to hunting (some dubiousness on accuracy)

I have a Remington 700 Heavy barrel 308 that I thought would be a good basis for a custom gun but there are no good smiths in the area and it seems like a good stock plus barrel and smithing is far more expensive than a good rifles base price?

If you could chime in your recommendations I would appreciate it!

PS: I hand load but am not really enthusiastic about wilcat calibers where brass etc is uncommon.

 

[brxbrad]

Savage has 4 models to choose from in your price range. Ready to shoot fresh out of the box and very accurate. Many are winning matches

http://www.savagearms.com/firearms/model/12LRP
http://www.savagearms.com/firearms/model/12%20FTR
http://www.savagearms.com/firearms/model/12%20F%20CLASS
http://www.savagearms.com/firearms/model/12%20BENCH%20REST

I've seen several used for right around $1000 or less......

Scope rails and other addon's can be bought through Sharpshooter Supply....
http://www.sharpshootersupply.com/

2 cents.....

 

[RonAKA]

For shooting off a bench at 600 and 1000, my choice would be the Savage 12 F Class.

Savage 12 F Class

The 6BR would give probably double the barrel life, and could hold its own at 600. However, at 1000, the edge would go to the 6.5x284, at the cost of shorter barrel life.

 

[4xforfun]

Where in ND? I bet I could stear you in the right direction for a smith.

 

[kmartin]

Grand Forks

 

[Josh11]

I personally have owned a Savage F Class in 6BR. Great rifle for the money.
The bolt lift is very heavy and is hard when your trying to keep the gun in the bags so it goes to the same position every time and keeps the sight picture.
Adding weight in the rear of the stock might help this.

If you can build one on 1500 bucks, Id go with a Rem 700 action for a few reasons. One is the bolt is way smoother imo, and two, you can get anything for them.

Either way you go, youll have fun. Just get something you have confidence and your skill will grow.

 

[4xforfun]

PM sent...check your inbox.

 

[MattPeetz]

Sent PM a few days ago too.