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New and NEED Advice

Hello everyone,

My name is Adam. I am new to this forum and new to the long range/ precision shooting game as well.. I have a background in the military and shot handguns, shotguns, ARs etc.... However I haven't gotten into the long range and precision area and recently got a hair up my butt to do so... if you could help me out that would be great. What are good brands, calibers, scopes, or anything I need to get started. Obviously being new I wouldn't go for a 10k dollar set up. Just something nice maybe 2k to 3k total not including scope... any suggestions would be appreciated thanks in advance.


Adam
 
Hey Adam, welcome. I'm sure you will get lots of great advice on here, most being from more experienced shooters than myself. What I would recommend first since you have an idea of your budget, is really pin pointing how far you want to shoot, and if you plan on reloading. Also, if this is just a hobby or if you want a set up that might be good for competition in the future. Answer these few questions and it will narrow everything down a whole lot and save you a bunch of time and money. If you plan on reloading, then you have some alternative caliber options that may be good if you're also hoping to be competitive at some point.
As far as gear itself, it again depends on what youre doing with it. Will this be more of a benchrest rifle or a tactical rifle? Theres brands that are better at each of course so its hard to make general recommendations. However, I will say that I personally prefer the Remington 700 action because of its adaptability to wide range of other products on the market that are made for it. Triggers and barrels will really depend on its intended purpose. As for optics, I would look into Vortex. They have some offerings that are hard to beat when you compare features to dollars of other like scopes out there.
Anyways, here's just a few questions to ask yourself and some basic names in the industry that are affordable yet built well. I always recommend the videos and books by Bryan Litz, who is the leading ballistics expert in modern long range shooting, and has put out a number of shooting resources that are essential to our sport. Good luck and tiny groups to ya. Jesse
 
Jesse,

Thank you so much for your reaponse. I guess you could say I'm looking for a tactical style. I get bored with the stationary idea. Also definitely would LOVE to end up in competition. I'm a push the limits kind of person so I would love competing and very interested in distances over 800 yards.. I've done the hole 500 yard thing with m16's and I think the further the better.. hopefully this can help narrow down some ideas for me. And I will take your advice and I appreciate it.
 
Hey adam- welcome. Best advice you can get is to go to a match and see what the cats are using that will be the biggest help to you- your locals
 
Adam,
Welcome to an addictive sport. By and large you will get good factual information here. In addition to what you learn here go to some matches of various types and talk to the shooters. Decided what you want to invest time and money in for the long term through observation and talking face to face with the shooters before plowing money into equipment based solely on internet forums, magazine articles and videos.

If you live in a reasonable distance of South Western VA you may want to do a search for Bang Steel. I have not made it there (yet) but now several who have with positive reports. They offer classes in long range precision rifle shooting (tactical style shooting). You don't need a high dollar set up to get a feel for what PRS requires Bang Steel can teach you some of the basics with a hunting rifle but you will need to upgrade to shoot competition.

Long range NRA high power matches are shot at Butner NC on a fairly regular basis, I have shoot there and at Quantico in past years. Great facilities and a lot of helpful shooters at both places.

This shooting thing can be a lifetime addiction and you can play at about any level you want too.

T W Hudson
 
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Adam,
Welcome aboard and thx for your service to our great nation. And regardless of which shooting discipline you find meets your desires, what hpshooter recommends is potentially your best bet, considering the available experts located in that area (ie. Quantico). And perhaps you might want to consider seeking out "Service Rifle Matches" to go observe and ask questions of the participants. Most of those guys are a wealth of information and can get you on track for relatively lower dollar costs, moreso than the Benchrest guys, who are experts at running up the dollar count. I encourage you to develop "sources" of not only information, but folks who can assist you in finding the right "set up" as there are lots of rifles available through various sources that meet your needs and specifications. At any rate, stay in touch. Most members are here to share their experiences and knowledge. And be rest assured, there are several extremely knowledge shooters/reloaders who'd love to help out, especially someone whose a Veteran of our Armed Forces. Good luck and have fun.

Alex
 
Adam,

Before putting 2 to3 k into a gun you may want go to some matches to see what type gun you want. A good starter is a Savage Heavy barrel target action. I live close to Bangsteel.com it is a good place to shoot.
Good luck
Mark
 
That's definitely a good budget to start. However shooting is continuously expensive cartridges, club fees, gasoline, hotels if traveling. Just like fishing, it only takes a stick, string, and hook. However boat,and truck, ice yeti, beer and etc do help....... I suggest that you take lots of time reading reviews and posts. Take your time and ask questions. Don't get too itchy and buy without doing your homework.

I would refer you the the precision rifle series blog. Just Google it. These are serious tactical competitions and gives you reviews and trends in the best equipment available. Just for reference tho. You'll need to do some growing before you get to that level.
 
Welcome Adam, you've found a new bunch of friends.

Where are you in the US? Knowing that will help us steer you towards local activities you may find interesting.

My advice right now is don't buy anything yet! Often folks get an urge they can't resist then spend money on stuff that may not be well suited to what eventually works best. Most of the country offers opportunities where you can talk to folks using what works for them, maybe even get behind 'borrowed' gear for a match or two to cut your teeth. Those experiences can go a long way towards making better choices early on, may even lead you to used but well cared for stuff that will help stretch those $$ you want to spend.
 
Adam, 3k will get you a top notch rifle. Save your money and buy the best equipment you can. Do you have ranges or matches you plan to shoot? If I wanted a fun/tactical rifle it would be a 6.5x47. I am a big fan or that round for that type of shooting.
 
I think a good option, once you know which direction you want to go, is to buy a USED custom. The want adds on this website is a great place to start. You can find full on, high end guns for very resonable prices, and there is no wait time for a build. A good option is to find a 17 LB 600/1000 yard comp gun and have another stock made up for it.....unless you get into the PRS type shooting. For that you may not want a single shot.

Don't get me wrong, I LOVE my REM 700's. I have had them all of my life, but they have all had money dumped into them that I will never get back. Then there is the SAVAGE crowd....they love their Savages. But, in the end, it is the full end custom that makes the most sence..at least to me.

Good luck, and welcome to the dark side!!!

Tod
 
Adam,
Regardless of where you start, within a short time another level of shooting temptation will surface and you'll want to try that. I started with .223 in local 300 and under varmint target competition, moved to bench rest and then to long range. So, within 3 years, I went from the factory Rem. 700 .223 to a custom build 6BR; converted the 6BR to a tactical platform, then found myself consumed with a custom build .284 for those 1K challenges. I'd suggest you choose a rifle and caliber that fits your initial interests in a caliber that is adaptable to other shooting disciplines - just in case you decide to play in the neighbor's yard.
IMO, that says 6BR, 6.5/284, or something like that.
 
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I was in your boat a few years ago. This was my first setup. I got a factory Remington 700P in 308. Had the action bedded and trued up. Spent some time learning how to handload match grade ammo, and shot the living hell out of the gun... learning how to handle wind along the way. When it was time for a new barrel I opted for a 6.5x47 which takes the same bolt face. So it was basically a barrel swap. That gun served me very very well up until the time I was ready to go to a full custom stick. You could do the same and have plenty of money left over for a decent scope... like a Vortex Viper PST FFP.
 

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