Rifle & Scope for Newbie, $3k budget

[Dgd6mm]

I wish I would have jumped on a Mack Bros EVO action at the introductory price. But just buy the looks and the replies from those that have tried them, they are still worth the $775.00 price easily.
The build that Bradley put together would honestly is a good rifle build.
I have no actions capable of taking a Urbanrifleman Rem-Age pre fit, but that possibly will change.

 

[drover]

A friend reached out for some advice: he wants a "bolt action rifle for precision shooting, not as a sport, but more like sniping." I probed for more specific requirements/use case and got the following:

• Budget: $3,000 max for rifle and scope
• Not looking to compete, just for fun.
• Shooting out to 1,000 yards, but likely 500 yards or less most of the time.
• Not planning to handload at this time (he figures he's got enough to learn that he can save his brass and cross that bridge later).

Based on that, what would y'all recommend? I can think of a few things that leap to mind, but I've been a sling shooter (and generally out of the market for a new gun) for so long that I'm sure there's things I've forgotten or didn't know existed in the first place.

Thanks in advance!

The easiest route would be a Tikka Varminter or Super Varminter, then spend the balance of his budget on a good scope.

drover

 

[FNSafari]

Good accurate factory ammo is going to eat him alive if he wants to shoot even moderately imo.

 

[nakneker]

Tikka CTR, 6.5 creedmoor, 20” barrel which leaves the option of a supressor if he ever moves out California. Blue or stainless, doesn’t matter unless he wants more something that can handle the elements. That leaves a sizable budget for glass. I have that same rifle and it’s touches them all day long at 100 with a variety bullets. Good glass can be underrated, I always advise people getting in the hobby to get some quality glass, if your scope tracks proper, holds zero, has a crystal clear image you’ll enjoy the shooting that much more and your confidence will build. Get a crappy scope and it won’t matter what rifle you’ll put it on you won’t be happy, goes for the mounting options too.

I would go back and edit the original post and take the whole sniping thing out. Too many people could take that wrong although I’m sure it was meant in a harmless way.

 

[SEGARE]

I’d go with a 22LR. More than enough for Snipe hunting.

A croker sack is the preferred tool for snipe hunting. That, and a gullible friend.

 

[urbanrifleman]

I wish I would have jumped on a Mack Bros EVO action at the introductory price. But just buy the looks and the replies from those that have tried them, they are still worth the $775.00 price easily.
The build that Bradley put together would honestly is a good rifle build.
I have no actions capable of taking a Urbanrifleman Rem-Age pre fit, but that possibly will change.

Origin takes a Savage. Or I can do a Kauger.

 

[Dgd6mm]

With 1 Origin and 2 Nucleus actions plus more than a half dozen Savage's I may be looking for a new breed.
If not it will be another Nucleus.

 

[urbanrifleman]

With 1 Origin and 2 Nucleus actions plus more than a half dozen Savage's I may be looking for a new breed.
If not it will be another Nucleus.

Ah. Mack Bros is very nice.

 

[Wolfdog91]

This is a good post for us beginners looking into building our own , thanks for everyone!

 

[Leo Smith]

Howa makes a good action and barrel combo ..