What is a nice rifle?

[CharlieNC]

You need to give considerable thought regarding the type of shooting you want to do, and what degree of success you aspire to in that field. Actions, barrels, triggers, stocks, and scopes can be optimized to achieve the best results for a particular application; and even compromised successfully for several. Clearly an optimum BR rifle would not be used for hunting, etc. I use my tactical 6.5 for hunting, but I gave up a bit ballistically via a shorter barrel plus lighter weight. So the compromises for multi use should be clear and acceptable. Competition will eventually push you to a single purpose built rifle.

 

[DGP4]

Sorry, but I'm surprised no one asked you the key question: What's your budget?

 

[No.343]

Sorry, but I'm surprised no one asked you the key question: What's your budget?

I can probably get away with not paying any marriage tax if I keep it under $5k. I'm looking for an F-T/R rifle. Here are my concerns. I am 55 years old and I don't want to HAVE to replace the rifle. I realize that barrels and moving parts are consumables. I'm good with that. I just don't want a rifle that I am going to "outgrow". I want the action to be smooth. I don't know how many times I pushed my Savage off level while closing the bolt. I realize its not a big deal, but I'm tired of it. I want a rifle that I can feel more relaxed when I lay behind it. I feel a lot of tension on my neck and upper shoulders. I suppose it needs to be adjustable, but I don't know what the right questions to ask are. I think I know what I don't want. The only exception is that I don't know if I want a left handed or a right handed rifle. I shoot left handed now.

 

[jps2486]

If you are serious about competition, a custom rifle is in order. If your budget is limited, you can build a pretty good rifle yourself using a tuned Savage action and custom barrel. Check out Northland Shooters Supply. For rimfires, there are a few factory rifles that shoot well like the Vudoo, Anschutz, Bergara and CZ. but again, if you want to win, have one built on a Holeshot 2500 action with Shilen or Benchmark barrel. Plan to spend $3000-4000 dollars.