Well...I've been a pistol guy for many years, but I think it's time to step out past 50 yards...
While I've shot .22 rifles and high end pellet guns for years, I've learned enough to know that I really don't know anything about shooting big guns, long range. I'm hoping to tap into the expertise in this forum to figure out what rifle, scope, mount combo would be best for me. (maybe even find someone willing to go to the range with me and do a little teaching?)
I've been reading up, searching the web and asking people I know for their advice...I have to say that I am completely bewildered by the number of options out there.
Here's an Idea of what I'm looking for, and any and all feedback is appreciated (I also have my flame proof underware standing by for when I ask a stupid question )
Purpose: Learning to punch holes in inanimate objects at long range...I understand it is going to take trigger time and practice, but I'd like to eventually get out past 300 yards. I'm not really a hunter, but would like to be able to use the same rifle for deer IF the opportunity to hunt presented itself.
Budget: I know this is probably my biggest limiting factor...after negotiation with the wife my "out the door" budget (rifle, scope, all accessories) has to be under $750. I'm a working class guy, and this is a pretty large purchase for me. ROI is also important for me, I don't expect to make money but If I were to hit hard times and needed cash fast I'd like a gun that will have held most of its value.
BTW-I'd like to thank President Obama for buying me my rifle...It was the 1st time home buyer tax credit bill he signed that is paying for my new gun
I'm thinking either .308 or .30-06 caliber...I'm open to either...not trying to start up a full on .308 vs .30-06 debate but I do have to take into consideration that I don't reload, so I'll have to be using factory ammunition. I am interested in hearing about the availability and cost of quality factory loads and whether I'd be better off in .308 or .30-06 as far as being able to find (and afford) a good quality ammo that my gun will "like"...
I'm leaning towards bolt action, but am not opposed to a semi-auto. Whatever rifle I start with, I'd like to be able to upgrade as my skills grow...so aftermarket part availability is also a consideration.
Package VS. Build: I've only mounted and sighted a cheap tasco scope on a dovetailed pellet gun before...so I really don't know how to properly mount and zero a "real" scope. This makes a bore sighted "package" deal very appealing to me. However, I'm not against learning, and If I can build something and get better results for less $$$ I'm all for it.
New VS Used: I'm open to buying someones "last years build"...but honestly am concerned I'm going to get taken advantage of being that I don't really know what to look for and what should and shouldn't be there when buying a used rifle...New would be great, but if I can get more gun for less money by going used (and can avoid getting ripped off or sold someone else's "problem gun") I will do it.
Scope and Mounts: This is all uncharted waters for me... This is where I really start getting confused... What size, power, reticle type etc will I need for getting out to (and eventually hopefully past) 300 yards? What issues of compatibility are there between rifles, mounts and scopes? I like the idea of the Nikon BDC reticle, but have read some crappy reviews on it...Is there a better option with a similar concept...or is Mil-dot the way to go?
Ok...I've rambled on for a while, and probably asked about 10 threads worth of questions...lets see where this trainwreck goes!
Thanks in advance!
While I've shot .22 rifles and high end pellet guns for years, I've learned enough to know that I really don't know anything about shooting big guns, long range. I'm hoping to tap into the expertise in this forum to figure out what rifle, scope, mount combo would be best for me. (maybe even find someone willing to go to the range with me and do a little teaching?)
I've been reading up, searching the web and asking people I know for their advice...I have to say that I am completely bewildered by the number of options out there.
Here's an Idea of what I'm looking for, and any and all feedback is appreciated (I also have my flame proof underware standing by for when I ask a stupid question )
Purpose: Learning to punch holes in inanimate objects at long range...I understand it is going to take trigger time and practice, but I'd like to eventually get out past 300 yards. I'm not really a hunter, but would like to be able to use the same rifle for deer IF the opportunity to hunt presented itself.
Budget: I know this is probably my biggest limiting factor...after negotiation with the wife my "out the door" budget (rifle, scope, all accessories) has to be under $750. I'm a working class guy, and this is a pretty large purchase for me. ROI is also important for me, I don't expect to make money but If I were to hit hard times and needed cash fast I'd like a gun that will have held most of its value.
BTW-I'd like to thank President Obama for buying me my rifle...It was the 1st time home buyer tax credit bill he signed that is paying for my new gun
I'm thinking either .308 or .30-06 caliber...I'm open to either...not trying to start up a full on .308 vs .30-06 debate but I do have to take into consideration that I don't reload, so I'll have to be using factory ammunition. I am interested in hearing about the availability and cost of quality factory loads and whether I'd be better off in .308 or .30-06 as far as being able to find (and afford) a good quality ammo that my gun will "like"...
I'm leaning towards bolt action, but am not opposed to a semi-auto. Whatever rifle I start with, I'd like to be able to upgrade as my skills grow...so aftermarket part availability is also a consideration.
Package VS. Build: I've only mounted and sighted a cheap tasco scope on a dovetailed pellet gun before...so I really don't know how to properly mount and zero a "real" scope. This makes a bore sighted "package" deal very appealing to me. However, I'm not against learning, and If I can build something and get better results for less $$$ I'm all for it.
New VS Used: I'm open to buying someones "last years build"...but honestly am concerned I'm going to get taken advantage of being that I don't really know what to look for and what should and shouldn't be there when buying a used rifle...New would be great, but if I can get more gun for less money by going used (and can avoid getting ripped off or sold someone else's "problem gun") I will do it.
Scope and Mounts: This is all uncharted waters for me... This is where I really start getting confused... What size, power, reticle type etc will I need for getting out to (and eventually hopefully past) 300 yards? What issues of compatibility are there between rifles, mounts and scopes? I like the idea of the Nikon BDC reticle, but have read some crappy reviews on it...Is there a better option with a similar concept...or is Mil-dot the way to go?
Ok...I've rambled on for a while, and probably asked about 10 threads worth of questions...lets see where this trainwreck goes!
Thanks in advance!