A good bolt action will get you 400+ yards easily.

Given your budget I would say the following rifles are very good. Keep in mind I am going to break the rifles down into two catagories. 1) will be out of the box with no mods 2)out of the box and able to modify.

If you aren't looking to upgrade the rifle down the line...the following rifles are very good.

Howa rifles are great shooting rifles...only "issue" is that they use metric threads, so many gunsmiths won't work on rifles that are threaded with metric threads.

Steyr rifles are very solid as well. CDNN had them for $600 price point, but they sold out of the Steyrs.

Tikkas are nice rifles as well...they will have the smoothest action from any factory rifle. Tikka is starting to gain more aftermarket support, so you can make some changes down the road. I heard a rumor that Beretta (owner of Tikka/Sako) were going to discontinue importing Tikkas...probably because the Tikka line would be competing against the Sako A7 line.

Rifles that are inexpensive, but are capable of being worked on by yourself.

Savages rule for this...avoid the Edge/Axis line because they are throw away rifles and not able to be modified. I am referring to Savage/Stevens 200 rifles. Savage rifles will shoot out of the box, but if you want a good custom barrel, you can get one for around $300. You can buy the needed tools for around $100 and that will allow you to swap out your barrels. What that means to you is say you get a 308 in a SA(short action) you can add different calibers to your action. You can go up to a 7WSM using the short action, or you can go down to a smaller caliber if you want to as well.

Marlin XS7/XL7 are clones of the Savage since they use the same nut system as the Savage. The Marlins are suppose to be good shooters out of the box as well. The big disadvantage of getting a Marlin over the Savage is that Marlin is owned by Cerberus and they are closing down the Marlin plant. Looks like all warranty issues will go to Remington in NY. I personally do not like how Cerberus is closing down a bunch of plants from companies they purchased the last few years. I'd be concerned that one repair department at Remington will be able to handle so many different firearms at one location.

If you go with the Savage...do yourself a favor and replace the cheapie factory stock. Now some Savages come with a McMillan, but most come with a horrible stock. If you want a budget stock...take a look at the Bell & Carlson Medalist stock...decent stock for around $225.

Take a look at EGW 20MOA base for your scope base. They are a local company to me in PA and have a good reputation for producing quality parts. Get the 20MOA base since it will help your optic reach out further (if you get an optic that doesn't have a lot of elevation travel). The Burris Xtreme rings aren't bad for the money...they are aluminum rings, but work well.

That leaves you with about $700 on optics. I personally have been going with nothing but Vortex optics lately. Their glass is good and their customer service is amazing. I bought a new Vortex Viper and noticed that it had plastic inside of the glass sticking out on the corner of the scope. I called CS and they sent me my replacement scope and a return label to return my defective optic. This type of service is unheard of these days. I can tell you that Streamlight (former employer) would never send out the replacement prior to getting the defective unit first. Vortex was very trusting considering that they sent me my replacement before I sent in the defective unit. This is the reason why Vortex is getting such a loyal following in the shooting community. I like my Viper a lot and I bought it a few months ago on clearance since it was a discontinued model (the reticle wasn't selling that well) for only $250 shipped. I wished I would have bought more of those scopes at that price. I would highly recommend whatever scope you choose that you at least get an optic with a 30mm tube. It will give you better light transmission. I'd say get a 34/35mm optic if you can afford it.

I have owned expensive rifles and I can say that my Savage that I rebarrelled myself has outshot my Remington 5R. I like being able to swap calibers myself and not have to pay someone to do the work. Take a look at Savage/Stevens 200 and the Marlins.

Tools you will need.

Nut wrench
http://www.midwayusa.com/viewproduct/default.aspx?productnumber=288765

Action wrench
http://www.midwayusa.com/viewproduct/?productnumber=710783

Headspace gauge
http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct/default.aspx?productNumber=491140

Ok, so it's more than $100 in tools, but great if you want to swap barrels/calibers and save money by DIY.

 

Well the M1A is a great choice for what you are wanting to do but the $$$$ are out of line.
The M1A is going to cost you $1500 or better alone. If your considering long ranges you should really look at the SA "loaded" or "match" rifle and those are closer to $2000. Then you are going to need a good scope mount and they are $250 to $500 for the M1A and a good piece of glass is $500 and up....
So the unless you bump your price point to $2500 the M1A is out...

I would recommend the new Ruger GunSite scout rifle. Comes with rings, iron sites, detachable mag, and can be had for under $750. That leaves you with $750 for a good scope :thumb:

http://ruger.com/products/gunsiteScoutRifle/models.html

JM2C

 

I've made 400+ yard shots with my .30-06 browning a-bolt. it is a stainless model and it is an awesome rifle. I don't have any experiance with m1a's..

It is a really good feeling hitting a target at long ranges :-D

 

An AR-15 with a full leangh barrel and a 1/9 or 1/7 twist will get you out to 500 yards (550 is official limit on a point target)
An M1 garand will go to 600 yards easy, downside to them is that mounting optic is hard, You can replace the forward handguard and get a long eye relief scope on it though.

 

Mosin nagant 7.62x54 acurate out to 600 yrds and a good marksman can get out to 1000yrds. look at youtube see for your self.
j&gsales.com 79.00

I have six of them and they are damn accurate

 

Remington 700....

K.I.S.S - Keep It Simple Soldier


A Remington 700 in .308 will get the job done, and you will come in under-budget to boot!

 

I agree 100%. Got a 700 SPS in .308 with heavy barrel. Leupold 3.5-10X40 scope and harris bipod. I got 1300.00 in it.

 

Thanks for all the replies everyone. Tenfeathers, a do already have a mosin, i mean who wouldn't pass up the deal lol, but I am looking for a more modern rifle. Munchie3409 you obiviously put alot of time in thought into that post so thanks alot. I am definetly interested in being able to modify to some extent, mostly ergonomics, so going off your post would you say savage would be more down my alley? Also, what about the remington series (not sure of actual name)?
Also, since I am pretty new to precision firearms, what cartridge is in suggestion for those ranges? Im currently leaning towards .308/7.62 Nato due to cost and performance, but ive also considered 30-06.

 

+1 for the Remington 700... To be more specific, the 700 SPS Tactical AAC-SD (it has a tight twist and threaded barrel). I believe they only come in 308 Winchester. You'll probably find for around $580, it is an awesome gun. On a bipod it regularly groups .6- .7 inch groups at 100 yards with American Eagle 168 gr ammo.

Pair that with a Bushnell Elite 3200 or 4200 and you have a great setup.

 

Hey thanks! that looks very close to what Im looking for! were would be a good place for an aftermarket stock?

 

An M-1A gives you more options in a tactical situation over a bolt rifle. I would go with the M-1A and over time add to it. Maybe the next purchase might be the slower bolt action rifle. M-1A first and then expand from there.

 

These are 3 long range Savages I set up over the last couple of years. All 3 of these guns come in at under $1,500.00 and they all deliver excellent performance for the money. The top one is a Savage Model 10-FP in .308. The second is a Savage Model 12-F/TR also in .308. The lower one is a Savage Model 110-FCP/K in .300 Winchester Magnum.

All 3 of these rifles have a Bushnell 3200 Elite Tactical 5-15X 40 MM scope mounted. I'm completely sold on these Bushnell 3200 Tactical Models. They are as clear and bright as any of my Leupolds. I like this scope so much I also mounted another 2 on my Kimber 8400 Police Tactical in .300 Winchester Magnum, and on my Bushmaster BA-50, .50 BMG rifle. I simply cannot find a scope anywhere in this price range that can deliver this kind of performance and clarity, and I've been through a lot of scopes in the last 40 years! Bill T.

 

That .50 bmg is on my wish list YEA BABY!!!! Kingfish

 

The M1A is on my wish list. I just can't justify the purchase right now. I used a M14 in the service and put many rounds downrange. With quality ammo the rifle is capable 600 yard shots with iron sights. I would assume that the M1A would too.

I bought a Remington 700 in .308 and have shot it out to about 280 yds, the farthest distance my range has. I went with the 700 because of past use, but in all honesty it's a starter rifle. It needs IMO, a new trigger, a new stock, and better glass. My 700 will produce acceptable accuracy right now, but with the above modifications I believe it can be a real tack driver.

Other expenses that you will have are a quality sling, one piece cleaning rod, cleaning supplies, and a case. There's about $200 right there.

Good Luck

 

For that kind of money I'd look at

Ruger Scout rifle

I like the iron sights , detachable box magazine

as for the forward mounted scope - just because you can doesn't mean you have to mount it that way

Or maybe a Savage 10FP

A nice thing with the M1A - you can shoot it (iron sights) in NRA HP (service rifle class)

 

A-bolt with a boss. I have 2 (30-06's), both will place 3 bullets inside the base of a coke can @ 300 yards. [ longest distance I have available to shoot.]

 

maybe I'm confused but I heard the BOSS made rifles extremely loud - is this true?

 

The Browning BOSS incorporates a vented muzzle brake. It therefore increases noise. They sell a non venting sleeve for it called the BOSS CR. It is a BOSS without the noise increasing holes. It doesn't eliminate recoil like the BOSS does, but it offers the same increased accuracy benefit. Bill T.

 

hey what are you doing here - don't you belong over with the 'Bainiacs' at Down Range!

:thumb:

 

I had this semi-auto M14 put together for just over $1600. Everything is USGI except for the reciever, which is built using TRW blueprints and is forged like the USGI recievers. If I could only have one firearm this would be it. Scope mounts can be had for $150 that can be removed and reinstalled without losing your Zero. My intent with this rifle is to have it set up with both a mid-range mil-dot rifle scope and my AN/PVS-4 and Ill be able to swap these scopes out at will without worrying about my zero changing. There is a bunch of surplus ammo out there that can be had for as cheap as $.35 a round. A new bolt action would be a great route to go as well, but can you take the scope off and use your iron sights in a bind? The M14/M1A is a better general purpose rifle in my opinion, and well worth the cost.

 

Thats a nice M-1A!

These are my 2, a Springfield Camp Perry Edition, and a SOCOM 16. Bill T.

 

Do you have a place you can reguarly practice at that 400+ yard range. Just because you zeroed a gun at a 100 yards a few inches high with a fast cartridge, does not mean you're able to shoot 400+ yards.

A quality peep sighted rifle can hit good shots on deer a 200-250 yards with sufficient practice and a younger set of eyes. I reguarly outshoot people with fancy guns and scope with just a peep sight. If the M1A is what you want, get it and use iron sights for awhile, then save up for a good optic.

An AR can hit 400 yards and still cause some damage with a good bullet. This might be a good option if you're looking for a affordable semi-auto package.

It takes lots of ammo to be good at 400+ yards. .223 affords more ammunition. Once college is over and you're making money. then pick up a bigger cal. Caliber does not make up for shot placement. Shot placement requires practice. I have seen it several times. One guy buys a gun with expensive ammo and does shoot it often, the other guy buys a more affordable gun to shoot, or has an affordable to shoot gun and the fancier cartidge gun too. The one with more practice does better. The internet does knock on .223 quite a bit. However, it has been in service for 50 years, and no imediate plans to change it either. IF it was as bad as these forums say it is, it would of been replaced a long time ago.

IF you don't own a quality 22lr rifle and scope, I'd offset the purchase and buy one. Few owners outshoot their guns, even the cloe range ones. Especially when you factor in real shooting and not bench shooting. I'd be willing to say the average 22lr can seriously outshoot the average owner.

My opinion with the context of this site, a 400+ yard rifle isn't direly needed. Some areas do need it like wide open parts of the country. But, the typical wooded, suburban, or small farm areas, it's much wiser to practice on quick handling at closer ranges. A primary firearm with a high power scope is a very poor choice for that scenario. I'd rather try to make do at longer ranges with a well setup close range arm, then try to shoot close ranges quickly with a long range setup. Atleast keep a good eye on field of view at low power. I would not get anything below 40ft at 100 yards. Some 3-9x scopes and most 2-7x scopes have that wide of a view. Even at 4x power, A quality 300-400 yard shot can be produced. I have a major preference towards 1-4x scopes.

If hunting is not a major interest, I would lean heavily towards an intermediate carbine. How's that mosin shoot? Don't be turned off to shooting iron sights from the mosin rifle. I have a .30-30 marlin with peep sight. At 100 yard with 5 rounds I just about always knock over 5 soda cans and thats kneeling too. Those iron sight on the russian rifles were not meant for long range purpose. Though some can do it. A peep sight is a much better design.

 

When you say a 400yd set-up.......this confuses me

Are you talking "man-sized" targets?

If you want an M1A buy it!

If you want a bolt...buy it!

Don't buy an M1A looking for bolt action accuracy and don't buy a bolt looking for firepower!

Realize you don't often get it both ways, you almost always sacrifice accuracy to get reliability or vice versa

IIRC the original 1903 Springfield and the 30-06 cartridge was designed for a maximum range of 2200 yds with irons.

Now I read that somewhere, before the days of computer, so I know of no link

I would tell you, a standard M1A with irons would be capable of "man-sized" accuracy at 400yds

Now if you want to put a projectile between the eyes at that range, look for a bolt

 

Thanks for the suggestions and info all! Sailinghudson, Yes, I do have areas were I can practice these ranges, rural farmland ohio is awesome for this I do have several weapons including multiple .22s, mosin nagant and other firearms and use them fairly regularly, so I do have some limited experience with rifles. The reason Im looking for a longer range, higher caliber weapon is more for fun than anything, and to increase my knowledge on firearms, particularly with a scoped weapon. (I do plan on taking a class so im not completly blind). Ive shot a somewhat longer ranges with open sights, but I think being able to hit targets at that range would be a more enjoyable challenge.

I do realy think the M1A is more down my alley though, as it has iron and optic sight capabilities, but working near minimum at gas station while paying college tuition leaves little room for the bank to grow lol. Im just asking for information on a weapon I can enjoy learning how to hit targets at longer ranges without puting myself into debt lol. and a bolt action would help keep me from firing off shots without thinking about it lol. thats what the wasr is for , but the M1A is DEFINITLY not out of the running, just thinking about the wisdom of such a large purchase. Again thanks for all the info!

 

You could get a Mauser bolt action rifle in a variety of calibers and scope it to meet long range shooting needs/practice. You can get them in a variety of different calibers like 8 mm, .308/7.62 NATO, 6.5 Swedish Mauser and so on. Mauser rifles aren't that expensive and you could get some ammo with the rifle too.

 

Since these things tend to become money pits, don't overlook bolt actions.

 

BillT, that is one beautiful table!

(thread hijack over)

 

Nice looking rifles BillT:thumb:

11B

 

I bought a new Springfield Match M1A 14 years ago for $900.. I am glad I did as I see the prices jump.. If you buy one now, you will also be glad in a few years.. Better than Gold ... I also have a Remington 700 (inexpensive) hands down buy the M1A... good luck ..

 

I currently own and shoot 2 Springfield M1-A's, and 4 Remington 700's. You cannot compare the 2. It's a bit like comparing a Ford F-150 to a Lexus, apples and oranges. The M1-A is a battle rifle, the Remington 700 a modern hunting rifle. Yes, technically you can hunt with a M1-A, and you could go to battle with a 700, but you would be severely put at a disadvantage in each case.

If you are looking for a good, accurate, tactical / hunting rifle then go with a 700, or a comparable bolt action like Savage. If you're looking to compete in military Hi-Power, or just plain enjoy shooting a semi auto battle rifle, the Springfield M1-A is pretty hard to beat. Bill T.

 

Nice looking M1A's billt460! Going to take my new M14 bear hunting this spring. I dont feel at much of a disadvantage using it. Its fast handling and accurate! Lighter than the M1 Garand I packed around on opening weekend elk hunting.