Best long range rifle under a grand

Rommelvon · 08-06-2006, 05:08 PM

Hey all, I'm in need of a nice long range "sniper" rifle, I have looked at a few and for under a grand the remington 700 seems to fit the bill, anyone have any rifles they recommend and trust?...I have a grand to spend--thanks

JohnK3 · 08-06-2006, 08:25 PM

I like the Schmidt-Rubin K-31 for a long-range shooter. Might have a bit of an issue with scopes, however. [grin]

Your choice of the Rem 700 as a basic platform is solid. The 700's tubular receiver is very highly regarded as an accurate action. You can start out with a basic barrel and move up to a Shilen or other super-accurate barrel as you can afford it. Same with the stock. You can start out with a basic stock and move up to a "sniper" stock as your budget allows.

Your biggest expense in building a "sniper" rifle will be the optics. Top of the line optics for long-range shooting will often cost more than the rifle itself. If you decide to go the Zeiss, Leica, Swarovski route, you can spend over $1000 just on the scope. Nikon, Pentax and Leupold have several excellent choices for scopes that will be less likely to break the bank. Even more economical are some of the Bushnell or Swift brand optics. http://www.eabco.com carries the Swift line at decent prices.

Have fun with this project! Sounds like you're just starting on a long-term hobby in and of itself!

southernshooter · 08-06-2006, 09:17 PM

If you want plenty of money left over for optics their is the Stevens. You can get it in either .308 or 30-06 for around $320-$350. Leave ya about $600-$650 for a good scope.

stash247 · 08-12-2006, 10:52 PM

Savage builds some awesome performing bolt guns, on the really shady side of Remington's (NEW) prices;They're not so sleek, or pretty, as I find the M700, but shoot well.
You said a grand, for the rifle, and I'm gonna assume that's what you meant; that said, if you look, you can still buy a Rem 40-X, used, but low mileage, for that money, and get the best the company ever built- best actions, barrels, triggers, etc, within your budget;calibers range from .222 to .300 WinMag, as production rifles. Customs, and many were built, could be in almost any caliber, but likely will cost more!
I'm seeing more and more, dated, but sound, 'Benchrest rifles' coming to market in south Texas; a lot of 'rail type', mauser actioned rifles, but some Rem, and custom actions, as well. You may want to look at the 'Buy-Sell' section of some of the benchrest forums' websites, and do the arithmetic, of course, before you buy, but they are a source of 'well used', ' well cared for'
gear, that is seldom used in sporting circles.
Before you shop, define your need: Long range, to me, is over 1,000 yds; you may be looking for an entirely different rifle, according to your personal standards! Then, make a list of the calibers that will do what you need to do; a 'soft target' at 400, is a snap for a .223, in a good rifle, but, put the target in a car, in the wind, in body armor, and you need more accuracy (body armor/head shot), or more power (Body armor, auto glass) to git 'er done!
I'll share another secret; we don't need to own a hundred rifles, but, if we can, it's kinda nice; every rifle I own has a 'need', justifying it's existance, in my vault. Were I married, I'd prolly have to work harder at it, but that is not the case, so minimal 'need' is enough justification!
TWO .47-70 Marlin M-1895's? Heck yes. the solid frame, for (a very few) hunts where we travel on four wheels, and the 'take-down', which is essential, when I travel to a hunt on a motorcycle, to reduce the overall length, so as to transport more safely, and securely.
In this case the takedown is still 'in process', but I have no doubt but, when all is said and done, it will shoot as or more accurately than it's solid frame sibling.
Currently, I am considering rifles in the .50 BMG range, and looking for advice and information about accuracy, and economics of the Genre; these are 'extreme long range accuracy rifles', with many confirmed hits out beyond 2,000 yds, in military service, with a bullet weighing an ounce and three quarters, launched around 3,000fps; define the need!
Hope this helps.

rangerruck · 08-20-2006, 03:16 AM

I would get a look at a Savage catalog, they are far more complete, and do a put together, of a 26 in bbl, synthetic or lam stock and choose your cal. if ammo cost isnt that big a deal , go with a 300 win mag, or wsm, or rum. if not that , do it in 7mm. if ammo cost is a factor, go 308, or if they have it , 6.5 swedish, goes way out there, better b.c. and s.d. than the 308, and only slightly less authority, than the 308. them other cals still hit like a truck, even out to 1000. Should also be more acc. than the remmy , and if for some reason, you ever shoot the bbl out, you can replace it yourself. just buy the bbl from savage, and the headspace gauge, and you are money, baby!

The Big Dog · 08-24-2006, 09:19 AM

Hi,

I'd have to agree, Savage builds one of the most accurate guns out of the box that I've seen. Their 112 series is pillar bedded, laminated stocked, and with the adjustable accu-trigger, they're awesome. The new Remingtons, Rugers, and Winchesters don't even come close. In my opinion, the only factory gun that gives Savage a run is CZ. I only like to shoot accurate rifles and if I had to shoot a factory gun, it would be savage.

Now to answer your question, I'd look into the Savage 12/112 series with the laminated stock. CZ hac a tactical rifle but it is a little more than the $1000 limit you set. If you don't mind a used gun, I'd look at the rifles on The Shooters Corner http://benchrest.com/shooterscorner/ They have a large selection of benchrest and varmint rifles for sale. Look for the rifles with the slow twist barrels for the heavier bullets. They are the ones used for the 600yd/1000yd benchrest matches. They're a lot cheaper than having one built. Trust me, I know.

If you get a Remington 700, You'll need to get it rebuilt.

Match grade barrel-------------------$350

Install and chamber barrel------------$200

True action and bolt------------------$200

Tactical or varmint stock-------------$350

Pillar bed-----------------------------$125

Trigger job---------------------------$50

I can go on and on about accurate rifles. The guy that holds our club record at 600yds did it with a Savage 112 in 7 Mag. What can I say? Savage builds a good gun.

Catch you later,

The Big Dog

inplanotx · 08-24-2006, 11:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheBigDog

Look for the rifles with the slow twist barrels for the heavier bullets. They are the ones used for the 600yd/1000yd benchrest matches.

I think you have this a bit backward, the faster the twist (i.e. 1:7 is for long heavy bullets) the more stabilized a heavy bullet is. The lighter bullets like a slow twist - 1:12. Shoot a light bullet from a fast twist (1:7) and your bullet most likely will never hit the target. It will explode before it gets there.

dbltap · 04-10-2007, 01:05 PM

curious, what do you consider a heavy bullet? Would a 30-06 or 308 work well in a 1-12 twist?

Thanks

Mosin_Nagant_Fan · 04-10-2007, 01:57 PM

Anything smaller than a .30 (.308) is considered a light round, .223/5.56 MIGHT be an exception, but I don't think so.

Mosin-Nagant 91/30 w/ PU scope system under $500
Mauser k98 with some-named scope system for $900-$1200+
Remington 700 with .308 set-up with a good scope for $750-$1500+

I'm forgetting a few but someone will, undoubtedly, come along with a 50 page list.

MRMIKE08075 · 04-10-2007, 04:08 PM

REMINGTON 721 / 722 / 725 family
best out of the box accuracy
best building platform

best regards, mike.

JohnK3 · 04-10-2007, 06:21 PM

oops...almost repeated myself!

Nothing to see here, move along!

stash247 · 04-10-2007, 07:56 PM

Dbltap, 168's to 600, except in serious wind, 190's 0r 220's, for more!
168's are the limit, in 12" twist, I'd think about 1 in 10", or even 9" for a dedicated rifle, for the last two. HPBTM, all. YMMV, but this works well for me.
You said, or somebody did, 'Sniper Rifle' which implies a floor energy, down range.
Hope this helps.
Terry

paulsgs · 09-29-2011, 11:21 AM

I just added a 1972 40-X at that price. now I need a scope.

Cowboy6373 · 09-29-2011, 11:36 AM

Rommelvon, I agree with a few of the other members in recommending the Savage rifles. Be sure the model you choose has both the accu-stock and accu-trigger. I now have 2 Savages and my friend bought one as well. All 3 are tack drivers. Mine are 300 win mag and the 20 ga slug gun and my buddy has the 270 win. For long range I would consider the 300 win mag. I have the bear hunter model with muzzle break and honestly it's a pleasure to shoot even with 300 win mag. Good luck and happy long range shooting!

dragman · 09-29-2011, 12:03 PM

Savage model 12 LRPV in 260. Check out my thread on it. I have been shooting the 1000 yard game all year and this rifle is a beast! with the target action and 100% lug engagement I would take a savage over a Remington because to have a remington blueprinted and timed to be as nice as the savage target action you are gonna need a good gunsmith and a few hundred bucks.

tim peterson · 09-29-2011, 09:56 PM

You might check the Winchester model 70.

joncutt87 · 09-29-2011, 10:43 PM

Didn't realize that you were close by, you can come down and try my savage if you like

joncutt87 · 09-29-2011, 10:53 PM

I'm about 4 hours from you, but we could take an entire saturday to shoot

CampingJosh · 09-29-2011, 10:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cowboy6373

Rommelvon, I agree with a few of the other members in recommending the Savage rifles.

I don't want to quell the discussion, because I am (and I'm sure others are also) still gaining from the new opinions posted, but we sadly lost Rommelvon from this world back in late 2008. He's certainly no longer looking for a rifle.

Also, as you read back through this thread, be sure you understand that some of the stated prices are over 5 years old. I wish I could still find some of these items as listed here.

joncutt87 · 09-29-2011, 10:57 PM

Do keep in mind if you come, mine doesn't have the accutrigger or the accustock.

joncutt87 · 09-29-2011, 10:59 PM

I'm sorry to hear that josh

Zhurh · 09-29-2011, 11:17 PM

I feel as confident with my 30-378 Weatherby at 1000 yards as any dressed up sniper rifle I have seen. I paid $1000 for her a few years back, used. Manufactured in 2001, MacMillan Stock, bedded, trigger scary light; I luv the gun. Have dropped caribou way off with this gun. I do believe I could shut my eyes and still hit the target with her.

I'm loading 100 grains RL-22 180 Barnes tipped X with 215's. I have friends loading 109 grains RL-22 with 168 grain Barnes and they are leaving the barrel around 3700; dang that's fast.

Bottomline, you got to get a gun you believe in more than anything.

mr.t7024 · 09-30-2011, 05:21 AM

Check out the Savage line up,you can not go wrong, and with the accu-trigger wow.Nuff said!

Pagrizz · 10-15-2011, 10:28 AM

I would have to go with the Remington 700 300 ultra mag.I have never shot it at 1000 yards.but using 175 gr Berger bullet with 98.2 grains of Retumbo I know what it can do at 600 yards. The only thing that has been done to it is the trigger has been lighten a little.

08-06-2006, 05:08 PM	#1
Rommelvon Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Goldsboro, NC Posts: 1,452	Best long range rifle under a grand Hey all, I'm in need of a nice long range "sniper" rifle, I have looked at a few and for under a grand the remington 700 seems to fit the bill, anyone have any rifles they recommend and trust?...I have a grand to spend--thanks __________________ When the people fear their government, there is tyranny; when the government fears the people, there is liberty. --Thomas Jefferson American By Birth, Southern By The Grace Of God Deo vindice "Duty is the most sublime word in our language. Do your duty in all things. You cannot do more. You should never wish to do less.” Robert E Lee -->

08-06-2006, 08:25 PM	#2
JohnK3 Advanced Senior Member Join Date: May 2003 Posts: 1,636	Re: Best long range rifle under a grand I like the Schmidt-Rubin K-31 for a long-range shooter. Might have a bit of an issue with scopes, however. [grin] Your choice of the Rem 700 as a basic platform is solid. The 700's tubular receiver is very highly regarded as an accurate action. You can start out with a basic barrel and move up to a Shilen or other super-accurate barrel as you can afford it. Same with the stock. You can start out with a basic stock and move up to a "sniper" stock as your budget allows. Your biggest expense in building a "sniper" rifle will be the optics. Top of the line optics for long-range shooting will often cost more than the rifle itself. If you decide to go the Zeiss, Leica, Swarovski route, you can spend over $1000 just on the scope. Nikon, Pentax and Leupold have several excellent choices for scopes that will be less likely to break the bank. Even more economical are some of the Bushnell or Swift brand optics. http://www.eabco.com carries the Swift line at decent prices. Have fun with this project! Sounds like you're just starting on a long-term hobby in and of itself!

08-06-2006, 09:17 PM	#3
southernshooter Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Deep South Mississippi Posts: 5,943	Re: Best long range rifle under a grand If you want plenty of money left over for optics their is the Stevens. You can get it in either .308 or 30-06 for around $320-$350. Leave ya about $600-$650 for a good scope. __________________ Only you can see this

08-12-2006, 10:52 PM	#4
stash247 Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Central Texas Posts: 2,815	Re: Best long range rifle under a grand Savage builds some awesome performing bolt guns, on the really shady side of Remington's (NEW) prices;They're not so sleek, or pretty, as I find the M700, but shoot well. You said a grand, for the rifle, and I'm gonna assume that's what you meant; that said, if you look, you can still buy a Rem 40-X, used, but low mileage, for that money, and get the best the company ever built- best actions, barrels, triggers, etc, within your budget;calibers range from .222 to .300 WinMag, as production rifles. Customs, and many were built, could be in almost any caliber, but likely will cost more! I'm seeing more and more, dated, but sound, 'Benchrest rifles' coming to market in south Texas; a lot of 'rail type', mauser actioned rifles, but some Rem, and custom actions, as well. You may want to look at the 'Buy-Sell' section of some of the benchrest forums' websites, and do the arithmetic, of course, before you buy, but they are a source of 'well used', ' well cared for' gear, that is seldom used in sporting circles. Before you shop, define your need: Long range, to me, is over 1,000 yds; you may be looking for an entirely different rifle, according to your personal standards! Then, make a list of the calibers that will do what you need to do; a 'soft target' at 400, is a snap for a .223, in a good rifle, but, put the target in a car, in the wind, in body armor, and you need more accuracy (body armor/head shot), or more power (Body armor, auto glass) to git 'er done! I'll share another secret; we don't need to own a hundred rifles, but, if we can, it's kinda nice; every rifle I own has a 'need', justifying it's existance, in my vault. Were I married, I'd prolly have to work harder at it, but that is not the case, so minimal 'need' is enough justification! TWO .47-70 Marlin M-1895's? Heck yes. the solid frame, for (a very few) hunts where we travel on four wheels, and the 'take-down', which is essential, when I travel to a hunt on a motorcycle, to reduce the overall length, so as to transport more safely, and securely. In this case the takedown is still 'in process', but I have no doubt but, when all is said and done, it will shoot as or more accurately than it's solid frame sibling. Currently, I am considering rifles in the .50 BMG range, and looking for advice and information about accuracy, and economics of the Genre; these are 'extreme long range accuracy rifles', with many confirmed hits out beyond 2,000 yds, in military service, with a bullet weighing an ounce and three quarters, launched around 3,000fps; define the need! Hope this helps. __________________ Don't start no s**t and there won't be none, Terry

08-20-2006, 03:16 AM	#5
rangerruck V.I.P. Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Posts: 449	Re: Best long range rifle under a grand I would get a look at a Savage catalog, they are far more complete, and do a put together, of a 26 in bbl, synthetic or lam stock and choose your cal. if ammo cost isnt that big a deal , go with a 300 win mag, or wsm, or rum. if not that , do it in 7mm. if ammo cost is a factor, go 308, or if they have it , 6.5 swedish, goes way out there, better b.c. and s.d. than the 308, and only slightly less authority, than the 308. them other cals still hit like a truck, even out to 1000. Should also be more acc. than the remmy , and if for some reason, you ever shoot the bbl out, you can replace it yourself. just buy the bbl from savage, and the headspace gauge, and you are money, baby!

08-24-2006, 09:19 AM	#6
The Big Dog V.I.P. Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Tacoma, Washington Posts: 98	Re: Best long range rifle under a grand Hi, I'd have to agree, Savage builds one of the most accurate guns out of the box that I've seen. Their 112 series is pillar bedded, laminated stocked, and with the adjustable accu-trigger, they're awesome. The new Remingtons, Rugers, and Winchesters don't even come close. In my opinion, the only factory gun that gives Savage a run is CZ. I only like to shoot accurate rifles and if I had to shoot a factory gun, it would be savage. Now to answer your question, I'd look into the Savage 12/112 series with the laminated stock. CZ hac a tactical rifle but it is a little more than the $1000 limit you set. If you don't mind a used gun, I'd look at the rifles on The Shooters Corner http://benchrest.com/shooterscorner/ They have a large selection of benchrest and varmint rifles for sale. Look for the rifles with the slow twist barrels for the heavier bullets. They are the ones used for the 600yd/1000yd benchrest matches. They're a lot cheaper than having one built. Trust me, I know. If you get a Remington 700, You'll need to get it rebuilt. Match grade barrel-------------------$350 Install and chamber barrel------------$200 True action and bolt------------------$200 Tactical or varmint stock-------------$350 Pillar bed-----------------------------$125 Trigger job---------------------------$50 I can go on and on about accurate rifles. The guy that holds our club record at 600yds did it with a Savage 112 in 7 Mag. What can I say? Savage builds a good gun. Catch you later, The Big Dog

04-10-2007, 01:05 PM	#8
dbltap V.I.P. Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 110	Re: Best long range rifle under a grand curious, what do you consider a heavy bullet? Would a 30-06 or 308 work well in a 1-12 twist? Thanks

04-10-2007, 01:57 PM	#9
Mosin_Nagant_Fan Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Montgomery, AL Posts: 1,832	Re: Best long range rifle under a grand Anything smaller than a .30 (.308) is considered a light round, .223/5.56 MIGHT be an exception, but I don't think so. Mosin-Nagant 91/30 w/ PU scope system under $500 Mauser k98 with some-named scope system for $900-$1200+ Remington 700 with .308 set-up with a good scope for $750-$1500+ I'm forgetting a few but someone will, undoubtedly, come along with a 50 page list. __________________ Long Gun Collection: M38 Mosin-Nagant Carbine Russian 1950 SKS Winchester 1300 20Ga Western Field Single-Shot 16Ga Sears Ranger .22S-L-LR Bolt-Action Rifle Marlin 795 Semi-Auto (Brother's) Handgun Collection: Springfield Armory XD9 Service

04-10-2007, 04:08 PM	#10
MRMIKE08075 V.I.P. Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Posts: 384	Re: Best long range rifle under a grand REMINGTON 721 / 722 / 725 family best out of the box accuracy best building platform best regards, mike.

04-10-2007, 06:21 PM	#11
JohnK3 Advanced Senior Member Join Date: May 2003 Posts: 1,636	Re: Best long range rifle under a grand oops...almost repeated myself! Nothing to see here, move along!

04-10-2007, 07:56 PM	#12
stash247 Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Central Texas Posts: 2,815	Re: Best long range rifle under a grand Dbltap, 168's to 600, except in serious wind, 190's 0r 220's, for more! 168's are the limit, in 12" twist, I'd think about 1 in 10", or even 9" for a dedicated rifle, for the last two. HPBTM, all. YMMV, but this works well for me. You said, or somebody did, 'Sniper Rifle' which implies a floor energy, down range. Hope this helps. Terry __________________ Don't start no s**t and there won't be none, Terry

09-29-2011, 11:21 AM	#13
paulsgs Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Posts: 10	Re: Best long range rifle under a grand I just added a 1972 40-X at that price. now I need a scope.

09-29-2011, 11:36 AM	#14
Cowboy6373 Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Posts: 24	Re: Best long range rifle under a grand Rommelvon, I agree with a few of the other members in recommending the Savage rifles. Be sure the model you choose has both the accu-stock and accu-trigger. I now have 2 Savages and my friend bought one as well. All 3 are tack drivers. Mine are 300 win mag and the 20 ga slug gun and my buddy has the 270 win. For long range I would consider the 300 win mag. I have the bear hunter model with muzzle break and honestly it's a pleasure to shoot even with 300 win mag. Good luck and happy long range shooting!

09-29-2011, 12:03 PM	#15
dragman V.I.P. Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: PA Posts: 201	Re: Best long range rifle under a grand Savage model 12 LRPV in 260. Check out my thread on it. I have been shooting the 1000 yard game all year and this rifle is a beast! with the target action and 100% lug engagement I would take a savage over a Remington because to have a remington blueprinted and timed to be as nice as the savage target action you are gonna need a good gunsmith and a few hundred bucks.

09-29-2011, 09:56 PM	#16
tim peterson V.I.P. Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: COLORADO Posts: 277	Re: Best long range rifle under a grand You might check the Winchester model 70. __________________ The great objective is that every man be armed. Every one who is able may have a Gun. Patrick Henry

09-29-2011, 10:43 PM	#17
joncutt87 Advanced Senior Member Join Date: May 2011 Location: Kannapolis, NC Contributor Posts: 1,419	Re: Best long range rifle under a grand Didn't realize that you were close by, you can come down and try my savage if you like __________________ Four words to live by: aequitas, veritas, decus, sacrificium Last edited by joncutt87; 09-29-2011 at 10:45 PM..

09-29-2011, 10:53 PM	#18
joncutt87 Advanced Senior Member Join Date: May 2011 Location: Kannapolis, NC Contributor Posts: 1,419	Re: Best long range rifle under a grand I'm about 4 hours from you, but we could take an entire saturday to shoot __________________ Four words to live by: aequitas, veritas, decus, sacrificium

09-29-2011, 10:57 PM	#20
joncutt87 Advanced Senior Member Join Date: May 2011 Location: Kannapolis, NC Contributor Posts: 1,419	Re: Best long range rifle under a grand Do keep in mind if you come, mine doesn't have the accutrigger or the accustock. __________________ Four words to live by: aequitas, veritas, decus, sacrificium

09-29-2011, 10:59 PM	#21
joncutt87 Advanced Senior Member Join Date: May 2011 Location: Kannapolis, NC Contributor Posts: 1,419	Re: Best long range rifle under a grand I'm sorry to hear that josh __________________ Four words to live by: aequitas, veritas, decus, sacrificium

09-29-2011, 11:17 PM	#22
Zhurh Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Upper Yukon, Alaska Posts: 1,807	Re: Best long range rifle under a grand I feel as confident with my 30-378 Weatherby at 1000 yards as any dressed up sniper rifle I have seen. I paid $1000 for her a few years back, used. Manufactured in 2001, MacMillan Stock, bedded, trigger scary light; I luv the gun. Have dropped caribou way off with this gun. I do believe I could shut my eyes and still hit the target with her. I'm loading 100 grains RL-22 180 Barnes tipped X with 215's. I have friends loading 109 grains RL-22 with 168 grain Barnes and they are leaving the barrel around 3700; dang that's fast. Bottomline, you got to get a gun you believe in more than anything.

09-30-2011, 05:21 AM	#23
mr.t7024 Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Near a brook & pond in Ma Posts: 733	Re: Best long range rifle under a grand Check out the Savage line up,you can not go wrong, and with the accu-trigger wow.Nuff said!

10-15-2011, 10:28 AM	#24
Pagrizz Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Pa/Maine Posts: 44	Re: Best long range rifle under a grand I would have to go with the Remington 700 300 ultra mag.I have never shot it at 1000 yards.but using 175 gr Berger bullet with 98.2 grains of Retumbo I know what it can do at 600 yards. The only thing that has been done to it is the trigger has been lighten a little.