Beginner Looking For a Bolt Action
Posted by MaxTheMemeConsumer@reddit | Firearms | View on Reddit | 10 comments
(I was originally going to post this on the Longrange sub, but it got taken down due to it being about a beginner, I did read all of the faq's but I didn't think they helped find what I'm looking for, so some of the terms might pertain a bit more to that sub.)
So before reading this, please know I'm very new to this scene. I have enough experience shooting, but not the kind of gunsmithing knowledge people on this sub have, so please go easy on me. I am looking at getting my first bolt action, I was originally looking for a Remington model 700, but (1) they are barely stocked around me and (2) a friend mentioned that their quality has started to get worse on the entry models (I have no idea if its true, but that's what brought me here)
Before getting to the meat and potatoes of it, I do wanna mention, I know some of the things I'm looking for are probably silly and not obtainable in my price range, but that's why I'm here to check with you guys. I am not looking for the most efficient gun I can get with my money. I want something to shoot targets, that's fun and comfortable.
With all of that said, please let me know what gun you would recommend for me and what, if anything, I should change on it.
The primary features I'm focused on are:
- Overall I am looking for a smooth bolt, I know its not the most important thing, but I really enjoy the feeling of bolts that don't feel have that gummy feeling that some of the looser(?) ones have.
- For the caliber, I'm also kinda set on .308 win. I saw some people mention It being an overall worse cartridge, but I'm partial to it for a few personal reasons, and its cheaper where I am. (if there is a gun that is literally perfect for everything else, I would consider 6.5 creedmoor)
- Ideally threaded from the factory (not that important)
- ideally magazine fed (not that important)
Other info:
- I'm going to be shooting targets at 300 yards and on occasion further.
- My budget for the rifle alone is $700 on the higher end, ideally around $600.
- I have enough experience working with guns to learn to mod my guns, I mostly need advice of what is worth looking into for a beginner
I am sure there are things I am forgetting, I will try to add them as I find them, but please go easy on me.
Thanks so much for your time,
-Max
YERAFIREARMS@reddit
1) Tikka T3X, even used will be an excellent rifle. The 308 barrel will last a long long time. Only the newest Tikka are threaded. 2) Savage 110 Gen3 in 308. Not sure if they are out yet. You will not be disappointed. 3) Howa 1500 or Rugger Gen 3. Both are very good starter rifles.
Sliced_Orange1@reddit
Definitely check out Backfire's YouTube videos, I think they're exactly what you're looking for.
I'd check out the Howa M1500 or Weatherby Vanguard.
Superb-Detective-838@reddit
I have a Ruger American Gen II and the action is not as smooth as it should be. I constantly have hang ups, maybe it is me or maybe I have a lemon, but I am less than pleased with it. I have heard great things about Tikka rifles and actions, I may be going that route here eventually.
Also, don' discount .223 rifles. They are half the cost of .308 and 6.5CR and are easily capable of 300 yards, up to 600 yards. It's a great round to practice with in my opinion.
Felonies_u_us@reddit
Consider buying a Howa barreled action (WITH THE BULL BARREL) then just getting a stock you like. In my experience you're going to replace every part of the rifle one by one to get it how you want anyway.
REDACTED3560@reddit
You’re asking a lot if you want a smooth action under $600. That price point is all about function with minimal polish. It’s all subjective of course, but temper expectations.
Tikka is just a little higher in price point if you can stretch it and is a go-to suggestion for a very smooth action and punching well above its price point with good aftermarket available.
Personally, whatever someone recommends to you here, I would recommend going to a store that stocks all of them and handling them in person. I had a friend who was dead set on a Ruger American until he handled both it and a Tikka in the store.
bananaland420@reddit
You should hop on YouTube and watch some videos from “Backfire” he as done an excellent breakdown of over 20 guns and tested them and plotted them out on a graph by accuracy and price. Some of the cheapest guns were actually the best shooters beating out guns many times more expensive. He had a lot of issues with the Ruger American.
DiscreteBrownBox@reddit
I'm going to have to second the motion to consider the Ruger American chambered in whichever caliber you find first; 308win or 65cm... and even more so if you find it in the MagPul stock...
You're going to spend several times that amount on other accessories and ammo. So at least get a gun that's so inherently accurate that you can focus on the fundamentals of long range shooting and finding the best scope, range finder, ballistic calculator, muzzle devices etc etc.
Good luck, and don't get lost in the rabbit hole...
libertariancandidate@reddit
I second this. 6,5 creedmoor or 308 win are good beginners calibers plus the low end rivers are pretty much OK in terms of precision (Tikkas are also good, but cost 3-400 $ above).
Better-Efficiency-12@reddit
Might be worth taking a gander at used or cheaper model of the Tikkas, like the T3x lite. Prob the nicest rifle you can buy at that $700 mark and performs similar to rifles 3x as expensive easily
bolookies@reddit
I don’t know much about rifles, but I have a Ruger American Rifle that’s pretty nice. Based on your criteria, look at the American Rifle Gen II Ranch.