Bolt or AR for precision rifle?

[GTSteve03]

OK, the next item on my list of things to purchase is a precision centerfire rifle. I am contemplating either buying an AR or a bolt-action rifle and putting a scope on it. My budget is $1000, for the rifle and scope combined. I know this will be hard for both but I really don't want to go over that right now.

I currently have a pistol and shotgun for home defense so that's not a necessity, and I have a scoped 22LR so that will do for plinking. I want something that's got some range to it but also accuracy. I'm thinking 300yds of accuracy would be good, but more is always a plus.

Right now I'm thinking for the bolt action, something by Savage like the 10FP plus a nice scope like the Super Sniper or Bushnell Elite 4200. With the AR, I am looking for a flat-top with a 16 or 18" barrel, probably in stainless steel, and a similar scope. I want the shorter barrel because I would eventually like to suppress it.

Any suggestions from the gallery on a rifle/scope combination, and which would you choose between the AR or the bolt rifle?

 

[ugaarguy]

Get the one you want more. Remember that human sized silhouettes at 300 yards are easily within the realm of an iron sighted AR after a just a few hours practice.

 

[precisionshootist]

currently have a pistol and shotgun for home defense so that's not a necessity, and I have a scoped 22LR so that will do for plinking. I want something that's got some range to it but also accuracy. I'm thinking 300yds of accuracy would be good, but more is always a plus.

I voted AR based on your distance requirments and your current selection of firearms. 300 yards is no problem for an AR, even with a 16" tube. The AR also gives you quick follow up shots and much greater overall firepower than the bolt gun and since you don't seem to have the firepower base covered I would go with that first. Save the aquisition of the bolt gun for last as it's more of a specialized weapon and less versatile.

 

[teombe]

I shoot my AR iron sighted out to 300 yards. Even with my bad eyesight, I can hit 12x18-sized targets at that range.

For teeny tiny groups, I would suggest a bolt gun. ARs will give you acceptable accuracy at that range, but i think the feeding mechanism is a little too violent on the rounds, and you'd be well past $1k on a match grade AR.

 

[YodaVader]

If by precision you mean the best possible accuracy for the money spent I would go with something like the 10FP you mentioned or something like a Remington SPS Tactical.

 

[stubbicatt]

Don't know the caliber you are looking for. Sounds like you have chosen the 223. I guess it all depends on what level of accuracy you find acceptable. Most ARs and several bolt guns will shoot good ammo into an inch at 100 yards, so the accuracy variable sort of evens out. After that it is a question of ergonomics and your intended use.

A bolt actioned rifle will be much easier to clean than will an AR, IME.

I really like my CZ527. There are many to choose from in your price range, AND at no additional cost you get the benefits of a set trigger with the CZ.

 

[Walkalong]

Depends on just how precise you want to be. A well built AR with a top quality barrel can be very, very accurate. That said, it is bolt guns for extreme accuracy. BUT, the $1000 will limit you here as well as in the AR.

If you really want top grade accuracy, put the whole $1000 into the rifle and start saving for the scope while using one you have to get by. This will get you a pretty dang good gun. It won't win at Benchrest or be very competitive in High Power, but it won't embarress you either.

If you are just looking for a one minute of angle gun your choices are many.

 

[GTSteve03]

Don't know the caliber you are looking for. Sounds like you have chosen the 223. I guess it all depends on what level of accuracy you find acceptable. Most ARs and several bolt guns will shoot good ammo into an inch at 100 yards, so the accuracy variable sort of evens out. After that it is a question of ergonomics and your intended use.

For caliber, I'd rather stick with 223 in the AR because I don't think I can get anything in 6.5 or 6.8 for that price.

For the boltie, I'd actually prefer something larger, at least a 243. Although, I would like to avoid too much recoil as I would like to learn without developing a flinch.

For accuracy, I'm looking for something that will consistently shoot UNDER 1 MOA. It doesn't have to be .5" groups but something around .6-.8" would be nice. I know I won't be able to do this with a lot of factory ammo but I am setup to reload so I can tailor my loads but I want to make sure the rifle can do it first.