So how did I do?

[chaim]

I was searching for a bolt rifle to start working my way into medium to long range target shooting, as seen on this thread: http://thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=382560

I finally made my choice:

I bought a Remington 700SPS Varmint in .223 with a green stock. It came with a Leupold base, Remington rings, and a Remington 4-10x40 scope (I figure I'll replace the rings and scope with something better over the next year or so). The salesperson installed the rings and base and bore sighted the rifle for me. The listed price was $549.99 but it rang up at $529.99. That is barely over $529 for a sub-MOA (based on reputation) rifle with a good base for the scope (but cheap scope) that is ready to go!

The cheapest I've seen on Gunbroker, without scope, rings or base, and before shipping and FFL transfer fees was around $550.

I got it at Dicks Sporting Goods. I wanted to buy from a local FFL, or someone else's local FFL on Gunbroker, but the price was so much better at Dicks, and the salesperson was terrific- he knew what he was talking about, he was a very nice guy, and we had a great conversation about guns and guitars.

I'm extremely pleased and can't wait to take it out to the range (maybe tomorrow, but more likely Sunday). I'm not sure if I'll buy a tripod today or tomorrow, or if I'll wait and shoot it a bit without.

 

[sweetbeard]

Sounds like a smokin deal!

 

[chaim]

OK, looking again, there is one seller on Gunbroker with a $520 buy it now price, plus $25 shipping. So, if I could have a free FFL transfer (yeah right) I could have bought this gun for $5 under the listed price, but with no scope/rings/base and without the service I got from the guy at Dicks Sporting Goods. Add in FFL fees (around here I hear there are still $25 fees somewhere, but most are quite a bit more) and the unexpected discount at the register (it rung at $529.99) and I still think I did pretty well.

I guess my next thread will be which stock to put on it: Bell and Carlson, either the gray with black spiderweb or black with gray spiderweb finish, or a nice thumbhole laminated stock (and then what company).

 

[dakotasin]

you scored - nice work!

forego the b&c stock - you won't be doing yourself any favors. just use your existing stock until you are outshooting the gun.

 

[LJ-MosinFreak-Buck]

Pics or it didn't happe, hehe.

 

[chaim]

Pics or it didn't happe, hehe.

I don't use a photo hosting service and since THR doesn't host your photo (very understandable with the number of people here) I can't put one up. Maybe I should finally break down and join a hosting service (who is good, and preferably free, without too many pop-ups or email spam).

 

[MTMilitiaman]

The proof is in the pudding! Only way to know how you did is to get it out and shoot it.

 

[shevrock]

Nice deal. Try photobucket.com their pretty good.

 

[LJ-MosinFreak-Buck]

I was just gonna say that. +1 on Shevrok.

 

[dagger dog]

Chaim, drop us another post on the Bell & Carlson stock if you opt for that I'm looking for one for my Savage, and want some feed back before I spring.

Stockeys Gun Stocks Ebay Store has Laminated thumb hole stocks in 6 or 7 different colors check em out.

 

[Dr. Tad Hussein Winslow]

No, you don't need a host - you can just upload the pics straight to THR if they're within certain size limits.

IT PUTS THE PICS IN THE THREAD, OR ELSE IT GETS THE HOSE INSTEAD!!!!

P.S. Sounds awesome and a good choice!

 

[chaim]

 

[chaim]

Hey, I finally got the size about right:

 

[Dr. Tad Hussein Winslow]

Schweeeeaat [/e. cartman]

 

[Mr_Pale_Horse]

Just what the doctor ordered

 

[chaim]

Darn, I didn't make it to the rifle range today, and I have no idea what I was thinking when I said I'd go on Sunday. Oh well, at least I'm still on vacation- I'll have to go on Monday.

Thanks for the comments so far, it certainly looks nice (I'm even starting to like the green stock and don't mind not having the black one) and I can't wait to get it to the range (I'm excited- I've had other rifles, but this is my first scoped centerfire rifle, and it is my first bolt rifle in several years).