Target rifle recommendations

kidneyboy

kidneyboy

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I am considering getting a target rifle for casual/fun shooting out to 600 yards. Budget is about $1500 for rifle only. Open to different calibers and can be bolt action or semi auto. Single shot would be fine.
Suggestions appreciated.
 
More recently, I had the same question a little over a year ago. Due in large measure to the accuracy and function that I had experienced with my Savage 110 Storm in .223, after some research, I purchased a Savage Model 12 LRPV, .223 also, only with a 1:7 twist to shoot heavier bullets. Very similar to the above poster`s gun. The rifle has been all that I could have asked for in a first target gun. EXTREMELY accurate. Sub-MOA accurate groups out to 500 yards ( my club range current limit ), HS Precision stock, 26" SS truck axle of a barrel. All up, although I haven`t weighed it, it`s got to be somewhere over 12 lbs. Single shot with a resulting very stable target action. My shooting skills do not do it justice. Well worth a look on the Savage web site and internet.
 
For a target bolt gun on a budget it is hard to beat Savage. Good barrels from the factory, floating bolt head, good action to build on, tons of variations, and of course easy barrel swaps all come to mind.

I'm not a fan of the savage QC lately, their cheap finishes, or weak ejection but those weaknesses can be overcome or over looked when on a budget.

The savage 12 at cabelas can be had for $300 or $400 as a base to build on if you don't need a threaded barrel.

As a side note, the most accurate rifle I ever had was a savage model 11 in 243. Sporter barrel wal mart special. It was my first center fire rifle. It shot amazingly well with multiple different factory ammos. Just about 1 hole groups at 100 yards were common. Even with the cheapo factory scope and factory stock. And even with a very young version of me behind the trigger.

I still have some targets laying around I was so impressed.
I stupidly sold it years ago but that's a whole other story.

Edit to add:

Concerning caliber choice, I would recommend a 6.5 creedmoor. Plentiful factory ammo and the round just works well for for mid range shooting at 600 - 1k yards. A ton of other calibers work, too though. Some require handloading, some have more recoil, some don't buck the wind as well, some are barrel burners,, etc. 6.5 Creedmoor strikes a great balance.
That said, 308 or 223 could also work but both generally require more work/skill to get there.
 
Last edited:
kidneyboy said:
I am considering getting a target rifle for casual/fun shooting out to 600 yards. Budget is about $1500 for rifle only. Open to different calibers and can be bolt action or semi auto. Single shot would be fine.
Suggestions appreciated.
Click to expand...

www.savagearms.com

12 BVSS | RIFLE | SAVAGE ARMS

From prairie dogs to predators, there’s no escape. Our Varmint Series combines the full suite of Savage accuracy features for unfailing performance and precision. Choose from a variety of models built for specific situations and hunting styles.
www.savagearms.com www.savagearms.com


I recommend this I love Mine!!!!
 
This.

They offer it in blue which would save you about $100. It is also available with a 24" barrel, but the 20" barrel will get you to 1000 yards with 6.5CM. I'd only get the longer barrel if I was planning on shooting past 1000.

www.budsgunshop.com

Buy Tikka T3x CTR StainlessBlack 65mm Creedmoor Bolt Action Rifle Online

TIKKA Compact Tactical Rifle Tikka T3 JRTXC382S T3x Compact Tactical Rifle Bolt 6.5 Creedmoor 20 10+1 Synthetic Blk Stk Stainless Steel The Tikka T3
www.budsgunshop.com www.budsgunshop.com

308 is another option but unless you just have a butt load of 308 ammo around or have access to a lot of it cheap 6.5CM is the better round. 308 is fine out to 600 or even a little farther. It starts to run out of gas at around 800 and 1000 yards is really pushing it's limitations.
 
VoodooMountain said:
For a target bolt gun on a budget it is hard to beat Savage. Good barrels from the factory, floating bolt head, good action to build on, tons of variations, and of course easy barrel swaps all come to mind.

I'm not a fan of the savage QC lately, their cheap finishes, or weak ejection but those weaknesses can be overcome or over looked when on a budget.

The savage 12 at cabelas can be had for $300 or $400 as a base to build on if you don't need a threaded barrel.

As a side note, the most accurate rifle I ever had was a savage model 11 in 243. Sporter barrel wal mart special. It was my first center fire rifle. It shot amazingly well with multiple different factory ammos. Just about 1 hole groups at 100 yards were common. Even with the cheapo factory scope and factory stock. And even with a very young version of me behind the trigger.

I still have some targets laying around I was so impressed.
I stupidly sold it years ago but that's a whole other story.
Click to expand...
My Model 12 ejects with authority, actually with more "ummph" than my 110, even though my 110 has never failed me either. The LRPV is on the upper end price wise of savage`s menu and I wouldn`t classify the fit and finish as " cheap". Then again, that`s just me and my opinion! It`s true that Savage rifles have had extraction/ejection issues. Interestingly, many, if not most, have been limited to 6.5s. Has to do from what I`ve read with case length and configuration.
 
Turkeytider said:
My Model 12 ejects with authority, actually with more "ummph" than my 110, even though my 110 has never failed me either. The LRPV is on the upper end price wise of savage`s menu and I wouldn`t classify the fit and finish as " cheap". Then again, that`s just me and my opinion! It`s true that Savage rifles have had extraction/ejection issues. Interestingly, many, if not most, have been limited to 6.5s. Has to do from what I`ve read with case length and configuration.
Click to expand...
I have owned several model 10/11/12 rifles. All have the same bolt head. Ejection issues haven't followed the cartridge and these issues are well known in the shooting community.

That said, it isn't generally a deal breaker for a target gun and there are remedies and aftermarket options to alleviate the issue.
I think I had to add a stronger spring and new extractor to my 308 and a 223 now that I think of it. Possibly a ball bearing in the ejector hole hole too but can't remember anymore.

Either way, the issues can be remedied and I still prefer the savage bolt design over the remington 700.

Fit and finish on savage is all over the map lately. But again. Not usually a deal breaker.

Just my opinions and experiences. Take it for what it's worth. 🙂
 
VoodooMountain said:
I have owned several model 10/11/12 rifles. All have the same bolt head. Ejection issues haven't followed the cartridge and these issues are well known in the shooting community.

That said, it isn't generally a deal breaker for a target gun and there are remedies and aftermarket options to alleviate the issue.
I think I had to add a stronger spring and new extractor to my 308 and a 223 now that I think of it. Possibly a ball bearing in the ejector hole hole too but can't remember anymore.

Either way, the issues can be remedied and I still prefer the savage bolt design over the remington 700.

Fit and finish on savage is all over the map lately. But again. Not usually a deal breaker.

Just my opinions and experiences. Take it for what it's worth. 🙂
Click to expand...
You bet. Yeah, there`s an extractor/ejector kit on the market that seems to alleviate those issues. It has a larger ball bearing for the extractor. Even though I`ve had no problems, I went ahead and got one. I think it`s a law of nature akin to gravity, that if you want to ensure that an original part never fails, buy a spare !
 
I am very happy with my Tikka. No issues or repairs ever needed. Not a fan of rifles that need work.
 
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