Posted: 3/17/2010 9:46:17 AM EDT
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I'm thinking through my next rifle purchase, and want something with some "reach out and touch something" capability behind it. I sold my only bolt action years ago, when I ran out of time to hunt (as with EVERY time I have sold a gun - I regret it and won't ever sell another firearm again). Anyway, I'm looking at a longer range rifle that could be used for deer, target, or potential defense purposes.
Here are some of my thoughts: 1) Remington 700 in .308 - build it similar to the sniper set-ups my Scout platoon had 2) Nice M-14 (pereferably a SOCOM) - not quite as accurate as a bolt gun, but the second shot time / semi auto is a great feature to have 3) SVD-type - uses the same caliber as my AK, commonality has it's advantages 4) Buy another AR (mine is a carbine), but want something with more power than 5.56 Really leaning toward option #2 at this point, but would like to get some additional opinions. |
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IMHO #1 is the one you want if you're really looking for a 'precision' rifle.
M14s just don't hold their tight groups even with the match treatment. None of the Warsaw pact round impress me for 'long distance' shooting with the exception of the 7.62x54 so that leaves out #3. Personally I went with the #4 option and the 6.8, but I realize that's not for everyone. And if you're an AK guy the different manual of arms really doesn't help you. If you really want a semi-auto 'precision' rifle and like AKs look for a good PSL. I've seen good ones shoot consistently at 2 moa, and the manual of arms would be familiar to you. The problem is how do you separate the 'good' PSLs from the 'not so good' ones - so we're back at #1. |
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Thanks for the reply.
I guessI should clarify "long range" as for where I shoot, likely 500-700 at most, and in most casa less - Don't really expect match grade percision, as I don't plant to shevel out a couple grand. I have both and AR & AK, so either platform is fine. I try not to use AK and accuracy in the same sentance - got the AK to diversify, and the UF is a great trunk gun. I love the 7.63x39 for up close work as well. |
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I have six M14's, one is a SOCOM. Nothing wrong with it, but if you are looking for range, you are going to give up some velocity going from a 22" barrel to a 16". Also, an M14 can very easily keep within 2MOA with decent ammo and a little "love". I have owned a PSL before and while they do shoot very well for an AK, the issue there is that pretty much any ammo you are going to shoot for it is com-bloc surplus. Stack that up against just about any M14 that you can go to AIM and buy Federal GMM ammo for and the PSL will loose.
P.S., I voted M14 or Rem 700. If you want a long-range gun, get the Rem 700. You can do the whole setup with scope for less than the price of just an M14. |
Looking at Remington 700 SPS tactical has me thinking this could be a good option as well - for under $600 you can getthe rifle, add glass and a bipod and your GTG.
I still would love the versatility that comes with a semi auto, but for $1,000 less, and more accuracy, it makes me wonder... |
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Quoted:
Looking at Remington 700 SPS tactical has me thinking this could be a good option as well - for under $600 you can getthe rifle, add glass and a bipod and your GTG. http://www.snipercentral.com/images/reviews/spst6.jpg I still would love the versatility that comes with a semi auto, but for $1,000 less, and more accuracy, it makes me wonder... $1000 will buy some decent glass AND ammo... |
#7 STG-58 
Edited to add with the price of loaded ammo of the 6.8 its close to the price of 308 ammo. Now reloading wise if you do reload I'd say the win goes to a 308 brass for the 6.8 is something like $350 for 1,000 and there are not a lot of bullets to choose from. Ask yourself this what are you going to use it for? |
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Voted for the Model 700.
Here is my SHTF arsenal, along with the reasoning. If the fur starts flying, I'm heading to my parents house. While my Dad has the REAL firepower, he is set up for hunting. (Weatherby Mark V in 300 Mag and a semi-auto Remington in 30-06) Max distance that can be seen from their house is 198 yards, so I have a M1A in .308 with a scope. This is for when he runs out of ammo. He probably has only a few boxes of ammo, if that. (I'm going to change that, but that is another story) For closer, faster shots I have a AR-15 clone from Bushmaster. Add in the ammo, and we are set. Sheer numbers could overrun us of course, but that would only happen if people were truly desperate. Add in some more family showing up, and we should have enough determined adults to stay alive. That is the plan. I hope we never need to find out if it works or not. |
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Since it's to "Reach out and touch someone" I see only one choice
.338 Win Mag I reload and it would be a factor for some I myself included in this economy, But.... since we don't often get to "touch" I feel the 250 gr SMK or SGK has enough long range energy left at 1K+ to make that "touch" a special one. With the proper load the .338 will approach the velocity of the .338 Laplua Mag! I have about $600 into the used ss ruger with the "boss style" brake included. Felt recoil seems to be less than a 12 gauge, this is with the synthetic skeleton stock. I shot a 180 at 600 with a Redfield 4-12 the first time out and that was with the sling only. The rifle will put them in the same hole at 200 off the bags, but that was with speer 200 gr sp flat base over RL 19. I haven't got to work out a good "long range " load. I did have a custom weaver rail made to eleminate the factory rings. sorry for the crappy pics the scope is a leatherwood 3.5-10 so the whole package sets at under $900.00 
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Quoted:
Looking at Remington 700 SPS tactical has me thinking this could be a good option as well - for under $600 you can getthe rifle, add glass and a bipod and your GTG. http://www.snipercentral.com/images/reviews/spst6.jpg I still would love the versatility that comes with a semi auto, but for $1,000 less, and more accuracy, it makes me wonder... Out of your options definitely go with this. If you want semi auto .308, look at a DPMS compatible "AR" but be prepared to pay 2x (at least) what you would for the R700 |
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rem 700 in .308 is probably the best bang for the buck in my opinion for a good long distance weapon.
If you want something other than an AR platform with decent accuracy, grab a STG58 or SA58 from DSArms. I love mine and it's about 1-1.5 MOA with cheap .308 and ~1 MOA with handloads. But again, for a good precision only rifle, rem 700 is my vote. |
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I've voting M14/M1A, but nothing shorter than a 18" Scout Squad. The ability to get off a fast second shot is really useful. ETA- A Scout Platoon guy, Tennessee, I'm going to put two and two together and say you're one of my brothers from Fort Campbell? Nope, I did my scout time at Ft. Drum - 10th Mountain. Been to Campbell a couple times, but was never stationed there. |
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Im in agreement with the remington 700 in 308 purchase.
Sniper central has a pretty good deal for around $1100. All the work is done for you Sniper special |
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Quoted:
Im in agreement with the remington 700 in 308 purchase. Sniper central has a pretty good deal for around $1100. All the work is done for you Sniper special Very nice line - I had never been there before, thanks. This one caught my eye, but is definitely a bit above the budget - especially as I bought a new truck yesterday 
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