First Rifle, First Post

[DC]

Hi everyone I just joined the forum, still looking thru it all!
I have been doing a bit of shooting on a friends property latley which has encouraged me to get a gun licence, which I should have soon! Ive been looking around for a rifle to get (Im more interested in Target/Comp shooting than hunting but I would like to use whatever gun I get for that aswell.

Ive read alot on the net and so far Im looking at getting a Remington 700P in .308 which seems to be a very good all round rifle, I was thinking about just getting the rifle at first to practice with and getting the scope and bipod e.c.t. later for more regular club shooting (when I can efford them $$$).

The main thing i was wondering was if anyone here has any thoughts or advice on this choice of rifle for a novice shooter and can tell me how it stacks up against other rifles.
The Finished setup Im going for at the moment is basicly the "Remington 700P .308 TWS".

Also does anyone know how much this rifle retails for in Australia? I cant see myself spending more than 1,000 on it (without scope e.c.t ).

Thanks in advance

[Ackley Improved]

Mate

You will find the TWS will cost $$$$$$$$.

I did have a PSS in 308, and it shot extremely well. I was very happy with the way it shot indeed, but I was hand loading for it to achieve the groups I did! There is also the Remington LTR, which a a lot of guys like due to the shorter barrel.

What sort of range are you wanting to shoot, and what is your budget for a scope?

Cheers
AI

[dave]

Id be looking at rem 700 in .223 to start with if not reloading, heaps of ammo avaliable at cheap prices, you can use the rifle in f class and the rem action can be improved on if your real keen on benchrest etc.

Just a thought....

[DC]

Um I was told to spend the same amount on the scope as i do on the rifle, as for distance at the moment im shooting at around 100 with my mates dads rifle eventualy I would like to get to 300-500m... and further.

I read that a REM 700 .308 was good for shots up to 1000m, is this true?

what do you meen by "hand loading"? (novice shooter here)
I always load rifles by hand!

[Sir Snipealot]

"Handloading or reloading is the process of loading firearm cartridges or shotgun shells by assembling the individual components (case/shotshell, primer, powder, and bullet/shot), rather than purchasing completely-assembled, factory-loaded cartridges. Generally only Boxer-primed cases (see internal ballistics) are reloaded.[1]

Historically, handloading referred to the private manufacture of cartridges and shells using all newly-manufactured components, whereas reloading referred to the private manufacture of cartridges and shells using previously-fired cartridge brass and shells with new bullets, shot, primers, and powder. In modern usage, however, no distinction is made in these terms, and they are today considered synonymous. [1]"


Also see: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Handloading

[17hmr]

you do not have to spend that much on a scope. Vortex scopes can be had from 300 bucks and up, and are very good quality, and will do well on any rifle you buy. have you shot .308s before? as there is quite a recoil difference between a .223 and .308. maybe have a look at a smaller cal for your first rifle. depending on your shooting abilitly you'll be able to punch paper at those distances (500m) with the smaller cals. theres a video on here demonstrating that. (.223-800m)

[bimbo]

i would also suggest a 223 in a varmint style rifle. Not sure on how much you are planning on spending but you can pick up something like a savage model 12 stainless steel and laminated stock for less than 1500 bucks and they are said to be quite accurate

Just a thought

[tikka]

Hi mate

Plenty of good guys on here to steer you in the right direction with their wealth of experience.

IMHO go with the Tikka T3 mate, accurate from the box and the 'lite' model is under a grand whilst the varmit is just over a grand (both stainless/synthetic).
Cant go wrong with them.

Cheers

Geoff

[damien couper]

a rem 700p is about 1600 give or take 100 depending on where you live

[DC]

well my police check still isnt back... xmas backlog i guess, so looks like i still have a bit of time to save up for it, I would have like to have got a smaller cal gun to start on but my nearest club only realy uses .308 and I'll be buying my ammo thru them mainly... that and all the club rifles i'll be learning with till i get my license r .308, so my mind was made up for me on that score.

Thanks for all the great advice so far guys!
I got a nother novice question.... what is the difference between a normal rifle and a varmit rifle? and does annyone know of any good sites with rifles in au prices?

Thanks in advance !!

[DC]

I'll be shooting in F-Standard by the way

[Flash Gordon]

DC,
If you are going to shoot F/class standard at a rifle club, please don`t rush out and buy a factory rifle. They are not what you need. A second hand full-bore target rifle is much cheaper, and better. Just use the club rifles for a while. Remember that in F/class standard you may use .223 calibre as well as the .308. As you are new to the sport, I would urge you to wait a while before commiting yourself. It helps if your club has some active F/class shooters, particularly if they compete outside their own club. If you need any help, send me a PM.
There is also a site for F/class called OzFclass, very helpfull.
Best of luck in your new sport.

[bimbo]

Thanks for all the great advice so far guys!
I got a nother novice question.... what is the difference between a normal rifle and a varmit rifle? and does annyone know of any good sites with rifles in au prices?

Thanks in advance !!

Varmint rifles generally have a much heavier barrel and usually a bit longer as well. They will also have a bit wider forend on the stock. Basically just a heavier rifle which means it is abit more stable but not really designed to be carried round all day like a normal/sporter rifle is.

I find the best place to check out gun prices is in the Australian Shooter mags. usually have plenty of adds from all over australia

[DC]

thanks flash and bimbo!