I'm looking at an affordable bolt action long range rifle in .308. All my rifles in my collection are semi, EBR types, and I'm getting starting to get the itch to have something very accurate with a big high powered scope (like up to a 20x versus my aimpoints, eotech, even a 4x ATN scope that I currently have). Mind you , none of my EBR's have match components or barrels on them... and not interested in building one like that.... yet . Ultimately I'd love to have a match M1A, but cost prohibitive at this time.

 

I'm looking at a Savage Arms 10 FCP-K http://www.savagearms.com/firearms/model/10FCPK

Its a reasonable price, looks fairly cool, and I'm assuming is going to be more accurized than any of my EBR's.

 

This is the scope I'm thinking of matching to it, http://www.primaryarms.com/product.sc?productId=439&categoryId=161

 

I appreciate any feedback, thoughts, or suggestions. I'm looking to keep a budget of $1500 combined for a rifle + scope.

Wow, thought my browser locked up , clicked post a few times. I dont know how to delete the duplicates... so lets use this as the main thread.

 

Sorry!

I am not sure what kind of research you have done. But I would also recommend researching the Remington 700. There is a reason why military snipers, and special tactics police forces use it across the nation, and there is a reason why it has been around for decades....it is a great weapon. One can actually be had for significantly less than that Savage, and the extra money can be used for accurizing the weapon even further. Just a suggestion. Either way, try to find one to shoot before you buy.

I am not sure what kind of research you have done. But I would also recommend researching the Remington 700. There is a reason why military snipers, and special tactics police forces use it across the nation, and there is a reason why it has been around for decades....it is a great weapon. One can actually be had for significantly less than that Savage, and the extra money can be used for accurizing the weapon even further. Just a suggestion. Either way, try to find one to shoot before you buy.

 

Thanks for the advice. I haven't considered the 700 as I just thought the prices would be out of my range. Looks like I was wrong as there is a very nice 700 type that I found called the Model 700 VTR (Varmint Tactical Rifle). I guess its designed to go after militant ground hogs?

 

Does anyone have experience with it? http://www.midwesthuntersoutlet.com/item/73827__Remington_Rifles_Shotguns_REM_84371_700_VTR_VAR_308.aspx?SR=1

I'll counter that advice with, don't write off the Savage just yet. Yes the Remington 700 is popular - that doesn't mean it's better. As for all the police etc that use them - often that's a case of just being the lowest bidder (same reason Glock owns the police market). Not taking anything away from the 700, just saying that there are a lot of BA .308's out there deserving of a look. The Howa 1500 (Weatherby Vanguard) action is described as being an advanced evolution of the Remington 700. Savage is known for accuracy which results from the fact that the headspace can be accurately adjusted by someone other than a skilled machinist (that ugly barrel nut does have a purpose other than ease of assembly). You will probably also find that Savages will carry deeper discounts - not necessarily cheaper, but deeper (dollar amount percentage off MSRP).

 

Indeed the Remington is a good choice - but don't make that choice just because it's popular. Popularity does mean that there may be more accessories available - but if you are going to spend a ton on modding the gun, you may be better off to start with something like a Sako TRG, or the like. It will retain its value better than a modded gun.

 

JMHO / YMMV

 

Adios,

 

Pizza Bob

I'll counter that advice with, don't write off the Savage just yet. Yes the Remington 700 is popular - that doesn't mean it's better.

I wasn't trying to write off the Savage in any way. I was just trying to suggest that if his price range for just the firearm is $900, then he has a lot of options.

That Sako TRG is one beauty, but alas out of my league.

 

I'm now torn on that Rem 700 VTR. $700 at midwest hunters outlet, plus Remington has a $100 MIR if I purchase it by Dec 31st. Just a few days away!

 

Reviews of both seem very good.

 

The rem VTR has a triangular barrel, the Savage FCP has a fluted. Both have a muzzle brake for what its worth. the Sav has a 24" barrel versus the Rem 22". Not sure how that would really affect things..

 

So my choices thus far are narrowed down to the Savage 10 FCP-K ($789), and the Rem 700 VTR ($600 after MIR). If i'm going to choose the VTR, I will have to make a move tomorrow to get the rebate.

 

Now , is the Savage worth the extra $200. For my purposes of shooting for fun, I'm thinking it may be diminishing returns...

I recently purchased one of these

 

Reminton 700 Milspec 5R SS

 

It's an amazing shooter, I came in just slightly over your budget with Scope. JimmyAGR has one, I shot his, and was hooked. I know your looking to buy asap, but I'd be happy to let you shoot my 700 anytime so you can get the feel.. I'm a member @ CJRPC as well...

Do some research on reviews of any firearm you are ever interested in. How they perform is often different than how they are advertised. I have read that the triangular barrel has absolutely no positive effects. Either way, read up on some reviews.

I recently purchased one of these

 

Reminton 700 Milspec 5R SS

 

It's an amazing shooter, I came in just slightly over your budget with Scope. JimmyAGR has one, I shot his, and was hooked. I know your looking to buy asap, but I'd be happy to let you shoot my 700 anytime so you can get the feel.. I'm a member @ CJRPC as well...

 

Thanks for the offer on shooting your Milspec 5r. I may be jumping the "gun" here on the VTR... as the rebate is doing what it is designed to do... force a decision!

 

That Milspec 5r looks great, comes in at pretty much $1000 lowest price that I've found online. Still in my budget. We're talking $400 over the 700 VTR. Again I'm at odds with if the Milspec 5R is much better than the VTR or Savage FCP-K and worth the extra $400.

 

I have read a bunch of online reviews and I've found nothing but what appears to be positive for all of these rifles mentioned.

 

As for the triangle barrel, I can really care less about the shape, and more on how it shoots.

 

So far I'm 70% sold on the VTR (based on remington reputation, online reviews, price) with the other 30% split on the FCP-K (Savage reputation, headspace adjustment capability, price) and Milspec 5r(based on solid military sniper tech, remington 700 reputation, real person review here).

I'd send a PM to JimmyAGR in case he doesn't see this post, but he can tell you a bunch more the 700 5R than I can to be honest. Jimmy also has some handloads that are kick a** in this gun. I was hitting hanging golf balls in the rain/wind @ CJRPC, never missed a shot, bi-pod, no led sled..

I'd send a PM to JimmyAGR in case he doesn't see this post, but he can tell you a bunch more the 700 5R than I can to be honest. Jimmy also has some handloads that are kick a** in this gun. I was hitting hanging golf balls in the rain/wind @ CJRPC, never missed a shot, bi-pod, no led sled..

 

Thanks, sent him a PM

My link

I picked up a Savage 10pc at Cabela's for 699.00 it's in their law enforcement line.

There are many choices of scopes at My link

Thanks everyone for the feedback!

 

I've "pulled the trigger" on the Remington 700 VTR .308cal with the 5R rifling (cost $50 extra, but its the same as the M24 sniper rifle and the Milspec 5R rifling, figured it was worth it). I got it for $710 from Bud's Gunshop. Using Defensive Security as my FFL, Mel charges $35 FFL and $21 NICS. Plus I'm getting the $100 MIR from Remington. Good deal.

 

I also chose the Millett LRS 56mm 6-25x scope, also from Bud's on the same order for $405. It had some dicey reviews from back in 2008, but later reviews are A-OK, and seems to be an excellent scope for the price.

 

As a bonus, Bud's charges you their cash price if you use their credit card. I was instant approved, and have 25 days to send in the money. No problem on that, was nice to save the 3% on the order without having to wait to send a check and have it clear.

 

After all is said and done on costs... I'm looking at a take home price of $1192 for the rifle and scope. $300 under budget which is always a good thing!

 

I'll be sure to write a review of my first shooting outing with the rifle!

That's definitely a nice rifle and I'm eagerly awaiting your range report on the whole package.

Well that was quick. Did you figure out what you will use to mount the scope?

Yea, Its my MO to move quickly when I put my mind to something. The quiet day at the house, snowed in gave me all day to research.

 

The scope comes with mounting rings. My plan is to give them a try before looking into aftermarket rings.

Good luck, looks nice a nice gun. If you need a hand zeroing the scope, we could do it at cjrpc

Yea, Its my MO to move quickly when I put my mind to something. The quiet day at the house, snowed in gave me all day to research.

 

The scope comes with mounting rings. My plan is to give them a try before looking into aftermarket rings.

Does the rifle come with a base?

Don, sounds great. Will be sure to PM you when I get the rifle and have some range time to look forward to.

 

Greg, that I don't know.

 

This is my first rifle of this type (all my others come with picatinny rails). From what I can tell from the instruction manual, it only comes with mounting holes. The scope manual shows the rings on a picatinnny rail, so i'm assuming I need to order a picatinny base.

 

I'll start looking for one now. Good catch, I would have been really upset not being able to mount everything up the day it comes!

Just orderd a scope base from Brownells:

 

http://www.brownells.com/.aspx/sid=50243/pid=23786/sku/Aluminum_Scope_Base_fits_Rem_700_SA

It didn't occur to me the first time either. I'd suggest a one piece base, even though the cost may be higher.

wow...you do make quick decisions

Just orderd a scope base from Brownells:

 

http://www.brownells.com/.aspx/sid=50243/pid=23786/sku/Aluminum_Scope_Base_fits_Rem_700_SA

Looks like someone got a decent amount of money for Christmas.

A comissions error in my favor that gets back payed before Jan 1st.

Don, sounds great. Will be sure to PM you when I get the rifle and have some range time to look forward to.

 

Greg, that I don't know.

 

This is my first rifle of this type (all my others come with picatinny rails). From what I can tell from the instruction manual, it only comes with mounting holes. The scope manual shows the rings on a picatinnny rail, so i'm assuming I need to order a picatinny base.

 

I'll start looking for one now. Good catch, I would have been really upset not being able to mount everything up the day it comes!

 

Dan I have the Leupold 20 MOA base on my Remmy, it was about $90, but there are cheaper alternatives out there. You can probably pick one up for about $50-$60 if you shop around.

Big update:

 

I've changed my order to the Remington 700 Milspec 5R. After further review, seems the VTR tends to be more or less very inconsistent accuracy-wise.

 

Taking into consideration Don and Jimmy's experiences with this model, and very favorable reviews... I've made the change. Cost a little more $$, but I think it will be worth it!

I'm interested in your choice of scope. Really have had no experience, or even read anything about Vortex optics. Looked up the Razor on line and saw that it was $2K - so when I clicked the link you provided I was surprised to see a Viper model at only $499. Are they attempting to market ala Leupold? With the Razor equivalent to the MK IV line and the Viper more like the VX series?

 

Where does the glass come from? Where are they assembled? And what made you decide to switch to a Millett?

 

There are quite a few of us on here with BA .308's. Maybe we ought to start a picture thread and then start thinking about a BA .308 informal competition at Dix in the spring. I could go for that.

 

I'll start the picture thread.

 

Adios,

 

Pizza Bob

I'm interested in your choice of scope. Really have had no experience, or even read anything about Vortex optics. Looked up the Razor on line and saw that it was $2K - so when I clicked the link you provided I was surprised to see a Viper model at only $499. Are they attempting to market ala Leupold? With the Razor equivalent to the MK IV line and the Viper more like the VX series?

 

Where does the glass come from? Where are they assembled? And what made you decide to switch to a Millett?

 

There are quite a few of us on here with BA .308's. Maybe we ought to start a picture thread and then start thinking about a BA .308 informal competition at Dix in the spring. I could go for that.

 

I'll start the picture thread.

 

Adios,

 

Pizza Bob

 

I'm really new to the whole scope-scene, as my prior experience has been with red-dot types. I was basically looking for something affordable... but with good specs and decent online reviews. I knew vortex from their affordable aimpoint type clone which always gets decent reviews. I just figured the same concept would apply to their scopes. I'm baffled as to why some of them are $2500 and others at $500 with what appears to be similar specs.

 

I suppose just like anything else... depends what you are going to use it for. Competition, benchrest, military/LE... perhaps spending the $2000 and up will make a difference. For me, just fun target shooting... it doesnt make sense unless I had money to burn. It would be like a person spending 5K on golf clubs, who only plays a few times a year for fun. I problably lack the skill, time, and training needed to take advantage of the upper-crust rifles and scopes.

 

I chose the Millett based on a few things. They seem to get decent reviews, pattern, specs (zoom and objective size), and style. Many reviews are very favorable, and those reviews that people said they had problems always seemed to be happy after they were sent back for warranty repairs. I read some reviews in which guys that own scopes from Nightforce and Leupold have purchased 1 or more Millett LRS's for their other rifles... their reasoning is affordability, and a lot of scope for the money. They're made in China along with most everything else.... problably the secret sauce in keeping the price down... along with why sometimes people get a lemon.

 

A shooting meet/match sounds like great fun. Just let me get the rifle/scope in, and have some time to practice with it first.