Help me plan/purchase my first LR build/buy

[Delfuego]

I’m a buy once/cry once type of guy.

If this is true... Then you should save up and get a Accuracy International AX with at least a Nightforce scope. But that will blow your budget out the window. On the positive side, you wont ever (likely) have gear envy (or an excuse for misses).

Range? I want to be able to hit the moon! Ok, really, I think it depends on my price point (further below), ammo and range time so really, I’m not looking for anything amazing out the door but something inexperienced shooters can grow in to.

You should narrow it down to (1) Minute of bad guy at 500y (2) Minute of gnat's ass at 800+. This will help you between a AR10/LR308 or a bolt rifle.

I’m getting a bit overwhelmed at all the glass options (and costs; see next line). Good info in this thread: http://www.ar-15.co/threads/88319-Be...dvice-on-glass I’m leaning towards mils vs. moa and FFP other than that, I’m still digging.

Go Mil/Mil with FFP for sure, and budget $1000-$2000 just like the other thread lead you to believe.

This won’t be a bench gun. Shooting prone and moving with it will be on the requirements list so I don’t think an epically long barrel is in order. I am open to suggestions though on what length would be a good fit under these various parameters.

Barrel length will also depend on how far you plan on shooting regularly. If you decide on a .243 or .260 caliber, then the extra barrel length helps.


Dont be discouraged though, you can shoot precision with less money. My first setup was a Savage 10 FCP with a Leupold 6.5-20. But... the bug took hold and I upgraded to a .260 R700 AICS & FFP Mil/Mil scope (well over $3k now). You should really decide what the rifle needs to do and if you really are a "buy once, cry once" kinda guy.
Good luck!

[muddywings]

If this is true... Then you should save up and get a Accuracy International AX with at least a Nightforce scope. But that will blow your budget out the window. On the positive side, you wont ever (likely) have gear envy (or an excuse for misses).

You should narrow it down to (1) Minute of bad guy at 500y (2) Minute of gnat's ass at 800+. This will help you between a AR10/LR308 or a bolt rifle.

But I'll need excuses for my misses!

Unfortunately there has to be a balance between, buy once/cry once and money is no object. What I don't want to do is get a low end Rem700 with some crappy walmart glass and have to upgrade quickly. Likewise, I don't know how dedicated my wife will want to get into the LR shooting. So basically, I'm looking for a platform that is rugid, solid performer for if SHTF but likewise, something she and i could grow into. I understand if she develops a very strong passion and has the skills for it, there is a chance it could be a starter rifle for something bigger and badder latter on. However I am not sure if that will be the end case so a higher percentage chance that we would stop and be happy with what I tried to describe. (but probably failed to do so)

While an AR10 is on the dream sheet for "nice to have" I plan on sticking to a bolt gun. I would like to be able to get out past 500 yards.