Help me choose a rifle.

[Bob A]

I will be buying a rifle next summer and would like the opinions of any who can help. I want a medium caliber high power weapon. I have a lot of experince with the M-16A2 and am a fan of its civilian copies, but I want something with a longer range. I have never shot an M-16 with a scope, so I don't know what it's capabilites are beyond 500 yards. I'd like to be able to put rounds in a 12" circle at 1,000. Also, I know little about scopes, so any help there would be good too.

[tcsd1236]

My first suggestion is that if you are happy with the AR style weapon, but want a little more range, go to the AR10 chambered in 7.62 (.308) The controls will be the same as the AR 5.56 you are used to, with the added range and power you are looking for.
If you want something other than an AR style weapon, please provide further info about your planned uses of this weapon to assist in selection of suitable options.

[KenM]

I take it that at that range you would be doing some type of long range competition shooting. Everyone that I know who participates in this type of sport (though not at quite that range) shoots custom Remington 700's. Most choose 308cal. I don't have any info on the scopes, though I noticed quite a few Leupolds. Be ready to drop some major coin on your purchase. Unless you buy a custom job from a gun shop(major $$$$) you'll probably need to have quite a bit of work done on it.

Personally I'd stay away from any of the AR style weapons for this type of shooting.

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"Trust me. I'm from the government, I'm here to help."

[Sparky]

A rifle is a tool. Just like a drill, or a wrench, or a screwdriver.

The right tool for the job depends on the job.

It's impossible to really recommend a specefic rifle without knowing what you are planning on using it for.

Hunting? Defense? CQB? Patrol Rifle? Survival? Sport? Fun?

What do you want out of your rifle?

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-Sparky

[Bob A]

I want to be able to shoot targets for sport. If I were choosing a weapon for defense, I'd definitely go with an AR because of the familiarity I have and the ease of obtaining repair parts and accessories. I don't hunt, but would like to have something that would work if that need ever arose.

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It is better to be silent and thought a fool, than to speak and remove all doubt.

[Sparky]

Okay, then I'd probably go with a bolt action in .308 Winchester. The Remingtons are very good, but there are others as well.

Since there isn't much time pressure, you can probably find a good deal on a used rifle. Go talk to your local gun store folks, and they should be able to help you out.

Myself, I've always kind of wanted a Remington in .300 Winchester Magnum, but I don't hunt elephants and could not justify the expense. But it would be nice to have just so I could say I have one. http://www.officer.com/ubb/biggrin.gif

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-Sparky