Which gun to start with?

So I've been wanting to build a gun for semi-long range shooting (maybe 6-800 yards). I am unfortunately on a budget, but do have two 7mm Remington magnum guns to choose from to start with. One is a Ruger M77 (original tang safety) and the other is a Browning A-bolt. Both shoot decent now (never really shot them much, accurate enough to put down elk, deer and antelope) but one will be going to my gunsmith for a trigger job, bedding, and get some better glass set on top of it. So, let's hear your opinions and reasons on which to start with. Also, thoughts on adding a muzzle brake? Will be shooting alone most of the time, so seeing bullet strikes would be a benefit.

Thanks for any input.

Sell both and buy a Rem 700. Lots more goodies available. Spend your money on a barrel.

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Originally Posted by Tim K

Sell both and buy a Rem 700. Lots more goodies available. Spend your money on a barrel.

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You can't go wrong with a 700.

I was in your boat recently. I wanted to start doing some long-ish range shooting and all I had was a Remington 7mm magnum. Decided to just start fresh and picked up a Remington SPS "Tactical" in .308 Win.

I can't see why you would need two 7 mags. I say part with one of them and start fresh with something else.

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Originally Posted by ray1970

I can't see why you would need two 7 mags. I say part with one of them and start fresh with something else.

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More than one hunter in the house, selling two to buy one won't help two people go elk hunting. :-) I'm in the "caliber consolidation" mode, and since I just picked up 1500 162 grain match bullets thanks to the classifieds here, I'll stick with 7mm. The Ruger will never leave my family, Dad bought it for me when I started high school. Unless someone wants to trade a Browning for a 700, it is a choice between these two.

Since it seems unanimous the answer is neither, next question. What is a Browning A-bolt selling for? It will be without optics, it is a matte finish, nice wood stock. I've looked on Armslist and Gunbroker, and the answer from there seems to be $400 to $900, would kind of like a better idea on what to ask...

Also, what is a Savage Model 12, 22-250 (no accutrigger), composite stock worth? Has an ok Tasco 6-24 on it and a bipod. May sell both of these and put that into a 700.

There is nothing wrong with 7RM for long range, I have a PSS in 7RM that will put 162 BTHP's into a nice hole, and has a flatter trajectory and less wind drift than a .308 ever will. The downfall with 7RM is the lack of factory loaded "match" ammo, as the only manufacturer I know of is Black Hills, and it isn't cheap. If you load your own, you are far better off.

If you do reload, your options with those two rifles is pretty limited as far as stocks and ...not much else. A quality gunsmith can take care of your trigger and bedding just fine, and if your accuracy is lacking with the factory barrels (I have seen many 77's shoot just as well as other brands), you can have it re-barreled for less than the price of a new 700.

If you decide to go the new rifle route, do not overlook Savages. "Out of the box", I have had far more success with Savage than Remington in the accuracy department. The money saved can be used for a better stock (where Savage does skimp) and/or better glass.

My $.02.

The A-Bolt is a surprisingly nice gun out of the box. Way better than most 700s in stock form IMHO. Parts aren't easy to find for it, but the trigger is adjustable down to the 2-3lb area with a good clean break. The twist rates are almost always on the fast side in the A-Bolt (which are hard to find in most calibers/models of 700s), which is good for the heavier loads you will want to shoot for long range. Stock form, I'd take an A Bolt over just about any 700... but the 700 has so many parts, barrels, and data/knowledge that it can easily be made into a nicer long range setup. That said, given your current needs and desires, you have my vote for the browning.

I'd say invest in a good tactical scope, 20 MOA base (if you want to stretch further than 800), good rings, and pull the trigger out of the stock and crank the set screw out for a lighter pull. You should have no issues pushing a 7mmRM A Bolt out to your desired distances, or even a good bit further with that right there.

My personal experiences with Brownings is zilch, but a bud o' mine does have one in 300 RUM, and while it kick's him like a mule, it does shoot. J may be onto something...

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Originally Posted by Tim K

Sell both and buy...

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Savage 10/110 is great out of the box for a good price.

Remy 700's are excellent but with gunsmithing, swapping barrel and stocks they get expensive quick. One advantage is all the available parts both new and used.

Tikkas T3 are supposed to be awesome right out of the box, but dont have much experience with them.

Any of these will get you where you looking to go. But don't forget to budget $1k+ for glass too...[Cry]It is fun and addictive though. Why else would we spend all this dough on it!

Stock fit is critical to precision shooting, especially if you intend to shoot prone. One of the reasons everyone is so keen on 700's is the availability of many styles of aftermarket precision stocks.

If your current stock fits perfectly you're all set. Personally, I like as many adjustments as I can get to fit the rifle to me rather than the other way around. Maybe there are stocks available for your current rifles, but I suspect the options are limited.