Help with long range shooter

[Delfuego]

I am looking to get into long range shooting. I am trying to get setup with a .308 bolt action for a good price. I dont want to have to "mess" with the rifle much, i just want to shoot and practice. This is about my max budget, and i don't think I could put one together for less.

I have found this deal from snipercentral.com:

http://www.snipercentral.com/entrypackage.htm
http://www.snipercentral.com/rementrypack.phtml

What do you guys think? Opinions on which package? Experience with these rifles? Any suggestions on addition smithing or parts?

For the price it is hard to beat. I would also be open to a used rifle and have cash or can trade as well.

Pedro

[Hoser]

Go with the Reminton 700.

[cowboykjohnson]

Go with the Reminton 700.

+1 i've got a 700 police, an awesome tack driver.

[Delfuego]

Any reason in particular? Compatibility? Availability of parts? Accuracy?
I have been hearing good things about the Howas.
Do you think $200 worth of .308 + practice would be worth money better spent?

Thanks!

PS: I am a pretty amateur shooter, and have only shot out to 100 yards. I would ideally like to learn to shoot to 400 or 600, maybe further with practice.

[cowboykjohnson]

Remington is built well, extremely accurate, parts are easily attainable... I've killed elk out past 500 yds with mine in .300 win. Just an all around awesome gun. Like anything else you get addicted and you want to shoot further and further, next thing you know your looking at .338 Lapua and .50 BMG.

[cowboykjohnson]

If you can afford it upgrade the scope too.

[BigBear]

I have the 1500 Howa, .308 from snipercentral. It's a lot of fun. Great craftsmanship, shoots great, etc. Mel knows what he's talking about in the long range area and he's a great guy to deal with as well.

Whichever you settle on will serve you well.

If you'd like to try mine out first, just PM and let me know.

[Backinblackrifles]

I have built both from the actions up and was very pleased with both but given the choice between another howa or the rem. I would have to go with the made in america 700 better quality better steel and made in america!

[glucas]

It seems to me you could build one for the same price and thats half the fun IMO. Example given.

700 sps varmint= $550
Bell and Carlson stock from Stockys=$208
EGW rail=$40
XTR rings=$40
Bushnell 3200 Tac 10x=$200
Harris=$60
Plano=$30
_________________________
=$1130
These are for the EXACT same items listed and prices I actually found before as I posted this. You may be able to find them a little cheaper.

Plus you could add or subtract whatever you wanted and have a spare stock to take through the woods hunting and beat up if you wanted and use the Bell at the range.

[Delfuego]

Thanks for the help guys. Budget is important to me and I also am not really interested in customization (much..). My AR is like an Erector-Set for adults as it is, and it has nickel-and-dimed me already.

A member here pm'd me with a Savage FCP LE .308 for a good price. It has a 24" / HS stock / scope / bipod and is ready to rock. Any thoughts? Seems to be well reviewed. And not waiting 3-4 months is a big bonus too.

BigBear, thanks for the offer, that is truly generous. I might just take you up on you offer depending on what my options end up being.

PS: I was thinking that a "Rice Rifle" (Howa/Nikon) might be fun...