Too many options, need help on a beginner Bench rifle

[fly boy]

I was dead set on a Remington 700p (PSS, or Police) in .308 caliber. I finally tracked down someone that was most helpful yet completely not helpful. He works for RSR Group and does all the military sales, along with testing and competition shooting and has talked me out of what I wanted. So I come here for more opinions to point me in a direction.

Gun application: Mainly play at the range 500yrds and under, and if I feel froggy take it into the woods. I know I will have this gun for years, and I'm sure it will be used/abused.
My Skill: I better than someone just starting out, but I would say I don't have any skill.

My original plan was Rem 700p - has a 20" fluted barrel, and a much better stock than the standard SPS.
Now I was told to think about these options
Rem 700 5r **BOUGHT THIS**
Steyr pro-hunter
FN Spr a1
Springfield M1A
CZ

Anyone want to concur saying if I'm already spending $900 on the Rem 700p, should I consider something else? My original budget was $1200, I was hoping that would include a Zeiss or Bushnell Elite scope.

**EDIT**

Bought a SWFA 16x42 but it is on back order, and after calling today, it is pushed until July!!!! Can I effectively drop down to a 10x or 12x and be able to hit MOA at 500 yards? Or will I need higher magnification?

http://swfa.com/SWFA-SS-10x42-Tactic...pe-P53712.aspx
http://swfa.com/SWFA-SS-12x42-Tactic...pe-P53714.aspx

[quickdraw]

Call Chuck at Mac's Gunworks. He can get you in a Rem 700 with aftermarket stock and bottom metal for $995. Tell him RJ Sent you.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G900A using Tapatalk

[Tim K]

Stick with Remington for aftermarket support.

[XC700116]

Rem 700 5r or what RJ said, I'd stay away from the other stuff since if you decide to change or upgrade something later, the options are pretty limited.

[Hound]

Remington gets my vote.

[fly boy]

Call Chuck at Mac's Gunworks. He can get you in a Rem 700 with aftermarket stock and bottom metal for $995. Tell him RJ Sent you.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G900A using Tapatalk

What is the "bottom metal?" I can get a 700p that's already aluminum bedded - if that's what bottom metal is.

Rem 700 5r or what RJ said, I'd stay away from the other stuff since if you decide to change or upgrade something later, the options are pretty limited.

I don't plan on changing anything out really. Just looking to replace a .308 that I've had since I was 17. It will get more range time then in the woods. Someone told me that the Steyr will not walk if I am doing continuous shooting, but the REM or even a TC would start to walk if I am putting lead down range fast.

[C Ward]

Precision rifle and shooting fast are different requirements . First you got to figure out what direction you want to go .

Bottom metal refers to the magazine parts that are on the bottom of the stock .

[fly boy]

I want to be able to send 10 rounds down range without it starting to walk. I shoot my savage and the first shot with a cold barrel is low left. The next 3 are on and then after that it starts to walk. I would like a rifle that will be on target first shot and can stay on target if I shoot 10 in a row.

By "fast" I mean 1-3 a minute. I have an AR for rapid.

[C Ward]

Both the 5r and the PSS are capable of that , the rifle that Mac's would put together also . An M1A is a pain in the ass to put a scope on and depending on the rifle can shift POI as it gets hot . The Steyr is a hunting gun and not really suited as a target rifle . The FN is a solid gun . Haven't had any experience with the CZ rifles other than 22's .

[Tim K]

If you're insistent on not making changes to whatever you buy, then buy whichever has a stock that fits you best. Better yet, buy one with at least an adjustable cheek piece. A floating chin weld is not beneficial to accuracy. That's actually the reason I suggested Remington. There are many aftermarket stocks available and you should be able to find one that fits.

The comb on the McMillan on the FN might be high enough depending on what rings you use.