I figure this is the place to ask.

I'm after a new rifle and was wondering what people personal experience and opinions are.

Things I want out of the rifle are

* Good value for money
* Good kit, so it's not going to be obsolete or sub par equipment
* I'm wanting to get into longer distance shoots evenutally
* Ease of maintenance and parts
* Common caliber so ammunition isn't hard to find or too expensive.

I'm thinking that the Remington 700 P with .308 win with Leupold Mk IV scope and Harris bi-pod might be a good starting base.

Either that or a Savage 110FP/10FP with the same scope and a bi-pod. I'm not opposed to a Nightforce NXS series scope or any suggestions others may have that meet the above criteria.

Is .308 Win the right calibre? Or .223?

Note: Being in Australia, we have MUCH more stringent gun laws than you do on the States, semi-auto rifles are illegal and the above two rifles run close to $2k locally without scope/bi-pod etc so that's something to keep in mind.

Advice?

 

Go with the Remington .308, you won't be sorry. I would say that its a little more than "entry level" (I think iron sights are a better place to start), but it is an excellent weapon and a great value. Leupold and Harris will complete the set.

 

Thanks SWATDoc! Always best to ask the experts

 

That's what I have, and I love it. (Well, mine's not the P, but close enough. I even have that scope.) .308 is a LOT more expensive than .223, keep that in mind. You can also shoot .223 all day every day...not so much with .308. You get tired a lot faster. Obviously you should get both!

 

Bolt action, iron sights, single shot .22 that's how you start!

 

 

+100
Gospel

 

I shot both the 308 and 223. I remington 700 is great starting point.

 

I have one of these in 300 Remington Ultra Mag- it's a bit of overkill. This specific model is discontinued, but I'd get a 700 from Remington's custom shop in .308.

Remington Model 700™ Custom KS Mountain Rifle

 

You're after a new rifle... does that mean you have prior experience? If not, I'd suggest picking up a .22, semi-automatic, iron sites.

.223 is a pretty cool round, and versatile, plus it won't tire you out or be expensive to shoot like a .308 or .30-06. Honestly, I love shooting my little .17 semi-automatic, composite, Leupold scope. It's cheap, fast and very accurate to 100-110 yards.