Originally Posted By iostream:
My first question, is do I go with bolt-operated or semi-auto (and why?)...
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I think a bolt action is the better choice. Bolt action rifles are simpler systems and, in my mind, simpler = better!
Originally Posted By iostream:
Was looking at possibly buying a remington 700 in .308 which I have read in many places will take pretty far in my learning...
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Rem 700 is a good model because of the aftermarket for it... but Remington has had some QC issues recently making it probably not your first choice. There is a new-ish rifle patterned after the Rem 700 that has become popular recently - the Bergara B-14... Specifically the
HMR (
hunting,
match
rifle) is enjoying great popularity lately and for good reason. It has great features / value / bang for the buck and has a 1 MOA guarantee! Because it is patterned after the Rem700, there is no shortage of aftermarket parts and accessories that "fit" it - scope bases, triggers, stocks, etc. although the factory stock and trigger are pretty good. Bergara also makes a chassis rifle in the B-14 line - it's called the
BMP.
Originally Posted By iostream:
Also, looking for a quick and dirty on barrel length, calibers, and short pull vs long pull bolts. (why they matter, and which are better).
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The 2 most popular (non-magnum) calibers today seem to be the .308 and the 6.5 Creedmoor. I am a fan of the old, tried and true 308 but the 6.5 CM is ballisticaly superior... the max effective range for a 308 is about 800 meters. the max effective range for the 6.5 is well beyond 1000 meters. If you plan on shooting 1K or more, the 6.5 CM is the current hotness... if you plan on all your shooting being less than 800 meters, you can choose either. Both cartridges are chambered in "short" actions. I like the 308 because is it so old and such an icon that there is a wide variety of factory ammunition and an even wider variety of reloading components for 308 reloading... wide varieties produce good selections and decent prices!!! :-)
Common barrel lengths for the 308 are mostly 20 to 24 inches for "modern" precision / "tactical" rifles although you can find longer and shorter. 6.5 CM barrels are usually about 2 inches longer. In addition, "precision" barrels are typically thicker that common sporting barrels.
Originally Posted By iostream:
Thank you all in advance and my apologies if this is in the wrong section.
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You're welcome and it isn't!
P.S.: Just saw your last post... Best bang for the buck - budget "precision" shooting optic = SWFA fixed 10x @ ~$300