Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunting Rifles Wanted: Sniper rifle <1000 bucks

Before we get into this, I want to clearify that I am not part of some militant group planning on terrorism nor do I plan on shooting people, unless of course there is another revolution. Then as a "Patriot" I would fight.

I have always been fasinated with Snipers and their rifles. I have read as much as I could on famous snipers like Carlos Hathcock and others. Carlos Hathcock did much of his work with a m70 Winchester 30-06. I think even with gunsmithing tuning, this is an inexpensive yet effective sniper rifle. I have read that there were many snipers who used ordinary sporting rifles in war as sniper rifles. When I was truck driving, I talked to a driver who was a retired Marine sniper. He said his last rifle was a Browning A bolt in 30-06. He used it in Panama (or who knows for sure on that one)

Probably most any rifle in my safe would work as a sniper rifle but I want to put together a good shooting sniper rifle of sorts for less than 1500 bucks including scope. I want as much accuracy as I can and effective killing power to 800 yards or more. I am a seasoned reloader so the skys the limit for load versitility.

I want a rifle that is mild enough to shoot from any position without worrying about recoil.

Here are my caliber choices so far: 270 Winchester (I have shot enough 270's to know they are accurate and flat shooting and recoil little. Some of the new 140gr bullets are accurate and have high ballistic potential.)

Others I have thought about include: 270 WSM, 308 Win., 30-06, 25-06 (really thinking about this one) 6.5-06, 264 Win. 300 WSM, 7mm-08, 260 rem (might need a closer looking at).
Any others I should look into?

I want a med weight barrel that is easy to pack. I will probably only "snipe" feral cats, coyotes, rock chucks, distant rocks. It will unlikely be used on game. I think 10lbs with scope and ready to go is my weight limit.

Now for scopes: I think 6.5-20 w/ target adj. is about the range I am looking for. Leupold will probably be what I go with. I wasn't thinking about Mil Dot reticles but maybe I need to look into them.

For the Rifle, I just can't make up my mind. A good trigger (even after market if nessesary) is a must.

I really don't want to be into the rifle for more than 1500 bucks with the scope.

What route should I go? Thx

CM

P.S. I have always wanted to get my hands on a Springfield 03 A4. I love history and there is lots of it behind this sniper rifle.

Rem 700 in .308 or .300 Win. for $800ish and a Leupy Mark VI M1 3.5-10.

How about this ??

6BR or if you are really onto it then a 6BR Dasher.

I'd say a .260 rem or .308. The b/c of most .264 bullets is pretty high, a 140 grainer might even be going faster than your .277 140 grain out to the 800yds or so you mentioned. All that with less recoil. .308 would be cool though, give ya a real sniper feel.

it doesn't appear to me you want a "sniper rifle" you just want a long range rifle. you are correct though that most rifles can be used as a "sniper rifle" depending on the rules of engagement.

My "sniper rifle" is a 700 VS in .308. Heavier than you are looking for, but when I'm having a good day it will put 5 MatchKings into a group I can cover with my palm at 600 yards.
Mark

LTR 308 and Leupie 3.5-10x.................

CZ Varmint in 308. They are extremely accurate and all you have to do is put a goo scope on it. Also the single set trigger is a super aid to accurate shooting. the rifle is under 600 and you may be able to find a used one for even less.

I'm not sure if you're looking for a Tactical rifle or a long range sporting rifle.

In either case, you might want to take a look at Tikka's. The T3 Tactical in .308, sells for a little more than you had budgeted.



However, if I had the same need, I would buy a Tikka T3 .308, in the heavy barrel version (not Tactical) in either matte black or stainless. The action is the same, the barrel on the T3 heavy is 23 3/8" versus 20" on the Tactical version, and both versions weigh just a touch over 7lbs. The T3 heavy also does not have the adjustable stock feature of the Tactical version.

Here's some examples of the going prices for the Tikka:

Tikka .308 heavy stainless
Tikka .308 heavy matte black

my sniper rifle is for all purposes a left handed pss with a leupold 3.5x10 scope. it is on its third barrel. only free federal 168 match ammo goes down it's bore. i am "required" to shoot it three times a month in mandatory training for work ,but i can shoot it more if i want. OP ammo is always the best.

Combineman,
Here's a photo similar to the combination Stick suggested, already set-up. A few more bucks than your stated limit but still not too bad. You probably could put it together yourself and save a some money by shopping around for the components. web page

That's overpriced at $1679.00. They are hoping for an uninformed shopper to bite.

You can get more than that for less $$$.

LTR .308, $650 (or less if you look)
30mm Leupold 3.5-10x40 M1, $600 (or less)
Badger Ord base $120
Badger Ord Rings $120

If you opt a lighter base/rings setup, say PRW, you can get them for about $100 for base and rings. You can be up and running for 1300-1400 easily. It isn't too tricky to find good complete rigs (PSS, LTR, VS etc, with Leupold or similar) for sale for $1000-1200.

Combineman,
I've got the LTR in 308, with a Loupie 4.5x14. All it needs is an elevation turrent for long range shooting. I'm shooting Sierra 168 gr. MatchKings with a max charge of Re 15, and getting .5 groups for 5 at 100 when I do my part.
I've been itching to try this rifle at longer ranges but my shooting range is only 100 yards.
Virgil B.

What's an LTR?

My mind is so full of acronyms, I can't think straight anymore.

Thx

CM

It is a Remington 700P(police) LTR (Light tactical rifle).

http://www.remingtonle.com/rifles/700pltr.htm

Here's a Winchester Stealth .308, Badger base, ARMS rings, 10X Super Sniper, Harris bipod, Williams floorplate, for a little over a grand.

You could easily sell the Tasco for $250-275 if not to your liking.

http://www.snipershide.com/ubb/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=15;t=005269;p=1#000002

Here's a good one.

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=27726211

thx to all for your input.

CM

Another question:

I see the LTR is offered in 300 SAUM. IS this an accurate round? Is the law enforcement agencies beginning to use the SAUM's or WSM's?

I have never had much use for a SAUM or WSM for hunting but have looked at them as possible target rounds for a bit more HP.

CM