We had two guys that came out to shoot at our last match who had never shot beyond 200 yards and they were pretty excited. We let them shoot our rifles for the day. I think they are hooked as they both asked what should they buy so that they could come back and shoot their own rifles. Both of them have kids in college and so forth so they are on a limited budget. I told them that it would be silly to spend thousands on a rifle/optic combo only to find out 6 months down the road that LR shooting was not something they really enjoyed. I've seen it happen before. I suggested a bolt gun in either 6.5 Creed or .308 Winchester. Both are capable of getting out there and ammo is readily available. We typically shoot prone out to 600 yards at paper targets (1/2 moa "x" ring") and using steel targets for "sighters" and occasionally shooting out to 900 yards. Some of the guys shoot PRS style too but these two really liked shooting prone for score.
Maybe something like this:
I believe it comes in 6.5 too. Personally I would lean towards the 6.5 Creed over the .308 Win simply because of the ballistics but both are capable mid-range calibers.
Optics are a bit of a challenge so I was thinking some of the Arken products in the $500 range. I've heard good things about them. (??)
I'm not sure if this combo would do the job or not? It may just frustrate them. It's easy talking about guns and gear to someone and making recommendations but a bit different when they are going to purchase what you tell them. Like I wish that they could get longer barrels. At those ranges they will need every foot of velocity they can get. And I'm not sure if this rifle will even hold a group at 600?
Anyone ever get in this situation with new shooters that ask you what to buy? Regardless of what sport they want to shoot.
Maybe something like this:
Savage Arms 110 Tactical Matte Black Bolt Action Rifle - 308 Winchester - 24in
Savage Arms 110 Tactical Matte Black Bolt Action Rifle - 308 Winchester - 24in - Savage's 110 Tactical model is designed for high-stakes precision and adaptability. It features Savage's AccuFit synthetic stock with five comb riser sizes for the perfect cheek-to-stock weld, four composite inserts...
www.sportsmans.com
I believe it comes in 6.5 too. Personally I would lean towards the 6.5 Creed over the .308 Win simply because of the ballistics but both are capable mid-range calibers.
Optics are a bit of a challenge so I was thinking some of the Arken products in the $500 range. I've heard good things about them. (??)
EP5 5-25X56mm FFP MOA VPR Reticle
www.arkenopticsusa.com
I'm not sure if this combo would do the job or not? It may just frustrate them. It's easy talking about guns and gear to someone and making recommendations but a bit different when they are going to purchase what you tell them. Like I wish that they could get longer barrels. At those ranges they will need every foot of velocity they can get. And I'm not sure if this rifle will even hold a group at 600?
Anyone ever get in this situation with new shooters that ask you what to buy? Regardless of what sport they want to shoot.