I have a bad habit of purchasing ammo for guns I want before I have them. As such, I am currently in possession of some .308 and need something to shoot it out of. While I have an idea of what I want and some details, I'm still lost as to what might be a good entry into larger caliber rifles. I'm currently monetarily deficient, so an all-around or best bang for buck option is what I'm after. I am also willing to save for the right choice as well, given it makes the most sense. I'll give some options, background, and parameters, and if anyone has any feedback or opinions, I'd greatly apreciate it.
Currently do not own, nor have shot anything larger than 5.56. Range I belong to is limited to 200 yds. If bolt action, I would prefer a single stack, detatchable box magazine fed platform, 10 rds. optimal. Reviews point to some of the "universal" feed magazines being gritty and rough, though I have no first-hand experience. Method of use is for range fun, SHTF fantasy, possible future long range use, and to pop my "high-power" cherry. I do not hunt, and appearance matters as life is too short to own ugly firearms. Options I am considering are:
1. Ruger precision rifle or Tikka T3 tactical. Both have far more range than I need, but appeal to me nontheless. They both prescribe to the previously mentioned parameters of bolt action. An appropriate optic would increase the price signifgantly. Both relatively attractive options.
2. Century Arms C308. Not nearly as accurate, or pretty, but accurate enough at the ranges I'm considering. Much cheaper than other options. Pre-ban mags are easily found and cheap. No optic necessary, LPVO would work well. Would like this gun and feel like it's a true EOTWAWKI firearm, but may feel like I'm settling.
3. AR-10. Familiar with platform, just bigger. More accurate than C308..? Nicely straddles bolt action and C308 for effective range. DMR comes to mind. Optic options are vast, may want bipod. Most expensive option by far, especially in MA. Somewhat attractive gun, in my opinion. Harder to find. If these were priced similarly to AR-15's, I'd already have one.
4. Springfield M1A, probably SOCOM 16, or Scout Squad. By and above the most gorgeoues rifle of all the options listed. Relatively pricey. Pre-ban mags are... available? Again, my feeling(possibly wrongly so) is that this rides somewhere between the bolt action and C308 in terms of accuracy. Iron sights are legendary, apparently, and it comes with a pic rail for something else if I desire. Action is reliable but seems vulnerable in extreme conditions(SHTF fantasy BS) and I'm a lefty and don't know about the reciprocating parts hitting my hand. This is a bucket list gun but don't know that it's worth the wait, or is it?
Thanks in advance.
Currently do not own, nor have shot anything larger than 5.56. Range I belong to is limited to 200 yds. If bolt action, I would prefer a single stack, detatchable box magazine fed platform, 10 rds. optimal. Reviews point to some of the "universal" feed magazines being gritty and rough, though I have no first-hand experience. Method of use is for range fun, SHTF fantasy, possible future long range use, and to pop my "high-power" cherry. I do not hunt, and appearance matters as life is too short to own ugly firearms. Options I am considering are:
1. Ruger precision rifle or Tikka T3 tactical. Both have far more range than I need, but appeal to me nontheless. They both prescribe to the previously mentioned parameters of bolt action. An appropriate optic would increase the price signifgantly. Both relatively attractive options.
2. Century Arms C308. Not nearly as accurate, or pretty, but accurate enough at the ranges I'm considering. Much cheaper than other options. Pre-ban mags are easily found and cheap. No optic necessary, LPVO would work well. Would like this gun and feel like it's a true EOTWAWKI firearm, but may feel like I'm settling.
3. AR-10. Familiar with platform, just bigger. More accurate than C308..? Nicely straddles bolt action and C308 for effective range. DMR comes to mind. Optic options are vast, may want bipod. Most expensive option by far, especially in MA. Somewhat attractive gun, in my opinion. Harder to find. If these were priced similarly to AR-15's, I'd already have one.
4. Springfield M1A, probably SOCOM 16, or Scout Squad. By and above the most gorgeoues rifle of all the options listed. Relatively pricey. Pre-ban mags are... available? Again, my feeling(possibly wrongly so) is that this rides somewhere between the bolt action and C308 in terms of accuracy. Iron sights are legendary, apparently, and it comes with a pic rail for something else if I desire. Action is reliable but seems vulnerable in extreme conditions(SHTF fantasy BS) and I'm a lefty and don't know about the reciprocating parts hitting my hand. This is a bucket list gun but don't know that it's worth the wait, or is it?
Thanks in advance.