What is the best but affordable long-range rifle w/ scope for 900+ yards hobby shooting?

Question

I am just starting to appreciate shooting hobby. i love playing counterstrike games in the PC and i want to be able to shoot the real thing at a shooting range. i plan to buy each gun category (pistol, submachine gun, sniper rifle) for collection and hobby but i want to buy the best but affordable ones. I need your help. also what are the requirements as far as owning guns are concerned. i am a responsible person and i live in Missouri. what pistol, submachine gun and sniper rifle do you recommend? initially i like the Super 38 caliber pistol, AR-15 or M4 Commando and Steyr AUG, and Steyr Scout rifle w/ scope. thanks

Answer 1

Bound's hubby here:

Thank you for a good question that seems to clarify your intent. The real world of shooting is nothing like a video game. In the real world of shooting there are many variables to consider, many skills to develop and much more than just pulling a trigger.

Probably the most important question you asked entails the eligibility requirements for gun ownership. First and foremost, under Federal law a convicted felon can not own a firearm. Nor can a person either convicted of or pled guilty to a charge of domestic violence. In addition, under Federal law a potential gun owner must be at least 18 years of age to puchase a rifle or shotgun (and the ammunition for same) and 21 years of age to purchase a handgun and ammunition that could be chambered in a handgun. Also, anyone that seeks to purchase a "machine gun" must have a Federal Class III tax stamp license. Also, most avid shooters do not own or persue machine guns.

With respect to purchasing of handguns you must decide what you want your handgun for and be honest with yourself. If your priority is either target shooting or hunting and self-defense is a distant third priority, you can look at a revolver. If you are looking at target shooting exclusively, look at a high quality (all steel) semi-automatic pistol. If you are looking at hunting exclusively, you can look at either a Thompson Center Contender (which accepts interchangeable barrels) or a magnum revolver with a 6" or longer barrel. If self-defense is a priority a smaller handgun either a revolver or semi-automatic made of either an alloy or all steel or a polymer would suffice.

With respect to a long range rifle, you should never refer to it as a "sniper" rifle if you want to be taken seriously, but you can always look at the military sniper rifle for guidance. Personally, I like the Remington 700 series Varmint rifles as a foundation for a long range target rifle. For 1000 yard rifle, you want to select a cartridge who's thousand yard velocity is at least 1,121 feet per second (fps) so the bullet can be controled. As an easy rule fo thumb this leaves you with the .308 and .30-06 among the non-magnum cartridges. In addition, you want at least a 24" long barrel (or longer) that is of at least 1" in diameter. An adjustable trigger always helps. For a rifle scope you can look at either a Leupold target scope or, my prefence, a Weaver T-series target scope.

Personally, I would not consider a machine gun. Instead consider a shotgun with a deer barrel.

While the .38 Super is an interesting cartridge, it's applications are limited. The AR-15 (or the military "space gun" equivalent) are interesting. Their practical application is pretty much close to 600 yards with the proper twist barrel and appropriate weight bullet. While the Steyr Aug is an interesting assault-type weapon it does not have an acceptable in American competition or on American target ranges.

To learn the game, look to the target shooters and engage yourself in target competition. To become good, you will have to shoot a lot, which means you'll have to reload. Because this is expensive, I would suggest you pick only one discipline, rifle or pistol, and focus on this.

If you have any additional questions, feel free to write us.

Good luck and good shooting.

Answer 2

For a pistol I would choose a 9mm or 40. 9mm holds more ammo. the 40 or 45 has more punch on impact.

If you live in missouri You cant own a submachine gun unless you have a FFL and are a Dealer.

Semi auto you can have and there are way too many to list just pick the one you want. The more you shoot the more it costs so if it were me I would pick one one with a caliber the ammo was the cheapest in. .223 or 7mmx39.

Sniper rifles range also 308, 30-06 being most popular. for up to 1000 yards and still be effective. 7mm remington mag is about the same but kicks a lot more. Remington and Savage make some good affordable rifles.

Just my opinion.

Answer 3

Q: "Long range target shooting , 900 yards have you done it....?" A: I've fired at targets 500 yards away. I've not had the opportunity to shoot on targets at greater distances. Q: "Am I the only person on this forum who has done or even knows about this sort of long range shooting with military rifles and ammo. I am in Australia don't you Yanks do this kind of shooting..?" A: Not everyone has access to long-distance shooting ranges. In my area, the greatest distance available is 600 yards at a members-only shooting club. Also, the equipment needed to make long-distance shooting worthwhile might be more than someone can afford. There are people who have access to the ranges and can afford the equipment needed for long-distance shooting, but they're not a majority within the shooting community. Still, I think long-distance shooting would be fun.

Answer 4

I would learn to shot on the classic Remington 700(308). It was accurate enough from Nam to the Gulf War. The U.S. Marine Corps' M40 series sniper rifle is a modified 700. I can personally say in the right hands it is good to 1200 yards with a 10 power scope.
After wards I would step up to a Browning 50 cal.

I would then pick the the M4 and the classic colt 45 1911 a1( always works and great stopping power)

Answer 5

The two longest shots made in combat on two (2)* V. C. was made with a 308 caliber Winchester Model 70 heavy barrel, equipped with a 10X scope at a range of 1500 Meters.* Hope that helps you decide.* They are not available to testify to that fact however.* Get Remington, Savage or Winchester new or used and save $$$$.* A new rifle doesn't shoot any better than a good used one.*

Answer 6

There is a huge discrepancy in what people consider "affordable" I spent Thanksgiving weekend with an Armalite AR50 at $4.00 per round, 308 at $1.50+ per round, 270 and 30-06 at 1.50+ per round..... All of these are perfectly capable rounds at the range you requested. However, the number of rounds in practice that will be required to become competent (not good, competent) at that range will cost far more than the rifle and optics package over time.

My recommendation for someone just getting started in rifle marksmanship would be to purchase a good quality rimfire , and learn the mechanics of proper marksmanship before getting in over your head with something you can't afford to shoot in practice. There are several high quality rimfires out there that will allow you to practice your technique for less than $0.10 per round. There is no substitute for practice.

I like my CZ for practice. The CZ 455 varmint is a bolt action, heavy barrel rifle that is an excellent training option for a much more affordable price. The Savage mark II TR is another great option. It comes with a tactical style stock, heavy barrel, and famous accutrigger. It will allow you to practice without the cost or the recoil.

Additionally, it is very difficult to find a range that has 900+ yard capability. I have been shooting high power for two decades, but still regularly practice my technique with a 22. I fire roughly 800 rounds a week in various loads. Trust me, even reloading, I could easily spend over a $1000 a week in ammo components alone if it were not for the trusty 22.

Answer 7

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
What is the best but affordable long-range rifle w/ scope for 900+ yards hobby shooting?
I am just starting to appreciate shooting hobby. i love playing counterstrike games in the PC and i want to be able to shoot the real thing at a shooting range. i plan to buy each gun category (pistol, submachine gun, sniper rifle) for collection and hobby but i want to buy the best but affordable...

Answer 8

first off, be advised that there is NO gun sold, that is sold as a SNIPER RIFLE.
there are some rifles that are better for a sniper ( person ) to use.
as far as a sub-machine gun, you will need to have a clear record , to pass the back ground check . Unless you plan to buy a black market weapon. Even then, you will have to drop some serious money for just the weapon.
As far as a weapon for shooting targets at 900 yds, a large number of calibers are capable of that. Usually, the cause of the bullet not hitting a target, is not the fault of the gun, Rather, it is the inability of the person squeezing the trigger, to hold the gun on target.

Answer 9

.70 caliber Sharps Buffalo Rifle...without scope. It knocked down full grown bull Bisons at 1,000 yards. For pistol consider a Walther P-88. For smg, consider the 1928 Thompson with 100 round drum magazine, and cutts compensator. Newer weapons may fire faster, but use lighter 9mm rounds, and smaller magazines. For sniper rifle, go with the Sharps. By the time anyone figures out that the shot came from 1,000 yards away-rather than the 400 yards common to most rifles, you'll be long gone.

Answer 10

Affordable Sniper Rifle