Barrett MRAD or 98B in .308

[pe4king]

There you go then, just get the AX job done and a better rifle IMHO.

[Sim G]

It will not be twice as good....

[Grahamcs]

Sorry I meant AT not AX

Similar price to AX

[Sim G]

Either way, the AI is a superior rifle....

[lapua338]

Either way, the AI is a superior rifle....

... and choose a 26" .260 Rem barrel!

You know it makes sense!

[Grahamcs]

After researching more about the mrad though I have just found out that the upper is removable and they will soon offer 260 uppers with bolt set and barrel

It is basically a bolt action ar with a separate upper and lower receiver

.6 moa accuracy as well

It's a nice bit of kit really

I think the ax is 308 300 and 338 only

The 98b is 338 only

I fancy working my way through the 308 base cartridge calibres for a few years and collecting appropriate uppers as I go

[DW58]

You'll soon learn the error of your ways and start looking at proper rifles.

It's a bit like a guy who hasn't passed his driving test talking about the Audi R8 he fancies buying.

[Grahamcs]

Your metaphor suggests that the rifle will be too powerful and expensive for my beginner skill as a shooter?

I don't know how that works really?

a .308 is a .308 isn't it and £5k is bugger all to spend on a hobby that you love.

Will this tube be any more dangerous or difficult to handle than a pretty timber covered tube?

I was also told to buy once.

I thought that something with a pistol grip and decent ergonomics as well as the ability to upgrade or try out calibres in the .308 base cartridge range would be ideal for a beginner?

Ok educate me then Sir

What proper rifles should I be looking at?

Something born not of military technology of the previous century but the one before that I assume? ;-)

All in good faith btw!

One thing that I will probably 'get away with' is the purchase of some military classics

I fancy a 1903 Springfield and an SMLE number 4 (I think I have got that right)

and by the way I keep getting drawn to a lovely Tikka 85 in .308........

P.S. I quite fancy an R8 but prefer terrace houses

[ovenpaa]

I have shot both AI and Barrett rifles in the past and the Accuracy International out performed the Barrett on every occasion even though it was marginal. It is down to user choice and what you want to live with.

I assume you mean Sako 85, I would opt for the older model 75 and I do like the Tikka rifles of the 80's and 90's.

[Grahamcs]

Damn it!

Yes Sako. I'll get there.

I'm not trying to be cocky here and really do need guidance.

I saw a Sako in the flesh for the first time yesterday and to be fair, the stock was absolutely awesome.

It did get me thinking.

I think if I went for a conventional layout rifle I would go wooden stock Sako.