Barrett MRAD or 98B in .308

[Grahamcs]

Ovenpaa,

Thanks for that piece of info.

The MRAD seem to be looking at more of the .308 family calibres starting with the 260.

I think I have got that right.

A new upper with bolt set and barrel is £1000 and apparently takes 3 minutes to change.

I like the sound of that for later on.

But I also take on board what Dromia and DW58 have said about calibres.

[ovenpaa]

If it was me starting off with the money I would look for a late AI/AW chambered in 7,62x51 with a PMII on top and then add rifles from there. Only accurate rifles are interesting so I would add a good P14 .303 and a 6,5x47 or .260 along the way.

Luckily we are all different.

[DW58]

I think you're misunderstanding what I said Grahamlincs, I'm not suggesting that you can't handle a .308, but that's your currently being blinded by the sight of all of those shiny things.

Look at it this way - the AI AX you're currently dreaming of ... ... ... to make it a viable package you need:

• AX/MRAD/98B rifle
• Scope mount
• Scope
• Bipod
• Bipod mount
• Rifle case
• Gun safe
• Reloading kit (there's no point in feeding an AX or similar with most factory ammo if you're going to get the best out of it)

Now that's just for starters - how much change are you going to get out of £10k - not a lot considering just the scope and rifle will set you back around £8k assuming you go for a scope worthy of the rifle.

What stage are you are - probationary membership, how long before you can apply for your FAC?

[Sandgroper]

I think you're misunderstanding what I said Grahamlincs, I'm not suggesting that you can't handle a .308, but that's your currently being blinded by the sight of all of those shiny things.

Look at it this way - the AI AX you're currently dreaming of ... ... ... to make it a viable package you need:

• AX/MRAD/98B rifle
• Scope mount
• Scope
• Bipod
• Bipod mount
• Rifle case
• Gun safe
• Reloading kit (there's no point in feeding an AX or similar with most factory ammo if you're going to get the best out of it)

Now that's just for starters - how much change are you going to get out of £10k - not a lot considering just the scope and rifle will set you back around £8k assuming you go for a scope worthy of the rifle.

What stage are you are - probationary membership, how long before you can apply for your FAC?

Jeez my budget for my .308 is £250 at a push! I'll gratefully accept any change you have left over after you buy your rifle.

I haven't really been following this thread but I have to ask, why do want that particular type of rifle? For me, my .308 will be for shooting out to 600m so I don't see the need to spend vast amounts of money on a plinker (and my budget is really £250!), however, it is your money and if that's what you want then go for it but remember the Sim G Rule - No pictures = No gun.

[Grahamcs]

Hi DW,

Full member for 2 weeks now.

FAC is just in.

I have An Atlas Bipod, AIM rifle case and currently in the process of getting the safe.

I have also got a Leupold VX1 3-9 x 50 which will do me for 100m to start with including some pretty good scope mounts for Picatinny 1913.

I know I will need to shell out an extra £2k + on a scope within a few months or so but want to get the rifle first.

PMII I think Ovenpaa said. I think one of the lads at the club has one of those.

I think I could sum it up in one statement.

It's not the Tacticool thing....I just like the feel of pistol grip rifles, albeit with a bolt.

I think a Tikka T3 or Remington 700 in an MDT chassis would also work for me.

[Grahamcs]

Also, you are quite correct I am also a Magpie....

[ovenpaa]

I think I could sum it up in one statement.

It's not the Tacticool thing....I just like the feel of pistol grip rifles, albeit with a bolt.

I think the earlier full stocked AI/AW and AI/AE are iconic and superbly functional bits of kit and if you can get on with the ergonomics they are *the* AI to own and cherish. Add a PMII in the 12 to 25X range and you are sorted. My AI/AE is a good few years old now, on its second barrel with a third sitting in the cabinet ready to be fitted. It has been shot to 1200 yards on numerous occasions, dragged around the UK and Europe and shot in rain, snow, dust and sand and has never let me down. I honestly cannot think of a better off the shelf rifle.

Regardless of the features of the newer more tacticool AI's I certainly would not think twice when it came to choosing another AI and next for me will be an AW in 300WM probably with a Mils 4-16 PMII and at the first possible opportunity it will be pushed out to 1500-2000m to see how it goes.

[JS569]

Hi Graham

I’ve followed this thread with some interest and I’m sure all the rifles you’ve mentioned and others have will out shoot the lot us given the correct hand load etc. The below is just a thought and someone’s budget is their budget so it’s up to them as to what to spend it on and I can see the appeal and reasoning behind the rifles you mention- if I ever have the budget I don’t think I’ll be far behind you.

However, from what I’ve gathered you still getting into the sport and the advice you’ve had- buy once, I stand by completely with the tweak of buy right (regularly having the same discussion with my girlfriend). But as you’re still finding your feet wouldn’t you be better buying a cheaper rifle to learn your craft on because who’s to say that in a couple of months or next year you find practical shotgun is you bag or something else.

I’ve gradually worked my way through rifles until I found what I wanted, I’d shot airguns from a young age, worked up to FAC at 15 using .22s then got a No4 mk1 after getting a Carl gustav 308 rifle bought for £150. As I’ve gone I found I’m really interested in classic military rifles and have built up a collection on top of a AR and couple of ‘working’ guns for field use, that’s over a 10-15yr period.

The CG rifle was sold for a little bit more than I paid for it but it got me shooting FB and getting a feel for what I wanted to do, I now know that I love shooting my classic rifles but also wanted something fun but accurate, hence I went for a lantac AR within the last two years.

The great thing about shooting is horses for courses, there’s something for most people so make sure you find what ticks your boxes because like cars it’s as much an emotional decision as a rational one to the firearm you end up picking. I hope my point has come across but in the end get what makes you happy as at the end of the day it’s a hobby which is meant to bring you pleasure.

[Grahamcs]

I'm actually using the club guns and other peoples (thanks to them) before I choose.

I am liking .308 atm.

I'm not rushing into this.

It's the fault of the Tikka T3 with TET chassis that has put me off getting an AR, which before my heart was set on.

I like and appreciate bolts now.

IMO the MRAD is a bolt action AR.

Maybe one gun is impossible and I just have to confront the wife!

Your collection looks pretty nice BTW.

[Grahamcs]

By the way the image was in anser to DW calling me Grahamlincs.

I thought I'd blow him a kiss!