Decided I want to build a precision long range rifle. Thinking 7mm-08 is what I am going to run. Its a cal I all ready have and love. Now to decide AR10, Rem 700, or something else. Looking for input from those with experance in that type of shooting and rifles.
Well from your opening statement, precision long range rifle for 1k. In a nut shell to play any of the games, the 7-08 ain't gonna cut it, and be competitive.
What one considers precision, can also lead to a lot of discussion.
If your going to drop the coin to build a true precision rifle, I would suggest a lot of study.
I would review scores and winners from matches at least five years back.
It becomes an equipment race for sure.
But, the bottom line lies on the person on the trigger. I have seen it time and again.
Joe Smith commissions the latest greatest for what ever discipline, and still finishes no better than he did with an off the shelf rig.
Yet, John Jones comes out with his old rifle and whips the socks off of Joe, every time.
I have a rig or two that is very competitive @ 1k, but not with me on the trigger. That is about as honest as I can be. One of these rifles I all but was ready to throw it in the junk I was so frustrated. I am very fortunate to have several friends that are very good to say the least. They shot the junker, and I was just shocked! And they did it more than once to boot.
On the builder side. I am to the point I want ONE hunting rifle that shoots no more than MOA @ 300, on demand. I spoke to a few rifle loonies that are friends of mine. They all pointed me to the same gent to build a rifle. I called and spoke with this smith and we went through everything I am sure he has heard thousands of times. Th one question I asked that really made a bunch of sense to me. I asked about an accuracy guarantee. His comment to the effect was no he does not. I asked why. His reply was honest, because I do not know how well you can shoot.
That is a brutal fact.
He said the best I can say is you will be happy with it.
I have a Savage F/TR in 308. It has less than 700 rounds down the tube. It is the most rational rifle I have. With lapua cases, 155 Palma's, and a case full of Varget. It will stay in the X ring at 1k, wind and weather will push them out every once in a while. This is a bone stock rifle,out of the box. Tinkered with the trigger and that is it. That was right at $1000 tax and all. Best money I ever spent on a rifle, period.
Brian this is not meant as a slam or any down play to you or anyone. This just a couple of things I myself have seen or done.
I just don't like to see folks put out good money and then be disappointed at the end results.
Don't settle for less than you want. If you do, you will never have confidence in the rig.
If you really want the 7-08,
And have confidence it will do the job to your standards, then by all means go for it.
If you review past and present scores, it is interesting what is in the top five year to year. A lot of folks will say the super duper laser jet 6mmXSS is what is winning. Then look at the calibers, there are only two others in the field besides the "fad caliber". So, your dang right it is in the top 5 every match!
A build is fun, shooting should be fun. When it becomes anything but a labor of love or passion, it will be bad on the return side.
Enough of my blabber.
Continue on with your quest and good luck.
Jeff