Best sniper rifle under $1000

I'm probably gonna purchase a sniper rifle in the new future but don't want to spend more than $1000. I was thinking of buying the Dragunov Style Sniper Rifle. What would you say is the best snipe rifle for under a grand?

I'm probably gonna purchase a sniper rifle in the new future but don't want to spend more than $1000. I was thinking of buying the Dragunov Style Sniper Rifle. What would you say is the best snipe rifle for under a grand?


A 300 dollar Savage bolt action in 308 and a 700 dollar scope.

A 300 dollar Savage bolt action in 308 and a 700 dollar scope.

Any particular Savage bolt action model you would suggest?

The Rem 700 series rifles are excellent also for the price range you are looking at.

I would take a look at the LTR, varmint and the SPS Tactical.
I bought my son an SPS Tactical in .308 and it is a very nice rifle.
It has a 20" bbl though some like the 24" bbls better. You get very little extra range beyond the 20" but for the very long shots it might make a difference.

We haven't shot it yet though so bear that in mind but after researching the various choices out there I thought it the best available 'sniper' rifle for the money.

The guys I know who have the Savage rifles really like them also. They all say the Savage accutrigger is outstanding.

If you are going to use it in sniper competitions it is my understanding you have to go with .308.

Best of luck with your choice.

What he said. Rem 700 in 7.62x51

What about taking a CETME 308 (from J&G which is approx $600) and adding a $400 scope and bipod?

What about taking a CETME 308 (from J&G which is approx $600) and adding a $400 scope and bipod?
It ain't no sniper rifle.

You'll get average accuracy. Probably 3-4" groups at 100m.

If you are looking for a semi-auto think about a .308 AR variant. Some are quite accurate.

But then you are looking at a higher price tag.

If you like the G3 variants, consider a PTR rifle or an original HK. Again, price goes up.

Springfield M1As can give excellent accuracy for a semi-auto but then you are looking at higher price also, esp the super match which has the best accuracy.
Fulton Armory would be a better route to go but then again, the price is going up on all of them.

The CETME would be best described as trying to make a silk purse from a sow's ear. ;)

It ain't no sniper rifle.

You'll get average accuracy. Probably 3-4" groups at 100m.

If you are looking for a semi-auto think about a .308 AR variant. Some are quite accurate.

But then you are looking at a higher price tag.

If you like the G3 variants, consider a PTR rifle or an original HK. Again, price goes up.

Springfield M1As can give excellent accuracy for a semi-auto but then you are looking at higher price also, esp the super match which has the best accuracy.
Fulton Armory would be a better route to go but then again, the price is going up on all of them.

The CETME would be best described as trying to make a silk purse from a sow's ear. ;)


Thanks for the info. The CETME is definitely out of the question. What would you say the range is on the Dragnov rifle?

Buy you a mosin 91/30 for around $100.Buy a scope and mount for about $100.Spend the other $800 on ammo that will last you many years to come,td

Thanks for the info. The CETME is definitely out of the question. What would you say the range is on the Dragnov rifle?
I don't have a Dragunov and have never shot one.
Based on what I have heard around here I'd say 'effective range' is about 400m.
It is really a designated marksman rifle and not a sniper rifle.

Only you can know what you would be using it for. Terrain IOWs.

Others can chime in here as there are plenty who know more about these than me. There is a specific forum for these rifles if you scroll down a little. You might get more info there.

A good bolt gun will beat that Drag for accuracy and effective range hands down.

Get what YOU want though.

Some of the Dragunovs have better accuracy than others. You might get lucky.

A good bolt gun will beat that Drag for accuracy and effective range hands down.

Get what YOU want though.



+1 What you need to do is shoulder some rifles and see what feels good to you.I have a Savage in 17HMR and it feels great when I put it up to my shoulder.It slides into the same sweet spot every time I shoulder it.It is one of my favorite rifles not because of brand,caliber or any other reason than when I put it to my shoulder and look down the barrel I know I can hit what I am aiming at.td

Buy you a mosin 91/30 for around $100.Buy a scope and mount for about $100.Spend the other $800 on ammo that will last you many years to come,td

MOSIN 91/30 1000 YARDS


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K98 8MM 900 YARDS

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thanks for all the info, it has been really helpful. After researching a little, I want either the savage or remington. Probably will change the stock, add a bipod and scope. I don't know anything about scopes, will one mount directly to a remington or savage? Or do I need to purchase a scope mount?

Maybe consider one of these rifles aswell. http://www.marlinfirearms.com/Firearms/centerfireBoltAction/XL7.asp

I have a friend who is planning on getting the XS7 in .308

If you get a Remington varmint special or PSS (I think that's what it's called, please correct me if I am wrong) they come in a HS Precision stock. An excellent stock for a marksman's rifle. (the term I far and away prefer over "sniper rifle" If you were a sniper, any rifle you own would be a "sniper's rifle" The only way you ever own a "Sniper Rifle" is if it was purpose built for the job. MOST mortals are not at the skill level neccesary to use the rifle properly).

Semi automatic firearms are almost never good enough to called a "Sniper Rifle" if they are, you spent way more than $1000 for the rifle alone. Then you got to "glass" it, and a good piece of glass is in excess of $1000 (usually).

Almost any decent bolt rifle will shoot better than you can. And as such will certainly fill your needs untill you become a better shot than the rifle, then you will know what and why to upgrade at the time. "Credit-Card Snipers" are rarely worth a damn. I'd rather have a good rifleman with a decent stick that a poor rifleman with an awesome one.

Almost any decent bolt rifle will shoot better than you can. And as such will certainly fill your needs untill you become a better shot than the rifle, then you will know what and why to upgrade at the time. "Credit-Card Snipers" are rarely worth a damn. I'd rather have a good rifleman with a decent stick that a poor rifleman with an awesome one.


This.


Personally, for $1,000 I'd buy a Savage 10FP in .308 ($600), a Supersniper scope (http://swfa.com/SWFA-SS-Scopes-C1719.aspx), a good base (http://www.mountsplus.com/miva/merchant.mvc?page=MSP/PROD/SAVAGE_SCOPE_MOUNTS/105-WVR-48338), and a good set of rings (http://swfa.com/Badger-Ordnance-30mm-1-Piece-Ringmount-P11817.aspx) and you'll be just over $1,000. Then I'd buy a ton of match grade ammunition and shoot in all weather, while keeping logs of how the rifle, the ammunition, and I performed.

There is no such thing as a "sniper rifle". The "sniper" is the man behind the trigger.

RITE ON LYSANDER,

GONNA SAY SAVAGE 110 FPS(I MAY BE OUT DATED HERE) W/ ACCUTRIGGER, GOOD SCOPE, GOOD BIPOD, GOOD AMMO... YOU'LL BE CLOSE ENUF TO TICK OFF ANYONE SPENDING MORE...

PANZERTRUPPE

any garage sale bolt-gun from the last 40 yaers with a good bore in a decent caliber + Thousands of $$$ worth of practice will make you a decent shot

to be a "sniper"... i dunno. Anybody can hit paper from a bench but that don't make you a sniper


practice practice practice

The Rem 700 series rifles are excellent also for the price range you are looking at.

I would take a look at the LTR, varmint and the SPS Tactical.
I bought my son an SPS Tactical in .308 and it is a very nice rifle.
It has a 20" bbl though some like the 24" bbls better. You get very little extra range beyond the 20" but for the very long shots it might make a difference.

We haven't shot it yet though so bear that in mind but after researching the various choices out there I thought it the best available 'sniper' rifle for the money.

The guys I know who have the Savage rifles really like them also. They all say the Savage accutrigger is outstanding.

If you are going to use it in sniper competitions it is my understanding you have to go with .308.

Best of luck with your choice.

+1 But the Rem 700 Police Sniper rifle are tested for their accuracy and built in the Llion, NY military plant. The one I have can shoot golf tees at 200yds with a scope. Check out the Rem 700 Lightweight Police Rifle with the 20" barrel.

I agree with lysander 100% you will have spent your $1000 and have a fine instrument, lacking big names to throw around at the campfire but a deadly accurate rifle with quite a good piece of glass on it for just at a grand, and I bet it outperforms rifles costing twice, I`ve owned 2 savages, a 112 heavy barrel and a 10fp tactical, both were scary accurate when the right load was found.

Buy you a mosin 91/30 for around $100.Buy a scope and mount for about $100.Spend the other $800 on ammo that will last you many years to come,td


The Mosin 91-30 is a GREAT long distance sniper rifle. I bought a 91-30 "sniper" with the bent bolt and a post-WW II Soviet scope for around $300 a few years ago. (I have no illusions that we got a real WW II sniper rifle. It was obviously put together in Ukraine or Russia and sent over to the dealers here for sale. But, it had a legitimate Soviet PU scope and heavy duty bent bolt. Also, it had a clean, bright bore.)

After awhile I took off the Soviet scope and mounted a higher powered hunting scope on it. This gun is dead accurate at 400 yards. We don't have any ranges here that have a farther distance, but I'm sure it would perform well at 700 or 800 yards.

When mounting an American scope on your Mosin 91-30 I would highly advise against doing it with these mounts that I've seen advertised where you put the mount in the center of the rifle where the sight is.

I found a guy out in California that makes a mount that can be placed where the Soviet mount is positioned and it will work with any western made scope. He makes them himself and I think we paid around $60 four years ago. If anyone is interest, I can dig up his address.

Mike

The Rem 700 series rifles are excellent also for the price range you are looking at.


Absolutely right.I got one of these in 30-06 and it is my most accurate rifle.A nicely manufactured rifle too.

a 91-30 will shoot better than 90% of the people that shoot it. and you can stil get them for $100

This might affect your choice:

http://www.aimsurplus.com/acatalog/Romanian_PSL-54C_7.62x54R_Rifle.html

I got the shorty PSL and I have been pleased very much with it but "sniper" it is not, it gets about 1-1.5 MOA which is as good as I need it to be. +1 on the savage 10 fp not because I have one but from what I have seen and read they are about the best bang for the buck.

I'll chime in on the 91/30's. I bought mine a few years ago at $69.00, and am amazed at the accuracy with surplus ammo. I own a NDM-86 in 7.72x54r, and it is not as impressive. Has a short stock pull too, as does the SVD. Russian's did this on purpose to compensate for winter jackets, etc. I also agree that the Remington 700 series is a good way to go too. Good bore, good ammo, and skills is what makes a 10 ring.

If your not a "sniper" now - buying a sniper rifle won't make ya one, if ya are a sniper you'd know what to buy! Get a nice rifle (Moisin if you want) good scope, 5,000 rounds of ammo, then use the rest of the money to one of the school that teach tactical/long range shooting...after 5 or 10 thousand rounds you'll know what to buy next...

If your not a "sniper" now - buying a sniper rifle won't make ya one, if ya are a sniper you'd know what to buy! Get a nice rifle (Moisin if you want) good scope, 5,000 rounds of ammo, then use the rest of the money to one of the school that teach tactical/long range shooting...after 5 or 10 thousand rounds you'll know what to buy next...

I have no desire to be a "sniper", just interested in long range recreational shooting.

This might affect your choice:

http://www.aimsurplus.com/acatalog/Romanian_PSL-54C_7.62x54R_Rifle.html

Thanks for the link. That same rifle is around $750-$800 at centerfire and atlantic firearms. Wonder why it's so cheap at aimsurplus?

Thanks for the link. That same rifle is around $750-$800 at centerfire and atlantic firearms. Wonder why it's so cheap at aimsurplus?
They're gone now.

A 300 dollar Savage bolt action in 308 and a 700 dollar scope.

100% the BEST advice you will get, Period. take it to the bank... wait, no, don't take the rifle to the bank.

I have Rem 700's, And Stevens / Savage, you simply can't beat the Accuracy of a $275 Stevens with GOOD Glass. And, the options are endless for upgrades.

I would say Rem 700 LTR in .308. Great rifles out of the box and its what many police forces use. I've got one and love it. Lightweight, quality, accurate.

100% the BEST advice you will get, Period. take it to the bank... wait, no, don't take the rifle to the bank.

I have Rem 700's, And Stevens / Savage, you simply can't beat the Accuracy of a $275 Stevens with GOOD Glass. And, the options are endless for upgrades.


LOL.

I still say get the Mosin and loads of ammo to practice.

LOL.

I still say get the Mosin and loads of ammo to practice.

I reckon you don't comprehend what a Sniper Rifle is...
The Standard X54 ammo (57-N-323C) is by factory Specs a 2.8 MOA round



A Modern Sniper rifle is Sub MOA, often 1/2 MOA or better... NOT a Mosin lol

I stand by my recommendation if you want a Very good, Sub MOA gun in your price range.

I reckon you don't comprehend what a Sniper Rifle is...
The Standard X54 ammo (57-N-323C) is by factory Specs a 2.8 MOA round
A Modern Sniper rifle is Sub MOA, often 1/2 MOA or better... NOT a Mosin lol
I stand by my recommendation if you want a Very good, Sub MOA gun in your price range.

Mosin sniper rifles did the job very well in combat during WW II. While they may not be as "super" accurate as the modern snipers, they kill just as effectively at long range.

However, since we are not going out to kill anyone and are just discussing economical long range recreational shooting, I agree with n16ht5. The Mosin is the best choice when considering price of weapon, price of ammo, and accuracy.

However, each to his own!

Mike

for 1k? Are you kidding? M1A. Hands down. M.1.A.

The difference is free floating the barrel and bedding the stock. Any bolt gun is capable of sub MOA with the right load and correct set up. Even a Mosin Nagant. I would however have it mounted in a Bell and Carlson stock with an aluminum bedding block, free floated barrel, remove the sights, and have the barrel target crowned. Then pick up a decent set of glass, even a low ball Super Sniper or Burris 3200 elite will get you there. However the hard part for the Nagant, is the rounds themselves but you can get some good Prvi Partisan or Wolf Gold Line to start off with. Work your way up. Learn to shoot consistently at 300 meters then go farther out. The nice thing about having a Nagant is that you can use cheap surplus until your skills improve. Remember these guys are talking about making head shots out to a thousand yards- in reality, a true sniper rarely attempts such shots because he may only have one shot and a head shot is the hardest.

The Stevens model 200 is a Savage for less money. If you look around, you can save another 100 bucks to put towards a scope or ammo. There not the prettiest and won't win you any bragging rights.....until you shoot it!

Mosin sniper rifles did the job very well in combat during WW II. While they may not be as "super" accurate as the modern snipers, they kill just as effectively at long range.

However, since we are not going out to kill anyone and are just discussing economical long range recreational shooting, I agree with n16ht5. The Mosin is the best choice when considering price of weapon, price of ammo, and accuracy.

However, each to his own!

Mike

pretty much

when you can shoot better than your rifle, then buy a new one. Until then a match grade Remington or whatever won't shoot any better than an H&R single shot if you personally can't put lead downrange accurately

MOSIN 91/30 1000 YARDS


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K98 8MM 900 YARDS

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looks like the guy shooting the 91/30 off the card table is squeezing the trigger with his middle finger.

I'm the opposite of sniper. I buy rifles that have bayonets.

I have a Savage 10FP in .308 and a 110FP in .223. The .308 has a Leupold VX-II 6-18 power scope and the .223 had the Bushnell Elite 3200 10X scope. Both guns are more accurate than me honestly. I consistently, but not all the time, shoot 1/2 MOA with both. I'm not a reloader but just last week I used some BVAC 69 grain .223 match ammo and the first three shots of a five shot group were under 1/4 of an inch at 100 yards. The BVAC ammo cost $10.50 for 20 rounds before shipping from CTD. I bought the .223 used and I have about $500 dollars in it with the scope.

to me what sets a "sniper" rifle apart from a hunting gun is a BIG @$$ HEAVY BARREL. 1 that doesn't heat up & string from repeated use, at the range.

+1 for the Rem 700 in .308

I just picked up new 700 ADL in Dicks for under $500. Its got a synthetic camo stock and a BIG HEAVY @$$ 26" BARREL.

For the price you can't beat it. Just my $0.02.

for 1k? Are you kidding? M1A. Hands down. M.1.A.


Yup, $1000 might get you a good loaded M1A. Then you have nothing for ammunition, magazines, or glass. But hey, you've got an M1A! You are now an Ubersniper!

:rolleyes:

What makes the rifle a "sniper's" rifle is the man behind the trigger. With no experience shooting your weapon with a variety of loads in all manner of weather you're not much besides a fair weather plinker.

Savage 12BVSS in 308 or the much harder to find 300 WSM

Find a sporterized 1903A3 that has been well done. Glass bed the barrel, put some good glass on it, and with or without handloads, it will shoot circles around many rifles costing much more money.

Let me define long range, it starts at 800 yards. Mid range is considered to be 500-800 yards. Nobody that does not absolutely have to, shoots a 308 at long range. Consider a 6.5 or 7mm caliber, they have much better ballistics and they don't beat you to death. My Remington Sendero 7mm magnum with a 162 AMax bullet does just dandy at 1000, it has more velocity and energy at that range than a 308 at 600 yards.

Stevens .30-06 and a Tasco Super Sniper or Burris 3200 elite. Sub $800.

I found a new Tikka T3, heavy barrel varmint in .308, twist - 1:11 to be a tremendous rifle. If your FFL dealer will let you order one for under $800 or so, and you can scrounge up a decent, possibly used Mil-dot scope, this rifle is a viable candidate. My T3 can drill sub-MOA with quality ammo, and the action, while a long bolt, is incredibly smooth. Trigger pull is light and balance is great for a heavy barrel - subjective, yes, but I love my Tikka!

I found a new Tikka T3, heavy barrel varmint in .308, twist - 1:11 to be a tremendous rifle. If your FFL dealer will let you order one for under $800 or so, and you can scrounge up a decent, possibly used Mil-dot scope, this rifle is a viable candidate. My T3 can drill sub-MOA with quality ammo, and the action, while a long bolt, is incredibly smooth. Trigger pull is light and balance is great for a heavy barrel - subjective, yes, but I love my Tikka!
I've heard very good things about that rifle.

I'm the opposite of sniper. I buy rifles that have bayonets.

Nothing like the cold steel! :cool_smal

Lee-Enfield #4 Mk. 1 Savage... $150

Prvi Partizan JSP 180gr .303... $18.50/20 rounds

deal? yeah.

Great deal!!

http://www.centerfiresystems.com/

I don't think it will shoot with a Stevens or Savage, but it's the best price I've seen in a loooooooong time!

This thread cracks me up.... 2/3 of the people have NO idea what accuracy or a "Sniper" Rifle is... Pretty Sad on a gun site.

This thread cracks me up.... 2/3 of the people have NO idea what accuracy or a "Sniper" Rifle is... Pretty Sad on a gun site.

Explain ACE.....

A "Sniper" rifle shoots SUB MOA, less than 1" at 100 yards in simple terms. Most will shoot sub 1/2 MOA.

2/3 of the guns reccomend in this thread are 1.5 - 4.5 MOA rifles. 3 MOA at 100 yards = 15+ " MOA at 500 yards.

1 MOA at 100 = 5" @ 500 (Assuming your shooting Quality high BC projectiles)

A Rem 700 SPS Tactical .308 with match ammo is capable of sub MOA accuracy. It comes with a heavy bbl, good trigger and stock.

Is it a $3K sniper rig?

No, but for the money it is a very accurate rifle.

Ace, technically I can't disagree with your post. "The rifle shoots"!

Not the shooter!

I think this post has brought up the obvious, The best rifle can... but can the shooter.

I would not discount those who have stated ( yourself included ) go low, with a good round and optics and practice till you can outshoot the rifle. Mosin for a cheap practice rifle, Savage/ Stevens, which I have and like, up through Rem Tacs, Tikka's etc.

I am willing to bet my house ( please ) that you could round up the majority on this post who could out perform the " sniper" rifle of your choice.

All sniping starts with the shooter.

a less than 20/20 swoop

MOSIN 91/30 1000 YARDS


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This made me buy a 91/30. I ordered it from AIM, Hand picked Hex reciever. Hopefully it will be here by monday. I will post pics and a follow up on how it shoots when I get the chance to shoot it.

http://www.savagearms.com/firearms/models/

I just bought a 10 FCP-K in .308, nice rifle...

I didn't see anybody pick up on this, but a real "Dragunov" (AKA SVD) is a true sniper rifle, and they are very VERY accurate....but.... there is no way you will touch one for $1000. More like 3,000 to 4,000. You are probably looking at the PSL which is not nearly the same thing

I think the Savage festus recommended is a great choice. Savage has been known for making some of the most accurate "out of the box" rifles for the last 15 or 20 years. A lot of folks love the Remington, but they are a little more expensive and your 1000 budget won't leave much for a scope.

Defeinitely spend the money for a great scope. Don't make the mistake of buying a gun that is capable and saddling it with a scope that's not.

Probs with the 91/30 are the excess length and the sucky trigger, but they are a screaming bargain for the money

Remember, a rifle might shoot under an inch @ 100 yds out of a vise, but if the trigger is not good, you will never get these groups in reality

I would look for a remington 710 in 300 wm. They come with a tactical Mcmillan stock
but not in a target or bench style. They do have the box magazine and the ejection port is much smaller than the other tactical 700's leaving the action much more rigid. They also have a really good adjustable trigger. A savage would be my second choice, not because of accuracy,
I just like all the options and smiths that know remingtons.

+1 for Savage

I'm not a Sniper, but my Elk Rifle pictured below is nicknamed AT&T.
It started out as a off the rack Savage Model 110 7mm Remington Magnum. The Stock was changed out for a Boyd's Laminate. Pillar bedded and barrel floated. The Rifle then went to a good local Gunsmith for accurizing.
Out of the Box it was a 2MOA Rifle. Now with the changes and shooting Winchester Supreme Ballistic Silver Tip, it's a Tack Driver.

As others here have stated, long range shooting is a combination of Rifle, Ammo, and most importantly You. Nobody can tell you what Rifle will be right for you. You may find like I did, the right combo for you is not available and you will have to modify a Rifle to fit.

http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj15/DaleNutt/7mmMag.jpg

Mosin Nagant factory spec (pre war anyway) was 3 out of 5 touching at 100 meters, if the rifle didnt meet that spec it was sent back and reworked.

the problem is people buy the top of the pile counterbored, frosted piece of crap instead of spending the cash to buy something quality.

http://www.gunsnammo.com/4035X.htm

80% blue, mirror sharp bore, matching bolt and a post war stock in excellent condition.

$289.99

as for the scope ATI sells a mount that replaces teh rear sight and is complete crap.

accumounts.com sells reproduction PU and PE mounts in both 1" and 26.5mm ring diameter, as well as reproduction PU and PE scopes.

$600 for scope and rifle, another $50 for your smith to mount the base to the rifle and cut the stock down to fit the mount.

$350 for ammo which will get you 2 880 round cases of bulgy light ball from ammunitiontogo.com

there are plenty of better rifles around in the same price range but nowhere near the ammo cost of the mosin.

Way to much to cover on this subject. You need to set aside the next month for research before you even think of a gun and or a caliber. This shit take's dedication

IMO, what sets a sniper rifle apart from a typical bolt action(see pic above) is durability. A sniper rifle needs to be able to take abuse and maintain zero

Think of this. You and your buddy are working in for a shot when accidently drop or smack the scope.Now youve lost zero,and the previous 2 months of work you did logging the rifle is now worthless.

A sniper rifle needs to be tough!


Lysander's first post is a good,cheap setup. I would add ken farrel's matched mount and rings and I think you would have a good(TOUGH) basic sniper rifle.

Bolt guns are the most accurate although some newer semi are giving them a run for their money. The 54 R are cheap and fun to shoot, the match ammo for them is tough to come by and a bit costly, as well as mild corrosive primed. The PSL are not as accurate as you would think without match ammo they are 3-4" inch groupers. The older 700 are still the standard which to judge. Thanks TD for the utube clips it's great to see these old war horses still ringing the gong

My personal set up after having match grade heavy ass bolt guns; Remington 700 ADL with 24" barrel, rifle sights, 15MOA base, low mount rings, and a Buschnell 3200 elite mil dot. It's accurate enough, the irons clear the base for use inside of 300 yards, and it can easily shoot out to 800+ meters. I've personally only fired it to 700 meters.

+1 on Savage.
Best bang for the buck out there if ya ask me.

I have the 10FCP in 308 with detachable box mags and McMillan stock.
It came in right around $1k.
Note...that did not include the scope, base or rings.
But for a good rifle at the $1k mark, it's great.


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v648/Swampdragon/scan0004-1.jpg

Centerfiresystems.com has a Dragunov Style Sniper Rifle for around $500. I use mine and love it!!!! Love the 7.62x54r round. You'd be happy