What is a good long range target rifle?

[wacki]

When I was a kid I loved to go out into the field and see how far away I could put a quarter and still hit it. I don't have a rifle right now, but I'm thinking abour getting one. It would be nice if it used NATO/common ammunition, but will look at other ammo if I have to.

Also, what are some good gun forums?

[cardcounter0]

"common/NATO" ammo isn't for long range. It is for tearing a person up when you hit them.

Try the .17 cal rifles. Extremely flat, will shoot a long way, good for targets.

[wacki]

Really? Is this not true? Is the .17 better than the 7.62?

"The primary reason the .308 (or more properly the 7.62x51 NATO) is the main sniper cartridge for western armies is because the caliber is standard military-issue. That means that, in a pinch, usable ammo can be scrounged from stocks on hand. Add the fact that the .308 is a very accurate cartridge and you have all the reason you need."

http://www.hk94.com/hk/lofiversion/i...hp/t12175.html

[mntbikr15]

Anything in .223 caliber is nice.

[mntbikr15]

Better is relative, the .17 was designed for a varmit round, the 7.62 was designed for a military round.

You going to do ANYTHING else but shoot targets with this, for instance u ever plan on hunting?

[cardcounter0]

and what would they want that .308 to do at the end of it's journey? I think the objective would be to kill someone. So of all the military calibers, the .308 is the best long range killer.

The .17 is certainly better for extreme long range, but it is going to "plink" a target, not drop a man or penetrate body armor, or a vehicle, etc.

[wacki]

No, I don't hunt. I shoot clays and targets, thats it.

[Boris]

who are you going to shoot?

[wacki]

[ QUOTE ]
who are you going to shoot?

[/ QUOTE ]

Read one post up.

[Rooster71]

[ QUOTE ]
When I was a kid I loved to go out into the field and see how far away I could put a quarter and still hit it. I don't have a rifle right now, but I'm thinking abour getting one. It would be nice if it used NATO/common ammunition, but will look at other ammo if I have to.

Also, what are some good gun forums?

[/ QUOTE ]
Two suggestion (in no particular order): Winchester 70 or Remington 700. Both of these rifles have long proven track records and are available in a wide range of calibers and configurations.