Long-range shooting is both a talent and a skill that must be fostered using the right precision rifle. From hunting to targets to competitions, shooters rely on their rifles for accuracy and speed. While bolt-action rifles, especially the .308 bolt-action rifle, spent many years as the champions of long-range precision shooting, semi-automatic rifles have made vast improvements, especially over the last few years.
Because of the influx of new designs for precision rifles, there are plenty of affordable options to choose from on the market. As always, head down to your local range and try some out. See which works best for you in terms of accuracy, recovery, and speed. The following are some of the best affordable precision rifles on the market to try out first.
Bolt-Action vs. Semi-Automatic
Bolt-action rifles have long been preferred over semi-automatic rifles because of their accuracy and reliability. The precision of a bolt-action rifle can reach a target over two miles away. However, the rate of fire is longer in a bolt-action rifle, especially for beginners. Recoil can also be pretty strong, which can affect recovery time and rate of fire.
Semi-automatic rifles used to be regarded as inferior to bolt-action rifles, but recent improvements have made them much better in the length of the range and reduced malfunctions. The rate of fire in a semi-automatic is much faster, without the shooter having to operate the bolt after each shot. The recoil is also much lower, increasing accuracy and recovery time. Many shooters also enjoy that more ammunition can be loaded into the magazine than a bolt-action can carry.
Ultimately, whichever rifle you will choose depends on your level of experience, comfort, and skill.
1. Remington 700 SPS Tactical Bolt-Action Rifle
The Remington 700 SPS Tactical .308 bolt-action rifle is a powerhouse of accuracy and reliability. It features a 20″ tactical heavy barrel, an X-Mark Pro externally adjustable trigger, and a SuperCell recoil pad. It’s sleek to look at, and the .308 Winchester ammunition speeds the bullet up to help it reach more distant targets. It’s manufactured with precision at an affordable price. Here’s a look at some of the specifications of the Remington 700 SPS Tactical:
- Capacity: 4+1
- Weight: 7.5 lbs
- Twist: 1:10″
- Barrel length: 20″
- Overall length: 39 3/4″
- Length of pull: 13 3/8″
2) Savage Arms 10BA Stealth
This .308 bolt-action rifle looks intimidating, and with good reason: It packs a lot of firepowers. It looks like a semi-automatic long gun and has a high magazine capacity, but for those who like the bolt-action feel, this gun is an interesting compromise. The 10BA Stealth features an adjustable AccuTrigger, M-LOK Forend, Picatinny rail, and Fab Defense GL-SHOCK six-position adjustable cheek and shock-absorbing buttstock. It’s more expensive than the Remington, but it’s still a great deal for all that it offers in performance and enhancements. Here are some of the key specifications of this gorgeous rifle:
- Capacity: 10+1
- Weight: 9.2 lbs
- Twist: 1:10″
- Barrel length: 20″
- Overall length: 38.25″
- Length of pull: 0″
3) Springfield Armory M1A Standard Semi-Automatic .308
The M1A is standard in the semi-automatic .308 Winchester rifle category. Springfield kept the military M14’s spirit alive in the crafting of this beautiful American Walnut rifle. It features adjustable rear sights for windage and elevation and a two-stage military trigger. Just as the M14 served as the reliable standard-issue rifle for the U.S. military in 1959-1970, the M1A maintains that same level of accuracy and precision. The best semi-automatic hunting rifles are going to be a bit more expensive than many of their bolt-action counterparts, but it’s worth the investment. It won’t set you back too much, though. Here are the specifications:
- Capacity: 10+1
- Weight: 9.3 lbs
- Twist: 1:11″
- Barrel length: 22″
- Overall length: 44.33″
- Length of pull: 13.5″
4) Smith & Wesson M&P10 Sport Optics Ready Semi-Automatic .308
If you’re looking for a slightly smaller semi-automatic hunting rifle with a large capacity and true accuracy, Smith & Wesson’s M&P10 Sport is a steal. Specially designed for both competition and hunting purposes in mind, the M&P10 features an ambidextrous safety selector, magazine release, and bolt release, making it user-friendly and accurate for all shooters. The six-position black stock also comes with a sling swivel and a Picatinny-style rail for your accessories. Here are the specifications for the M&P10:
- Capacity: 20+1
- Weight: 8 lbs
- Twist: 1:10″
- Barrel length: 16″
- Overall length: 34″
- Length of pull: 11 3/4″
