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I suddenly realized that I want a bolt rifle. Maybe all this gun control talk helped convince me. After studying the ballistics, I think I want a 308. Believing in Jeff Cooper's teachings and owning a Mini 14 in scout configuration and an M1A Scout, I am naturally arrived at the GSR. After holding (okay, fondling) one, I am all but convinced. I understand that there are smoother actions than the Ruger 77. I understand that the 16.5" barrel costs the 308 about 300 fps. I get that the idiot from New York doesn't think I need ten rounds. And I understand that it makes both a big fireball and a loud bang. Still like it.
I also like my buddy's Ruger American. Super light, minimalist, compact version available, and the price is definitely right. That got me looking at alternatives like the Savage Axis, Weatherby Vanguard Carbine, Mossberg MVP. That led to the Remington 700. All great guns. All can probably print smaller groups than the GRS.
That led me to this thought. Am I ever going to be a guy who can or will study the wind, memorize the ballistics, dope the scope and ring the 600 yard gong ten times in a row? Maybe, but if the SHTF, and that's really why I'm preparing all this, am I really going to take a 600 yard shot on a deer? Or if things really go bad, am I going to defend my land from 600 yards? Or am I going to reinforce my position and take better shots at 200 or 100 yards?
I suspect the latter. So does that mean having a sub-MOA gun is less important? Does that mean having a gun that shoots minute of paper plate or even minute of man is adequate?
And why even screw with a 308 bolt gun? Why not settle in with the M1A and take out targets in nice cadence from 200 yards? I still want a bolt gun; I guess that's why. Lots of questions, but here is the real one. If I will wait to take shots at 100-200 yards, should I let accuracy over ride my preference for the GSR?
I also like my buddy's Ruger American. Super light, minimalist, compact version available, and the price is definitely right. That got me looking at alternatives like the Savage Axis, Weatherby Vanguard Carbine, Mossberg MVP. That led to the Remington 700. All great guns. All can probably print smaller groups than the GRS.
That led me to this thought. Am I ever going to be a guy who can or will study the wind, memorize the ballistics, dope the scope and ring the 600 yard gong ten times in a row? Maybe, but if the SHTF, and that's really why I'm preparing all this, am I really going to take a 600 yard shot on a deer? Or if things really go bad, am I going to defend my land from 600 yards? Or am I going to reinforce my position and take better shots at 200 or 100 yards?
I suspect the latter. So does that mean having a sub-MOA gun is less important? Does that mean having a gun that shoots minute of paper plate or even minute of man is adequate?
And why even screw with a 308 bolt gun? Why not settle in with the M1A and take out targets in nice cadence from 200 yards? I still want a bolt gun; I guess that's why. Lots of questions, but here is the real one. If I will wait to take shots at 100-200 yards, should I let accuracy over ride my preference for the GSR?