first rifle build

[losthelegend]

I am getting ready to place an order on my first rifle build! I am building a rifle that I can upgrade later to support my needs as my skills grow. I am looking to build a semi-custom rifle that can help hone my skills, a little easier to shoot, can reach out to 800+ yards and I am able to upgrade the parts at a later date. I have read quite a bit online and in magazines and this is what I came up with. What do you guys think?

Remington 700 sps tactical 308 20" bull barrel 1/12 twist
Bell & Carlson A2 stock--Tan w/ black webbing
Tally 20 MOA base
Leupold rings
Badger Ordinance tactical knob

$942 +shipping

What are your thoughts on the price? I am having Red Hawk Rifles out of Cedaredge CO do the work. I read the reviews and they seem pretty good. Does anyone have any experience with them? I spoke to the guys at Red Hawk and they answered all my questions to my satisfaction and had alot of patience with me. I know that this is an entry level weapon but I dont want to put a ton of money into it right now. I want to upgrade as I go and figure out what I exactly want. The glass is up in the air right now. For now I am going to use a Burris FFII 4.5x14x42 with tactical knob upgrade until I can save enough for a nightforce or a zeiss. Any advice or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance for your suggestions.

 

[2muchgun]

My advice is, spend the money for what you REALLY want or save til you have it. It will only cost you more time/money/grief in the long run to build something half-azzed to your true liking. Trust me, BTDT

As for your specs, they are not bad.

My choices:

I like the A3 better than the A2, but would rather a McMillan A3 or A5 all day long.

For 800yds+ in a 308, I'd like a twist no slower than 1-11.25". However, I'd rather a 260 or 7-08 in your hands. Less recoil, better ballistically.

I've had too much bad luck with Burris to spend much money on one. A Leupold or NF NXS would be my choice over the Zeiss or Burris. I'd take a Weaver V16 or maybe a Superslam over a Burris or Zeiss also, unless it was a "real Zeiss", and not a Conquest.......

JMO......