beginner rifle target shooter

Question
Hey Dave, thanks for taking the time to read this.

I'm a relative beginner in the sport of rifle target shooting, with only a few sessions with a buddy back in college (about 5 years ago) with a scoped .22 rifle, of which I don't recall the manufacturer.

From those few sessions, I became hooked on the sport, and now that I have steady income I'd like to get back into it, but with my own equipment.

I'm looking for a recommendation on a target rifle to purchase as my first. I've heard good things about the Remington 710 as a starter, and it's right around my budget (MSRP $426). Do you have any opinions on this weapon?

Are there other makes/models that you can recommend that are around the same price point, for a beginner?

Also, do you have a preferred caliber for target shooting? The 710 comes in 270 Win, 7mm Rem Mag, 30-06, and 300 Win mag.

Thanks in advance,
Chris

Answer
It depends on what type of target shooting you want to get into. If you would like to enter competition, you should check with local gun clubs to see what type of rifle competition is popular in your area, and then look for that type of rifle. (maybe a Garand or AR-15?)

I would not recommend a .300 WM for target shooting unless you are also planning to hunt Elk, Moose, or bear with it.

The 30-06 is a good all-aroung cartridge. The .270 or 25-06 would be good for target shooting, with less recoil than a 30-06, and good for a little longer range.

The Remington 710 is a good rifle, but I've heard that the factory trigger is a little coarse. That's ok if you will get the trigger worked by a gunsmith. The Remington model 700, Winchester 70, and Savage 110 or 111 are fine. The Savages come from the factory with accu-trigger, which is a good trigger (and the Savage is actually a little cheaper than the Winchester or Remington).

Of course, it's fun to shoot a .22LR also, and the ammo is cheap. The most popular is probably the Ruger 10-22 (at WalMart for under $200).

Hope this helps!

Dave