Best tactical rifle under $2000...

[DeanC]

Depends on what you mean by "tactical". In my world, it would be the Steyr Scout. Why? I could write a book about why, but somebody already has:

[LongRange]

Not saying there isn't. Just not a significant. Enough so, the rifle I am building next will be a .280 Rem with an 18" barrel on it. Built off a Stevens 200 receiver, it should be rather interesting to see how inexpensive it really is to build it.


ETA:
http://www.tacticaloperations.com/SWATbarrel/

Well at least you chose a fine caliber for a build, the .280 is way underrated and awesome ballistics, i considered a 28-300 WBY when i was building due to better BC rounds but there just arent enough rounds out there for it.

[farmerj]

Its a savage action and easy enough to spin a barrel on yourself.

[SleepingJake]

It's a 19X40" steel target used for unknown distance target shooting. We used them at Camp Robinson Ark for our Squad Designated Marksman course. The same range that the Sniper school uses. Distances range from 300 meters out to 1200 meters.

OT: I was there once, there ranges are freaking huge. However I was there on different terms.

[UnaStamus]

For under $2000, you have a few options.

1. FNH SPR A3 .308
2. Kimber 8400 Tactical .308
3. Tikka T3 Tactical .308
4. Remington 700P LTR
5. Armalite AR10T
6. Noveske/VTAC 16" SS Combat Carbine
7. Springfield M1A Loaded
8. Remington M700 SPS Tactical AAC-SD (with a stock change, as the OEM stock sucks)

I'd put money on the SOCOM 16 being able to hit to 1000 yards as well.

There have been a couple of shooters that have shown that an 18" and even a 16" barrel are still capable of hitting to 1000 yards and not having a significant change in scope adjust.
http://www.sniperschool.com/sniper-rifle-barrel-length

Not saying there isn't. Just not a significant. Enough so, the rifle I am building next will be a .280 Rem with an 18" barrel on it. Built off a Stevens 200 receiver, it should be rather interesting to see how inexpensive it really is to build it.


ETA:
http://www.tacticaloperations.com/SWATbarrel/

Bill Graves has done some amazing work in proliferating the 18" barrel for modern military and law enforcement precision tactical/sniper rifle employment. He's also whacked targets at 1k with a 14.5" POR P308. There have been more than a couple shooters proving it. Most tactical precision shooters in competitions shooting .308s are opting for shorter barrels these days.
With that being said, Based on my experience, the SOCOM16 is not a rifle that can accurately hit a point target at 1000yds. Area target, yes. Point target, not reliably. I have yet to see a SOCOM16 shoot better than 3MOA CONSISTENTLY. 3MOA at 1000yds is ~31". The average human torso (where a "kill shot" would be made) is 18" high x 12" wide. To accurately hit at that distance, one pretty much needs a 1MOA or better rifle. If it were Afghanistan you were peppering the Taliban across a valley, go nuts. However, for precision work, you need a better rifle.

[MKearn]

For under $2000, you have a few options.

1. FNH SPR A3 .308
2. Kimber 8400 Tactical .308
3. Tikka T3 Tactical .308
4. Remington 700P LTR
5. Armalite AR10T
6. Noveske/VTAC 16" SS Combat Carbine
7. Springfield M1A Loaded
8. Remington M700 SPS Tactical AAC-SD (with a stock change, as the OEM stock sucks)

So would the FNH be your first choice then? Assuming 1000m precision shot with .308 caliber.

[UnaStamus]

For under $2000, you have a few options.

1. FNH SPR A3 .308
2. Kimber 8400 Tactical .308
3. Tikka T3 Tactical .308
4. Remington 700P LTR
5. Armalite AR10T
6. Noveske/VTAC 16" SS Combat Carbine
7. Springfield M1A Loaded
8. Remington M700 SPS Tactical AAC-SD (with a stock change, as the OEM stock sucks)

So would the FNH be your first choice then? Assuming 1000m precision shot with .308 caliber.

Out of that group, I think you get the most from the FN. The Kimber is a tack driver and has a better accuracy guarantee (.5 MOA vs 1MOA of the FNH; though the FNH is a sub-MOA rifle), but Kimber has terrible customer service and support. FNH is phenomenal.
The problem is that the A3 is not very common anymore, and there are only a few left for sale. The A3G replaced it, and that's a $2300 rifle.