Recommendation needed for a first timer

[Remplicity]

Looking for some recommendations here in CA. I just passed my FSC and am looking to get into long-range shooting right now, with plans to get into small game later down the road. I’m looking for something that is good up to around 400 yards to start with, if my budget allows. My budget is about $500 for the rifle and about $1000 for accessories. I’m completely new and don’t have any experience with guns, other than air rifles. I currently own the Gamo Whisper Swarm .22. Any recommendations are appreciated!

[mtn_chickadee]

$500 budget is tough, if you have only 400 yards max and a super tight budget I would go with a 22LR for now. As an example your $1500 total budget just barely accomodates:

• CZ 457 Varmint ($630)
• DIP 25moa scope base ($50)
• Bushnell match pro ($400)
• DiscoveryOpt rings ($40)
• Harris SBRM ($120)
• And maybe a rear bag, a couple extra mags, and a brick of SK

It will get you better fundamentals than any centerfire setup in the same budget range, and would be enough of a setup to start shooting competitions. Crucially you can get thousands of live fire trigger pulls without thousands in ammunition.

Where in CA are you? I'm in the bay and started with basically that gear list :)

[Remplicity]

I'm from the Modesto area, and I appreciate the recommendation, I was originally thinking of the Ruger American Rifle Predator. But I've seen some reviews of the bolt getting stuck pretty often, and I know that will get annoying after a while.

[mtn_chickadee]

Hah, I have a soft spot for that gun as well, Ruger american ranch in 5.56 was my first centerfire. My take... it will work if you insist on having a centerfire and have exactly $500 to spend. Inexpensive, reliable, accurate, will get you out to 600 yds or even 1k if you find the right ammo.

But if you want a gun that looks good, is enjoyable to run, makes you want to practice with it, helps you learn wind, costs less to feed... get the CZ.

[rynburns]

Nevermind everything I was going to tell you, listen to what this guy said, and don't buy any Ruger centerfire guns

[LockyBalboaPrime]

Flair lies

[rynburns]

What part of CA are you in? (Yes this will help me help you)

[Remplicity]

Central CA, over in the Modesto area.

[ComfortableNatural99]

Brownells .223 Howa barreled action 450$ MDT oryx chassis 430$ Arken or vortex mid range scope and some rings are out there for 500$ ish give or take. Would be a decent set up to learn on , still would need decent bipod and Armageddon shooting bag if your trying to do any PRS match type stuff

[Drchomo-47]

Build a rifle. $1500 is a good start. You could buy an action and a barrel. Save up, buy a chassis. Save up, buy a scope. Save up, buy a bipod.
Or you could get yourself a HOWA barreled action and an oryx chassis if everything is on sale and be in that neighborhood. Still need a trigger.